Earn an Air Force commission thru Officer Training School. (It’s WAY HARDER than you think!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ค. 2024
- Everything you need to know about Air Force Officer Training School (OTS), including why it’s so hard to get in!
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When I went through, Covid was still happening and training was 7 1/2 weeks. I was in the Goldhawks squadron. Some controversial recommendations:
1) Before applying, work for a company or organization where you are in charge of something, or you work for someone who is a good leader. If you are coming in straight from school, try to at least have a part-time job. One of the best flight leaders was a sales supervisor of medical equipment and a team captain in hockey.
2) Be able to pass the PT test with a score of 90 prior to arrival.
3) Have a few thousand dollars in the checking account.
4) Keep the hotel receipt when you arrive at Maxwell. You can be reimbursed later on for expenses (including taxi) but need a receipt for costs that exceed $75.
5) Bring a pillow with you. Bring health supplements and elderberry too.
6) Have the correct mindset about becoming an officer. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for the enlisted under your command. Their lives could be made better or worse due to your actions. The last thing we need is another officer who treats their enlisted like garbage.
Could you elaborate on 3?
@@Jesalllll Yeah, no problem. You want to have a few thousand dollars in your bank account just in case you need to pay off initial expenses. Things like hotels, food, gas, airplane tickets, etc. The Air Force will reimburse you later but you will have to pay first. Also, you have to buy all uniform items with your own money. Civilians will get about $700 later on for clothing allowance but you pay first.
Feel free to reply if you need more advice. Happy to help.
Thanks for sharing, great tips👍
@@Tasadaru how hard is it for non prior civilians with related STEM degree to get into OTS?
Elderberry?
Looking to do OTS since my plan of going through college ROTC did not follow through. Watching this video really gives great insight and makes me remember my days in AFJROTC and how I would need to work on marching 😂 I got called out a lot during SLS. 🤦🏼♀️ thank you for the video!
Good job gentlemen! I went through selection and commissioning in 1989 when still at Medina Annex (Lackland). I was a Squdron 8 Hoya! I've heard y'all still have the green rock with layers and layers of paint, no?
I graduated from OTS, class 84-13 at Medina Annex in San Antonio. My point of entry was the College Senior Engineers Program, where, we were enlisted our last year of college. Great program. Ended up retiring as a Major from the Air National Guard.
The hardest part of Air Force OTS? Getting selected to even go to OTS! I was enlisted prior AD, & ANG at the time I applied in 2018/2019/2020. Boards moved dates/canceled/only certain degrees could apply. Then 2020 Covid hit, and it was up in the air when boards would resume... Finally, at the end of 2020, I talked to a Navy Officer recruiter. From start to finish, I got commissioned in approx 8mos. Now I'm about to put on O2-E. I still love the Air Force, but it's known to many across all branches, they are not the most helpful or consistent with recruiting. The Air Force does have a decent quality of life, but the Army and Navy offer more opportunities to new or prior service members in Commissioning programs.
truth.
Navy was my second choice enlisted side. If ots doesn’t happen I’ll consider navy again
What degrees are no longer being accepted?
I graduated from class 98-04. .. can't believe it was 24 year ago already! I was enlisted nearly 13 years before that. The worst part back then was, after hours and on weekends, the upper class was pretty much fully in charge. Like any college frat or similar environment, the power-trip/hazing increases until some sort of incident puts an end to it.
Thanks for providing this insight, very helpful. Currently in D&TF waiting for my ship date
waiting for your ship date to BMT or OTS?
@@airforceofficerpodcast yes. Still waiting on my ship date for OTS. Hopefully will get it soon! In the mean time ill be following your channel to prep for what's to come
Went to OTS I n 2016 as a prior enlisted TSgt (ANG). Enjoy the process and learn as much as you can.
I'm currently an active duty TSgt who was selected in January for OTS as an RPA pilot. I applied RPA only and it was my 4th application. I had a 95 pilot, 99 nav, graduated from the Rated Prep Program, and had a recommendation from the Commandant of USAFA. This was my third OTS application, 4th if you count my one SLECP application. One small correction the base education offices are no longer involved in the process. It's now a 100% applicant driven process. I've been really enjoying the CommissionEd videos and podcasts. Thanks for putting these together!
thanks for the update. and congrats on your selection!
