When the Aviation Cadet (AvCad) Program proved insufficient to meet wartime commissioned officer requirements, the United States Army Air Forces established the Officer Candidate School (OCS) on 23 February 1942 at Miami Beach, Florida,[13] its mission being to train and commission members from the enlisted ranks. OTS is a group-level command with three squadrons and one Air National Guard detachment that trained 3,076 officers in fiscal year 2018. from 1907 until 1965. While its a great option the Air Force Academy is very difficult to gain admittance and requires a congressional endorsement. Phase 1: Foundation OTS applicants will be given an opportunity to apply for Air Force career fields that correspond with the applicants' expertise and/or desires and will be interviewed by active duty Air Force officers as well as receive a military medical examination for flying or non-flying duty as appropriate. For more information --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 Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. 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. If you are currently an active duty Air Force enlisted member, contact your base education office or military personnel section. The Air Force base offers standard base amenities including housing, dining, and entertainment. To educate and train officers of character who are committed to the Air Force core values equipped to lead and ready to win. I had the incredible honor and privilege to attend Inter-American Squadron Officer School (ISOS) in the fall of 2020. 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. The United States Air Force separates enlisted personnel and officers into two different categories. 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. 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. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. The first and most popular method is to attend Air Force Officer Training School (OTS). The 23 TRS also conducts a 13-training day Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) program for hard-to-recruit medical officers in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Congratulations on your selection to attend the Officer Training School (OTS). Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. 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 . The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey If the trainee is not being eliminated for failure to meet military standards he or she receives an assignment to another military unit for service. Concurrently, the Air Force also commenced a phaseout of its long-standing Aviation Cadet (AvCad) Program at Lackland AFB. Technical training usually runs between four and 52 weeks and varies depending on which career field you pursue in the Air Force. 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. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. This is accomplished via 4 paths: Attend Officer training school after earning a college or postgraduate degree. Learn more about the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) in our complete guide to the program. It's a rigorous program that lasts 9 1/2 weeks and gets divided into four phases of training. 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. Those that graduate from Air Force Officer Training School get commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) the lowest USAF rank for officers. Start with a fitness program such as the one found in our guide for preparing for military training. At least a bachelors degree from a recognized college. Until 22 September 1993, Officer Training School was primarily located on the Medina Annex of Lackland AFB, Texas, with the last OTS class, Class 93-06, graduating from that location on that date. 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 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." 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. Officer training Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force and United States Space Force commissioning program located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.[1]. 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. However, its shorter than other military branch officer schools as well as a much quicker route compared to attending the USAFA or AFROTC for four years. 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. 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. You need to have a four-year college degree before the Air Force will consider an application to Officer Training School. Air Force Officer Training School tests officer recruits physically and mentally while also developing leadership skills. Named for the late Major General Jeanne M. Holm, the Holm Center falls under Air University (AU), which, in turn, falls under the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), an Air Force major command (MAJCOM). The honor code of the school continues with the motto: We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.. The new second lieutenants will be appointed in either pay grade O-1, or O-1E if they have prior cumulative active service as a warrant officer or as an enlisted servicemember in any branch or component of the U.S. armed forces for at least 4 years and 1 day. The Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) has four training phases: Phase one focuses on teamwork, discipline, and standardization. Related Article How To Join The Space Force. To ensure OTS graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective Air Force officers, OTS faculty members provide instruction and guidance in critical officership areas such as leadership studies, professional knowledge, communication skills, military studies and field leadership application. 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. Course #MOTS-005 (8-week), Officer Training Abbreviated Every enlisted Airman begins their Air Force career with 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT). Interested applicants for OTS typically contact Air Force recruiters specializing in officer (versus enlisted) accessions. Candidates will have the opportunity to apply their leadership skills by training the new lower class and lead peers through officer trainee wing positions. If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. 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. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. The first phase introduces the fundamentals of leadership, military management, as well as the culture of the USAF. Gain the strengths and skills to grow in your field. 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. 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. 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. 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. For more information on Air Force OTS, visit www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center/OTS/. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. This course is offered two times per year. Air Force Officers the leaders of the military branch need the knowledge and skill development to serve as managers of other military personnel. For starters, you of course have to be an officer in the US Air Force. 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. Attending the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is your first step toward becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. [3], During peacetime, OTS is usually the smallest commissioning source in the USAF, producing fewer officers per year than AFROTC and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). 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. 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 While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. Additionally, once you in-process at OTS, all religious accommodation requests must be submitted and approved by your flight instructor. The current acceptance rate for Air Force Officer Training School is 65%. Attachments may not display initially, but will when file is downloaded. Orientation Course #MOTS-003. The Air Force introduces basic combat skills and cross-cultural competence during phase two. You'll also begin to learn the fundamentals of leadership and military management and the importance of operating as a team. 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. Air Force Officer Training School web banner. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. First, youll need to complete the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, or AFOQT. 2. The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. 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. The focus is on physical training, drill and ceremonies, and academics. Prospective officers start to experience the pressures of leadership and command. 