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. Phase 4: Transition It might be an additional school opportunity offered to me, through my guard unit. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS): Related Article 10 Best Air Force Jobs For Civilian Life. 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. 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. 1. 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. Personnel and resources. 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. OTS-A serves all Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard non-line officers (except for Reserve and Air National Guard health professionals as noted below) and judge advocates who did not previously serve as line officers in other career fields or who were not commissioned via USAFA or AFROTC. [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. 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. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization . OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. OTS, which was formerly under ATC, and Air Force ROTC, which was formerly under AU, were then realigned under both AETC and AU. Selection for OTS is highly competitive, with selection rates varying dependent on the needs of the Air Force. OCS closed its doors with its last graduation in June 1963. Training specialties include pilot, navigator, air battle manager, space and missile operations and other career fields. USAF_-_Officer_Training_School.png Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force and Unit 3. 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. Under this restructuring, OTS and AFROTC were placed under the leadership of individual USAF colonels (AFJROTC and CAP were also placed under individual USAF colonels), while general officer oversight for both OTS and AFROTC, representing three-quarters of Air Force officer production, was placed under one command, the AFOATS commander, a brigadier general.[14]. Here are some of the activities and requirements youll complete during phase four. 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. Those that attend the Air Force Academy receive a world-class education that is completely paid for by the government. 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. 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. 4. Every enlisted Airman begins their Air Force career with 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT). [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. --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 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. 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 number of OTS graduates has varied over the years, from 323 the first year to a high of 7,894 officers in 1967.[14]. The goal is basically to make sure you can: wear a uniform speak and understand a little bit of Air Force lingo This article is converted from Wikipedia: Air Force Officer Training School. After you complete Officer Training School you may need to complete additional training at another Air Force base, depending on the specialty. 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. 1. 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. 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. 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. In addition, AvCads had to successfully complete either undergraduate pilot training or undergraduate navigator training before they could be commissioned as Second Lieutenants. This was further reduced to the current 8-week program in 2017 by removing the Total Force Indoctrination Training (TFIT) from the first week of the course in which Military Training Instructors (MTIs) would teach the customs and standards of the Air Force as well as the basics of marching and drill and ceremonies. 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). 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. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. Air Force Officer Training School fact sheet banner. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. Your email address will not be published. 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. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. Kristen Baker-Geczy is a communications specialist, active duty military spouse, and former MWR marketing coordinator. If any portion of their prior service was in a reserve component and not served in an active duty status, then inactive duty reserve retirement points may be used to qualify for O-1E. History Areas of instruction at OTS include military customs and courtesies, military history, Air Force traditions and culture, leadership, field exercises, drill and ceremonies, small arms training, and combatives. At the beginning of a new class, OTS and OTS-A students live and train together in integrated flights. The Air Force OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. 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. Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated As of 2019, ~55% of Air Force Officers commission through OTS. 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 ated 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. 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. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. Related Article: Your Complete Guide To MEPS. 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 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." Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. 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. Air Force Officers are leaders that receiving extensive training at OTS to prepare for the difficult assignment. 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. 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. The United States Air Force separates enlisted personnel and officers into two different categories. . Recruits live at Maxwell AFB during training with a complex that includes academic buildings, auditoriums, dormitories, dining, physical fitness center, and athletic fields. Therefore, it is not easy to gain acceptance for Air Force OTS but is well worth the effort. [15][16] OTS then became the sole organization for training future Air Force officers at Lackland AFB. The_Moist_Rejoice. If not already on active duty as enlisted personnel in the armed forces, selectees for OTS will subsequently enlist in the Air Force Reserve via the Delayed Enlistment Program and will be assigned an OTS class date. 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. The final phase concentrates on mentoring and the progression to the everyday life of an Air Force Officer. Attend the US Air Force Academy Join Air Force ROTC In College Enlist and work towards becoming an Air Force Officer Learn more about the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) in our complete guide to the program. The officer training program takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. How Long is Officer Training School - Air Force: 9.5 weeks. Applicants can apply for aeronautically rated or non-rated Line Officer of the Air Force (LAF) positions. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. Prospective Officers receive evaluations on their leadership potential, moral standards, and academic strengths. 3. 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. Those that receive approval may enter the Delayed Entry Program until its time to depart for Air Force Officer Training School. 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. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is the starter program for aspiring USAF commissioned 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. 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. 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. 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. 2. Related Article How To Join The Space Force. