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. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Military bearing includes the ability to write and verbally brief, lead the flight, and perform duties within the Cadet Wing. The focus is on physical training, drill and ceremonies, and academics. 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. You will discover that this training is critical to hone and develop your leadership skills, as well as provide you with the necessary tools to be the best Air and Space Force officer you can be. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. 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. 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. The Air Force initiated OTS at Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, Texas, in 1959. At least a bachelors degree from a recognized college. OTS is a relatively small school. Officer Training School is a part of the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accession and Citizen Development, formerly the Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools (AFOATS). 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. Prospective officers start to experience the pressures of leadership and command. It runs for eight weeks at Maxwell Air Force Base near Montgomery, AL. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. 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. Here are some of the activities and requirements youll complete during phase four. 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). --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 The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. Commandant, OTS This article is converted from Wikipedia: Air Force Officer Training School. Related Article How To Get Into The Air Force Academy. In 2015, I used the skills, knowledge, and work ethic I had acquired in the Air Force and became a State Certified Correctional Officer. Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force commissioning program located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Although you will learn drill and spend your share . 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. 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. Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignments 2021, Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignments 2020, Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignments 2019, Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignments 2018, Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignments 2017, Senior Executive Service Announcements 2020, Senior Executive Service Announcements 2019, Senior Executive Service Announcements 2018, Senior Executive Service Announcements 2017, Difference Between General Officers and Flag Officers, Navy Officer Candidate School What to Expect & How to Apply, Air Force Fitness Test Scores Over Age 60 Male & Female, Air Force Fitness Test Scores Ages 55-59 Male & Female, Air Force Fitness Test Scores Ages 50-54 Male & Female, Air Force Fitness Test Scores Ages 45-49 Male & Female, Air Force Fitness Test Scores Ages 40-44 Male & Female, Basic Expeditionary Leadership Problem Solving, Airpower from Pre-World War I to Present Day, Air Force Combatives Program (hand-to-hand combat), Preparation for the Arrival of the Lower Class, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships. 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. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. 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. [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 United States Air Force separates enlisted personnel and officers into two different categories. 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. 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. Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Liaison Officer. 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. 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. This is where you officially become an Airman. 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. 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. This course is offered two times per year. 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. To educate and train officers of character who are committed to the Air Force core values equipped to lead and ready to win. 1. Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. Each committee reviews candidates to find the most appropriate selections for Air Force Officer Training School. 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. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned officers. 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. Maxwell AFB is located in Montgomery, Alabama. 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. 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. APPLY NOW CHAT LIVE CAREER BROWSER Find the careers that suit you. 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. The current Commander of the Holm Center (Holm Ctr/CC) is Brigadier General Houston R. Cantwell, USAF[2] and the current Commandant of OTS (OTS/CMDT) is Colonel Keolani W. Bailey, USAF. Officers can be commissioned up to the rank of colonel (O-6) if they possess the level of experience necessary. --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 The 23 TRS also conducts a 13-training day Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) program for hard-to-recruit medical officers in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Commandant, OTS Commissioned Officers of the Air Force prepare to enter service as a Second Lieutenant (O-1). Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. OTS, which was formerly under ATC, and Air Force ROTC, which was formerly under AU, were then realigned under both AETC and AU. 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. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer Air Force Officers have a tremendous responsibility leading enlisted personnel and making difficult decisions, which makes the training program difficult and challenging. A few years later, and with yet another logical move, the Air Force also decided to merge line and non-line training courses. Biography. OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL 9.5 weeks MILITARY TRAINING LOCATION Maxwell AFB AL INTERESTS & SKILLS Intelligence VIEW ALL CAREERS TAKE A BREAK Flights and 30-days vacation with pay each year. Regardless, youll receive the classification of Second Lieutenant (O-1) after completing Air Force OTS. [8] Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by their recruiter pending release of the board results. (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. From education to continued training, your Air Force path is here. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Recruiters will screen candidates, provide application details and schedule applicants for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). Follow. The length of training varies according to the specialty. The Air Force base offers standard base amenities including housing, dining, and entertainment. Air Force Officers are leaders that receiving extensive training at OTS to prepare for the difficult assignment. Related Article How To Join The Space Force. 