DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Becoming an Air Force Aerospace Physiologist
After graduating from the Academy, can I work in the Air Force as an Aerospace Physiologist?
Yes. There is a direct entry program into the Aerospace Physiology career field. Each year, the Academy can send up to two people into Aerospace Physiology, but this can change based on the needs of the Air Force.
What will I do as an aerospace physiologist in the Air Force?
You will teach aircrew members about the physiological effects of flight. You will also fly with wing members on a space available basis. You may be assigned to a operational flying wing and serve as the expert on physiological problems associated with flight or you may be teaching crewmembers at a physiological training unit. A few aerospace physiologists conduct research, or provide support required for high altitude projects. Senior aerospace physiologists supervise hyperbaric chamber units and or work in appropriate programs at Air Staff or major command headquarters.
Will the Air Force train me to be an aerospace physiologist?
Yes. If you're accepted into the career field, you'll receive seven weeks of training at the School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, Texas.
Would you please describe the aerospace physiology training I'll receive at Brooks AFB?
Your course of instruction will be given by fully qualified aerospace physiologists, physicians, exercise physiologists, environmental physiologists, psychologists, aerospace physiology technicians, and pilots (see the Aerospace Physiologist assigned to the Biology Department for specific courses). You will be required to complete up to 10 hours of flight time in the Cessna at Kelly AFB (as part of your program) and will receive a few orientation rides in the T-37 and T-38 at Randolph AFB. Many portions of your training are through hands on experience. You will experience spatial disorientation via a one-of-a-kind disorientation training device, hypergravity through a human centrifuge, the effects of hypoxia, egress, and will be trained in accident investigation.
What are the eligibility requirement s for the aerospace physiology career field?
There are no specific requirements, but here's what you'll probably need:
-Sciences major. A Biology major is preferred.
-GPA of about 3.0
-Course work in Aerospace Physiology (Bio 345), Physiology (Bio 447), Exercise Physiology (P.E. 440)
-Observation time at Peterson's hyperbaric chamber
What is the application process for joining the aerospace physiology career field?
Around 1 November of your First-degree year, you'll submit an application package to Cadet Personnel. They will forward the package to the Air Force Personnel Command. In addition, in early November an officer from the Air Force's aerospace physiology career field will interview you. Then, early in Spring semester a board at the Personnel Command will review your application and decide whether to select you or not.
What happens to me once I've completed my training in aerospace physiology?
You will be sent to an operational flying wing or a training unit to teach what you learned at the School of Aerospace Medicine.
How do I make myself competitive for the aerospace physiology career field?
Earn a high GPA--it's important. Next, keep your MPA above 2.7. You should volunteer at the Carter P. Luna Altitude Chamber Unit at Peterson AFB. Meet with the Aerospace Physiologist assigned to the AFA's Biology Department.
What should I major in if I want to become an aerospace physiologist?
AF MAN 36-2105 requires "undergraduate academic specialization in physiology, zoology, or other related science." A biology major is ideal although another sciences major will suffice.
This opportunity sounds like a great deal, how do I get started?
Contact Capt John McGee (719-333-6006) in the Biology Department, 2P389 (Fairchild East Building).
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