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps: 334-953-9420 Officer Training School: 334-953-5222 Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development: 334-953-2864 Air Force Judge Advocate General's School: 334-953-2802 AFSNCO Academy: 334-416-2900 First Sergeant's Academy: 334-416-2900 Noncommissioned Officer Academy: 334-416-2900 But it's a much faster entry point to commissioning if you can qualify. The AFOQT minimum of 10 or higher on the Quantitative score and 15 or higher on the Verbal score is mandatory for all applicants. Third, you may attend AFROTC while you are in college. Within minutes, the future officers hustle to get dressed and formed up for physical training. 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. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. 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). 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. When I came through OTS (Academy of Military Science for Guard), our cadre and students were all ANG. 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]. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. 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 . 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. 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 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 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. Leaders are in charge of other personnel and must make difficult decisions, some of which may risk human life. Air Force Officer Training School web banner. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. Our primary mission at OTS is to educate and train officers of character, who are committed to the Air Force Core Values - equipped to lead and ready to win. If you have any questions, please contact the OTS Chaplain at 334-462-4412. Enlisted personnel represents entry-level positions in the USAF, while officers have college degrees and other credentials for the leadership positions. Non-technical degrees are more common, and therefore applying with a degree in such a field is very competitive. The first phase introduces the fundamentals of leadership, military management, as well as the culture of the USAF. It runs for eight weeks at Maxwell Air Force Base near Montgomery, AL. It's an abbreviated version of Air Force officer training for professionals who are entering the Air Force: doctors, nurses, lawyers, and chaplains. 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. 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. Technical fields may include any ABET-accredited engineering degree or other fields in high demand by the Air Force. It recommends exercising three to five times per week. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. 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. 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. 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. The nine-and-a-half-week program prepares potential commissioned officers of the Air Force to assume the responsibilities of an officer upon graduation. If you are currently an active duty Air Force enlisted member, contact your base education office or military personnel section. Attending the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is your first step toward becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey 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. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. Air Force Officer Training School tests officer recruits physically and mentally while also developing leadership skills. Related Article Pros And Cons Of Joining The Air Force. 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 . Typically, these officers have degrees, such as MDiv, MD, DO, DPM, OD, DDS, DMD, PharmD, Physician Assistant PA-C PhD, PsyD, BSN or MSN, MSW, or JD, in the case of chaplains, physicians, physician assistants, podiatrists, optometrists, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and lawyers, respectively. Learn more about Air Force Officer Training School, including requirements, responsibilities, how to get in, and more. Lastly, you can join the United States Air Force and move up the ranks as enlisted personnel until you get promoted to a commissioned officer. A few years later, and with yet another logical move, the Air Force also decided to merge line and non-line training courses. In 2021, only 273 candidates were selected. The Air Force requires trainees to pass individual leadership evaluations at the end of phase three to continue to the final stage. There are three types of people who attend OCS: Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! 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. Most of these new officers attend follow-on training after OTS. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. Accession numbers have varied over the years from 323 the first year to a high of 7,894 officers in 1967. While you should celebrate your accomplish and enjoy Air Force OTS graduation, your work is often far from done. To apply, contact your nearest Air Force recruiter. 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. 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. [8] Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by their recruiter pending release of the board results. 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). 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. Start with a fitness program such as the one found in our guide for preparing for military training. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. 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. Required fields are marked *. The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. 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 . Attendance of OTS is limited to civilians and enlisted service members who have a four-year college degree. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. (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. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. Meet minimum Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT) scores and grade point Average (GPA). 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. Insight? OTS . OTS is a group-level command with three squadrons and one Air National Guard detachment that trained 3,076 officers in fiscal year 2018. 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 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. Unlike OTS, AvCad was limited to pilot and navigator candidates. It is also used for selection into specific training programs such as pilot and navigator training. However, before you get to training you need to meet the basic requirements and go through the same process as other recruits. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Andy Yacenda, Defense Media Activity-San Antonio), Mission Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. In 2015, I used the skills, knowledge, and work ethic I had acquired in the Air Force and became a State Certified Correctional Officer. Welcome to Officer Training School! The last AvCad pilot was commissioned in October 1961 at the former Reese AFB, Texas, and the last AvCad navigator was commissioned in March 1965, at the former James Connally AFB, Texas. Commissioned Officers of the Air Force prepare to enter service as a Second Lieutenant (O-1). The Air Force initiated OTS at Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, Texas, in 1959. The Air Force ROTC program rewards you with tuition assistance but is only applicable for students currently in college or thinking about attending. The Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) has four training phases: Phase one focuses on teamwork, discipline, and standardization. You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. 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. 1. Welcome to Officer Training School! 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. The focus is on physical training, drill and ceremonies, and academics. This is the story of one such U.S. Air Force Pilot as he describes what it's like to fly it and what makes this jet an air dominance fighter. The Air Force stands by the motto Always with honor for its officer training program.