I always hated OTS but I made myself like it because I had worked so hard to get there. I will always have a special place in my heart for the other people in my flight and for the folks in the Lower flight. They were all great people. Everyone has long since retired and gone on to other things. I only met one guy that was in my lower flight. He was a former Non-Com like me but he was a Missile Maintenance guy. Great people. I hope they are all happy and healthy. It was a wild ride for 26 years that went by way too quickly. Be safe and always check six. It only takes one time. I know but that's life, isn't it. Everyone has a price.
Another couple questions: 1) Can you go to sleep before lights out or do you have to go to bed at the same time as everyone else? 2) How much continuous running do you do? I'm not a runner but can do the 1.5 mile. Longer than that gets rough if there's not breaks.
You can go to sleep before lights out, I think a key to success is managing your time there. It’s easy to fall behind if you get lazy. With that said, knock out your assignments and do what you need to perform your best. I think I averaged 7 hours of sleep while there. The longest run we did was split up with fitness events, it was the ‘props and wings’ run. It’s a group run at a moderate pace. You’ll be good to go if you can run 1.5 miles.
Thanks so much for this video! I have a couple of questions- First, does OTS happen year-round, or are there specific times? Second, when you refer to academics, are you talking about things specific to the Air Force...or would I need to brush up on my Algebra 2?
Please. Help me here. I am currently in the process of trying to go to OTS at Maxwell AF base. Again, if you can break it down to me of how you got prepared before you went. 1.) What kind of boots did you bring? Because you mentioned there were two boots you needed 2.) Did you fly to get to Alabama or did you have to drive? 3.) Also, did you bring any notebooks and spirals with you? If so, how many and what kind of printer should I purchase? if necessary. Please, help. I rather be prepared than be unprepared before I start my journey as an officer in the USAF.
Happy to help! I would bring a lightweight boot - you’ll be marching a lot so you’ll want something comfortable. You’ll need to check color requirements, go to e-publishing.af.mil and search for AFI 36-2903 for all uniform requirements. I flew, but the option is usually open for either. Generally the clerk writing your orders will do whatever is cheapest for the Air Force. There’s really minimal need for a vehicle during training. You should definitely have a notebook just in case, something small is good. No need for a printer (can make things easier for your team though). Good luck, you’ll do great!
Also, I know that you can apply for a Star card as well. If you do not have the finances for uniforms for OTS. Also, how was the exam? Or officer entrance exam?
@@michaelgonzales558 I'm not in a position to offer financial advice, but the uniform items are definitely a requirement. The AFOQT is challenging for some, I didn't find it difficult - you're graded against your peers so just go in prepared!
Thank you for the informative video. Regarding the printer - do you also need to bring large quantities of printer paper or is that provided at the OTS?
You'll need to provide your own, but you shouldn't need a large quantity. Hard to say exactly how much we used as a flight, I think I might have used at max 20 sheets on myself.
Unfortunately you do have to pay out of pocket and gets expensive quick. You MAY be eligible for a clothing allowance, but you’ll need to contact the Finance office at your base or your recruiter for more details.
Sorry, last question! Did you do an in person interview? I’ve heard conflicting reports on this. Some say they weren’t interviewed and some say they were. When I received the steps involved in the process it doesn’t list interview, so I just want to make sure I’m prepared if there is one!
I think it depends on how you secured your job. Through a recruiter there may not be an interview. I met with a board full of commanders and one of them selected me for their vacancy. Classmates of mine had one on one interviews. Some had no interview and just were filling a vacancy.
Thank you for making this video! I am going to be at Maxwell in July this year, would you recommend any rain gear? Also, have OCPs, but I don't have a Blues uniform. Is it possible to buy that at OTS (plus shoes)? and does it have to be fitted?
I would recommend having the rain gear and blues ahead of time. You can purchase anything you need on base but once class starts, you’ll have very little time to go get some, and it may be several weeks in (case by case). Blues can be fitted there, again time is the issue. If you can get to base a few days early, it would be worth the cost of a hotel to have an opportunity to visit clothing sales etc. Good luck!
@@wesleyglenn3384 for sure, you're the 1st person I've made contact with as well. I went to Wright Patt AFB this week with my recruiter to purchase a majority of the uniform requirements. Other than that to prepare I've been watching TH-cam videos like this, reading over the Welcome Guide PDF and just created my WINGS account to start working on the pre-course material. Also running to get my 1.5 mile time down of course!
