What is the oldest source of commissioning in the Air Force?

What is the oldest source of commissioning in the Air Force?

• A. Officer Training School (OTS)
• B. ROTC
• C. United States Air Force Academy
• D. Direct Commission

Answer: (B)

ROTC is the oldest source of commissioning in the Air Force. ROTC programs began in colleges long before the Air Force existed as a separate service, originally training officers for the Army and its air components. When the Air Force formed in 1947, ROTC cadets who trained in those programs continued to commission into the Air Force, making this route the longest-standing path to an officer’s commission. The United States Air Force Academy opened later, in 1954, as a dedicated commissioning source, and Officer Training School was established afterward to provide another commissioning path. Direct commissions exist for professionals, but they developed later and serve more specific needs. So ROTC predates the others and is the oldest route to become an Air Force officer.

ROTC is the oldest source of commissioning in the Air Force. ROTC programs began in colleges long before the Air Force existed as a separate service, originally training officers for the Army and its air components. When the Air Force formed in 1947, ROTC cadets who trained in those programs continued to commission into the Air Force, making this route the longest-standing path to an officer’s commission. The United States Air Force Academy opened later, in 1954, as a dedicated commissioning source, and Officer Training School was established afterward to provide another commissioning path. Direct commissions exist for professionals, but they developed later and serve more specific needs. So ROTC predates the others and is the oldest route to become an Air Force officer.