Officer Training School ated Attendance of OTS is limited to civilians and enlisted service members who have a four-year college degree. Commissioned Officers of the Air Force prepare to enter service as a Second Lieutenant (O-1). 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). Related Article Army OCS Guide: Preparing For Army Officer Training. 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. Additionally, OTS maintains an air expeditionary force garrison training site, a 200-acre field training facility, confidence course and two expeditionary assault courses. 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. Start with a fitness program such as the one found in our guide for preparing for military training. from 1907 until 1965. MOTS-003: 2-week program, Officer Training School-Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) 1.4.4. The final phase of Officer Training School prepares you to make the transition from training environments to the operational Air Force. [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. The Air Force OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. Insight? I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. It recommends exercising three to five times per week. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned officers. Attachments may not display initially, but will when file is downloaded. Related Article: Your Complete Guide To MEPS. The AFOQT covers numerous test batteries assessing math, verbal, and analytical skills, as well as measuring pilot and navigator/combat systems officer potential for those applicants aspiring to be aeronautically rated officers. 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). 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. Air Force officer training may be the most technically-oriented of any service. 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. 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. The Air Force ROTC program rewards you with tuition assistance but is only applicable for students currently in college or thinking about attending. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. 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]. 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. Follow. Though the acceptance rate is not extremely low it does reject plenty of candidates. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! But it's a much faster entry point to commissioning if you can qualify. Accession numbers fluctuate in response to variations between projected and actual U.S. Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC officer accessions and Air Force end-strength requirements. Regardless, youll receive the classification of Second Lieutenant (O-1) after completing Air Force OTS. As a result, Air Force OTS provides aspiring officers with the tools and resources needed to become fair and effective leaders. At least a bachelors degree from a recognized college. History The AFOQT is a required test for all cadets on scholarship or in the POC. The code is a standard of personal conduct for each student. This is the story of one such U.S. Air Force Pilot as he describes what it's like to fly it and what makes this jet an air dominance fighter. For more information After five weeks, the already-commissioned OTS-A students that have successfully completed the course graduate and move on to either follow-on technical training or their initial assignments. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey First, work to get into the best shape possible before going into Basic Military Training (BMT) or Officer Training School (OTS). Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer It's a rigorous program that lasts 9 1/2 weeks and gets divided into four phases of training. To apply, contact your nearest Air Force recruiter. 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]. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. 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. MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Early in the morning at Maxwell Air Force Base, reveille breaks the silence, kicking off a day full of challenges and new experiences for an Officer Training School trainee. Related Article Air Force Bonus List: 6 Bonuses Available. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. OTS graduates enter the Air Force in all components: active duty, Reserve, and Guard. Whether you plan to attend college or develop on-the-job skills, the Air Force offers opportunities for growth at almost any educational level. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. The majority of this MILCON project was completed in 2001 and all projects relating to the Maxwell AFB OTS campus were completed by 2004. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. For example, Air Force pilots need to further their education and training before serving in full duty. OTS, which was formerly under ATC, and Air Force ROTC, which was formerly under AU, were then realigned under both AETC and AU. 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. Air Force Officer Training School fact sheet banner. Enlisted personnel interested in attending OTS must have the approval of their unit commander. 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. 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. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. 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]. And on your final day, you'll celebrate all of your hard work with your family, friends and fellow graduates during the graduation ceremony. 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. The United States Air Force separates enlisted personnel and officers into two different categories. Becoming an Air Force Officer improves your pay and benefits, but does require you to manage enlisted personnel and make a lot of tough decisions. Culminating in graduation from OTS, phase four focuses on mentorship and the transition into becoming an Air Force officer. 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. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. Under this restructuring, OTS and AFROTC were placed under the leadership of individual USAF colonels (AFJROTC and CAP were also placed under individual USAF colonels), while general officer oversight for both OTS and AFROTC, representing three-quarters of Air Force officer production, was placed under one command, the AFOATS commander, a brigadier general.[14]. Once enrolled in POC, individuals will attend class 3-hours a week and participate in a 1-2 hour weekly Leadership Laboratory. (Current as of June 2019), An official website of the United States government, Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 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. What is the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)? 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. Technical fields may include any ABET-accredited engineering degree or other fields in high demand by the Air Force. 