Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force commissioning program located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Attending the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is your first step toward becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. For a short period during the build up of the Air Force to meet the demands of the Vietnam War, as many as three OTS Squadrons were based directly at Lackland AFB. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer The number of OTS graduates has varied over the years, from 323 the first year to a high of 7,894 officers in 1967.[14]. Become an Air Force Officer | Military.com The Air Force base offers standard base amenities including housing, dining, and entertainment. Required fields are marked *. Related Article How To Get Into The Air Force Academy. Basic Expeditionary Leadership Problem Solving (BELPS), Air Force Combatives Program (IE hand-to-hand combat), Preparation for the Arrival of the Lower Class, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships. 'Rocket City' JROTC now 1st Space Force unit ever going to national 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. Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. It's an abbreviated version of Air Force officer training for professionals who are entering the Air Force: doctors, nurses, lawyers, and chaplains. To apply, contact your nearest Air Force recruiter. The first phase introduces the fundamentals of leadership, military management, as well as the culture of the USAF. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) Guide. Non-technical degrees are more common, and therefore applying with a degree in such a field is very competitive. [15][16] OTS then became the sole organization for training future Air Force officers at Lackland AFB. 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. 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. To be accepted into the program, candidates must pass the Air Force Qualifying Test, a physical and mental screening exam, and a selection board. The 908th Airlift Wing's Development and Training Flight has partnered with U.S. Air Force Officer Training School Military Training Instructors to prepare Airman for Basic Military Training. With the exception of those officers previously commissioned as line officers through USAFA, AFROTC, the 8-week program of OTS, or the Air Force Nurse program of AFROTC, most chaplains, judge advocates general (i.e., lawyers), and medical personnel go through OTS-A. 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. 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. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). Orientation Course #MOTS-003. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. The program is not an official recruiting tool for the military services and those students who participate in Air Force JROTC do not incur any obligation to the Air Force. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps: 334-953-9420 Officer Training School: 334-953-5222 Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development: 334-953-2864 Air Force Judge Advocate General's School: 334-953-2802 AFSNCO Academy: 334-416-2900 First Sergeant's Academy: 334-416-2900 Noncommissioned Officer Academy: 334-416-2900 To be accepted into the program, candidates must pass the Air Force Qualifying Test, a physical and mental screening exam, and a selection board all of which are designed to evaluate a candidates leadership potential, moral standards, and academic strength. As of 2019, ~55% of Air Force Officers commission through OTS. 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). Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. Air Force officer training may be the most technically-oriented of any service. And on your final day, you'll celebrate all of your hard work with your family, friends and fellow graduates during the graduation ceremony. Maxwell AFB is located in Montgomery, Alabama. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. The program consists of 30 hours of prerequisite distance learning and eight weeks of military training and leadership development for college graduates. Training - U.S. Air Force Direct Commission Officers: Chaplains, Judge Advocates (JAG) and medical professionals from all across the Air Force (Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Health Professional Scholarship There are three types of people who attend OCS: Officer recruits that get accepted for Officer Training School yet fail the program generally have one of two options. Upon graduation, OTS graduates may receive either Regular or Reserve commissions as second lieutenants in the Regular United States Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, or the Air National Guard, as appropriate to their original source of entry and contract. I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. Air Force judge advocates, chaplains, some health professionals (doctors and dentists and hospital administrators) and medical scholarship recipients will attend the first five weeks of the training and depart after completing all graduation requirements. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. Insight? Applicants will then be screened by a centralized, periodic, OTS Selection Board conducted by the Air Force Recruiting Service, a component of the Air Education and Training Command. Shortly after I graduated, the Air Force made a smart move to integrate active duty, ANG and Reserve officer training. After graduating from Air Force OTS, many officers attend additional training to focus on specialties like piloting, navigation, space and missile operations, or other specialties. Officer Training School is a nine-week, four-phase program designed for prior-service Airmen and civilians with a college degree who are ready to take the next step as a leader in their lives and careers. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned officers. Overview - Air Force If you are currently an active duty Air Force enlisted member, contact your base education office or military personnel section. Although you will learn drill and spend your share . In 2021, only 273 candidates were selected. Secondly, you must pass the medical and mental screening at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). However, you can only attend Air Force OTS after graduating from college with a four-year degree. 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. Air Force Officer Training School web banner. Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. If the combination of creditable active duty days and inactive duty points equals 1,460 (equivalent to exactly 4 years and 1 day of cumulative qualifying active and inactive duty), the pay grade O-1E is assigned, which is a significantly higher starting basic pay level than O-1, and remains higher until promoted to O-4.[12]. Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated Air Force Officer Training School tests officer recruits physically and mentally while also developing leadership skills. . Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! The honor code of the school continues with the motto: We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.. Every enlisted Airman begins their Air Force career with 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT). 