Earn an Air Force commission thru Officer Training School. (It’s WAY HARDER than you think!)

Everything you need to know about Air Force Officer Training School (OTS), including why it’s so hard to get in!

Share your officer stories of all flavors using #shootthewatch.

The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the US Government. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

[Tasadaru]

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.

[Charlie-zcwf]

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.

[JacobAndJamal]

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.

[travis]

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!

[kennethmorgan]

The hardest part of OTS is getting in. I’ve heard selection rates as low as 20%.

[kulkajim]

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?

[adamd]

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.

[ryanvalerio]

Thanks for providing this insight, very helpful. Currently in D&TF waiting for my ship date

[tangywangyJade]

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!

[craigkowald]

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.

[higgsy]

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.

[kenlandon]

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.

[LKtube]

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.

[jessemanchester]

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

[kulkajim]

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.

[okiesooner]

Went to OTS I n 2016 as a prior enlisted TSgt (ANG). Enjoy the process and learn as much as you can.

[mereelfalstom]

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.

[jimmierichards]

I was a Tiger in 1979….while OTS was still at Medina…

[unlisted]

Turn the music off, or way down please. I don’t want to feel like I’m at a rave during an informative video.

[patrickgamboa]

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?