Personal Statement

The personal statement is in my opinion a tough attribute of the application package.  You are only authorized a small amount of space to explain your OBJECTIVES and REASONS for desiring a commission.  You want to CLEARLY state both of them and ensure it is written in a clear, concise, and educated manner.  I honestly wrote this a few times and had a few officers read it.  I also had http://journeytoairforceots.blogspot.com read it for some feedback.  If I could do it all over again I would have less people review my personal statement.  It was just way too many people offering their opinion and what not.  Here are some quick bullet statements on how you should attack your personal statement:

- Type it in the actual AF FM 56.  This is the only authorized length for the personal statement

- NO WHITE SPACE!  The Air Force has OCD with white space so ensure you have NONE

- Don't worry about paragraphs; just type away and fill the space

- Answer what it asks for (Your Objectives and Reasons)

- DO NOT waste space talking about past accomplishments; talk about what you are going to do or what you have to offer and "How" you're going to do it.  Your letter of recommendation and your BOT Profile is your opportunity to brag about what you have already achieved

- READ a grammar book (I know funny coming from me) and use what you learned in your personal statement.  The Little, Brown Handbook is what I used.

- Fill in the space on the AF FM 56; then copy and paste it into word for SPELL CHECK!  Also use the microsoft word  readability statistics to get your reading/writing level above 14.  Google it if you do not know what I am talking about.  You should have used this in college as I always attempted to write my essay above level 12.

- Start your personal statement with the good ol "hook" sentence.  Get the board to WANT to read your statement.  Think about it; if this is anything like the SNCO board they only have a set amount of time to read each package.  Make them want to spend the time with yours

I DID NOT waste any space explaining weak points in my personal statement.  I just didn't feel like showing my a$$ ha ha.  Please note that my AFOQT was not impressive and I did not bother explaining why!

Here is a peak at my personal statement:

The sensation I feel when leading Airmen is unparalleled to any experience thus far.................................................................................................................................................................................I graduated XXX Airmen to date and majority of them entered ALS with a lack of drive, motivation, and low energy for being in class..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................All these Airmen graduated with the passion to lead, motivation, and a passion to employ what they have learned..............................................................................................................................................................................as a direct result of my leadership!  They not only know "how" but "want" to follow, enforce, and motivate their Airmen as outlined in AFI-Brown Book.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................that is leadership and commissioned officers are expected to lead!.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................failure is part of development..............................I used it as a learning tool and lessons learned..........................................................................................I am better because of it......................................................................................................................................................................I desire to further inspire Airmen to achieve and exceed their potential.....................................................................................................the Air Force is better as a result.........................................................................................................................................................................................My impact will ripple throughout the Air Force and stimulate limitless mission XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.   Thank you for your time, consideration, and XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to lead!


I hope this helped and gave you aspiring officers some good ideas.  I am willing to review any personal statements and offer my feedback.  Just e-mail it to AFEnlistedtoOfficer@gmail. com.

Go Air Force!