2. Officer Training School-Abbreviated (OTS-A) (formerly known as Commissioned Officer Training (COT)) is a five-week program primarily focused on terminal-degreed professionals (e.g., medical, lawyers, chaplains, as well as undergraduate degreed nurses) directly accessed into the USAF officer ranks. Officer Training School 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. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. 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. The new second lieutenants will be appointed in either pay grade O-1, or O-1E if they have prior cumulative active service as a warrant officer or as an enlisted servicemember in any branch or component of the U.S. armed forces for at least 4 years and 1 day. OTS-A is responsible for developing medical, legal, and chaplain personnel into professional officers by instilling character, knowledge, and motivation essential to serve in the United States Air Force. Military Training - U.S. Air Force The nine-and-a-half week course is extremely demanding physically and mentally. Related Article Army OCS Guide: Preparing For Army Officer Training. If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. Airmen joining with a college degree in hand can begin as an officer, and those who qualify will start out in Officer Training School (OTS). The school subsequently moved to Maxwell AFB in September 1993 as part of the Air Force chief of staff's vision to align all officer education and training programs under Air University. You can only take the Air Force Qualifying Test twice so make sure you study and prepare for the exam. Telephone Directory - Maxwell Air Force Base You will discover that this training is critical to hone and develop your leadership skills, as well as provide you with the necessary tools to be the best Air and Space Force officer you can be. 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. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. 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. The Air Force stands by the motto Always with honor for its officer training program. Officer Training School - Air University Most of these new officers attend follow-on training after OTS. The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. Ultimate OTS/TFOT Guide (Part 1) | BogiDope The Air Force introduces basic combat skills and cross-cultural competence during phase two. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey US Air Force Academy Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs, Colo., the Air Force Academy annually accepts about 1,200 young men and women into its four-year. 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. Training specialties include pilot, navigator, air battle manager, space and missile operations and other career fields. [17], Historically, the USAF Academy had been (and continues to be) headed by a lieutenant general and Air Force ROTC had been headed by a major general or brigadier general, while OTS had been headed by a colonel. The 908th Airlift Wing's Development and Training Flight has partnered with U.S. Air Force Officer Training School Military Training Instructors to prepare Airman for Basic Military Training. There are remaining training programs that you need to complete in phase four like the Air Expeditionary Force Exercise (AEF) and First Officer Assignment. 3. Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) (formerly known as Reserve Commissioned Officer Training (RCOT)) is a two-week orientation program focused on Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard direct commissioned officers in health-related professions, including physicians and clinical nurses.[7]. Make sure you are aware of the deadlines to avoid any interruptions in reaching Officer Training School (OTS). 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. 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. Airmen joining with a college degree in hand can begin as an officer, and those who qualify will start out in Officer Training School (OTS). Attendance of OTS is limited to civilians and enlisted service members who have a four-year college degree. Prospective officers start to experience the pressures of leadership and command. 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. Its a rigorous program that lasts 9 1/2 weeks and gets divided into four phases of training. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. 135K views 7 years ago Officer Training School In the first phase, you'll focus on teamwork, discipline and standardization. Each committee reviews candidates to find the most appropriate selections for Air Force Officer Training School. The $78 million OTS complex on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, consists of two academic buildings with auditoriums, four dormitories, dining facility, physical conditioning center, parade field, running track and sports fields. Recruits receive final academic instruction through a Senior Officer Perspective and Army, Navy, Marine Corps Panel. [14], OTS was organized at Lackland AFB, Texas, in November 1959, with the first OTS class (60-A) composed of 89 officer trainees, including 11 women, who graduated and were commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants on 9 February 1960. After selection, and before entering POC, individuals must successfully complete a 24-day summer field-training exercise at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. The mission of 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. Prospective Officers receive evaluations on their leadership potential, moral standards, and academic strengths. 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 remaining OTS students complete several other graduation requirements over the final three weeks of the course before receiving their commissions. At least a bachelors degree from a recognized college. Secondly, prospective officers have the option of attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Richard Jenkins - Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps With the establishment of OTS, Air Force OCS closed its doors and conducted its last graduation in June 1963. Attachments may not display initially, but will when file is downloaded. Officer training 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). Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. 3. Enlisted personnel interested in attending OTS must have the approval of their unit commander. 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. 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. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. 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. The OTS motto is "Always with honor," reflected in the schools honor code: "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." Colonel Keolani Bailey, former vice commandant for Officer Training School, took on his new role as its commandant during a change of command ceremony, April 21, 2022, on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Operation Military Kids was founded to be a resource for teens and young adults who are interested in joining the military, but don't know where to begin. 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Air Force OTS prepares recruits by focusing on critical areas such as: The USAF course presents lectures, classroom exercises, guided discussions, field leadership activities, and after-hours training activities to prepare future officers. Recruiters will screen candidates, provide application details and schedule applicants for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. 