United States Air Force Company Reviews and Ratings CareerBliss 2012 Top 50 Happiest Companies

"I'm glad that my experience in the military afforded me a college degree."

United States Air Force Review by Security Forces Staff Seargent in Langley, BC on October 20, 2009

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

I am glad that I am honorably discharged from the military. I did not like the Air Force, but since I volunteered for a 6 year term, I was obligated to fulfill my contract.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

I hated that everyone preached a good game of integrity, but upon closer scrutiny the evidence suggested that everyone was only looking out for number one. I did not like how if something was not in the best interest of the Air Force, it therefore did not matter if lives were being ruined/changed for the worse. The Air Force code is "service before self" and yet time and again, people always seemed to look out for number 1 while still spouting this nonsense about service before self, and in some cases exhibiting the exact opposite sentiment thru different actions.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Don't punish everyone in the unit for one person's mistake. I understand needing to build team esprit de corp., but punishing all for one person who messes up is the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard. In every case of someone making a mistake, the person at fault is the person punished, even in the justice system. One person does the crime, they in turn are punished for it. Also, keep with the times. It's the digital age, and therefore remote communication is possible. There is no need to have people sitting around doing nothing when they have cel phones and can be off taking care of things and still be a phone call away from reporting for orders.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Be yourself and be honest.

"An extended family that you will never forget."

United States Air Force Review by IT Specialist in Warner Robins, GA on August 12, 2009

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

I loved working at Gunter AFB. I did not meet a stranger. You are treated like family by all employees and management. Management did not hover all employees and respected employees opinions. I had a heart attack and open heart surgery while I was there, my best friend also died of cancer while I was there and management was so understanding and willing to help anyway they could. It's a year I will never forget. We did get rewarded bonus for our work.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

My job went from 5 people down to 2 due to budget cuts. This took away the little extra time we could spend with our customers learning better their needs. It was me and another lady and we had to work so much overtime, be on call 24/7 and travel TDY. We found that we had to work on our holidays in order to load new software or patches on the servers. But the people was worth it.

What suggestions do you have for management?

To understand when employees get burned out. To know when there are two employees and projects are dead lined that we cannot attend all of the daily or weekly meetings.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Be yourself, be comfortable and remember never lie on your resume or answer a question with a lie. It will truly come back to bite you sooner or later.

"The Air Force does not want people to do their jobs."

United States Air Force Review by IT Program Analyst in Rosamond, CA on November 16, 2009

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

I was able to rebuild the audiovisual operations and design the renovation of the audiovisual production center. I was able to build one of the most modern and successful audiovisual capabilities in the Air Force.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

Management punished you for doing your job. Interference from both center management and contractor personnel. Center personnel made the job too political. Constantly had to fight to keep outside sources from taking over. Once I lost my top cover, I was pushed out of the audiovisual management position. I was forced into a lower graded position that I was not qualified for.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Management needs to look at their managers and how they are managing not only the work force, but each function. If you have a successful manager, take steps to make sure he/she continues to be successful. Reduce the politics.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Ask a lot of questions. I was told by the person who I was replacing that she was to watch my back for the first 6 months. Their are a lot of people with hidden agendas. These agendas include preventing you from doing your job because they are empire building and want to offer work that you are about to be hired to do.

"Adequate for pay. Great educational benefits but was not right fit for me."

United States Air Force Review by Systems Technician in Fort Meade, MD on November 03, 2009

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

Moving to a different base every two to three years was a good growing experience. I also enjoyed the technical job training and learning a skill set I wouldn't have had I not enlisted. Living overseas in Japan was an interesting experience as well.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

My current unit is overbearing and overzealous in their rule enforcement. It is time to move on to bigger and better opportunities.

What suggestions do you have for management?

At my current Air Force unit I would suggest try positive reinforcement instead of so much negative reinforcement. And morale boosting events would be good as well. Change the 6 on 3 off schedule to something less time consuming.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

It is an Air Force job. You do not interview for any open positions. So this is not applicable. I would say it is best to remember that being assigned to this squadron is a temporary situation in your Air Force career and to stick it out. You would be reassigned or discharged eventually. I do not know if there anything that can be done for the squadron short of management changing their way of doing business. And that will probably only happen when the squadron commander changes or is replaced.

"Overall Bliss: Above Average"

United States Air Force Review by Systems Administrator on March 18, 2012

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

The military has been eye-opening and created opportunities that I would have never thought possible. What did I like? The chance to experience life from a challenging perspective and to achieve results in a challenging environment.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

I can't really think of something that I specifically did not like. There were very stressful events, such as deployments and short notice missions, but those are things that gave the most experience. However, there is a need to have a break and to enjoy those that you love.

