Kristen Baker-Geczy is a communications specialist, active duty military spouse, and former MWR marketing coordinator. I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. 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. Officer Training School (OTS) is a small, highly specialized school that prepares college students for leadership roles in the Air Force Active Duty. Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! An Oath of Office and official graduation ceremony makes it official you are now a commissioned officer of the United States Air Force. Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated Those that attend the Air Force Academy receive a world-class education that is completely paid for by the government. Accession numbers have varied over the years from 323 the first year to a high of 7,894 officers in 1967. 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. Named for the late Major General Jeanne M. Holm, the Holm Center falls under Air University (AU), which, in turn, falls under the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), an Air Force major command (MAJCOM). If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. [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. 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. Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. Therefore, it is not easy to gain acceptance for Air Force OTS but is well worth the effort. 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. For starters, you of course have to be an officer in the US Air Force. However, you can only attend Air Force OTS after graduating from college with a four-year degree. Enlisted personnel represents entry-level positions in the USAF, while officers have college degrees and other credentials for the leadership positions. 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. And on your final day, youll celebrate all of your hard work with your family, friends and fellow graduates during the graduation ceremony. 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. Following is a brief overview of the training during each phase of OTS: The first phase of Air Force OTS focuses on teamwork, discipline, and standardization with an emphasis on leadership fundamentals, military management, and Air Force culture. 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. 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. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. 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. 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. 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 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. However, it possesses the capability to surge when USAF requirements dictate and exceed the combined annual officer production of both USAFA and AFROTC. Basic Military Training (BMT) runs for approximately 7.5 weeks and is held at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Welcome to Officer Training School! 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." Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. Air Force officer training may be the most technically-oriented of any service. 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. 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. Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Liaison Officer. 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. 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. 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. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. At least a bachelors degree from a recognized college. The goal is basically to make sure you can: wear a uniform speak and understand a little bit of Air Force lingo Colonel Keolani W. Bailey Shortly after I graduated, the Air Force made a smart move to integrate active duty, ANG and Reserve officer training. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. 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. 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. Form may not display but it can be downloaded and . Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. 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. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. 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. 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. Leaders are in charge of other personnel and must make difficult decisions, some of which may risk human life. 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. [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. 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. To ensure OTS graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective Air Force officers, OTS faculty members provide instruction and guidance in critical officership areas such as leadership studies, professional knowledge, communication skills, military studies and field leadership application. The Officer Training School staff consists of full-time active duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard members, including 106 officers, 42 enlisted and nine civilian personnel, as well as seven Air Force Reserve individual mobilization augmentee officers. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. [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). 1. 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. Air Force Officer Training School web banner. Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). 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. 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. Related Article How To Join The Space Force. Attendance of OTS is limited to civilians and enlisted service members who have a four-year college degree. Whether you plan to attend college or develop on-the-job skills, the Air Force offers opportunities for growth at almost any educational level. The Air Force OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. 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. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey 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. Air Force Officers have the opportunity to specialize in career paths like: Becoming an Air Force Officer means more responsibilities but also better pay and benefits. 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. It runs for eight weeks at Maxwell Air Force Base near Montgomery, AL. 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. Direct Commission Officers: Chaplains, Judge Advocates (JAG) and medical professionals from all across the Air Force (Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Health Professional Scholarship Biography. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). 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. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned officers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. Make sure you are aware of the deadlines to avoid any interruptions in reaching Officer Training School (OTS). 