Hello, been listening to the podcast on Spotify. I'm an E heading to OTS this year so thanks for all the insight! Please try to get an interview a 21R officer for your show! I see interviews with every AFSC except that one! Thank you for the content.
working on it!
congrats on your selection to OTS. keep us updated on your journey!
Adam, I’m a retired 21R mustang. What do you want to know?
If you're a prior E out there about to go to OTS. You probably already know this but it's cake compared to BMT don't sweat it. For non-priors your mileage may vary, but it's still pretty easy just be passing the run before you go and there's a 99% chance you'll pass.
OTS itself is not that difficult. it's getting selected that's the hard part.
@@airforceofficerpodcast 100% For active especially it can be a long shot. Guard and Reserve it's a little easier for priors.
I hope ur right
Maybe y'all can touch on the specifics of how daily OTS training reveals the true character of the cadet through things like Flicker Ball, Crunch week, group exercises, etc., why and what this provides by way of insights on the man or woman for the Cadre.
we get into that level of detail in our long form episodes. check them out here: th-cam.com/play/PLJd76HbS3mBchWWuX-8Tpx92AnzKxsr4m.html
The hardest part of OTS is getting in. I’ve heard selection rates as low as 20%.
i’ve seen single digits. like 3%.
Yea took me about 15mo to get sent to OTS 4 DAYS late into training. I missed all the days they taught military at military training. Went thru 5 recruiters virtually, being from AK, who never handed over my file or package. None of them ever handed me a 1 sheeter about what needed to be included in the package. Had to fly down to Washington state on my own dime to get my interview because they flaked on the phone interview, twice. When I got there, the Lt conducting it didn't even know I was coming and thought it was still a phone call. Was flabbergasted by my resume, slid it across the table and told me to 'circle the most impressive stuff so I can write bullets about you.' That was the whole interview. Had to go thru MEPS 6x (each time having to fly 400mi south to Anchorage and stay overnight, wake up at 4am to sit at MEPS for 5hrs and wait for a 2min assessment), and they almost had me swear in as an enlisted MARINE, when I had the color-coded nametag as AF Officer and I told them that, but that made me a difficult candidate. Once my package was finally submitted to the board, I ended up being picked up on that board, and headed out to OTS with almost ~80% prior-enlisted and 4days late to catch up.
Yes, you have to be persistent. Capt/14N
bruh. that's quite the story of persistence.
you are not alone. Went to my local MEPs 3 times for missing information. I flew to my reserve base on 3 separate occasions due to someone mishandling my blood samples and other admin errors. Can't tell you how relieved I was when I finally was able to toss my cover during graduation.
that sounds like a nightmare of logistics ... cmon America do better
That sounds like a horrible experience! It's no wonder recruitment is down. They should do everything in their power to move the process along. Literally, making it harder for people to apply is not going to help recruitment goals. They can miss me with all the talk about how "busy" these recruiters are.
Congratulations on getting through it, that’s the exact job I want but I waited out covid for some personal reasons (the logistical nightmares). What degree did you apply with?
What does the conduct of those working in the commission pipeline say about how the Air Force generally operates?
I interviewed in San Antonio 2018, and I'm a professional, so naturally I arrived 10 minutes early. The captain made me wait in the lobby for almost 90 minutes before she came out to get me. In the private sector that's a huge red flag - it highlights incompetence and a lack of respect. I couldn't help but think, is this a test? Am I supposed to go knocking and make acquaintance and ask to meet her?
A few weeks later I'm at MEPS to take the AFOQT, I'm instructed to be there at 530. We sat there for 2 hours before they came to get us and put us in a hallway outside the test center. At our desks, we waited another 45 minutes to get the tests. Again, competence and respect.
Is this how a functioning military is supposed to operate? I would be honored and proud to serve, but I already love my job and would regret wasting my life away in bureaucracy.
I think it would be great if the military drastically reduced it's headcount, transformed itself into a high quality production, and paid for the right talent.
