The first phase introduces the fundamentals of leadership, military management, as well as the culture of the USAF. As you pack your bags and head towards Maxwell AFB, we want to encourage you to bring any religious items that may encourage your spiritual resiliency (i.g., faith books/devotionals, religious apparel, Eucharistic Mass kits, rosary, and/or prayer mats). Military bearing includes the ability to write and verbally brief, lead the flight, and perform duties within the Cadet Wing. 14 Followers. Air Force Officer Training School fact sheet banner. Later in the program they will attend field training exercises, projects, small arms training, and building team skills by overcoming challenges in a simulated deployment environment. They often enter at an advanced rank, such as first lieutenant (O-2) and sometimes as captain (O-3) in compensation for their higher levels of education, and in some cases, experience. Previously a 13-week program later reduced to 10 weeks, the renamed TFOT track transitioned to a 9-week program in 2014 and the legacy system of Officer Trainees (OT) being designated as lower classmen in the early part of the program and upper classmen in the latter part, similar to their USAFA and AFROTC counterparts, was eliminated. On 1 July 1993, Air Training Command (ATC) merged with Air University (AU) to form the new Air Education and Training Command (AETC), with Air University becoming a direct reporting unit (DRU) under AETC. Shortly after I graduated, the Air Force made a smart move to integrate active duty, ANG and Reserve officer training. Consequently, the Air Force expects officer recruits to abide by the moto and standard of personal conduct during their less than 10 weeks at Maxwell AFB. To be accepted into the program, candidates must pass the Air Force Qualifying Test, a physical and mental screening exam, and a selection board. [3], During peacetime, OTS is usually the smallest commissioning source in the USAF, producing fewer officers per year than AFROTC and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Here is a quick breakdown of expected training during phase one: Phase two continues to develop your understanding of the fundamentals of leadership and military management. Its school motto Always with Honor reflects the high standards expected of Air Force officers. As a result, Air Force OTS provides aspiring officers with the tools and resources needed to become fair and effective leaders. OTS applicants will be given an opportunity to apply for Air Force career fields that correspond with the applicants' expertise and/or desires and will be interviewed by active duty Air Force officers as well as receive a military medical examination for flying or non-flying duty as appropriate. Officer Training School ated Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL 9.5 weeks MILITARY TRAINING LOCATION Maxwell AFB AL INTERESTS & SKILLS Intelligence VIEW ALL CAREERS TAKE A BREAK Flights and 30-days vacation with pay each year. 1. Related Article Air Force Bonus List: 6 Bonuses Available. Lectures, guided discussions, classroom exercises, field leadership exercises and after-hours training activities combine to provide graduates with an in-depth understanding of their roles as future commissioned officers in the Air Force. The Air Force expects high performance in college with a 3.2 GPA or higher for a better likelihood of getting accepted. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. The basics COT is a 5-week program held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. First, youll need to complete the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, or AFOQT. The selective process is purposely designed that way to make sure you have what it takes to become an officer. Welcome to Officer Training School! Whether you have specific questions about how to join the Air Force, are seeking more information or are ready to apply, were here to help. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104479/officer-training-school/, https://www.airforce.com/how-to-join/process/officer, https://www.airforce.com/education/military-training/ots, Your email address will not be published. Insight? Enlisted personnel represents entry-level positions in the USAF, while officers have college degrees and other credentials for the leadership positions. [8] Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by their recruiter pending release of the board results. She was also deployed to Southwest Asia as an Air Force contractor. However, if the officer in training got eliminated from the program for failing to meet military standards, he or she is considered for military discharge. The Air Force ROTC program rewards you with tuition assistance but is only applicable for students currently in college or thinking about attending. Kristen Baker-Geczy is a communications specialist, active duty military spouse, and former MWR marketing coordinator. Air Force officer training may be the most technically-oriented of any service. Commissioned Officers of the Air Force prepare to enter service as a Second Lieutenant (O-1). Upon arrival at OTS, all personnel will be advanced to pay grade E-5 (unless prior enlisted already holding a higher pay grade), but will hold the rank of Officer Trainee versus USAF Staff Sergeant. All religious materials must be secured with your personal belongings and placed out-of-site in order to preserve the religious freedom and respect of others. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. They will also attend multiple classes in an academic environment. I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. You'll also begin to learn the fundamentals of leadership and military management and the importance of operating as a team. The focus is on physical training, drill and ceremonies, and academics. HUNTSVILLE, Al. Additionally, candidates will be required to pass leadership evaluations in order to advance to the next phase. The AFOQT minimum of 10 or higher on the Quantitative score and 15 or higher on the Verbal score is mandatory for all applicants. Air Force Officers are leaders that receiving extensive training at OTS to prepare for the difficult assignment. Culminating in graduation from OTS, phase four focuses on mentorship and the transition into becoming an Air Force officer. Enlisted personnel interested in attending OTS must have the approval of their unit commander. The remaining OTS students complete several other graduation requirements over the final three weeks of the course before receiving their commissions. