You are thinking about joining the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Maybe you are dreaming of soaring through the skies as a pilot.
Or you want to serve your country and secure a stable career.
But you are wondering: What does it take? How much do they pay? Am I even qualified?
You are not alone—thousands ask these questions every year.
This guide cuts through the noise.
We’ll break down the exact requirements to join the PAF, the salaries you can expect, and how to make it happen.
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Why Join the Philippine Air Force?
The PAF isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
You are protecting the skies, serving the nation, and getting benefits most civilian jobs can’t match.
Job security? Check.
Healthcare and housing? Covered.
A chance to fly fighter jets or work on cutting-edge tech? Hell yeah.
Take Juan, a 24-year-old from Cebu.
He joined as an enlisted personnel and now works as an aircraft mechanic.
He told me over coffee, “I didn’t have a degree, but the PAF trained me, paid me, and gave me purpose.”
That is the deal: you bring the grit, they give you the tools.
Pathways to Join the Philippine Air Force
The PAF offers three main ways to join, each with its own vibe. Pick the one that fits your goals and background. Here is the breakdown:
1. Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
This is the elite route.
Think of it as the Ivy League for future officers.
You will train in Baguio City for four years, earn a degree, and come out as a Second Lieutenant.
It is tough but sets you up for leadership roles.
Requirements for PMA:
- Natural-born Filipino citizen.
- At least 17 but not older than 22 by June 1 of the admission year.
- Minimum height of 5 feet (152.4 cm) for both men and women.
- Physically, mentally, and psychologically fit (P1 Profile).
- Unmarried, no kids.
- Pass the PMA Entrance Exam (PMAEE).
- High school graduate with at least 85% GPA or college student with 24 units.
- No pending legal cases.
Pro Tip:
- Study hard for the PMAEE. It covers math, English, and abstract reasoning.
- Get in shape early. The physical fitness test includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 3.2-km run.
Juan’s buddy, Mark, failed the PMAEE the first time but studied past exams and aced it on his second try.
2. Officer Candidate Course (PAFOCC)
This is for college grads who want to become officers without the four-year PMA grind.
You will train for one year and come out as a Second Lieutenant.
Perfect for those who already have a degree and want to jump into leadership.
Requirements for PAFOCC:
- Natural-born Filipino citizen.
- 21 to 29 years old.
- Baccalaureate degree holder.
- Minimum height of 5 feet.
- Physically and mentally fit.
- Pass the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) with a score of 80/150.
- Pass the Philippine Air Force General Classification Test (PAFGCT) with 60/120.
- No legal issues.
Pro Tip:
- Brush up on your degree. Your field of study can help you land specialized roles like engineering or cyber ops.
- Network with current officers. They can guide you through the application process.
- Sarah, a 26-year-old IT grad, joined PAFOCC and now works in the PAF’s cyber unit. She said, “The tests were brutal, but knowing what to expect gave me an edge.”
3. Candidate Soldier Course (CSC)
This is the enlisted route—perfect if you don’t have a college degree.
You’ll start as a Private and work your way up.
Training lasts about six months, and you’ll learn the basics of military life.
Requirements for CSC:
- Natural-born Filipino citizen.
- 18 to 26 years old.
- At least 72 units in college or high school graduate with TESDA certification.
- Minimum height of 5 feet.
- Physically and mentally fit.
- Pass AFPSAT with a score of 71/150.
- No criminal record.
Pro Tip:
- Get a TESDA skill. Mechanics, electronics, or IT skills make you a hot pick for technical roles.
- Stay disciplined. The training is intense—think early mornings and lots of drills.
- Mike, a high school grad from Davao, took a TESDA course in welding before joining. He’s now an enlisted aircraft technician earning more than his old job.
Step-by-Step Process to Join the PAF
No matter the path, the process is straightforward but rigorous.
Here’s how to make it happen:
- Register Online:
- Visit the PAF’s official site or check their social media for recruitment schedules.
- Fill out the online form at paf.mil.ph or via announced links.
- Example: In 2024, cyber specialists applied from August 5 to September 2.
- Prepare Your Documents:
- PMA: Birth certificate, transcript of records, 3×5 whole-body photo, NCIP height waiver (if needed).