2 questions. 1st I'm currently in the ANG almost 20 years and am a MSGT. A maintenance officer position just came open, at my base, and I might be crazy but thought that I might apply for it. If I get it, do you know if my OTS is the same length and everything with being 20 years enlisted? Didn't know if it was shorter or less intense since I did BMT on the enlisted side already. 2nd, how are weekends, if any, at OTS. Mainly what free time is there because I have 4 young kids that would be at home and would like to be able to Skype/FaceTime/call them while I was gone. Thanks
Go for it! OTS is the same for prior/non-priors. It’s intense in different ways than BMT was. Depending on your instructor, you may have access to your phone on Weekends and after class. I was able to FaceTime with my family within the first week, but it really depends. I think with COVID-19, some rules were bent for us. With that said, COVID-19 made our weekends pretty restricted, previous classes had been able to roam the base and in later weeks go off base. Regardless of where you can go, the only real responsibility on the weekend is marching to/from meals. Hope that helps.
Sir. You will have no free time in OTS. Maintenance officer school is very hard (from what I hear). I too was in A/C maintenance enlisted. I say: go for it but you will not get much free time. People used to store uniforms in their cars so they would have less clothes subject to inspection and therefore subject to less write-ups. Their goal is to make you quit. It was 12 weeks when I went through and it was not fun. We did have a good (very good) officer instructor. Some others were not so lucky. I say go for it.
It takes most people 2-3 years. It took me 3 years from the time I first met with the commissioning board at my local base. Some people get in really fast though, less than a year. There are a lot of variables due to the complexity of the application process and requirements.
Its case by case. For me, I met with a board of several Squadron Commanders each with positions to fill. One of the Commanders selected me for their vacancy. Alternatively, some Commanders will put the job offer out and interview on a more individualized basis. For the best answer, your local recruiter will be better able to advise. Good luck!
I prepared for no access, but my flight had access within 2 weeks to coffee in the classroom. You’ll have access to soda when you eat in the dining hall. Due to COVID that could be a week or more though. Other flights got coffee their first day in class - depends on your instructor. Prepare for the worst and hope to be pleasantly surprised.
Class 00-08 here. Things were definitely more difficult back then.. No internet, no cell phones, no A/C., roaches in dorms, moldy rooms/carpets, and 6 weeks of lockdown. The new recruits have it easy....
What should we study before going ? Why do people not get granted graduation? I’m hpsp so only going for 5 weeks but I would not want to make it thru all that and not be allowed to graduate
As long as you get through the pre course material, you’ll be fine. You’ll get plenty of time to study for written tests - so just have a firm grasp on your study technique so that you can apply it. Other than demonstrating leadership, the other big focus is appropriate prioritization. It’s easy to get over stressed and lose focus. You’ll do great!
Depends on your instructor. We had to draft a memorandum using AF tongue and quill and got access after a week or 2. Another flight had it day 1 because their instructor wanted coffee lol
@@DinGYT could u have your phone? my friend had her phone the whole time cuz they couldn't come in the rooms. Dang I was hoping for that, but if u had inspections I probs will too bc by May, I presume the forecast will be better for covid than it was last may
Here is a revelation. You had better be ready to lead from the front when you get your bars. You had better study, Major Dick Winters and bring forward his experiences as a leader. If you can not do it you do not deserve to be an officer.
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I always hated OTS but I made myself like it because I had worked so hard to get there. I will always have a special place in my heart for the other people in my flight and for the folks in the Lower flight. They were all great people. Everyone has long since retired and gone on to other things. I only met one guy that was in my lower flight. He was a former Non-Com like me but he was a Missile Maintenance guy. Great people. I hope they are all happy and healthy. It was a wild ride for 26 years that went by way too quickly. Be safe and always check six. It only takes one time. I know but that's life, isn't it. Everyone has a price.
I just got selected to commission as lrs officer. I’m so excited! Thanks for the info
Congratulations! Exciting times ahead
Glad to see your back & well, congratulations! -Batts
Thanks!
Another couple questions:
1) Can you go to sleep before lights out or do you have to go to bed at the same time as everyone else?
2) How much continuous running do you do? I'm not a runner but can do the 1.5 mile. Longer than that gets rough if there's not breaks.
You can go to sleep before lights out, I think a key to success is managing your time there. It’s easy to fall behind if you get lazy. With that said, knock out your assignments and do what you need to perform your best. I think I averaged 7 hours of sleep while there.