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. This was further reduced to the current 8-week program in 2017 by removing the Total Force Indoctrination Training (TFIT) from the first week of the course in which Military Training Instructors (MTIs) would teach the customs and standards of the Air Force as well as the basics of marching and drill and ceremonies. - RallyPoint", "My Journey Through Air Force Officer Training School", "DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 1: "BASIC PAY", http://o2tb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50:nav-cadet-program&catid=35:n-history&Itemid=18, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Air_Force_Officer_Training_School&oldid=1117840735, This page was last edited on 23 October 2022, at 21:29. Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. When you graduate from OTS you will leave Maxwell Air Force Base equipped with the right tools and the knowledge necessary to be an effective and professional leader in our Air Force. Interested applicants for OTS typically contact Air Force recruiters specializing in officer (versus enlisted) accessions. The Air Force initiated OTS at Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, Texas, in 1959. 1. To ensure OTS graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective Air Force officers, OTS faculty members provide instruction and guidance in critical officership areas such as leadership studies, professional knowledge, communication skills, military studies and field leadership application. The purpose of the officer training course is to train and commission new officers to fulfill Air Force active duty, Reserve and Guard requirements, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. This is accomplished via 4 paths: Attend Officer training school after earning a college or postgraduate degree. You can only take the Air Force Qualifying Test twice so make sure you study and prepare for the exam. Air Force Officers the leaders of the military branch need the knowledge and skill development to serve as managers of other military personnel. Our primary mission at OTS is to educate and train officers of character, who are committed to the Air Force Core Values - equipped to lead and ready to win. Every training program in the Armed Forces is difficult, but officer schools are usually even more intense because the military branch wants to train only the best and brightest. The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated Attending the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is your first step toward becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. It's an abbreviated version of Air Force officer training for professionals who are entering the Air Force: doctors, nurses, lawyers, and chaplains. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. The final phase concentrates on mentoring and the progression to the everyday life of an Air Force Officer. Non-prior service college graduates will enlist in the rank of Airman 1st Class (E-3) while prior service enlisted personnel will be enlisted in their current or highest prior pay grade. The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC, commonly pronounced JAY-rot-see) is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools and also in some middle schools across the United States and at US military bases across the world. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Officer Training School ated The current acceptance rate for Air Force Officer Training School is 65%. : r/AirForceRecruits. If not already on active duty as enlisted personnel in the armed forces, selectees for OTS will subsequently enlist in the Air Force Reserve via the Delayed Enlistment Program and will be assigned an OTS class date. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. Officer Candidate School (OCS) also known as Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force, or the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) in the United States Marine Corps prepares recruits for the challenges of officer life, from managing others to understanding military culture and law. Officer Training School ated The phase three training program includes: The emphasis in the classroom during phase three includes: The fourth and final stage of the Air Force Officer Training School helps officers make the transition from training to the operational USAF. The Air Force base offers standard base amenities including housing, dining, and entertainment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. Motto and honor code Required fields are marked *. While employed as a Correctional Officer, I quickly . As part of another organizational restructuring of AU, AFOATS was later renamed the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accession and Citizen Development, while still retaining oversight of OTS, Air Force ROTC, Air Force Junior ROTC, and the Civil Air Patrol. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. Relationships between the Air Forces top educational institutions continue to grow two years after the Air Force Academy superintendent and Air University president signed an agreement combining resources to benefit the service and the Space Force. Scheduling a MEPS examination is available through an Air Force recruiter. The Air Forces Personnel Center will accept applications from active duty Line of the Air Force officers for the calendar year 2023 Officer Instructor & Recruiting Special Duty (OI&RSD) Nomination Board April 11 to May 14. The first OTS class was comprised of 89 trainees, including 11 women. However, a few months later, family tragedy struck twice, forcing her to leave the academy and delaying her dream of becoming an officer and pilot. Follow. Non-rated positions fall into two categories: non-rated operations, such as missiles, intelligence, space, cyber, or weather, and non-rated support, such as aircraft maintenance, missile maintenance, logistics, civil engineer, security forces, or