Beckwith grew up in Bald Eagle, PA and upon high school graduation in 1969, entered Penn State University with a full scholarship from the U.S.A.F. to study Aerospace Engineering. Only 40 was awarded that year in the United States. Graduated in 1972 with a B.S. Was a fraternity member of both Sigma Tau Gamma and Alpha Psi Omega.

Being an active spelunker. he did his undergraduate thesisunderground in the Milroy Cave system in Central Pennsylvania using knowledge of fluid dynamics to explain the formation of flutes etched on the limestone corridors by analysis of the water flow.

Alan entered the U.S.M.C. officer candidate school in Quantico, Virginia and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. December 1972. He was sent to Naval Flight Training at N.A.S. Pensacola, Florida in 1973 While there, was except into the University of Forida's master program in Astronautics.

Beckwith has a honorable dicharge from both the U.S.A.F. and the U.S.M.C.