The longest run we did was split up with fitness events, it was the ‘props and wings’ run. It’s a group run at a moderate pace. You’ll be good to go if you can run 1.5 miles.
Are you allowed to have a small fan in your room? White House helps a lot when you’re sharing a room with someone.
Thanks so much for this video! I have a couple of questions- First, does OTS happen year-round, or are there specific times? Second, when you refer to academics, are you talking about things specific to the Air Force...or would I need to brush up on my Algebra 2?
Please. Help me here. I am currently in the process of trying to go to OTS at Maxwell AF base. Again, if you can break it down to me of how you got prepared before you went. 1.) What kind of boots did you bring? Because you mentioned there were two boots you needed 2.) Did you fly to get to Alabama or did you have to drive? 3.) Also, did you bring any notebooks and spirals with you? If so, how many and what kind of printer should I purchase? if necessary. Please, help. I rather be prepared than be unprepared before I start my journey as an officer in the USAF.
Happy to help!
I would bring a lightweight boot - you’ll be marching a lot so you’ll want something comfortable. You’ll need to check color requirements, go to e-publishing.af.mil and search for AFI 36-2903 for all uniform requirements.
I flew, but the option is usually open for either. Generally the clerk writing your orders will do whatever is cheapest for the Air Force. There’s really minimal need for a vehicle during training.
You should definitely have a notebook just in case, something small is good. No need for a printer (can make things easier for your team though).
Good luck, you’ll do great!
Also, I know that you can apply for a Star card as well. If you do not have the finances for uniforms for OTS. Also, how was the exam? Or officer entrance exam?
@@michaelgonzales558 I'm not in a position to offer financial advice, but the uniform items are definitely a requirement. The AFOQT is challenging for some, I didn't find it difficult - you're graded against your peers so just go in prepared!
@@DinGYT I'm kinda nervous.
@@DinGYT is there a way I can study for the test?
Thank you for the informative video. Regarding the printer - do you also need to bring large quantities of printer paper or is that provided at the OTS?
You'll need to provide your own, but you shouldn't need a large quantity. Hard to say exactly how much we used as a flight, I think I might have used at max 20 sheets on myself.
30-1hr?! Really? For me in college and after football practice it’d be 2hrs at least. I appreciate this insight! Who was the youngest person there??
Well done
Thanks!
Do you have to pay for Uniforms, boots, PT gear? Or is it reimbursed?
Unfortunately you do have to pay out of pocket and gets expensive quick. You MAY be eligible for a clothing allowance, but you’ll need to contact the Finance office at your base or your recruiter for more details.
Sorry, last question! Did you do an in person interview? I’ve heard conflicting reports on this. Some say they weren’t interviewed and some say they were. When I received the steps involved in the process it doesn’t list interview, so I just want to make sure I’m prepared if there is one!
I think it depends on how you secured your job. Through a recruiter there may not be an interview. I met with a board full of commanders and one of them selected me for their vacancy. Classmates of mine had one on one interviews. Some had no interview and just were filling a vacancy.
Thank you for making this video! I am going to be at Maxwell in July this year, would you recommend any rain gear? Also, have OCPs, but I don't have a Blues uniform. Is it possible to buy that at OTS (plus shoes)? and does it have to be fitted?
I would recommend having the rain gear and blues ahead of time. You can purchase anything you need on base but once class starts, you’ll have very little time to go get some, and it may be several weeks in (case by case). Blues can be fitted there, again time is the issue. If you can get to base a few days early, it would be worth the cost of a hotel to have an opportunity to visit clothing sales etc. Good luck!
Hey man, I'm also headed to OTS coming up July 6th!
@@Awwiller Dynamite! Good to have the name of at least one other person going. You have any good advice?
@@wesleyglenn3384 for sure, you're the 1st person I've made contact with as well. I went to Wright Patt AFB this week with my recruiter to purchase a majority of the uniform requirements. Other than that to prepare I've been watching TH-cam videos like this, reading over the Welcome Guide PDF and just created my WINGS account to start working on the pre-course material. Also running to get my 1.5 mile time down of course!
@@Awwiller how did you start your wings account?! I haven’t received anything yet. Did you get an email?
