While many associate it with being a branch of the military it actually has many civilian positions available. Soldiers can also apply for these positions, but many of them are reserved for civilians. The reason for this is generally because soldiers may be deployed at any time. When this happens you need people to take care of the logistics at home.
This is why the Air Force needs civilians to work their aviation jobs while the troops are away. Make no mistake though an Air Force aviation job isn't just a run of the mill job. You'll be working in one of the leading areas of Aeronautical development and as such you'll see and work on things that you won't be able to tell anyone about. Because of the level of technology involved only the best are allowed to work here.
You can be trained for the subjects that you'll be working on, but there are ways to expedite the procedure. Typically if you have a few degrees under your belt and some real world experience the Air Force will give you higher consideration. After all more experience means that they won't have to train you as much and they also won't have to worry as much about your competence.
Having an incompetent employee in this field of work can be a dangerous thing. This is especially true if he or she works in the design department. If however you're looking to join the Air Force as a soldier and want to know how to accelerate the process then you are in luck. The same basic principles apply as far as education is concerned. Showing that you have an education when you join can open up advanced training routines.
Those who seek to join the military regardless of branch are often offered officer training if they have degrees and higher education. This translates into entering duty as an officer rather than an enlisted man. Aside from this there is no quick entry method. Every aspiring soldier needs to go through the same entry screening processes regardless.
However you can make the application process go quicker by having a clean record. You'll also be first in line to be considered for aviation jobs if you have a clean history and several degrees. Remember an aviation job with the Air Force has many career advancement opportunities. This translates into a nice sized paycheck down the line.
Regardless of if you're a civilian or a prospective soldier there are plenty of positions in the Air Force for you. Some of them may take some time to train for but they are worth it. Just remember the more organized and clean your life is when you enlist or apply, the faster your acceptance will be.