A quick overview of one of the United States Air Force’s commissioning programs.
Today’s blog post will review the Officer Training School (OTS) application process, OTS board schedule, requirements, timeline, and who would make a great candidate.
OTS Quick Facts:
- An eight-week commissioning program hosted at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama.
- An alternative to commission vs. the United States Air Force Academy or the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
- Total Force: Active duty, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve.
- Candidates must meet specific requirements, such as U.S. citizenship and a bachelor’s degree, and be between 18 and 39.
- Training in leadership, communication skills, military customs and etiquette, physical fitness, and core Air Force values is provided.
- Graduates are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the US Air Force.
The Application Process:
OTS accepts candidates: (1) Prior-Enlisted or (2) Civilians. The application process may vary slightly but is administered by the same entity, the Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS).
Prospective candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the AFRS Program Announcement guidance, including being a U.S. citizen between 18 and 39, possessing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and meeting physical and medical standards.
The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and a thorough background check.
What sets OTS apart is its emphasis on character, leadership potential, and adaptability — qualities that are carefully assessed during the selection process.
But Brandon, where might I find the OTS Program Announcement that lists all the requirements and every detail I need to know?
The OTS Program Announcement (See screenshot above) provides detailed guidance on how to apply for Officer Training School. It’s hosted on the AFRS website. The AFRS link is below. Always check this website, as there are always new updates!
This is the home page for Air Force Recruiting Service, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, that…www.recruiting.af.mil
OTS Board Schedule:
If you desire to commission through OTS, reference the “FYXX” Active-Duty Air Force Board Schedule (Line-Officer) document hosted on the AFRS website. This schedule can be confusing if you aren’t familiar with the military lingo.
Don’t worry — I’ll break it down for you.
Board #: Identifier for which board you wish to compete
AFCEP Request Window: This is the window you need to create/request an account to submit your OTS application. Official notification typically goes out a week after notifying you to submit your application.
AFRS Application Cut-Off: This is the last day you can submit your application. *Remember time zones…it’s typically midnight CST.
Estimated Release Date: The “date” results are released. Please don’t get your hopes up….it’s usually late.
Estimated OTS Date: Your report date! Congrats Trainee!
Remarks: The type of board. Non-Rated vs. Rated
- Rated: Pilots, Navigation, Combat Systems Officer, etc.
- Non-Rated: Logistics, Security Forces, Maintenance, Public Affairs, Office of Special Investigations, Engineering, Acquisitions, Contracting, Finance, Missiles, Cyber Space Operations, Intel, etc.!
Historically, Rated boards consistently have a higher selection rate than Non-Rated because the demand for Pilots exceeds the various support functions.
Requirements and Timeline:
Congrats. You received the notification that you have been selected to attend OTS.
Once accepted into OTS, you will receive reporting instructions and a packing list. The list will be easy to obtain before arrival if you are previously enlisted. If you are a civilian, you must order everything online, wait until arrival, or (my recommendation) travel to a nearby Air Force base and request a visitor badge using your OTS reporting instructions. From there, you will drive to the local AAFES (Military Clothing Store), where you will be in good hands with what to buy and how to wear it.
Okay, now that you’ve sorted your uniforms and packing list, you must fly or drive to Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama.
Remember, OTS is designed to instill discipline, resilience, and leadership skills in aspiring Air Force officers. The curriculum covers various subjects, including military customs and courtesies, leadership principles, physical training, and Air Force policies and procedures.
The timeline of OTS can vary, typically lasting eight weeks. During this time, candidates undergo a challenging blend of classroom instruction, physical training, and field exercises that push them to their limits. As a former OTS trainee, I vividly recall the long hours, the intense physical demands, and the camaraderie forged through shared challenges.
It was an absolute BLAST! I met so many great people who shared similar interests.
Who Would Make a Good Candidate:
Reflecting on my own OTS experience, successful candidates possess the following traits to be successful through the application and eight weeks at OTS.
- Self-Starters
- Adaptability
- Commitment to Serving their Country
- Willing to embrace challenges
- Learn from setbacks
- Work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals
- Exhibit leadership potential
- Demonstrated sound judgment under pressure
- A willingness to push themselves beyond their comfort zones
- Set aside personal interests for the greater good
Final Thoughts:
In closing, the Officer Training School is just one of the many ways to earn a commission in the United States Air Force. We discussed the general requirements for applying for OTS, where to find the program announcement and board schedules, and the timeline and requirements for OTS. Lastly, I provided my 2 cents for “who” would make a great candidate for OTS.
I hope you enjoyed it.
Happy Reading!
Brandon
References:
- United States Air Force (2024). “Officer Training School (OTS) — Air Education and Training Command.” Official Website: https://www.airforce.com/education/military-training/ots
- United States Air Force (2024). “Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) — Air Education and Training Command.” Official Website: [https://www.recruiting.af.mil/About-Us/Line-Officer-Candidate-Information-and-Resources/](https://www.recruiting.af.mil/About-Us/Line-Officer-Candidate-Information-and-Resources/)
Disclaimer:
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Department of the Air Force or the Department of Defense.