The United States Air Force is accepting applications for the Logistics Career Field through the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) Program. This developmental program is designed to help qualified candidates build the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a successful civilian career in federal logistics management.
The position offers structured training, professional development opportunities, and a clear path for career advancement within the Air Force civilian workforce.
Position Overview
The primary purpose of this position is to serve in a centrally managed PALACE Acquire (PAQ) role within the Logistics Career Field. Selected candidates will complete developmental assignments that strengthen analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills while gaining hands-on experience in logistics management.
This role is intended for individuals seeking long-term career growth within the federal government.
Key Responsibilities
Employees selected for this position may perform the following duties:
- Complete developmental assignments of moderate complexity using established procedures and guidelines.
- Independently perform recurring logistics-related tasks with increasing responsibility.
- Participate in special projects, studies, and organizational initiatives.
- Prepare reports, correspondence, newsletter content, responses to inquiries, and other official documents.
- Assist with logistics planning, coordination, and operational support activities.
- Gather and analyze information to support mission and program objectives.
Employment Conditions
Applicants should review all employment requirements carefully before applying.
Key conditions include:
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service System, if applicable.
- Relocation may be required during or after the training program.
- A one-year probationary period is required.
- Security clearance requirements may apply depending on the position.
- Employees must complete all required training and certification requirements.
- Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Life Cycle Logistics Level I Certification within 24 months of appointment.
- Federal employment suitability standards must be met.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants may qualify through education, experience, or a combination of both.
Option A: Bachelor’s Degree with Superior Academic Achievement
Candidates may qualify if they have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) requirements through one of the following:
- Ranking in the upper third of their graduating class.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.95 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- A GPA of 3.45 or higher in major coursework.
- Membership in a recognized national academic honor society.
Official transcripts and supporting documentation must be submitted.
Option B: Graduate Education
Applicants may qualify with one full year of graduate-level study or a master’s degree or higher in a field related to the position, including:
- Logistics
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Related disciplines
Official transcripts are required.
Option C: Specialized Experience
Candidates may qualify with at least one year of specialized experience involving logistics planning, coordination, or evaluation in support of a mission or program.
Qualifying experience may include:
- Identifying resource requirements such as funding, personnel, equipment, facilities, and services.
- Supporting acquisition programs throughout the system life cycle.
- Coordinating logistics support activities to ensure resources are available when needed.
Experience must be equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in federal service or comparable private-sector experience.
Option D: Combination of Education and Experience
Applicants who do not fully meet the graduate education or experience requirements may qualify through a combination of both. Education and experience percentages will be calculated and combined to determine eligibility.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Successful candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Knowledge of basic logistics management principles and practices.
- Ability to apply logistics concepts to entry-level assignments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to analyze problems, gather relevant information, and identify solutions.
- Effective planning, organizational, and teamwork abilities.
- Capability to work collaboratively with supervisors and coworkers.
Federal Time-in-Grade Requirement
Current federal employees applying under General Schedule (GS) requirements must have completed at least 52 weeks at the GS-07 level or higher, or an equivalent pay system, when applicable.
Training and Career Development
The PAQ Program provides a structured three-year developmental training plan designed to prepare employees for higher-level logistics positions.
Program benefits include:
- Formal career development training.
- Progressive work assignments.
- Annual salary increases based on performance and successful completion of training milestones.
- Opportunities for promotion and long-term career growth within the Air Force civilian workforce.
Employees must successfully complete all training requirements before becoming eligible for promotion.
Salary and Duty Locations
Compensation varies based on geographic location and local pay adjustments. Positions may be available at multiple Air Force installations across the United States.
Actual vacancies may arise throughout the recruitment period, and selections are made as positions become available.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Completed online application questionnaire
- Academic transcripts, if qualifying through education
- Professional licenses or certifications, if required
- Veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable
- Additional eligibility documents, if applicable
Failure to provide required documentation may result in disqualification.
Resume Requirements
Applicants should carefully follow resume guidelines:
- Resumes may not exceed two pages.
- Employment dates must include month and year.
- Hours worked per week must be listed for each position.
- Federal employees should include grade level, pay plan, and series information.
- Personal information such as age, religion, gender, Social Security number, or photographs should not be included.
Only the most recently submitted resume will be reviewed.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Resume content
- Supporting documentation
- Questionnaire responses
- Qualification requirements
Information provided in the application package must support all responses submitted during the application process. Any inconsistencies may result in a determination of not qualified or insufficient information.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on February 17, 2027.
Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documents before the deadline and verify that their application package has been successfully uploaded.
Career Opportunity Summary
The Air Force Logistics Management PAQ Program offers an outstanding opportunity for recent graduates and early-career professionals interested in logistics, acquisition support, and federal service. Through structured training, mentorship, salary progression, and long-term career development, participants gain valuable experience while supporting the mission of the United States Air Force.
For individuals seeking a stable government career with strong advancement potential, this program provides a solid foundation for professional success.