OUR TRAINING PROGRAMS ARM YOU WITH ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN CARRY INTO THE FUTURE: MOMENTUM
There's no better way to learn from experience than from experience itself. That’s the operating principle behind the PALACE Acquire (PAQ), Copper Cap (COP), and Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) programs for recent college graduates. Each program partners you with AFCS professionals from within your chosen occupation for an immersive training program designed to equip you with the specialized expertise and competence for your future.
Not only are our positions paid and full-time, but each program also features hands-on, on-the-job training, scheduled raises, and even paid post-graduate studies. Further, upon successful completion of the program, you may be eligible for a permanent position at AFCS with full federal benefits, as well as student loan repayment and attractive hiring bonuses for those who qualify.
THE FUTURE WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. THESE TRAINING PROGRAMS PUT YOU IN A POSITION TO MEET IT WHEN IT ARRIVES.
PALACE ACQUIRE (PAQ)/COPPER CAP (COP)
If you've graduated with a bachelor's or master's within the last two years, you may be eligible to enroll in AFCS' PAQ or COP Program. Those with a master's or bachelor's degree and real-world experience may qualify for higher-level opportunities.
PAQ is a paid, full-time, two to three-year training program for graduates interested in Science and Engineering, Financial Management, Cyber/IT, Civil Engineering, Intel, and more. Your training includes promotions and yearly salary increases based on performance and supervisor approval. Upon successful completion of the training plan, you'll be offered a permanent position at AFCS, making it the perfect vehicle to launch the career you've worked so hard for.
COP is the Air Force Civilian Service’s comprehensive training program for developing Contract Specialists for permanent positions at AFCS. It provides you with immersive on-the-job training, working alongside AFCS and military Contracting Officers who will train you in every aspect of contract management, including market research, requirements definition, solicitation preparation, price justification, negotiation and award, and administration of contracts. You’ll work at the heart of the complex process of supplying and sustaining the Air Force with everything from satellites, electronics, and high-performance aircraft to supplies and services necessary for the day-to-day operation of military installations around the world.
PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOW (PMF)
The PMF Program is a flagship leadership development program at the entry level for advanced degree candidates. It was created more than three decades ago by Executive Order and has gone through many changes over the years. The program attracts and selects the best candidates possible, but is really designed with a more narrow focus—developing a cadre of potential government leaders. It provides some sustenance during the first years of employment and encourages the development of leadership capabilities. The PMF Program inculcates a lasting bond as well as a spirit of public service, ultimately encouraging and leading to a career in the government.
The PMF Program is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Each year, candidates apply to the program in an effort to be selected as Finalists. Finalists are then eligible for appointment as PMFs.
To become a PMF, you must participate in a rigorous, multi-hurdle process. It takes patience and endurance but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your leadership ability and potential. As a PMF, you will have earned your place in the program and the opportunity to grow professionally, serve your country, and make a difference!
THE FUTURE WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. THESE TRAINING PROGRAMS PUT YOU IN A POSITION TO MEET IT WHEN IT ARRIVES.
Full Tuition | Annual Stipend | Summer Internships | Health Insurance
Miscellaneous Allowance | Experienced Mentor | Employment at DoD Facility
WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT
PROGRAM (WRP)
YOU WON’T FIND A GREATER CHAMPION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES THAN AFCS
If you’re a student or recent graduate with a disability, you know better than most just how much you have to contribute — if only given the chance. You’ll be pleased to know you’re not alone in refusing to let disability hold you back. Air Force Civilian Service won’t either.
The Air Force seeks to build upon the unique strengths and diverse abilities of all individuals to create a workforce that’s empowered, capable, and passionate about public service. Which is why we’ve partnered with the Department of Labor and the Department of Defense to implement the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP). WRP’s goal is to recruit, train, and retain persons with disabilities into the federal workforce.
WRP is a federal program connecting employers with qualified candidates with disabilities for temporary employment and potentially permanent positions. The program offers invaluable federal work experience to those who qualify, offering the potential of securing permanent positions upon completion of the program.
ELIGIBILITY
Your college or university must be participating in the WRP program. (If your school has not yet enrolled to be a WRP provider, encourage your school’s career center to register at https://www.wrp.gov/wrp?id=school_coordinator_landing_page)
Must be a current student or have graduated within two years from a participating college or university
Proof of disability/Schedule A Memorandum (An example of which, you’ll find here)
Resume and transcript(s) to support experience and education as appropriate For help writing a federal resume, download our informative PDF
Meet the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards for the position for which you are applying
Ability to perform essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodations
STUDENT REGISTRATION IS THROUGH EACH
PARTICIPATING COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
To participate, contact your school coordinator. Click here to see the List of Participating Schools.