2 questions. 1st I'm currently in the ANG almost 20 years and am a MSGT. A maintenance officer position just came open, at my base, and I might be crazy but thought that I might apply for it. If I get it, do you know if my OTS is the same length and everything with being 20 years enlisted? Didn't know if it was shorter or less intense since I did BMT on the enlisted side already. 2nd, how are weekends, if any, at OTS. Mainly what free time is there because I have 4 young kids that would be at home and would like to be able to Skype/FaceTime/call them while I was gone. Thanks
Go for it! OTS is the same for prior/non-priors. It’s intense in different ways than BMT was. Depending on your instructor, you may have access to your phone on Weekends and after class. I was able to FaceTime with my family within the first week, but it really depends. I think with COVID-19, some rules were bent for us. With that said, COVID-19 made our weekends pretty restricted, previous classes had been able to roam the base and in later weeks go off base. Regardless of where you can go, the only real responsibility on the weekend is marching to/from meals. Hope that helps.
Sir. You will have no free time in OTS. Maintenance officer school is very hard (from what I hear). I too was in A/C maintenance enlisted. I say: go for it but you will not get much free time. People used to store uniforms in their cars so they would have less clothes subject to inspection and therefore subject to less write-ups. Their goal is to make you quit. It was 12 weeks when I went through and it was not fun. We did have a good (very good) officer instructor. Some others were not so lucky. I say go for it.
How long was the process into getting accepted into OTS?
It takes most people 2-3 years. It took me 3 years from the time I first met with the commissioning board at my local base. Some people get in really fast though, less than a year. There are a lot of variables due to the complexity of the application process and requirements.
Thanks for the video, how does picking your afsc work when getting selected for the reserves at a certain base? Thank you
Its case by case. For me, I met with a board of several Squadron Commanders each with positions to fill. One of the Commanders selected me for their vacancy. Alternatively, some Commanders will put the job offer out and interview on a more individualized basis. For the best answer, your local recruiter will be better able to advise. Good luck!
What's the bathroom situation like? Do you get time to use the can?
Yea, more than enough time. Generally you’ll have an opportunity every hour.
Should I prepare that I won’t be able to drink coffee or caffeine at all while at OTS?
I prepared for no access, but my flight had access within 2 weeks to coffee in the classroom. You’ll have access to soda when you eat in the dining hall. Due to COVID that could be a week or more though.
Other flights got coffee their first day in class - depends on your instructor.
Prepare for the worst and hope to be pleasantly surprised.
By the way, just watched YOUR video on TH-cam, you are great at public speaking - very motivational! You’ll do great!
For PT there’s no gym? If so, how much time would you get to use it?
While we were there, no. There is a gym on campus but due to COVID-19 we were limited to our rooms and the outdoor tracks.
@@DinGYT ah ok , thank you!
Is there any way of getting reading materials or books in advance to try to get ahead? Thanks!
Not really, I think being familiar with AFIs helps but ultimately everything you need to be prepared is provided in pre-course assignments.
Class 00-08 here. Things were definitely more difficult back then.. No internet, no cell phones, no A/C., roaches in dorms, moldy rooms/carpets, and 6 weeks of lockdown. The new recruits have it easy....
What should we study before going ? Why do people not get granted graduation? I’m hpsp so only going for 5 weeks but I would not want to make it thru all that and not be allowed to graduate
As long as you get through the pre course material, you’ll be fine. You’ll get plenty of time to study for written tests - so just have a firm grasp on your study technique so that you can apply it. Other than demonstrating leadership, the other big focus is appropriate prioritization. It’s easy to get over stressed and lose focus. You’ll do great!
can you drink coffee? or will i be caffeine deprived the whole time?
Depends on your instructor. We had to draft a memorandum using AF tongue and quill and got access after a week or 2. Another flight had it day 1 because their instructor wanted coffee lol
I’ll start to taper down then lol, thank you!!
I know that they do a pre-test for PT in the beginning but if you pass it, does this count as your final PT test?
My experience was the test near the end you’re required to pass.
Do you have to get your own ride from the airport to the base?
Yes, it’s reimbursable so save the receipt!
I thought during covid they can't go in your room? That was my classmates experience who went last may... Did that change?
We had room inspections. It’ll depend on the current COVID Policy/procedures.
@@DinGYT could u have your phone? my friend had her phone the whole time cuz they couldn't come in the rooms. Dang I was hoping for that, but if u had inspections I probs will too bc by May, I presume the forecast will be better for covid than it was last may
It all depends on your leadership
I thought basic training has gotten soft. Now that I have seen OTS video's no wonder the air force is soft now
Here is a revelation. You had better be ready to lead from the front when you get your bars. You had better study, Major Dick Winters and bring forward his experiences as a leader. If you can not do it you do not deserve to be an officer.