Do you have a video where you go over what ROTC is an how it differs from OTC?
take a look at these videos: th-cam.com/video/96tXXRRhG04/w-d-xo.html
Can you make a video about what the process would be like for enlisted airman looking to transition?
this will have to do for now: www.airforceofficerpodcast.com/blog/020-enlisted-commissioning-programs-with-capt-sam-parrish
Turn the music off, or way down please. I don’t want to feel like I’m at a rave during an informative video.
Yes that music was distracting
Honestly it’s really hard to watch this video due to the distraction. I have a short attention span already.
Chill out sheesus
No
Umm-Tiss Umm-Tiss. Umm-Tiss Umm-Tiss Umm-Tiss Umm-Tiss Umm-Tiss Umm-Tiss Umm-Tiss
4:19 This is NOT like your traditional recruiting stereotype of quota chasers who are easy to find and are very intent on recruiting as many people as possible. OTS is the last stop shop to fill whatever officer billets haven't already been filled by USAFA and ROTC, so the supply of billets is much lower so if you aren't willing to put in the work for it, the recruiters will not care.
How does job selection work as an officer in the af
Can you touch base on the guard/reserve aspect of OTS? From my understanding, you need to meet the basic requirements for a package, but you apply to the squadrons that are hiring? How competitive is this? Are there hundreds of applicants for a few openings?
every squadron's hiring process is a little bit different, especially in the Guard. you'll still need to meet the same requirements outlined in AFMAN 36-2032. competition and number of applicants/openings is dependent on too many things to answer definitively.
I'm a junior in college currently about to get my bachelor's soon. What do I need to do between right now and getting my degree? I've already started weight training to get in better physical condition.
have you looked into joining AFROTC?
Hi! I am a BSN RN and have already been in contact with a recruiter. I was wondering if things are different in application or processing for those in medical field? I'm specifically an operating room RN and have some experience with army ROTC. Thanks!
best bet is to get in touch with a health professions recruiter.
I’m going through the ROTC route, but I was always interested in how OTS works.
it's good to know all paths to a commission so you can mentor others along the way.
"Be given a commision through AFROTC, is WAY easier than you think"
yup.
Applying for AF OTS as civilan during covid times was a waste of time. Put all that time and effort for board dates to be push to later date only to be told last minute boards are canceled once again. They knew after taking AF academy and AFROTC applicants that there weren't going to be hardly any spots left for civilans. Stop wasting people's time.
I find that to be the case as well. I nearly joined the marines as an officer cause they wanted to get me in pronto, unlike the air force where it was almost non-existent communication.
you’ll get no argument from me. OTS has always been the flexible partner in commissioning officers. given the current recruiting environment, OTS will continue to be super competitive if/when the boards happen.
@@SnakeEyes111 I know of someone on Reddit who applied during the same AF board I did. They ended up applying to the Army OTS and ended up getting it easily he said. The other branches aren't canceling boards like the AF. I could have did same went and went to other branches but I had no interest in joining anything other than AF/SF so I just enlisted; but into happy with the enlisted job I got. Army seem easier to get in. They don't even require a special officer test like AF and Navy does. I could have applied on my ASVAB scores alone.
@@airforceofficerpodcast Yes, the air force board specifically are competitive. The army and other branches seems to be much easier to get in as I know someone who applied for same AF board I did. Boards got canceled and they end ended up applying to army one and getting in no problem. I even applied to Space Force boards right after mines got canceled and they ended up only choosing 9 people total. My recruiter told me 5 of those people were prior enlisted. That means they only picked 4 civilians out of the entire U.S. None of the 10 applicants he had were selected. Smh
@@SourStrawberrys interesting. I thought with the Army you still had to go through basic, AIT then you can go to army OCS. Even if I’m wrong about AIT you still have to go to basic. Coming straight from civilian that is.
I just graduated college with a double major in public relations and American studies. I was interested in becoming an Air Force public affairs officer and applying for ots. What do I need to do now to be ready and who should I talk to?
start here: th-cam.com/play/PLJd76HbS3mBchWWuX-8Tpx92AnzKxsr4m.html
When do we know how long is going to be the OTS because I heard y’all saying that it could be from 6 to 9 weeks?