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. The Air Force OTS program is divided into four distinct phases. OTS serves all Active Component and Reserve Component line officers except judge advocates. Each committee reviews candidates to find the most appropriate selections for Air Force Officer Training School. Officer Training School (OTS) is a United States Air Force commissioning program located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. 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. Air Force Recruiting Service Active Duty Officer Training School Air Force Program Announcement (CAO 8 Feb 2023). While employed as a Correctional Officer, I quickly . Air Force Recruiting Service Space Force Officer Training School Program Announcement (CAO 1 Oct 22). 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 Air Force requires you to have a four-year college degree or meet the guidelines for OTS in an alternative method. I look forward to returning your salute at the end of this rewarding experience as our newest Air Force officers. To graduate, cadets must meet or exceed physical standards, academic standards, and military bearing standards. The remaining OTS students complete several other graduation requirements over the final three weeks of the course before receiving their commissions. Commandant, OTS But it's a much faster entry point to commissioning if you can qualify. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. 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. 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. After gaining basic flight skills, some officers might get the opportunity to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (also commonly referred to as "drones"). Basic Military Training (BMT) runs for approximately 7.5 weeks and is held at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Visit www.theairforceofficer.com for more info. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. Trainees who have facial hair must have a religious or medical waiver. Officer recruits that get accepted for Officer Training School yet fail the program generally have one of two options. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. Form may not display but it can be downloaded and . Recruits live at Maxwell AFB during training with a complex that includes academic buildings, auditoriums, dormitories, dining, physical fitness center, and athletic fields. 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. 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. 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. Tinkey began her quest to commissioning when she entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013. 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 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. Check OTS Website for the most current version 2 weeks prior to class start date for any changes. . You are about to embark on one of the most challenging and memorable training and education programs of your Air Force career. Welcome to Officer Training School! Officers can be commissioned up to the rank of colonel (O-6) if they possess the level of experience necessary. All Rights Reserved. However, by 2017, selection rates had increased to the 65% range or greater, reflecting the increased commissioned officer needs of the service.[9][10]. MOTS-003: 2-week program, Officer Training School-Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) 1.4.4. the school and the Air Force. For those entering the Air Force with a high school diploma or GED. Officer Training School (OTS) is a small, highly specialized school that prepares college students for leadership roles in the Air Force Active Duty. US Air Force Academy Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs, Colo., the Air Force Academy annually accepts about 1,200 young men and women into its four-year. It might be an additional school opportunity offered to me, through my guard unit. There are remaining training programs that you need to complete in phase four like the Air Expeditionary Force Exercise (AEF) and First Officer Assignment. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer Motto and honor code --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 Force ROTC program rewards you with tuition assistance but is only applicable for students currently in college or thinking about attending. Learn more about Air Force Officer Training School. 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. Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! 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. I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. [17], Historically, the USAF Academy had been (and continues to be) headed by a lieutenant general and Air Force ROTC had been headed by a major general or brigadier general, while OTS had been headed by a colonel. With the exception of those officers previously commissioned as line officers through USAFA, AFROTC, the 8-week program of OTS, or the Air Force Nurse program of AFROTC, most chaplains, judge advocates general (i.e., lawyers), and medical personnel go through OTS-A. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. The Air Force expects high performance in college with a 3.2 GPA or higher for a better likelihood of getting accepted. 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. 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. 2. Related Article Pros And Cons Of Joining The Air Force. Colonel Keolani W. Bailey Related Article: Your Complete Guide To MEPS. 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. Secondly, prospective officers have the option of attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Personnel and resources. Related Article Army OCS Guide: Preparing For Army Officer Training. However, you can only attend Air Force OTS after graduating from college with a four-year degree. 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 and OTS-A are conducted as parallel training programs. WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Officer Training School is a nine-week, four-phase program designed for prior-service Airmen and civilians with a college degree who are ready to take the next step as a leader in their lives and careers. 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. Every Air Force journey is different, but no matter where your career takes you, every path begins with training. Officer Training School ated At the beginning of a new class, OTS and OTS-A students live and train together in integrated flights. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Andy Yacenda, Defense Media Activity-San Antonio), Mission 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. 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. MISSION The purpose of the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is to establish high standards of conduct for prospective officers. Enlisted personnel interested in attending OTS must have the approval of their unit commander. Regardless, youll receive the classification of Second Lieutenant (O-1) after completing Air Force OTS. 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. In 2015, I used the skills, knowledge, and work ethic I had acquired in the Air Force and became a State Certified Correctional Officer. 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. Air Force OTS takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base. Officer Candidate School (OCS) also known as Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force, or the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) in the United States Marine Corps prepares recruits for the challenges of officer life, from managing others to understanding military culture and law. 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. Additionally, candidates will be required to pass leadership evaluations in order to advance to the next phase. Prospective Officers receive evaluations on their leadership potential, moral standards, and academic strengths. 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. Air Force Officer Training School fact sheet banner. The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC, commonly pronounced JAY-rot-see) is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools and also in some middle schools across the United States and at US military bases across the world. You'll be provided with the shared common experience in military. The officer training program takes place at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Kristen Baker-Geczy is a communications specialist, active duty military spouse, and former MWR marketing coordinator. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Air Force Officers are leaders that receiving extensive training at OTS to prepare for the difficult assignment.