LEAD the way into a bright future Published March 7, 2006 By Senior Airman Lorraine Amaro 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Air Force is on the look out for 135 outstanding Airmen to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development, or LEAD, is a program designed for notable young Airmen to progress their education and earn a commission. The program seeks the best and brightest of the Air Force and many Airmen are eligible. "These are essentially kids right out of high school, so what USAFA is really looking for is potential," said James Coy, a counselor at the Tinker Education Office and a point of contact for the LEAD program. Senior Airman Bobby Theologis, an airborne surveillance technician in the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, was nominated for this year's program. Airman Theologis has a long list of outstanding accomplishments both in the civilian and enlisted world. "I'm from Colorado and always wanted to go, ever since I was a kid," Airman Theologis said. "I heard about the slots at the Air Force Academy through a couple of officers in my leadership who went to school there." Commanders and supervisors are strongly encouraged to take the first steps in initiating awareness in their sections since young Airmen may not be aware of Air Force programs designed to further careers. "This is probably the least publicized program," said Chief Master Sgt. John Harris, 552nd Air Control Wing command chief. "We have more slots than people applying. If we don't continue to work this for next year, we'll never get there." After being nominated, an immediate commander signs a completed Air Force Form 1786, Application for Appointment to the USAF Academy Under Quota Allocated to Enlisted Members of the Regular and Reserve Components of the Air Force, for the military personnel flight to turn in to USAFA. Applying Airmen must be between the ages of 17 and 22, an unmarried United States citizen without dependants, have one year retainability and no record of violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The candidate must also pass a fitness test and medical exam. Qualification is a small part of applying for the LEAD program. In an Air Force of more than 290,000 enlisted personnel, standing out is a must. Unit and wing commanders nominate candidates displaying leadership qualities. Fifty slots are open to Airmen to attend the Air Force Academy Prep School with the intention to follow up with the AFA. Following up with the AFA is solely based on the grades achieved in AFAPS. Eighty-five slots are left open for enlisted active-duty Airmen to go directly to the AFA. Applications are now being accepted for the 2007 academic year.