And other question if it’s not a problem, how different could be the process if you are a prior service?
the course requirements and length change often. you’ll be told how long it is when you receive your class date.
are you prior service and still serving? which branch?
Ima a freshman in college and I was wondering if there’s any advice or anything that I should try to prepare for.
join AFROTC.
My dad is retired Air Force and I wanted to join, like you said "the long line of blue", but as an officer. So i already my bachelor's degree, and i knew they had different recuiters, but should i go thru the ots, or is joining as a higher rank enlisted and then transitioning to officer a better route?
having prior enlisted experience can only help in the long run, but if you’re goal is to be an officer, applying for OTS as civilian is the more direct route.
As an enlisted wanting to commission later on, would it be better to do ROTC through college or go to the CCAF for OTS?
going thru AFROTC is the least competitive route. you have a much better chance of success that way than going through OTS. CCAF has nothing to do with OTS.
have you considered the LEAD program at USAFA: www.academyadmissions.com/prepare/enlisted/
I have 4 years prior military experience. I am planning on getting my bachelor's and it sounds to me like rotc will give the best chance to become an officer. How long would I be required to be in rotc as a veteran?
two years.
I’m thinking about the Air Force after college.I have absolutely no military experience at all.I will be graduating with a bachelors in criminal Justice?Is there a chance I will get accepted to ots or will I be recommended to go through basic instead?
if you want to be an officer, do not go to basic unless you specifically want to be enlisted first. it’s not a faster or more direct route to a commission.
best thing you can do is join AFROTC. if that’s not an option, then do the best you can to control what you can in your preparation to apply for OTS.
I am active duty enlisted right now on my first contract, I complete my degree in the spring, is taking ROTC out of the picture at this point? Could I continue taking ROTC classes past graduation to become an officer, or is OTS my only option at this point?
you can still do AFROTC if you want to get a master’s degree or second bachelor’s.
I am currently in my 3rd year at college and plan to apply fro OTS when I graduate in 2024. Would you be able to share any advice to get me prepared for OTS?
watching these videos is a good start. also read about being an officer: th-cam.com/video/ZxYcp5HD90k/w-d-xo.html
As a civilian trying to go the PTS route, what are they looking for and what makes you more competitive?
it depends on who you mean by “they.” the recruiter? the selection board? the OTS cadre? the recruiter is the first among those gatekeepers. they’re looking for someone who is professional, courteous, persistent, and will make their job easy.
you can increase your chances of selection by having a technical bachelor’s degree with a good GPA and high AFOQT, TBAS, and PT scores. a resume filled with leadership experience is a plus.
the cadre are looking for you to demonstrate and display your character, competence, and connection.
@@airforceofficerpodcast sorry, i shouldve been more specific. I am talking about an OTS board.
I'm a BSN RN but really interested in going in as an officer for intelligence maybe cyber security. No I don't have any prior enlisted service or non-medical specialty... What do you think my chances are and what do I do to improve them?
all things being equal, your chances are as good as anybody else who has a bachelor’s degree. google AFOCD and look at the tables in the back for the degree requirements. selection rates are around 10-20%.
you can improve your chances by learning as much as you can. talk to officers. read books. ask all your questions. then put what you learn into practice. demonstrate your ability to be influential. study for and crush the AFOQT. give your recruiter every reason to want to work with you.
recognize that there are thousands others just like you. at the same time, it’s never been easier to stand out.
@@airforceofficerpodcast thank you so much! Are you saying now is a good time? I heard someone say they have been downsizing the officer side so it might be even more competitive?
I’m an RN BSN, hoping to apply to OTS but for AF Reserves. Does applying to be a reservists lessen my chances to get accepted? Is the AF nurse demand high enough for that to be an advantage to being accepted?
applying to be a Reserve nurse does not directly help or hurt your chances. competition for OTS is always extremely tough no matter what career field or component you are going for.
I am a senior in college . My college did not offer AirforceROTC . I plan to graduate in December and plan to use my degrees to become an officer . What should I do before OCS ? Should I get started with a recruiter now ?
watching these videos is a good start. and yes. get in touch with a recruiter now.
