Air Force officials are providing more opportunities to active-duty officers who want to become navigators. Officers who meet basic qualifications must submit their application package by Dec. 29 to be considered by the Feb. 8 to 10 undergraduate flying training selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center.

"The Air Force has allocated additional training slots for navigator training," said Maj. Jim Wurzer, chief of the pipeline and trainer assignments branch at the center. "The number of competitive officers who apply will determine how many slots will be filled.

"If qualified, there is a high probability of being selected for navigator or combat systems officer training in 2005."

The navigator career field is currently undergoing an important transition to combat systems officer, said Major Wurzer. This transition will provide unique opportunities for officers interested in becoming a part of the future rated force.

Eligible officers must have a birth date after May 1, 1975, and a total active federal commissioned service date after May 1, 2000. Applicants must send their packages to HQ AFPC/DPAOT3, 550 C Street West Suite 31, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4733.

The application -- an Air Force Information Management Tool 215, Aircrew Training Candidate Data Summary -- contains basic instructions. Complete details are available in Air Force Instruction 36-2205, Applying for Flying Training, Air Battle Manager and Astronaut Programs.

Prospective fliers should check to see if they need a physical exam. Because of possible delays in physical exam processing, it should be scheduled as soon as possible to meet the application deadline. Airmen interested should also check to see if they need to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test or the Basic Attributes Test.

FMI: https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/specfly/ or contact your local military personnel flight for more information.