Related Article How To Join The Space Force. 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. OTS . Related Article How Hard Is Army Basic Training? Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer It might be an additional school opportunity offered to me, through my guard unit. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. Air Force Officer Training School fact sheet banner. HUNTSVILLE, Al. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. 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. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. The code is a standard of personal conduct for each student. 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 . UPON COMPLETION OF OTS, GRADUATES RECEIVE THE OATH OF OFFICE AND ARE COMMISSIONED AS 2ND LIEUTENANTS IN THE AIR FORCE. Prospective officers start to experience the pressures of leadership and command. 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. [17] AFROTC, which had previously conducted its summer Field Training (FT) program for their cadets between their sophomore and junior academic years at various air force bases around the United States, also consolidated its summer FT program at the OTS facilities at Maxwell AFB circa 2008. 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. Unlike OTS, AvCad was limited to pilot and navigator candidates. 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. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. 4. 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. Secondly, you must pass the medical and mental screening at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Required fields are marked *. In 2015, I used the skills, knowledge, and work ethic I had acquired in the Air Force and became a State Certified Correctional Officer. Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. 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. 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. Additionally, candidates will be required to pass leadership evaluations in order to advance to the next phase. [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. For those entering the Air Force with a high school diploma or GED. I know it's a long shot, but anybody able to offer some insight on this training? The Air Force ROTC program rewards you with tuition assistance but is only applicable for students currently in college or thinking about attending. Training specialties include pilot, navigator, air battle manager, space and missile operations and other career fields. This is where you officially become an Airman. Officers can be commissioned up to the rank of colonel (O-6) if they possess the level of experience necessary. The current acceptance rate for Air Force Officer Training School is 65%. 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. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey The Air Force stands by the motto Always with honor for its officer training program. 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. 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. The Air Force requires trainees to pass individual leadership evaluations at the end of phase three to continue to the final stage. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. However, before you get to training you need to meet the basic requirements and go through the same process as other recruits. Every enlisted Airman begins their Air Force career with 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT). Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. Biography. Insight? 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. Challenged both mentally and physically, youll get the skills and training you need to develop into Airmen, Wingmen and Warriors. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. 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. While you should celebrate your accomplish and enjoy Air Force OTS graduation, your work is often far from done. For starters, you of course have to be an officer in the US Air Force. 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. 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. USAF_-_Officer_Training_School.png Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force and Unit 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 OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. 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. 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. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. OTS is a ~9-week introductory military training school located at Maxwell AFB, AL. 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. 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 . [4], The number of officers commissioned through OTS fluctuates considerably as their numbers are largely influenced by the number of graduating cadets through the USAF Academy and AFROTC, as well as being the first place the Air Force cuts when they have a surplus of cadets through the other two sources. Technical fields may include any ABET-accredited engineering degree or other fields in high demand by the Air Force. Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. Personnel and resources. 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. Phase 1: Foundation Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated 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. You'll be provided with the shared common experience in military. Once enrolled in POC, individuals will attend class 3-hours a week and participate in a 1-2 hour weekly Leadership Laboratory. 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. 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. If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. - 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. The United States Air Force expects a lot from its commissioned officers which really isnt much different from other uniformed branches. Everything you need to know about Air Force Officer Training School (OTS), including why it's so hard to get in!Email your questions and comments to airforce. There are three types of people who attend OCS: You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. Third, you may attend AFROTC while you are in college. Although you will learn drill and spend your share . 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). 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. 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. Interested applicants for OTS typically contact Air Force recruiters specializing in officer (versus enlisted) accessions. 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. What is the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)? 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. Air Force OTS takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base. Finally, you need to start preparing for Air Force OTS while you follow all the steps in the application process and await approval by a board. It recommends exercising three to five times per week. 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. The nine-and-a-half week course is extremely demanding physically and mentally. 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. For more information on Air Force OTS, visit www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center/OTS/. Attending the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is your first step toward becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. The test is used to select applicants for Air Force ROTC as well as Officer Training School (OTS). 