Hi Andrew,
As you have no doubt figured out, competition for AF engineering jobs is pretty stiff. I spent 32 years active duty, and my last job was running the ROTC program at the University of Oklahoma, along with supervising the enlisted members the AF sent to college and helping identify and screen candidates for direct accession (OTS). I have also sat on a number of selection boards, so I have a reasonably good idea of what it takes to get into the AF, either as a civilian or officer.
It is much tougher to get into the AF than it used to be. Engineering candidates need either a very strong record or a specialty the AF really needs, such as electrical, aero/mech, or aero/astro double-major types. The oft-heard refrain from other senior officers on selection boards was “dang, I’m glad I’m not trying to get into the AF these days.”
To be blunt, the days when the AF (or any service) was always available as a “last resort” are long gone. It is quite competitive.
I can’t give you a firm judgment without seeing your resume, but with your GPA and field, you probably need something that separates you from the pack, such as experience or work on specific projects. Normally, DOD tries to identify very promising candidates while still in school. They hook them up with internships and temp jobs at the labs and cover their last year or two of school in exchange for a two year commitment.
An additional consideration is that you need to be able to qualify for a security clearance — SECRET as an absolute minimum, and likely TOP SECRET (true also in the defense contracting world). That requirement eliminates a lot of potential candidates.
You might consider broadening your cross-check into other military services, as their needs are somewhat different. You might also want to consider the energy sector if you haven’t already.
A recruiter may try to talk you into enlisting. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but realize that you will spend 4 years doing something else than engineering before you get the chance to compete for something better. Depending on your career field, that may give you some relevant experience, but then again it, may not.
Best of luck in your search!
- Bill