Air Force Officer's Guide (Paperback)

by Jeffrey C. Benton (Author) "The Air Force oath is essentially the same as that taken by American officers since George Washington..." (more)
Key Phrases: coordination with the other services, grog bowl, unprofessional relationships, United States, Definitely Promote, Department of Defense (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Fully updated, this 33rd edition includes the latest information on contemporary leadership issues, policies, and practices; privileges, benefits, and restrictions; military courtesy and customs; and uniforms and insignia. Extensive references, a worldwide listing of Air Force websites and installations, and an 8page color insert showing Air Force awards and decorations are also included. A complete guide to being a successful professional commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force.

About the Author
Col. Jeffery C. Benton has had a broad career as an Air Force pilot, commander, staff officer, and AFROTC and Air War College instructor. He lives in Montgomery, Alabama.

Product Details

• Paperback: 357 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811726096
• ISBN-13: 978-0811726092
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #537,906 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On Being An Air Force Officer, September 13, 2004

By	H. Grove "owling6683" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I'll sheepishly admit that I'm not one for dry guidebooks, history texts and the like; they usually put me to sleep. However, I found the "Air Force Officer's Guide" fascinating. The book starts right off with issues of conduct, leadership, and responsibility, beautifully setting the tone for the rest of the material. This is almost certainly idealized to a certain extent, but that's rather the point, I think--this is meant as a guide of behavior to be aspired to.

There's information in here about professional development, training, education, health, fitness, promotion, and the officer evaluation system. I think this material gives a clear picture of what the author believes officers can do to best serve their country as well as themselves. The book stresses that officers must be willing to take every opportunity to advance their education, through personal efforts as well as structured training, and it gives many suggestions for how to go about this.

One of my favorite sections covers "The Air Force Way," delving into AF cultures and traditions and explaining the differences between military courtesies and customs of the service. There's a nifty section explaining all the little details of uniforms and insignia and how to wear them properly, including diagrams and drawings. There's even a section on social life in the AF, and the book discusses the general issue of the AF as a career, and the rights, privileges, and restrictions that go with it. I think the book does get rather dry as it moves onward into issues of pay, leave time, medical benefits, retirement, and so on, but then it would be a miracle if it didn't.

This is a handy multi-purpose book if you have any interest in the Air Force, whether or not you're actually a part of it. Its stated purpose is to help officers in their careers. I think it would be a great way for someone who's thinking of joining up to get a feel for whether or not it's their sort of thing. It's a good way for people to gain a new appreciation for the kind of work, dedication, and discipline it takes to be a part of the armed services. And it's fantastic reference material for a military buff, a writer doing research for a project, or even a roleplayer who wants to be able to get in the right mood (and design a realistic character) for a military-based roleplaying game.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Officer's Guide a great Bargain of Information, April 5, 2008

By	James L. Ruether "AF Cadet Parent" (Montevideo, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Air Force Officer's Guide (Paperback)

I am the father of an Air Force Academy cadet and I purchased this book along with a few others because I had heard good reviews about it. I gifted this book to my son as he has just completed his Class of 2011 Recognition. We read the book and reviewed it's content. Without a doubt it is one of the best, if not "the" best reference book for anything you may need to know while being an officer in the United States Air Force. Everything from making requests for base assignments to protocol at a formal dinner it's in there. "A wonderful addition to an officer's library", is how my son described this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars AF guide, November 9, 2007

By	Tough Study "College Student" (Sarasota, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Air Force Officer's Guide (Paperback)

This book is fantasic, it has many good suggestions on how to become a great Air Force officer. I have found that it is helpful regardless if I do join the military or not, because of it's managerial background. I look forward to reading the rest of the book, and studying the text more throughly.