I went through the process and got commissioned as an AF Officer. I had similar thoughts and questions you have right now.
My journey was this: I went straight to a 4yr University out of High School. I join the ROTC and got my school paid for with a scholarship I competed with other ROTC cadets. I wasn't the only one who won scholarships, btw. My degree was in computer science. My purpose was to be a pilot. As a second year college student and ROTC cadet I signed my contract with the AF. At this time I obligated to finish my degree/school in the time I said in the contract. If you don't hold your end of this contract they boot you out of the ROTC program and throw your ass in Boot Camp aka BMT (Basic Military Training) and serve your committed time with the AF. Before going to Field Training (FT) at Tyndall AFB for 5 weeks, I had to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). It is very similar to taking the SAT, that all High Schoolers know and hate, to get accepted to a college. The sections are very similar to that of a SAT but with two added sections. These two parts deal with cadets!
wanting to be a Pilot or Navigator, one section for each. If you don't care to be a pilot or navigator, you don't have to take this portion and just sit there while the rest of the cadets are in the room with you and take it. You get a zero, "0" and it doesn't count against your final score. Each section has a minimum score you have to get to continue with your course and your process on getting commissioned. Keep in mind, I sign my contract before going to FT, but only because I wanted to, the routine is to sign it after your done with FT and pass FT, yes pass FT. Unlike BMT/Boot Camp for enlisted, you have to pass "Officer" FT. If you fail FT you either have to pay back all the money you got from the AF or go Enlisted for whatever time they specify in your contract. I know people who have failed and were forced to pay back and go enlisted. If you want to know more about this part (Field Training) of the process let me know.
So, right down to your questions, you are getting a degree in IT, once you get to a certain point your Cadre will have you fill out a "dream sheet" to list out what careers or AFSC you want to go into. If and only if, those AFSC are available when you get commissioned will you get them. The AF or any other military branch will fill in the billets they need to fill. If you have the aptitude to do another field that they need to fill, they will put you there first. If coincidentally, your "dream sheet" and the AF's priorities and your background all match, then you will get what you ask for, most likely you'll be put in the Communication and Information Field, which is the IT field for the AF.
If you decide to enlist, you'll have to take the ASVAB test and a new AF entrance exam, not sure when they introduced this but they have it and you have to pass it. All of these tests have minimum scores you need to achieve before being considered to enlist in the AF. The main deal with all of these tests is to test your aptitude. Check online for example questions to these.
Even going this route, the AF will give you an option to create a "dream sheet" of possible AFSCs you want to get into. But, just as I mentioned above, certain things need to get align just right for you to get the AFSC on your list. The fact that you are already in your field, your ASVAB and other tests they administer to you will most definitely show that and you'll most likely be put in that field. Again, I said most likely. You increase your odds but it is not guaranteed. There are very select few AFSCs the AF is looking to fill. Like previous posters, the AF is over manned in lots of their career fields specifically in the IT field. Not to say you won't get in, or get in to that specific field but the chances are limited.
One way or another if you do make it through all of that rigor, and either get commissioned or enlisted in the AF, you have to pass a certain amount of time to qualify for VA benefits to pay off your school or school loans, etc.
Here is another thing, at a certain time, either your recruiter (going enlisted) or cadre (going officer) will have you fill out an SF86. This is your Standard Form to get a security clearance. Everyone gets a minimum of Secret or an Interim to Secret. The SF86 form, you could find it online, will request you put the past 10 years of your life. Don't omit anything. The biggest factor is your financial situation. If you have large debts before even getting to any of these previously mentioned steps, you'll be denied a clearance, and could disqualify you entirely from joining AF or any other military branch for that matter.
Once you make it through all of this, it's great. Working out 3 times a week in the morning with your buddies, going TDY all over the world. Having to be World Wide Qualified (WWQ) to deploy. Qualifying either on M9 or M16 or both or other weapons depending on your AFSC. Going through Chem/Bio Warfare training and exercises. Going through SERE training if you get a AFSC that requires you to go through that, staying in hotels and living the luxury lifestyle if you compare it to other military branches (Marines, Army, etc.) The military lifestyle can be frustrating at times. Dealing with Policies that don't make sense, etc. Not only having to follow State and Federal Laws as any civilian living the US, but you have to follow Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) laws and regulations. Being on call 24/7/365. But hey, if you are a true patriot, none of this should deter you from joining and serving your country proudly and volunteering to get deployed, instead of shooting your!
self in the foot intentionally to avoid deployment in the Middle East or other God for saken place.
Once you get out, depending what clearance you get while you were in, it will open career opportunities. Clearances are only given to people when they need it, to get their work accomplished. If you go in, talk to your supervisor and ask what positions required higher clearances and go from there, if that is what you want to do. This is years down the road from where you are now.
You might even get job referrals while your in active duty from the many contractors that work in the military arena. Network and socialize with everyone and those contacts will be extremely useful whenever you get out, if you do get out. Hopefully, you'll fall in love more with your country and the people who stand next to you fighting for our freedom and you'll become a "lifer."
Best of luck. Feel free to ask further questions. I hope I addressed your questions and provided some insight.
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