EMA FAQ

We currently hold three hiring boards each year—in February, June, and October. Applications are generally due in December, April, and September, respectively. Always use the current hiring message for the exact deadline.

No. Selection by the 89th Airlift Wing and AFPC retraining approval are separate decisions. The wing selects applicants for EMA positions; AFPC determines retraining eligibility and processes retraining and assignment actions. You must receive both approvals, so pursue the two processes at the same time.

Yes. Applicants should initiate an Enlisted Retraining application through myFSS before applying to an EMA hiring board. This allows AFPC to review your eligibility and identify any additional requirements or exceptions that may apply to your situation.

No. You do not need to wait for AFPC to fully process your retraining package before submitting your EMA application. However, your retraining request should be initiated in myFSS before applying whenever possible.

AFPC periodically pauses retraining submissions during transitions between retraining cycles. If retraining applications are temporarily unavailable in myFSS, you may still submit your EMA application and initiate your retraining request as soon as AFPC reopens the system.

AFPC has released an AI agent that can answer this directly — ask it “Can I retrain into Executive Mission Aviator?” Open the AFPC retraining agent ↗ (CAC required, opens in a new tab). If your situation is not resolved there, contact your local Development Advisor. Members outside their normal retraining window may also be eligible to request an Exception to Policy (ETP) through their Development Advisor and chain of command. Approval of ETPs is determined by AFPC.

Time-on-station (TOS) requirements are set by AFPC. You may request an Exception to Policy (ETP) through your leadership chain. If released by your Career Field Manager and approved by AFPC, you may apply to the 89th Airlift Wing.

You must be within your retraining window; however, AFPC reviews every application and makes the final eligibility decision. We recommend applying and allowing AFPC to determine eligibility. Some career fields may also have ETP letters that permit retraining outside the normal window.

This is a complete AFSC change once accepted and all requirements are met. Executive Mission Aviator will be your permanent career field. You will not be pulled back to any other job without applying for retraining.

It means you must be a SrA and have been in the military for at least 2 years total.

Yes. You are only required to submit the number of performance reports you have (up to the required number for your package). If you are a SrA with 2 years of total military experience, you are eligible.

The Commander's Presidential Support Program Questionnaire supports the additional background checks required for PSP duties. It is not used to determine who receives an interview; it supports a preliminary security review of selected interviewees. A one- or two-line comment stating that the applicant is capable of PSP duties is sufficient.

This hiring process is for active-duty Airmen. Reserve units use separate hiring and application processes.

No. Applicants who do not meet the requirement may retake the ASVAB.

There are three crew positions within the EMA career field: Flight Attendant, Communication Systems Operator, and Flight Engineer.

Members possessing current AF Form 8 evaluations in specific aircrew specialties will be assessed for selection to EMA positions aligned with their evaluated qualifications, should they elect to remain within that specialty. If hired, they will be guaranteed placement into the appropriate shred.

You can apply to transition after completing 2–3 years in your originally selected crew position. For example, after 3 years as a Flight Attendant, you may be given the opportunity to cross-shred to a Communication Systems Operator.

Most EMA positions are at JB Andrews. Flight Attendant positions also exist at Hickam AFB, Ramstein AB, Scott AFB, and Offutt AFB; Flight Engineer and Communication Systems Operator positions also exist at Hickam AFB and Ramstein AB. Instructor positions are available at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. Most assignments outside Offutt require applying and interviewing at JB Andrews; Offutt operates under Air Force Global Strike Command and uses a separate process.

Our flying ops tempo varies based on current world events. You should plan to be TDY at least 100 days a year.

Just like other units, we are required to fill a variety of individual non-flying deployments. We are coded as "Employed in Place" and currently do not have any unit deployments operating DV aircraft overseas.

Promotion outcomes vary by cycle and are not guaranteed. The EMA career field is selectively manned and competitive.

The Presidential Airlift Group maintains its own separate hiring process, but specific circumstances may allow them to select applicants from the 89th Airlift Wing.

All applicants are required to attend Survival Training at Fairchild AFB, WA. If you are a flyer who has previously completed this training, requirements may differ.

At home station, wear the designated uniform of the day. Depending on your crew position, this may be Air Force service dress combinations or business attire.

The operational tempo can make work-life balance challenging at times. Members should discuss concerns early with leadership and scheduling and use available Air Force support resources.

No.