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. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey Air Force Officers have a tremendous responsibility leading enlisted personnel and making difficult decisions, which makes the training program difficult and challenging. Your email address will not be published. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Instructor Lee's Summit R-7 School District Aug 2021 . [4] Conversely, OTS can be hard to get into during years of contraction within the national defense establishment in general and the Air Force in particular, such as the mid and late 1970s following the end of the Vietnam War and associated USAF force structure reductions or the post-Cold War era and its associated defense reductions of the early and mid-1990s. The majority of this MILCON project was completed in 2001 and all projects relating to the Maxwell AFB OTS campus were completed by 2004. 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. The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. OTS expects each graduate to adopt the code as the ethical standard maintained throughout their Air Force careers. First, work to get into the best shape possible before going into Basic Military Training (BMT) or Officer Training School (OTS). Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. Candidates will have the opportunity to apply their leadership skills by training the new lower class and lead peers through officer trainee wing positions. 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 final phase of Officer Training School prepares you to make the transition from training environments to the operational Air Force. 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. OTS is a group-level command with three squadrons and one Air National Guard detachment that trained 3,076 officers in fiscal year 2018. 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. 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. After gaining basic flight skills, some officers might get the opportunity to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (also commonly referred to as "drones"). The AFOQT is a required test for all cadets on scholarship or in the POC. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. 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. As of 2019, the class is an 8-week program and students are once again referred to as Officer Trainees. The remaining OTS students complete several other graduation requirements over the final three weeks of the course before receiving their commissions. Officer Training School (OTS) is a small, highly specialized school that prepares college students for leadership roles in the Air Force Active Duty. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer Leaders are in charge of other personnel and must make difficult decisions, some of which may risk human life. 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. 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]. 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. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. Selection for OTS is highly competitive, with selection rates varying dependent on the needs of the Air Force. 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. The Air Force expects high performance in college with a 3.2 GPA or higher for a better likelihood of getting accepted. 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). 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. 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. Make sure you are aware of the deadlines to avoid any interruptions in reaching Officer Training School (OTS). If AFROTC is not a suitable program for you but you wish to still serve as an Officer, check the links below for alternate Air Force Officership programs. 14 Followers. Officer Training School ated The final phase concentrates on mentoring and the progression to the everyday life of an Air Force Officer. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. This article is converted from Wikipedia: Air Force Officer Training School. 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. 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. 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. 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. However, it possesses the capability to surge when USAF requirements dictate and exceed the combined annual officer production of both USAFA and AFROTC. 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. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. 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. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. The length of training varies according to the specialty. To graduate, cadets must meet or exceed physical standards, academic standards, and military bearing standards. 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. Recruits live at Maxwell AFB during training with a complex that includes academic buildings, auditoriums, dormitories, dining, physical fitness center, and athletic fields. In 2021, only 273 candidates were selected. First, youll need to complete the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, or AFOQT. Every Air Force journey is different, but no matter where your career takes you, every path begins with training. Enlisted personnel represents entry-level positions in the USAF, while officers have college degrees and other credentials for the leadership positions. 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. 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 OTS serves all Active Component and Reserve Component line officers except judge advocates. 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. However, you can only attend Air Force OTS after graduating from college with a four-year degree. --Officer Training School Leadership & Professional Development Main Menu Academics Leadership & Professional Development Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development --Air Force Chaplain Corps College --Air Force First Sergeant Academy --Civilian Leadership Development School --Commanders School Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned officers. 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. All Rights Reserved. 1. The Air Force selection boards conduct reviews every February and August. Each option has different requirements and advantages. 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. [5][6] During these periods of contractions, OTS produces few officers, making selection for the OTS program particularly difficult and competitive for college graduates, especially those with no prior enlisted service, particularly USAF enlisted service.[6]. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. 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. 2. The Air Force reviews every officer application through the Officer Training School Selection or Air Force Recruiting Services. It is also used for selection into specific training programs such as pilot and navigator training. The officer training program takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. 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. Follow. Air Force Recruiting Service Active Duty Officer Training School Air Force Program Announcement (CAO 8 Feb 2023). You can only take the Air Force Qualifying Test twice so make sure you study and prepare for the exam.