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. The AFOQT minimum of 10 or higher on the Quantitative score and 15 or higher on the Verbal score is mandatory for all applicants. You'll be provided with the shared common experience in military. Concurrently, the Air Force also commenced a phaseout of its long-standing Aviation Cadet (AvCad) Program at Lackland AFB. 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. As of 2019, ~55% of Air Force Officers commission through OTS. Unlike OTS, AvCad was limited to pilot and navigator candidates. OTS-A is a 5-week course for professionals who have received a direct commission. For those entering the Air Force with a college degree. The nine-and-a-half week course is extremely demanding physically and mentally. The purpose of the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is to establish high standards of conduct for prospective officers. Rated positions are flying related -- Pilot, Combat Systems Officer (previously known as Navigator), Remotely-Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot, or Air Battle Manager. Commandant, OTS 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. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). 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. Upon completion of Air Force OTS, graduates are commissioned at pay grade O-1 (Second Lieutenant). Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, 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 . 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. For those entering the Air Force with a high school diploma or GED. Selection for OTS is highly competitive, with selection rates varying dependent on the needs of the Air Force. While you should celebrate your accomplish and enjoy Air Force OTS graduation, your work is often far from done. Officer Training School (OTS) is a small, highly specialized school that prepares college students for leadership roles in the Air Force Active Duty. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. 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). [15][16] OTS then became the sole organization for training future Air Force officers at Lackland AFB. Leaders are in charge of other personnel and must make difficult decisions, some of which may risk human life. Therefore, it is not easy to gain acceptance for Air Force OTS but is well worth the effort. The Air Force expects high performance in college with a 3.2 GPA or higher for a better likelihood of getting accepted. 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. Insight? Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. 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. Secondly, you must pass the medical and mental screening at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. Challenged both mentally and physically, youll get the skills and training you need to develop into Airmen, Wingmen and Warriors. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. The AFOQT is a required test for all cadets on scholarship or in the POC. 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. 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. Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated The nine-and-a-half-week program prepares potential commissioned officers of the Air Force to assume the responsibilities of an officer upon graduation. Training specialties include pilot, navigator, air battle manager, space and missile operations and other career fields. There are four main ways to become an Air Force Officer. 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. 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. While employed as a Correctional Officer, I quickly . OTS and OTS-A are conducted as parallel training programs. I know nothing about it right now, as it was just mentioned. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. All Rights Reserved. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). My Experience at Inter-American Squadron Officer School. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. 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. And on your final day, youll celebrate all of your hard work with your family, friends and fellow graduates during the graduation ceremony. It teaches leadership skills, military culture and physical training over a 10- to 17-week period. Its school motto Always with Honor reflects the high standards expected of Air Force officers. 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. Most of these new officers attend follow-on training after OTS. As you pack your bags and head towards Maxwell AFB, we want to encourage you to bring any religious items that may encourage your spiritual resiliency (i.g., faith books/devotionals, religious apparel, Eucharistic Mass kits, rosary, and/or prayer mats). 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. Air Force OTS is a demanding training program that lasts a little under ten weeks and helps develop your leadership skills. Whether you have specific questions about how to join the Air Force, are seeking more information or are ready to apply, were here to help. Those that receive approval may enter the Delayed Entry Program until its time to depart for Air Force Officer Training School. The final phase of Officer Training School prepares you to make the transition from training environments to the operational Air Force. The code is a standard of personal conduct for each student. Gain the strengths and skills to grow in your field. The multiple-choice exam features topics that range from verbal and math skills to questions regarding your specific field(s) of interest. 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. The goal is basically to make sure you can: wear a uniform speak and understand a little bit of Air Force lingo If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. At the beginning of a new class, OTS and OTS-A students live and train together in integrated flights. Start with a fitness program such as the one found in our guide for preparing for military training. She was also deployed to Southwest Asia as an Air Force contractor. Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard. After selection, and before entering POC, individuals must successfully complete a 24-day summer field-training exercise at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. 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. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. [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]. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Attendance of OTS is limited to civilians and enlisted service members who have a four-year college degree. 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. 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. 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. Phase 1: Foundation How Long is Officer Training School - Air Force: 9.5 weeks. Enlisted personnel interested in attending OTS must have the approval of their unit commander. 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. [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. OTS applicants will be given an opportunity to apply for Air Force career fields that correspond with the applicants' expertise and/or desires and will be interviewed by active duty Air Force officers as well as receive a military medical examination for flying or non-flying duty as appropriate.