What suggestions do you have for management?

The military system is very rigid, but produces results. The Air Force specifically has adopted policies that allow for change to our always evolving society. This in the past would have been a negative point because of the lack of change, but today they have gone to great strides to change and thus has an adaptable force.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Not much I can say with interviewing with the military besides visit a recruiter. You will have to be prepared for a drastic change compared to what civilian live is and be ready to make the change back. More or less, just the decision will allow to you to do great things within the military.

"I was given the responsibility and was able to perform at my best."

United States Air Force Review by Project Manager in Albuquerque, NM on March 14, 2010

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

Was able to develope software test plans for all computerized systems relative to the B2 Bomber. Responsible for publishing and distributing highly classified operational test plan for the B2 Bomber. Up to that time, this was the most software intensive program the Air Force had ever undertaken. Supervised 21 full-time officers, engineers, and enlisted software personnel. Detected an error in mission planning requirements that saved one year in development of a weapon system. Test manager for the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher program – completed on schedule and under cost. Recommended and implemented a change to testing procedures to include safety, security, and effectiveness issues in operational software testing. Responsible for testing software on five highly classified weapons systems. Developed test plans for efficiency and effectiveness compliance to government regulations.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

That I'm not still there.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Keep the communication as opened as it used to be.

"According to Jonathan?"

United States Air Force Review by Engineering Technician in Goldsboro, NC on May 07, 2009

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

I love this country and its given me and my family a great opportunity that's why I joined the US Air Force to serve and protect my home. US Air Force is a great opportunity but I have bigger plans for my professional and educational advancement and being with the AIr Force considering all the deployments and Temporary Duties it will take me quiet a long time so I decided to move on and pursue my personal goals first then go back and continue my service.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

I'm not sure what to say because I have a great experience with the Air Force. But, I guess the only thing I observed is that, most of the time, there's not much room for the grey area of life. It's more about black and white if you you know what I'm trying to relate. I guess I can explain it more later if you wish to follow up on it.

What suggestions do you have for management?

The only thing I have is this, take care of your people and they will take care of you. LIsten to them and do your best to make fair and just decisions. Remember that great leaders are great followers.

"The CENTECH Group is the BEST company I have ever worked for!"

United States Air Force Review by Intermediate Software Engineer in Hanscom AFB, MA on September 03, 2009

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

I liked that The CENTECH Group cared about their employees and treated everyone like family. They treated everyone fairly, and I never felt like merely another revenue source as I often feel when working for larger companies. From management to coworkers, everyone was helpful right from the start. Management was helpful without micro-managing their jobs. Each employee was trusted to do their job as they needed. There were excellent benefits for anyone that wanted to move up in the company. Opportunities for growth were highly encouraged and rewarded. This is a great company to work for!

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

The CENTECH Group was by far the best company I have worked for. I was happy with everyone there. I have absolutely no complaints.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Get more work at Hanscom AFB! I'd love to work for you again!!

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Represent yourself honestly. Your skills will be rewarded and recognized.

"Great place to start a career."

United States Air Force Review by Captain in Nellis AFB, NV on June 23, 2009

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

Career development, working with intelligent people who have a high level of integrity and close community.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

Hard on family life.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Be honest and take care of your people and they will take care of you. There are exceptions, but as a rule I find this to be true. Help your workforce develop, provide the tools they need and be sincere. Be demanding but make sure you reward your workforce for their hard work. Get to know your people. Only by doing this can you determine what they are good at and utilize their talents, and only through getting to know them will you be able to determine how to reward them, what one person sees as a reward another may not.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Be honest about what you hope to gain from joining the Air Force. It's an opportunity for you as an individual to grow, as well as an opportunity for you to give something back.

"Overall Bliss: Above Average"

United States Air Force Review by United States Air Force Employee on July 06, 2011

What do you like about working at United States Air Force?

My first Career from 6 days after High School Graduation (18) until 1 month before 39th Birthday. World travel, commaraderie, etc...cbeing recruited after completing the academics on Doctorate (DBA) in Contracting made me exceedingly happy.

What don't you like about working at United States Air Force?

Moving and losing touch with friends. Commaraderie isn't the same and the 1 hour commute each way is too much. I need to find a career clser to Columbia that at least pays for my commute.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Respect is earned not granted because your butt has sat in a chair for so long! I've been retired and with more time as a First Sergeant than most of these kids have invested in their careers.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

I hope you have great self discipline and study habits...there is a lot to learn and multiple level mandatory certifications through the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and Defense Acquisition University (DAU).