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https://www.airforce.com/education/military-training/ots, Your email address will not be published. Technical fields may include any ABET-accredited engineering degree or other fields in high demand by the Air Force. 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. OTS is a ~9-week introductory military training school located at Maxwell AFB, AL. Welcome to Officer Training School! Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! Third, you may attend AFROTC while you are in college. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. 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. [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. However, by 2017, selection rates had increased to the 65% range or greater, reflecting the increased commissioned officer needs of the service.[9][10]. OCS closed its doors with its last graduation in June 1963. I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. There are four main ways to become an Air Force Officer. Attending the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is your first step toward becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. 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 Pros And Cons Of Joining The Air Force. Those that attend the Air Force Academy receive a world-class education that is completely paid for by the government. 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. Additionally, OTS maintains an air expeditionary force garrison training site, a 200-acre field training facility, confidence course and two expeditionary assault courses. 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. The program instructs these areas concurrently, emphasizing team building, followership, and knowledge acquisition during the first half of training, followed by leadership application during the second half. To apply, contact your nearest Air Force recruiter. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. 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). 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. The Air Force selection boards conduct reviews every February and August. Insight? For more information First, youll need to complete the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, or AFOQT. As of 2019, ~55% of Air Force Officers commission through 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. Officers can be commissioned up to the rank of colonel (O-6) if they possess the level of experience necessary. 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. Enlisted personnel interested in attending OTS must have the approval of their unit commander. Technical training usually runs between four and 52 weeks and varies depending on which career field you pursue in the Air Force. 2. The nine-and-a-half week course is extremely demanding physically and mentally. 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. [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 phase three training program includes: The emphasis in the classroom during phase three includes: The fourth and final stage of the Air Force Officer Training School helps officers make the transition from training to the operational USAF. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. Though the acceptance rate is not extremely low it does reject plenty of candidates. 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]. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. Within minutes, the future officers hustle to get dressed and formed up for physical training. 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. 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. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. 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. 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. Maxwell AFB is located in Montgomery, Alabama. 1. I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. The final phase concentrates on mentoring and the progression to the everyday life of an Air Force Officer. 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). They will also attend multiple classes in an academic environment. Here are some of the activities and requirements youll complete during phase four. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization . If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. After graduating from Air Force OTS, many officers attend additional training to focus on specialties like piloting, navigation, space and missile operations, or other specialties. 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. If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. However, you can only attend Air Force OTS after graduating from college with a four-year degree. Related Article Air Force Bonus List: 6 Bonuses Available. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. 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. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey Air Force Officers are leaders that receiving extensive training at OTS to prepare for the difficult assignment. Attachments may not display initially, but will when file is downloaded. OTS graduates enter the Air Force in all components: active duty, Reserve, and Guard. 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. - 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. Each committee reviews candidates to find the most appropriate selections for Air Force Officer Training School. Required fields are marked *. Make sure you are aware of the deadlines to avoid any interruptions in reaching Officer Training School (OTS). Applicants can apply for aeronautically rated or non-rated Line Officer of the Air Force (LAF) positions. While its a great option the Air Force Academy is very difficult to gain admittance and requires a congressional endorsement. To graduate, cadets must meet or exceed physical standards, academic standards, and military bearing standards. APPLY NOW CHAT LIVE CAREER BROWSER Find the careers that suit you. What is the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)? Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. 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. 135K views 7 years ago Officer Training School In the first phase, you'll focus on teamwork, discipline and standardization. The nine-and-a-half-week program prepares potential commissioned officers of the Air Force to assume the responsibilities of an officer upon graduation. As the name implies, phase three of OTS incorporates practical application of the knowledge gained during the first two phases. 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. 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 . She was also deployed to Southwest Asia as an Air Force contractor. 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. Rated positions are flying related -- Pilot, Combat Systems Officer (previously known as Navigator), Remotely-Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot, or Air Battle Manager. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS): Related Article 10 Best Air Force Jobs For Civilian Life. The length of training varies according to the specialty. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer Related Article How To Join The Space Force. OTS, which was formerly under ATC, and Air Force ROTC, which was formerly under AU, were then realigned under both AETC and AU. 1.4.3. Speaking with a local Air Force recruiter can help answer more questions about specific requirements for Officer Training School. The 908th Airlift Wing's Development and Training Flight has partnered with U.S. Air Force Officer Training School Military Training Instructors to prepare Airman for Basic Military Training. Accession numbers have varied over the years from 323 the first year to a high of 7,894 officers in 1967. Form may not display but it can be downloaded and . 2. 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. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. History You'll be provided with the shared common experience in military. UPON COMPLETION OF OTS, GRADUATES RECEIVE THE OATH OF OFFICE AND ARE COMMISSIONED AS 2ND LIEUTENANTS IN THE AIR FORCE. The Air Force requires trainees to pass individual leadership evaluations at the end of phase three to continue to the final stage. Officer recruits that get accepted for Officer Training School yet fail the program generally have one of two options. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Andy Yacenda, Defense Media Activity-San Antonio), Mission [8] Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by their recruiter pending release of the board results. Secondly, prospective officers have the option of attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Biography. Air Force Officers have a tremendous responsibility leading enlisted personnel and making difficult decisions, which makes the training program difficult and challenging. Air Force Officer Training School fact sheet banner. Motto and honor code For those entering the Air Force with a high school diploma or GED. 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. 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). 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. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Andy Yacenda, Defense Media Activity-San Antonio). Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). Its predecessor, Officer Candidate School, was established in 1942 at Miami Beach, Florida, with the mission of training and commissioning officers from within the enlisted ranks. 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. 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. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer 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. The Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is one of the ways to become a commissioned officer in the USAF. Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. 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. 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 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. As a result, Air Force OTS provides aspiring officers with the tools and resources needed to become fair and effective leaders. It's a rigorous program that lasts 9 1/2 weeks and gets divided into four phases of training. This course is offered two times per year. 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. Related Article How To Get Into The Air Force Academy. An Oath of Office and official graduation ceremony makes it official you are now a commissioned officer of the United States Air Force. MOTS-003: 2-week program, Officer Training School-Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) 1.4.4. 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. After gaining basic flight skills, some officers might get the opportunity to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (also commonly referred to as "drones"). Visit www.theairforceofficer.com for more info. 1. 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. Good luck and I look forward to serving with you. 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. Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! 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. 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. [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. 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. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. In addition, AvCads had to successfully complete either undergraduate pilot training or undergraduate navigator training before they could be commissioned as Second Lieutenants. The Air Force OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. 4. 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. 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]. To educate and train officers of character who are committed to the Air Force core values equipped to lead and ready to win. 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 . 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. 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. This program will be conducted at one of three sites: the Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, or at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard. Air Force Recruiting Service Active Duty Officer Training School Air Force Program Announcement (CAO 8 Feb 2023). . Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! Concurrently, the Air Force also commenced a phaseout of its long-standing Aviation Cadet (AvCad) Program at Lackland AFB. Every Air Force journey is different, but no matter where your career takes you, every path begins with training. Most of these new officers attend follow-on training after OTS. Given its shorter lead time for officer production (currently 8.5 weeks versus the typically 4-year pre-commissioning process for USAFA and AFROTC cadets), OTS is the commissioning source used to balance out USAF officer manning as deemed necessary by the Air Force. But it's a much faster entry point to commissioning if you can qualify. 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. 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.