Is there an Expiration on the AFOQT? I took it back in 2019 just wandering if it is still valid.
negative. AFOQT scores never expire.
hey i’m currently finishing my second year of college and my school does not offer afrotc. i want to start the ots application process when i finish my 2nd to last semester of college but i can’t find a link to air force officer recruiters anywhere. can you help me by giving me a link so i can contact the nearest af officer recruiter to me? thanks
have you considered transferring to a school that has AFROTC?
find a recruiter here: www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter
I’m already enlisted (marines) thought about how’s the process for enlisted
do you have your bachelors degree? if not, finish that. if so, talk to an Air Force line officer recruiter and they'll help you get the process started.
if you already have a degree can u still go through rotc program for masters etc and apply for officer that way?
potentially. the minimum number of years required to complete AFROTC without prior military experience is three years.
If you're former active 9yrs and presently AF reserve 4yrs is OTS shorter or same length?
Thanks in advance
same length.
I'm looking to try to go in OTS after I get my degree in computer science. I have been diagnosed ADHD and take Adderall(not planning on using it after college) will this affect my chances?
possibly. a history of using meds for mental health is often disqualifying. waivers are available. talk to a recruiter and they'll get you the most current policy.
The other thing also os as far as Air Force you can not use meds for behavioral purposes for a year prior to signing up and you have to have your last year of school without accommodations. The Airforce is more flexible with these things.
Also... I'll have my engineering degree at 30. Prior enlisted. Can 100 the PT test. Is an age waiver likely?
you don't need an age waiver since you're prior enlisted.
How difficult is it to through OTS through the reserve or guard if you are already enlisted through them? Is it pretty much guaranteed, rare, or highly varies?
depends on your unit. each one does things a little bit different.
@@airforceofficerpodcast I am in this boat. I was enlisted in the guard and now I am commissioned in the guard. It is a lot like applying for a job instead of a broad blanket selection rate or process. PM me and I can go into more detail!
@@jeremymaurer5378 Hey Jeremy, I’m looking to make the same jump. From enlisted guard to officer. Can I reach out for more info?
Any info on becoming on officer but through the Air Guard?
Guard is tricky. they like to hire from within. not impossible to be recruited off the street, though. best thing to do is learn as much as possible about the unit, their mission, the state, and interview process. work with someone inside the unit, if at all possible. if not, the recruiter may be willing to help.
Do all graduation ceremonies end with f-15s flyover? I've looked at several videos and this is the only one I see that has that
USAFA, always. AFROTC, rarely. OTS, occasionally.
@@airforceofficerpodcast Thank you for the information!
When do you pick your job? Is it guaranteed?
you apply for a selection board that is hiring for specific career fields. if selected, you’ll get the opportunity to accept or reject the career field that was chosen for you. if you accept it, it’s guaranteed as long as you meet all requirements, including initial skills training.
Is there a way to ensure/guarantee a pilot slot before applying or comitting to OTS?
not really, but if you are offered something you don’t want you don’t have to accept it.
If you apply OTS through reserve or national guard then you can apply for unit before going to OTS. Meaning that you'll know which aircraft you'll get before even going to pilot traning and you'll also know which base you'll go. Each unit got different aircrafts so make sure to look carefully.
I’m currently Army guard and just graduated with my bachelors. I’ve been studying for the AFOQT but not ready to take it quite yet. I know the process is long as you said but I do not want to wait long to get my career going…. Would it be beneficial for me to switch to enlisted active AF for the time being while putting my packet in for OTS? The other thing is if i don’t get selected for OTS i plan to try for OCS but if i enlist in the AF while attempting to get picked up for OTS, that would be a lot for me to switch BACK over to army! Sorry this is a lot just looking for your two cents! Thank you so much!
only enlist in the Air Force if you want to be an airman no matter what. it’s great to have the enlisted experience, but you already have that. enlisting in the Air Force won’t make you any more competitive than as a civilian or Army guardsman.