- PAFOCC: Diploma, transcript, AFPSAT/PAFGCT results, clearances (barangay, police, NBI).
- CSC: High school diploma or TESDA cert, birth certificate, clearances.
- Pro Tip: Double-check your docs. Missing one can delay your application.
- Take the Qualifying Exams:
- AFPSAT: Tests math, verbal, and abstract reasoning. Study basic algebra and grammar.
- PAFGCT: Specific to PAF, focuses on general knowledge and aptitude.
- Example: John flunked AFPSAT because he didn’t prep. He used free online reviewers and passed the next round.
- Pass the Physical and Medical Exams:
- Includes running, push-ups, sit-ups, and a full medical check.
- Stay fit: Start jogging and strength training months before.
- Avoid vices: Smoking or poor diet can mess with your medical results.
- Interview and Board Review:
- Be honest and confident. They’ll ask about your goals and commitment.
- Example: Lisa, a PAFOCC applicant, nailed her interview by explaining why she wanted to serve as a pilot.
- Training and Oath-Taking:
- PMA: Four years of academic and military training.
- PAFOCC: One year of officer training.
- CSC: Six months of basic military training.
- After training, you’re officially in.
Philippine Air Force Salaries: What You’ll Earn
Let’s talk money.
The PAF pays well compared to many civilian jobs, especially with benefits.
Salaries depend on rank, role, and years of service.
Here’s the breakdown for 2025, based on the Salary Standardization Law (SSL V):
Enlisted Personnel Salaries
- Private (Candidate Soldier): PHP 29,668/month + allowances.
- Airman 2nd Class: PHP 30,261/month.
- Airman 1st Class: PHP 32,761/month.
- Sergeant: PHP 36,567/month.
- Master Sergeant: PHP 43,829/month.
Officer Salaries
- Second Lieutenant: PHP 43,829/month.
- Captain: PHP 56,000/month.
- Major: PHP 62,555/month.
- Lieutenant Colonel: PHP 71,048/month.
- Colonel: PHP 91,058/month.
- General: PHP 149,785/month.
Specialized Roles
- Pilots: PHP 339,000 to PHP 739,000/year (about PHP 28,250–61,583/month).
- Engineers: Median of PHP 540,000/year (PHP 45,000/month).
- Cyber Specialists: Varies, but expect officer-level pay with bonuses for tech skills.
Benefits That Sweeten the Deal
- Hazard Pay: Extra cash for risky roles like pilots or special ops.
- Housing: Barracks for singles, facilities for married personnel.
- Healthcare: PhilHealth and AFP Mutual Benefits Association coverage.
- Education: Access to local and international training programs.
- Retirement: Secure pension plans for long-term service.
- Example: Carlo, a PAF pilot, earns PHP 50,000/month but says the free housing and medical coverage save him thousands more.
Challenges and Real Talk
The PAF isn’t a walk in the park.
Training is brutal—think 5 a.m. drills and months away from family.
The application process can take weeks to months, and delays happen.
Civilian personnel sometimes face late salaries, especially in Q1.
But the payoff? Stability, pride, and skills you can’t get elsewhere.
Ask yourself: Am I ready to commit? Can I handle the discipline?
If the answer’s yes, you’re already halfway there.
How to Stand Out as an Applicant
Want to crush the competition? Here is what separates the best from the rest:
- Get Fit Early: Start training months before the physical exam. Run 5K, do 50 push-ups, 50 sit-ups.
- Study Smart: Use free AFPSAT reviewers online. Focus on math and English.
- Show Leadership: Volunteer or lead projects to prove you can handle responsibility.
- Learn a Skill: TESDA courses in mechanics or IT make you valuable, especially for CSC.
- Stay Clean: No tattoos, no legal issues. The PAF is strict about character.
Example: Anna, a PAFOCC applicant, took a free online math course and aced AFPSAT. She also volunteered at her barangay to show leadership.
Final Thoughts
Joining the Philippine Air Force is a grind, but it’s worth it.
You will serve your country, earn a solid paycheck, and gain skills for life.
Whether you are aiming for PMA, PAFOCC, or CSC, start preparing now.
Get your docs ready, hit the gym, and study for those exams.
And don’t forget to grab a domain from Truehost.ph to build your personal brand.
It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.
You got this.
Go soar.
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