Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! You can only take the Air Force Qualifying Test twice so make sure you study and prepare for the exam. Concurrently, the Air Force also commenced a phaseout of its long-standing Aviation Cadet (AvCad) Program at Lackland AFB. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. 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. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. For starters, you of course have to be an officer in the US Air Force. The Air Force initiated OTS at Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, Texas, in 1959. 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. However, before you get to training you need to meet the basic requirements and go through the same process as other recruits. Many graduates of the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) progress to additional training based on their specialty. It is also used to qualify for Pilot, Combat Systems Officer and Air Battle Manager training and is a component of the Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score. [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). Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. 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 . While employed as a Correctional Officer, I quickly . Non-technical degrees are more common, and therefore applying with a degree in such a field is very competitive. 2. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, --Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, --USAF Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course, --Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute, Officer Accessions and Citizen Development, Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions & Citizen Development, --Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, --Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp, Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development, --Defense Financial Management & Comptroller School, --Force Support Professional Development School, USAF Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies, USAF Center for Strategic Leadership Communication, - ther Journal of Strategic Airpower & Spacepower, Revista Profesional de la Fuerza Area de EUA, Continente Americano, Revista Profissional da Fora Area dos EUA, Continente Americano, Journal of Military Conflict Transformation (JMCT), Air University Educational Support Services, Air University Learner Portal (CaC Required), Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC), Chief of Staff of the Air Force Leadership Library, Welcome to Air Force Officer Training School, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. First, work to get into the best shape possible before going into. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. Welcome to Officer Training School! This article is converted from Wikipedia: Air Force Officer Training School. The Air Force reviews every officer application through the Officer Training School Selection or Air Force Recruiting Services. To be accepted into the program, candidates must pass the Air Force Qualifying Test, a physical and mental screening exam, and a selection board. OTS is a group-level command with three squadrons and one Air National Guard detachment that trained 3,076 officers in fiscal year 2018. 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. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. Officer Training School (OTS) is a small, highly specialized school that prepares college students for leadership roles in the Air Force Active Duty. 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. To educate and train officers of character who are committed to the Air Force core values equipped to lead and ready to win. Maxwell AFB is located in Montgomery, Alabama. And on your final day, you'll celebrate all of your hard work with your family, friends and fellow graduates during the graduation ceremony. 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). 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 Air Force stands by the motto Always with honor for its officer training program. The first phase introduces the fundamentals of leadership, military management, as well as the culture of the USAF. 1. The purpose of the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is to establish high standards of conduct for prospective officers. Applicants can apply for aeronautically rated or non-rated Line Officer of the Air Force (LAF) positions. 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. For more information Learn more about Air Force Officer Training School, including requirements, responsibilities, how to get in, 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. The program also features an Air Expeditionary Force exercise, a capstone field leadership assessment event, during which students demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply the communication and leadership skills learned throughout the course. Officer Training School ated OTS expects each graduate to adopt the code as the ethical standard maintained throughout their Air Force careers. AFOQT scores, college GPA, previous enlisted performance evaluations if a current or former enlisted member, and, if applicable, previous pilot skills as either an FAA-certified civilian pilot and/or as a U.S. Army warrant officer / Army Aviator will all figure into the selection process, although the selection process strives to employ a composite or "whole person" approach. 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. 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. Enlisted personnel represents entry-level positions in the USAF, while officers have college degrees and other credentials for the leadership positions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. 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 final phase of Officer Training School prepares you to make the transition from training environments to the operational Air Force. Insight? During the spring and summer of 1993, OTS gradually relocated to Maxwell AFB, Alabama, the home of Air University, commencing operations in interim facilities on 25 September 1993. PENSACOLA NAVAL AIR STATION, Fla. -- Air Force aviator training took a huge step into the 21st century Wednesday, when the inaugural class of Combat Systems Officer students began training here with the 479th Flying Training Group. OTS is for four-year university and college graduates without prior military service (commonly known as non-prior service), as well as Active Component enlisted, Air Force Reserve enlisted, Air National Guard enlisted and former enlisted personnel from any of the six U.S. armed services with college degrees at the baccalaureate level or higher who wish to become Air Force officers. The first OTS class was comprised of 89 trainees, including 11 women. 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]. 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. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned officers. Whether you plan to attend college or develop on-the-job skills, the Air Force offers opportunities for growth at almost any educational level. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. 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. Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. Your email address will not be published. The focus is on physical training, drill and ceremonies, and academics. All Rights Reserved. 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. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. 