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. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS): Related Article 10 Best Air Force Jobs For Civilian Life. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. Air Force Officers have a tremendous responsibility leading enlisted personnel and making difficult decisions, which makes the training program difficult and challenging. Form may not display but it can be downloaded and . Air Force Officers are leaders that receiving extensive training at OTS to prepare for the difficult assignment. Visit www.theairforceofficer.com for more info. The United States Air Force expects a lot from its commissioned officers which really isnt much different from other uniformed branches. It is the current de facto officer candidate school (OCS) program for the U.S. Air Force, analogous to the OCS programs operated by the other branches of the U.S. armed forces. USAF academics shift the focus to the following studies: The third phase of Air Force Officer Training School deals with the practical application from the lessons of the previous two phases. How Long is Officer Training School - Air Force: 9.5 weeks. The Air Force OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. github.com The Air Force expects high performance in college with a 3.2 GPA or higher for a better likelihood of getting accepted. The 908th Airlift Wing's Development and Training Flight has partnered with U.S. Air Force Officer Training School Military Training Instructors to prepare Airman for Basic Military Training. Once enrolled in POC, individuals will attend class 3-hours a week and participate in a 1-2 hour weekly Leadership Laboratory. PDF Active Duty Enlisted OTS Application Process - AF Additionally there is a 13-day Reserve Commissioned Officer Training program for extremely difficult to recruit Reserve medical officers as determined by their respective functional managers. Air Force Officer Training School AFOQT - How to Prepare, How to Succeed | Baseops Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Building on the Indoctrination phase, the second phase focuses on learning Air Force history, basic combat skills, and the importance of cross-cultural competence in relation to the Air Force mission. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Air Force OTS takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base. It teaches leadership skills, military culture and physical training over a 10- to 17-week period. After gaining basic flight skills, some officers might get the opportunity to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (also commonly referred to as "drones"). Technical training usually runs between four and 52 weeks and varies depending on which career field you pursue in the Air Force. WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Officer Training School is a nine-week, four-phase program designed for prior-service Airmen and civilians with a college degree who are ready to take the next step as a leader in their lives and careers. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. Given its shorter lead time for officer production (currently 8.5 weeks versus the typically 4-year pre-commissioning process for USAFA and AFROTC cadets), OTS is the commissioning source used to balance out USAF officer manning as deemed necessary by the Air Force. Phase 1: Foundation If you are interested in a career as an Air Force officer and considering applying to OTS, contact your local Air Force recruiter via the Air Force recruiting web site www.airforce.com. Gain the strengths and skills to grow in your field. ASVAB Scores For Air Force Jobs: All 130+ For 2022, How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You, Air Force Bonus List: 6 Bonuses Available, Army OCS Guide: Preparing For Army Officer Training, List Of 9 Army Patches And Their Meanings, Army Sharpshooter Badge: 6 Things To Know, Army Service Ribbon (ASR): 5 Things To Know, Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM): 8 Things To Know. Areas of instruction at OTS include military customs and courtesies, military history, Air Force traditions and culture, leadership, field exercises, drill and ceremonies, small arms training, and combatives. It was an experience that forever changed my perspective on the U.S. Air Force (USAF), and my role as a Hispanic officer and leader. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. 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. Throughout each week, youll be challenged mentally and physically while acquiring the skills and confidence needed to lead the men and women of the U.S. Air Force. Unlike OTS, AvCad was limited to pilot and navigator candidates. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). For example, boards conducted circa 20102012 had selection rates in the 20% range due to budgetary reductions / force reductions being imposed on the Air Force at that time. OTS is a ~9-week introductory military training school located at Maxwell AFB, AL. Officer Candidate School (OCS) Today's Military Commissioned Officers of the Air Force prepare to enter service as a Second Lieutenant (O-1). Its school motto Always with Honor reflects the high standards expected of Air Force officers. For starters, you of course have to be an officer in the US Air Force. It recommends exercising three to five times per week. All Rights Reserved. Air Force Officer Training School fact sheet banner. You will discover that this training is critical to hone and develop your leadership skills, as well as provide you with the necessary tools to be the best Air and Space Force officer you can be. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. As of 2019, the class is an 8-week program and students are once again referred to as Officer Trainees. OTS standards and expectations are very high and our training is intentionally rigorous because the Airmen who you will one day lead deserve no less than the finest officers our Air Force has to offer. Becoming An Officer Today's Military 2. Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated Therefore, it is not easy to gain acceptance for Air Force OTS but is well worth the effort. You'll also begin to learn the fundamentals of leadership and military management and the importance of operating as a team. We are a community sharing information about the process of becoming an Officer in the United States Air Force. OCS moved to Lackland AFB in the spring of 1944 and gained the additional mission of training officers directly from civilian status in September 1951. Challenged both mentally and physically, youll get the skills and training you need to develop into Airmen, Wingmen and Warriors. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. When the Aviation Cadet (AvCad) Program proved insufficient to meet wartime commissioned officer requirements, the United States Army Air Forces established the Officer Candidate School (OCS) on 23 February 1942 at Miami Beach, Florida,[13] its mission being to train and commission members from the enlisted ranks. 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. OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL overview Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 PHASE 1: FOUNDATION In the first phase of training, you'll focus on teamwork, discipline and order.