PREC 18-94   Classification of Service -- Attendance at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School       Citation: Vet. Aff. Op. Gen Couns. Prec. 18-94, VAOPGCPREC 18-94, 1994

QUESTION PRESENTED:

Whether service as a precadet at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School may be considered "active duty" service for purposes of title 38, United States Code.

HELD:

Characterization of an individual's service at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School (USAFAPS) for pur­poses of entitlement to veterans' benefits depends upon the status in which the individual enters the USAFAPS.  Service by an individual who attends the USAFAPS as a reservist called to active duty for the sole purpose of attending the USAFAPS con­stitutes "active duty for training."  This includes persons who are enlisted directly from civilian life or from the Air National Guard for the sole purpose of attending the USAFAPS, as well as members of reserve components who are called to

active duty for this purpose.  Service by an enlisted active-duty servicemember who is reassigned to the USAFAPS without a release from active duty constitutes a continuation of the servicemember's "active duty."