One of my followers created this checklist to help applicants get started with their OTS application. This is more applicable to Active Duty, but civilians may benefit from this as well. None of this is set in stone, and I would caution you to plan ahead to start steps that you think you may have trouble with earlier than the checklist outlines.
Click here to download the checklist.
Elena
Hello!
I just got my AFOQT results back and I passed the non-rated standards, and I am gearing up for the 19OT02 Civilian Board. My recruiter asked for me to wait until November to get with him (he’s getting the AD guys first), so in the meantime should I start with finishing up the forms 422, 56, personal statement and LORs?
airforceotsguy
I would start working on everything you can possibly work on. I’m not sure if civilians do the AF422, has your recruiter mentioned that one? The biggest ones you can work on are the PS and LORs because those can take a long time. Have you browsed through all of the documents in the Civilian Dropbox I linked in one of my posts?
Elena
Thank you! I actually hadn’t seen the Civilian Dropbox before, that’s a great resource! As for the AF422, I’m not positive though several of my friends who went through OTS as civilians have told me that the medical portions really held them up. I worked in a CSS at my husband’s last duty station and have 4 really solid LORs from the position I held (the dates are fine for the upcoming board). I don’t know any Generals and don’t think writing my Congressman would be the best for the letters. I have a civilian flight chief that I was considering asking, but I’m not sure if I should have a more diversified group of people for recommendations. What do you think?
airforceotsguy
Yes the medical is often the portion which holds everyone up, but as a civilian you will have to go through MEPS. I’m not sure if filling out an AF Form 422 will help, you are likely going to have to wait for the medical professionals at MEPS to create whatever paperwork they need to create for you. For your LORs, a CSS would be very helpful. If possible the commander you worked for and SNCO or NCO would be very beneficial to painting the picture that you are competent at Air Force admin functions. For diversity I would shoot for someone who could vouch for your involvement in the community (such as volunteering), and someone who could vouch for your character (either work or volunteer). I have a good post somewhere with the civilian perspective of LORs… let me know if you want me to link it.