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. OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL 8.5 weeks MILITARY TRAINING LOCATION Maxwell AFB AL U.S. Air Force: Maj Paul Lopez II, F-22 Pilot Very few people get to sit behind the stick of an F-22 Raptor. Direct Commission Officers: Chaplains, Judge Advocates (JAG) and medical professionals from all across the Air Force (Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Health Professional Scholarship 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. In addition to OTS, the Holm Center also has oversight responsibilities for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) pre-commissioning program on U.S. colleges and universities, the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) citizen development program in U.S. high schools, and the entire Civil Air Patrol, both its senior member program as the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (focused on search and rescue and other emergency services and disaster support), and its aerospace education and citizen development cadet program (similar to the AFJROTC cadet program) via its HQ CAP-USAF activity. 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. APPLY NOW CHAT LIVE CAREER BROWSER Find the careers that suit you. The code is a standard of personal conduct for each student. 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. 4. 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. You can apply to go to Officer Training School, attend the Air Force Academy, go through Air Force ROTC in college, or enlist and work your way towards becoming an Officer. Make sure you are aware of the deadlines to avoid any interruptions in reaching Officer Training School (OTS). Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps comprises 145 detachments with more than 1,100 associated cross-town universities, four regional headquarters and a higher headquarters staff located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The Air Force OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. History I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. 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. Per Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2013, personnel attending Officer Training School's 8-week program must have a baccalaureate level degree or higher[11] in either technical or non-technical fields. What is the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)? Every enlisted Airman begins their Air Force career with 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT). Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. The Air Force base offers standard base amenities including housing, dining, and entertainment. 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. . Before you consider applying for Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) make sure you meet the minimum requirements: The USAF does have slightly different requirements for specialty military careers like healthcare, ministry, and legal. While its a great option the Air Force Academy is very difficult to gain admittance and requires a congressional endorsement. 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. In the late 1990s, a $52 million military construction (MILCON) project commenced to build a new, dedicated OTS campus at Maxwell AFB to replace the interim facilities initially occupied in late 1993. Biography. Officer Training School (OTS) (formerly known as Basic Officer Training (BOT) and later, Total Force Officer Training (TFOT)) is the more traditional 8-week pre-commissioning program. The nine-and-a-half week course is extremely demanding physically and mentally. In February 1997, in an effort to reduce duplication of effort and streamline administrative and reporting procedures within AU, AFROTC and OTS realigned under a newly created umbrella organization, Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools (AFOATS). 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. Third, you may attend AFROTC while you are in college. USAF_-_Officer_Training_School.png Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force and Unit Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel interested in becoming rated officers have until May 25, 2021 to apply for the Fall 2021 Rated Preparatory Program that is scheduled to be heldSept. 11-25, 2021. 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. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. The current acceptance rate for Air Force Officer Training School is 65%. Each training program is designed to help you find your mental and physical strengths and to develop the skills and values necessary to succeed in the Air Force and achieve your goals. Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. 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. 3. After selection, and before entering POC, individuals must successfully complete a 24-day summer field-training exercise at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. 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. . Personnel and resources 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). OTS, which was formerly under ATC, and Air Force ROTC, which was formerly under AU, were then realigned under both AETC and AU. The goal is basically to make sure you can: wear a uniform speak and understand a little bit of Air Force lingo Shortly after I graduated, the Air Force made a smart move to integrate active duty, ANG and Reserve officer training. 2. Officer training If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. Required fields are marked *. Officer Training School is located at Maxwell, and provides basic officer training, a nine-week program designed to commission about 500-700 new second lieutenants annually. 1.4.3. 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. Basic Military Training (BMT) runs for approximately 7.5 weeks and is held at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Enlisted personnel interested in attending OTS must have the approval of their unit commander. Every Air Force journey is different, but no matter where your career takes you, every path begins with training. The program consists of a week of prerequisite distance learning before participating in military training and leadership development for college graduates. 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. The basics COT is a 5-week program held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. This rigorous 8.5 week program will build your character and give you the skills you need to become an officer who is prepared to lead fellow Airmen. Its school motto Always with Honor reflects the high standards expected of Air Force officers. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. The United States Air Force expects a lot from its commissioned officers which really isnt much different from other uniformed branches. Air Force Recruiting Service Active Duty Officer Training School Air Force Program Announcement (CAO 8 Feb 2023). The program consists of 30 hours of prerequisite distance learning and eight weeks of military training and leadership development for college graduates. 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. [8] Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by their recruiter pending release of the board results. Related Article How To Join The Space Force. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). For more information on Air Force OTS, visit www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center/OTS/. Speaking with a local Air Force recruiter can help answer more questions about specific requirements for Officer Training School. Officer Training School ated You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. At the beginning of a new class, OTS and OTS-A students live and train together in integrated flights. The last AvCad pilot was commissioned in October 1961 at the former Reese AFB, Texas, and the last AvCad navigator was commissioned in March 1965, at the former James Connally AFB, Texas. 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. Learn more about Air Force Officer Training School. 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.