communications. As you pack your bags and head towards Maxwell AFB, we want to encourage you to bring any religious items that may encourage your spiritual resiliency (i.g., faith books/devotionals, religious apparel, Eucharistic Mass kits, rosary, and/or prayer mats). If the trainee is not being eliminated for failure to meet military standards he or she receives an assignment to another military unit for service. If any portion of their prior service was in a reserve component and not served in an active duty status, then inactive duty reserve retirement points may be used to qualify for O-1E. The 23 TRS also conducts a 13-training day Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) program for hard-to-recruit medical officers in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Insight? Every Air Force journey is different, but no matter where your career takes you, every path begins with training. Given this reality, OTS has often surpassed USAFA officer production during wartime periods such as during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and early 1970s or the Reagan defense buildup of the 1980s. There are remaining training programs that you need to complete in phase four like the Air Expeditionary Force Exercise (AEF) and First Officer Assignment. Active duty, enlisted Airmen applying to attend OTS must have a bachelors degree and be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 19-39 years old. -- A Space Force Junior ROTC unit in 'Rocket City USA' is the first unit of its kind to qualify for a national-level competition - Huntsville High School SFJROTC Unit AL-941 will be vying for the StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition championship April 21-23, 2023, in Houston. Officer recruits that get accepted for Officer Training School yet fail the program generally have one of two options. The first and most popular method is to attend Air Force Officer Training School (OTS). Civilians applying to attend Air Force OTS must have a bachelors degree and be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 19-39 years old. Related Article How To Join The Space Force. Air Force Recruiting Service Space Force Officer Training School Program Announcement (CAO 1 Oct 22). This program will be conducted at one of three sites: the Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, or at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. The test is used to select applicants for Air Force ROTC as well as Officer Training School (OTS). 2. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. If you are currently an active duty Air Force enlisted member, contact your base education office or military personnel section. The purpose of phase one of Air Force OTS is to provide an orientation to the skills you need to serve as a well-respected leader. When you graduate from OTS you will leave Maxwell Air Force Base equipped with the right tools and the knowledge necessary to be an effective and professional leader in our Air Force. Accession numbers have varied over the years from 323 the first year to a high of 7,894 officers in 1967. Air Command and Staff College is the Air Force's intermediate officer PME school preparing field grade officers of all U.S. services (primarily majors), international . In 2018, AFROTC commissioned more than 1,800 second lieutenants into the U.S. Air Force. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. Relationships between the Air Forces top educational institutions continue to grow two years after the Air Force Academy superintendent and Air University president signed an agreement combining resources to benefit the service and the Space Force. Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force and United States Space Force commissioning program located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.[1]. Youll get the tools to build on your strengths, earn a degree, lead others and take your career to the highest level. The OTS instructors are here to guide you through the program, but your successful completion of the course depends ultimately on your complete commitment to your training. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Our instructors are highly motivated, exceptionally talented and extremely dedicated to their obligation to ensure that every student who passes through this program develops the skills necessary to be an outstanding Air Force officer. An Oath of Office and official graduation ceremony makes it official you are now a commissioned officer of the United States Air Force. Secondly, you must pass the medical and mental screening at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). I know nothing about it right now, as it was just mentioned. The goal is basically to make sure you can: wear a uniform speak and understand a little bit of Air Force lingo Whether you have specific questions about how to join the Air Force, are seeking more information or are ready to apply, were here to help. Officer Candidate School (OCS), known as Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force, is an officer program for recruits who have a four-year degree and did not do an ROTC program. The Air Force requires trainees to pass individual leadership evaluations at the end of phase three to continue to the final stage. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. Those that receive approval may enter the Delayed Entry Program until its time to depart for Air Force Officer Training School. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. We are a community sharing information about the process of becoming an Officer in the United States Air Force. In addition, AvCads had to successfully complete either undergraduate pilot training or undergraduate navigator training before they could be commissioned as Second Lieutenants. However, its shorter than other military branch officer schools as well as a much quicker route compared to attending the USAFA or AFROTC for four years. Rated positions are flying related -- Pilot, Combat Systems Officer (previously known as Navigator), Remotely-Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot, or Air Battle Manager. The United States Air Force expects a lot from its commissioned officers which really isnt much different from other uniformed branches.