While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. She was also deployed to Southwest Asia as an Air Force contractor. In February 1997, in an effort to reduce duplication of effort and streamline administrative and reporting procedures within AU, AFROTC and OTS realigned under a newly created umbrella organization, Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools (AFOATS). 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. A few years later, and with yet another logical move, the Air Force also decided to merge line and non-line training courses. 1. 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. During the spring and summer of 1993, OTS gradually relocated to Maxwell AFB, Alabama, the home of Air University, commencing operations in interim facilities on 25 September 1993. Each option has different requirements and advantages. 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. MISSION 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. The U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. Many graduates of the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) progress to additional training based on their specialty. 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. 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. If need be, one of the chaplains can help provide or facilitate your request. from 1907 until 1965. 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). It is also used for selection into specific training programs such as pilot and navigator training. 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. [15][16] OTS then became the sole organization for training future Air Force officers at Lackland AFB. The remaining OTS students complete several other graduation requirements over the final three weeks of the course before receiving their commissions. For more information on Air Force OTS, visit www.airuniversity.af.edu/Holm-Center/OTS/. - RallyPoint", "My Journey Through Air Force Officer Training School", "DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 1: "BASIC PAY", http://o2tb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50:nav-cadet-program&catid=35:n-history&Itemid=18, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Air_Force_Officer_Training_School&oldid=1117840735, This page was last edited on 23 October 2022, at 21:29. OTS, which was formerly under ATC, and Air Force ROTC, which was formerly under AU, were then realigned under both AETC and AU. AFOQT scores, college GPA, previous enlisted performance evaluations if a current or former enlisted member, and, if applicable, previous pilot skills as either an FAA-certified civilian pilot and/or as a U.S. Army warrant officer / Army Aviator will all figure into the selection process, although the selection process strives to employ a composite or "whole person" approach. 3. Related Article: Your Complete Guide To MEPS. 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. --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 Each committee reviews candidates to find the most appropriate selections for Air Force Officer Training School. 135K views 7 years ago Officer Training School In the first phase, you'll focus on teamwork, discipline and standardization. I know that you are up to the challenge of OTS. Inbound trainees, ensure you view the 'Welcome Guide'. The Air Force initiated OTS at Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, Texas, in 1959. The Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) is one of the ways to become a commissioned officer in the USAF. 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. Make sure you are aware of the deadlines to avoid any interruptions in reaching Officer Training School (OTS). 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." 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. Kristen Baker-Geczy is a communications specialist, active duty military spouse, and former MWR marketing coordinator. 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]. 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. Dedicate yourself now to listen, to learn and ultimately, to lead! 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. 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). 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. The first and most popular method is to attend Air Force Officer Training School (OTS). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. Its a rigorous program that lasts 9 1/2 weeks and gets divided into four phases of training. However, you can only attend Air Force OTS after graduating from college with a four-year degree. 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. 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. 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. Unlike OTS, AvCad was limited to pilot and navigator candidates. 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. Attachments may not display initially, but will when file is downloaded. 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. Youll get the tools to build on your strengths, earn a degree, lead others and take your career to the highest level. Air Force OTS is a nine-and-a-half-week course that develops future commissioned officers of the Air Force through an intense program based on academics, physical training, and personal and professional development. Prospective Officers receive evaluations on their leadership potential, moral standards, and academic strengths. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. 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. OTS Welcome Guide has information covering arrival, orders, packing lists, and more. 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. 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. Start with a fitness program such as the one found in our guide for preparing for military training. The code is a standard of personal conduct for each student. The Air Force requires you to have a four-year college degree or meet the guidelines for OTS in an alternative method. Phase 1: Foundation OTS serves all Active Component and Reserve Component line officers except judge advocates. Direct Commission Officers: Chaplains, Judge Advocates (JAG) and medical professionals from all across the Air Force (Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Health Professional Scholarship Basic Military Training (BMT) runs for approximately 7.5 weeks and is held at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization . With the establishment of OTS, Air Force OCS closed its doors and conducted its last graduation in June 1963. 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. 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. 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. Reserve Commissioned Officer Orientation (RCOO) (formerly known as Reserve Commissioned Officer Training (RCOT)) is a two-week orientation program focused on Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard direct commissioned officers in health-related professions, including physicians and clinical nurses.[7]. The first few weeks of training are geared toward orienting the cadet with Air Force standards. After gaining basic flight skills, some officers might get the opportunity to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (also commonly referred to as "drones"). 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. We are a community sharing information about the process of becoming an Officer in the United States Air Force. 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. Related Article How To Get Into The Air Force Academy. 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. To be accepted into the program, candidates must pass the Air Force Qualifying Test, a physical and mental screening exam, and a selection board. In 2018, AFROTC commissioned more than 1,800 second lieutenants into the U.S. Air Force. The majority of this MILCON project was completed in 2001 and all projects relating to the Maxwell AFB OTS campus were completed by 2004. Shortly after I graduated, the Air Force made a smart move to integrate active duty, ANG and Reserve officer training. 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. OTS is for four-year university and college graduates without prior military service (commonly known as non-prior service), as well as Active Component enlisted, Air Force Reserve enlisted, Air National Guard enlisted and former enlisted personnel from any of the six U.S. armed services with college degrees at the baccalaureate level or higher who wish to become Air Force officers. The honor code of the school continues with the motto: We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.. 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. Course #MOTS-002 (5-week), Reserve Commissioned Officer Welcome to Officer Training School! 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. 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. To apply, contact your nearest Air Force recruiter. 1. --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 3. Most of these new officers attend follow-on training after OTS. Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard. Inbound trainees, select the above link to view the 'Welcome Guide'. It's a rigorous program that lasts 9 1/2 weeks and gets divided into four phases of training. In 2015, I used the skills, knowledge, and work ethic I had acquired in the Air Force and became a State Certified Correctional Officer. To be accepted into the program, candidates must pass the Air Force Qualifying Test, a physical and mental screening exam, and a selection board all of which are designed to evaluate a candidates leadership potential, moral standards, and academic strength. Interested applicants for OTS typically contact Air Force recruiters specializing in officer (versus enlisted) accessions. Non-technical degrees are more common, and therefore applying with a degree in such a field is very competitive. Upon completion of Air Force OTS, graduates are commissioned at pay grade O-1 (Second Lieutenant). Here are some frequently asked questions about the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS): Related Article 10 Best Air Force Jobs For Civilian Life. They often enter at an advanced rank, such as first lieutenant (O-2) and sometimes as captain (O-3) in compensation for their higher levels of education, and in some cases, experience. The final phase of Officer Training School prepares you to make the transition from training environments to the operational Air Force. 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 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. Although you will learn drill and spend your share . When I came through OTS (Academy of Military Science for Guard), our cadre and students were all ANG. Without either one of these waivers, the trainee will be required to shave, immediately, until a waiver is obtained. The 23rd Training Squadron (23 TRS) provides a 23-training day Commissioned Officer Training course to instill leadership and officership skills in newly commissioned medical officers, judge advocates, 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. 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. OTS graduates enter the Air Force in all components: active duty, Reserve, and Guard.