That would be the worst plan. The Air Force does not care about your dreams to be an officer, especially if you are currently serving. Officer recruiters will drop you like a hot potato because you won't count towards their stats since you would be already in the Air Force. It's wrong, but I'm going through this now. Choose either enlisted or officer. Don't meddle in both if you know you ultimately want to be an officer.
@@James-yi1vk I’d rather not sit on my hands waiting a couple years trying to commission. I want to travel and gain AF experience while I’m at least trying.
@@James-yi1vk plus it’s significantly easier to get a packet together and get HELP on it while you’re AD.
it’s going to take years no matter what. guaranteed at least two years whether you do AFROTC while working on a masters/second bachelors or through OTS. enlisting in the Air Force then applying for OTS will take even longer because your leadership won’t even consider submitting your package for OTS until you’re through BMT and skills training and they know who you are.
its December 28th, 2023. How competitive is OTS right now?
OTS will always and forever be competitive. don’t make it your Plan A unless you have no other choice.
Hello, I am a nurse in Brazil in a few months I will get my green card to work in the USA, I wanted to know with the GC can I be a military nurse in the Reserve Air Force?
nope. have to be an American citizen.
Can army soldiers commission into the Airforce through a program?
there's no specific program to go from enlisted Army to Air Force officer. you'd earn a commission like anyone else through USAFA, AFROTC, or OTS. shortest and least competitive route is AFROTC.
They should have stayed at Lackland
I have a letter of apology from the Air Force for not accepting me into OTS due to the reduction of force after the Vietnam War.
I don't know if you continued to apply or not. Rejection in any job is just "part of the program". After Viet Nam, the officer corps especially pilots and navigators were just plain cut to the bone. Then things changed. Non-science major were allowed apply. Leadership and success as an officer are not limited to science or math related college degrees. Then years later, the "Peace Dividend" struck and the officer ranks from O-3 to O-6 were reduced by way of Selective Early Retirement Boards (SERBs). Another mistake. The AF is really good at disappointing people. Press on. I wish you good luck and happiness in retirement.
Does anyone know the age limit and if you can earn an age waiver?
must commission before your 40th birthday in most circumstances, but that number can change depending on career field and if you have any prior military experience. yes, waivers are available.
@@airforceofficerpodcast This is good! Thank you. I am 36 and in the Army National Guard. My ETS is in 2024. My net step is the AFOQT and to ask for a waiver for my DD 214. The RE Code is 3, not 1. I left the service early so that is why, but I left with an honorable discharge.
What rank does one commission at if they have 9yrs prior enlistment time? Thanks
2d Lt in the grade of O1E.
@@airforceofficerpodcast Is this a higher grade than someone with no prior time?
same rank/grade. more pay. th-cam.com/video/NxUo3sHhHow/w-d-xo.html
What's the rate for engineers?
rate of what?
guy on the left pants too tight
I’m going to need say something. You said people when 99% of Air Force offered selected are white. As a black women I was very consistent but because they knew I was a black women they did ignore my text for two months. That’s weird when I have been consistent but okay whatever. They need to change that number. Your video is during the pandemic. Most offices are closed even now
you can read the demographics report for yourself: www.afpc.af.mil/About/Air-Force-Demographics/
the Air Force is at a 20 year high for retention. OTS boards are being cancelled because there are not enough positions that need to be filled. officer recruiters have way more candidates and potential candidates than they need; they can't possibly respond to every request.
if you want to be an officer, you will have to be the one to make it happen. if a recruiter won't work with you, find one who will. yes, that may include driving many hours or even flying across country to show up in person at a recruiting station only to find that it's closed. make your own luck.
we have said many times elsewhere that minorities are at a disadvantage. this is a big ugly problem that the Air Force is actively working to solve: www.af.mil/Diversity/ but the Air Force is also a big ugly bureaucracy with big ugly inertia. such things take time, effort, money, and manpower and there is never enough of that to go around.
Lady the fact that you said they “ignored” you because you’re black should tell you everything you need to know
They go off personal experience and qualifications, not race.. if you were ignored, then they had more qualified people to push through before they reach to the bottom of the bag.. since you pulled the race card, that shows your basic character and intelligence level. Get that reality check fast!
No one cares that you are black