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. All Rights Reserved. The officer training program takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. The Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) has four training phases: Phase one focuses on teamwork, discipline, and standardization. OTS and OTS-A are conducted as parallel training programs. For starters, you of course have to be an officer in the US Air Force. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Speaking with a local Air Force recruiter can help answer more questions about specific requirements for Officer Training School. 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. 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. 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. The Air Force expects high performance in college with a 3.2 GPA or higher for a better likelihood of getting accepted. 4. First, work to get into the best shape possible before going into. Air Force OTS takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base. 3. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. With the establishment of OTS, Air Force OCS closed its doors and conducted its last graduation in June 1963. The Air Force reviews every officer application through the Officer Training School Selection or Air Force Recruiting Services. Biography. As of 2019, ~55% of Air Force Officers commission through OTS. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. : r/AirForceRecruits. 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 . As they sat down in classes this week and began a new year-long training program, the CSO (pronounced "Sizzo") students became part of a fundamental transformation . Air Force Recruiting Service Active Duty Officer Training School Air Force Program Announcement (CAO 8 Feb 2023). OCS closed its doors with its last graduation in June 1963. 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. Therefore, it is not easy to gain acceptance for Air Force OTS but is well worth the effort. Form may not display but it can be downloaded and . 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. From education to continued training, your Air Force path is here. Youll get the tools to build on your strengths, earn a degree, lead others and take your career to the highest level. 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. 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. While employed as a Correctional Officer, I quickly . The Air Force base offers standard base amenities including housing, dining, and entertainment. 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. As of 2019, the class is an 8-week program and students are once again referred to as Officer Trainees. 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. 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. Upon completion of Air Force OTS, graduates are commissioned at pay grade O-1 (Second Lieutenant). OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL For those entering the Air Force with a college degree. OTS is a relatively small school. 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. 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 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. The 23rd Training Squadron (23 TRS) provides a 23-training day Commissioned Officer Training course to instill leadership and officership skills in newly commissioned medical officers, judge advocates, and chaplains. For those entering the Air Force with a high school diploma or GED. The first OTS class was comprised of 89 trainees, including 11 women. Technical training usually runs between four and 52 weeks and varies depending on which career field you pursue in the 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. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). For those entering the Air Force with a college degree. I know it's a long shot, but anybody able to offer some insight on this training? 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. 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. 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. 14 Followers. MISSION Related Article How Hard Is Army Basic Training? 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. . Until 22 September 1993, Officer Training School was primarily located on the Medina Annex of Lackland AFB, Texas, with the last OTS class, Class 93-06, graduating from that location on that date. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. OTS expects each graduate to adopt the code as the ethical standard maintained throughout their Air Force careers. I know nothing about it right now, as it was just mentioned. Welcome to Officer Training School! Commandant, OTS Attend the US Air Force Academy Join Air Force ROTC In College Enlist and work towards becoming an Air Force Officer However, before you get to training you need to meet the basic requirements and go through the same process as other recruits. 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. In accordance with Chapter 3 of AFI 84-105, commercial reproduction of this emblem is NOT permitted without the permission of the proponent organizational/unit commander. It might be an additional school opportunity offered to me, through my guard unit. 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. 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. Minimum GPA for rated and non-rated applicants is 2.50. Recruits live at Maxwell AFB during training with a complex that includes academic buildings, auditoriums, dormitories, dining, physical fitness center, and athletic fields. In 2015, I used the skills, knowledge, and work ethic I had acquired in the Air Force and became a State Certified Correctional Officer. 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. Those that attend the Air Force Academy receive a world-class education that is completely paid for by the government. 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. In 2021, only 273 candidates were selected. 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. The Air Force Officer Training School is small as it commissions fewer officers every year compared to the Air Force Academy and AFROTC. Every enlisted Airman begins their Air Force career with 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT). 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). Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. 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. Biography. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. Here are some of the activities and requirements youll complete during phase four. I had the incredible honor and privilege to attend Inter-American Squadron Officer School (ISOS) in the fall of 2020. 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. Insight? 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. 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]. You'll be provided with the shared common experience in military. The purpose of the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is to establish high standards of conduct for prospective officers. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. 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. Although you will learn drill and spend your share . 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. 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.