JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Eligible active-duty enlisted Airmen interested in receiving a nursing commission through the Direct Enlisted Commissioning Program have until Feb. 12 to submit an 'intent to apply' to the Air Force Personnel Center.

The DEC Program offers active-duty enlisted personnel who have a bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited nursing program and have passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing licensure examination the opportunity to obtain commission into the Air Force Nurse Corps.

The program is open to senior airmen and above who have less than 12 years of service and meet academic and administrative criteria. In addition, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a current security clearance and be worldwide qualified.

The selection board will convene in April, but there are a variety of requirements that must be met prior to that, specifically:

Feb. 12
-Email of intent to apply
-Gain release from career field functional manager

March 4
-Submit chief nurse interview

March 15
-Submit three references

March 25
-Submit completed application (applications must be coordinated through the chain of command)

For complete eligibility criteria and application instructions, go to myPers  and enter "2016 Direct Enlisted Commissioning Program" in the search window.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to the myPers website. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.