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. From education to continued training, your Air Force path is here. 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. Although you will learn drill and spend your share . Within minutes, the future officers hustle to get dressed and formed up for physical training. The nine-and-a-half-week program prepares potential commissioned officers of the Air Force to assume the responsibilities of an officer upon graduation. For more information Officer Training School ated Once enrolled in POC, individuals will attend class 3-hours a week and participate in a 1-2 hour weekly Leadership Laboratory. Welcome to Officer Training School! OTS serves all Active Component and Reserve Component line officers except judge advocates. 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. The remaining OTS students complete several other graduation requirements over the final three weeks of the course before receiving their commissions. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. Its school motto Always with Honor reflects the high standards expected of Air Force officers. As a result, Air Force OTS provides aspiring officers with the tools and resources needed to become fair and effective leaders. In 2015, I used the skills, knowledge, and work ethic I had acquired in the Air Force and became a State Certified Correctional Officer. OTS is a relatively small school. 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. I know it's a long shot, but anybody able to offer some insight on this training? 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. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). 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. 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. 135K views 7 years ago Officer Training School In the first phase, you'll focus on teamwork, discipline and standardization. OCS closed its doors with its last graduation in June 1963. 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]. What is the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)? After gaining basic flight skills, some officers might get the opportunity to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (also commonly referred to as "drones"). It's a rigorous program that lasts 9 1/2 weeks and gets divided into four phases of training. The Air Force ROTC program rewards you with tuition assistance but is only applicable for students currently in college or thinking about attending. The majority of this MILCON project was completed in 2001 and all projects relating to the Maxwell AFB OTS campus were completed by 2004. How Long is Officer Training School - Air Force: 9.5 weeks. Culminating in graduation from OTS, phase four focuses on mentorship and the transition into becoming an Air Force officer. OTS, which was formerly under ATC, and Air Force ROTC, which was formerly under AU, were then realigned under both AETC and AU. Concurrently, the Air Force also commenced a phaseout of its long-standing Aviation Cadet (AvCad) Program at Lackland AFB. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Andy Yacenda, Defense Media Activity-San Antonio), Mission There are four main ways to become an Air Force Officer. Officers can be commissioned up to the rank of colonel (O-6) if they possess the level of experience necessary. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. The current acceptance rate for Air Force Officer Training School is 65%. 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 . 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. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Those that receive approval may enter the Delayed Entry Program until its time to depart for Air Force Officer Training School. Prospective Officers receive evaluations on their leadership potential, moral standards, and academic strengths. -- A Space Force Junior ROTC unit in 'Rocket City USA' is the first unit of its kind to qualify for a national-level competition - Huntsville High School SFJROTC Unit AL-941 will be vying for the StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition championship April 21-23, 2023, in Houston. 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. 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. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. 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. 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). You need to have a four-year college degree before the Air Force will consider an application to Officer Training School. 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. AMERICA'S AIR FORCE AND SPACE FORCE BEGIN HERE INSPIRE ENGAGE RECRUIT Using the board schedule, Active Duty Officer Training School Program Announcement (AD OTS PA), and other referenced accessions guidance, members will determine if they meet the basic eligibility requirements. The officer training program takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Officer Training School ated The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC, commonly pronounced JAY-rot-see) is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools and also in some middle schools across the United States and at US military bases across the world. Each committee reviews candidates to find the most appropriate selections for Air Force Officer Training School. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned officers. 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. This is accomplished via 4 paths: Attend Officer training school after earning a college or postgraduate degree. Welcome to Officer Training School! 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). To educate and train officers of character who are committed to the Air Force core values equipped to lead and ready to win. The nine-and-a-half-week program prepares potential commissioned officers of the Air Force to assume the responsibilities of an officer upon graduation. Candidates will have the opportunity to apply their leadership skills by training the new lower class and lead peers through officer trainee wing positions. First, work to get into the best shape possible before going into Basic Military Training (BMT) or Officer Training School (OTS). Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard. The AFOQT minimum of 10 or higher on the Quantitative score and 15 or higher on the Verbal score is mandatory for all applicants. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. My Experience at Inter-American Squadron Officer School. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer 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. The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test is a standardized test similar to the SAT and ACT.The AFOQT measures aptitudes and is used to select applicants for officer commissioning programs, such as Officer Training School (OTS) or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (Air Force ROTC). 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.