I get a lot of questions about Personal Statements (PS) so I decided it is time to do another post. I believe your PS is your best chance to make an impact on the board. The PS should not be a bland recap of your career experience or qualifications because the board is going to get this from your OTS applicant profile. IMO your goal for the PS should be to tell the board a personal story about how you were inspired to apply to become and officer in the United States Air Force. It should be so captivating it must be read to the end, and reading it should fill the board member with emotion and move them to tears. If you do not do this (or attempt to do this), I think you are missing a huge opportunity to catch the board’s attention. Over this past year I have ran this blog I have probably read two or three PSs which met my own personal criteria for this, so it is possible. If there are any selects out there who would like to contribute their PS to my blog, I would love to post it.
I am not sure what criteria recruiters are pushing out there for civilian applicants, but active duty applicants are required to fit their entire PS into a form called the Air Force Form 56 (AF56). This form (like many other AF Forms) is an “xfdl” file which requires specific software to open. The software is designed for windows but I have heard it is possible to use it on Mac, it can just be a little buggy. Instructions for obtaining the software and form:
- Proceed to the Air Force E-Publishing web site. This is the official master archive for all Air Force forms and publications, so it should already be your best friend. I always get to it by Googling “af epubs” but here is the link: http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/.
- Once the software is loaded you can open the form. To download the AF56, from the main page type “af56” in the search block.
The PS block is on page 4. For the AD side we are to write the PS in this block and copy/paste it onto the OTS applicant profile. The xfdl forms are a little quirky with spacing but you will figure it out.
General Guidelines
The official label as listed on the AF56 for your PS is as follows:
- WHAT ARE YOUR OBJECTIVES AND REASONS FOR DESIRING AN AIR FORCE COMMISSION? (Include what you have to offer the Air Force. Confine comments to this space. Attachments ARE NOT authorized) (MUST BE TYPED).
The approximate length for the form is 450 words, but your results may vary.
Personal Opinion/Advice
I am not or have never been a member of the OTS board, but I have written (with the help of my mentors) a PS and have been selected for OTS. As the owner of this blog, I have also reviewed the PSs of many of my readers who have and have not been selected. I believe can see the difference between an effective and not-so-effective PS. Here are some of my own personal opinions and advice which you can consider as you author your PS and decide what is best for you.
- I personally believe you should tell your story. Why do you want to become an officer in the United States Air Force? Why an officer and not enlisted?
- What inspired you to apply to serve your country as an officer? Why the Air Force and not another branch?
- If you know or have known Air Force officers, what about them has inspired you to want to follow in their footsteps?
- Avoid overusing quotes. It good to show you are educated but I believe relying too much on quotes can remove a personal aspect to your PS.
- Try to avoid rehashing your career or experience. Speak from the heart, not the mind.
- Demonstrate you are educated through your writing. Keep your ideas clear and concise, use an expanded vocabulary, but still be yourself. Don’t use big words just to use big words, use big words because they are your words.
- What does it mean to accomplish an Air Force mission, and how can you contribute to the accomplishment of these missions?
- Instead of telling the board what the Air Force Core Values or mission are (trust me, they know), tell a personal story about how one or more of the core values has deeply impacted your life.
- Consider telling the board about one of the most valuable leadership lessons you have learned in your life.
- Tell the board about how much of an honor it would be to serve your country. Capture the feeling of pride and service, not the verbiage.
- If you don’t have a story I mentioned above, tell the board any story about a life or career lesson you have learned.
- ‘Perspective‘ is key. Show the board you not only know where you are, but you know where you are going and how where you are going aligns with the future needs of the Air Force.
Tying it Together
The PS, along with your entire application, should flow, not be a disjointed discombobulation of catch phrases or concepts. After the board reads your PS or reviews your application they should know who you are as a person, what makes you tick, and that you will be the perfect addition to the Air Force. Put your heart into it, re-write it as many times as it takes, have some English majors and Field Grade Officers review it, and let it happen.
Alejandro Luna
would you be able to look over my PS? If so how would I get a hold of you?
airforceotsguy
Sure, you can email it to me. My email is at the top of the page. airforceotsguy@gmail.com
airforceotsguy
Great point. I don't think there is any right or wrong answer, I think it is just a matter of effectively getting your message across. I didn't get any guidance at all about mine, my CC let me do my thing and only did his part. Most PSs I have seen seen fill the space. I know I wouldn't have been able to communicate my message without filling the block so thats what worked for me. I would love to read yours.
airforceotsguy
Great point. I don't think there is any right or wrong answer, I think it is just a matter of effectively getting your message across. I didn't get any guidance at all about mine, my CC let me do my thing and only did his part. Most PSs I have seen seen fill the space. I know I wouldn't have been able to communicate my message without filling the block so thats what worked for me. I would love to read yours.
Oz
What is the direction people are getting about white space? I applied and was accepted back in 2000. White space wasn't a factor. I filled up maybe a third of the block.
For me, if I were on the board, I agree with everything you said. You gotta be inspirational; however, I prefer quality over quantity. If you can inspire with half the block filled then that is great. I'd rather read a short, clear, concise, inspirational PS than a long PS that meanders on just to fill that block.
Anyway, just wondering what people are being told these days.
Donny
So I’m trying to commission as an Officer in the 2018 Boards. Still not entirely certain what all this is supposed to look like, but I got a rough draft that I think its really solid. Would you mind giving it a quick once over?
airforceotsguy
Sure you can email it to me at airforceotsguy@gmail.com.
Jeremy
I’m a recent ABM select, from the 18OT03 Civilian board. My AFOQT scores were adequate, but not as competitive, compared to the others that I saw, and this worried me (DON’T LET IT). So somewhere in my package, I believe they saw more than just the scores, hopefully a strong point was my personal statement. I sat down thinking I could do this during my morning routine, but with little guidance, writing something so personal takes more time than that, and I’m glad I took my time. All of these points mentioned were spot on! My favorite being, make it personal by telling your story. And tell a story about leadership experiences. I found my inspiration in family, my grandfather, and my brother. I would be happy to share mine with anyone if you need another one to reference. So THANK YOU, for all of this wonderful information. I can’t seem to get enough of it.
airforceotsguy
Thanks for the comment!!!
Sabrina Rabbani
Hello. I am applying for ots this year at the 21OTCAD board. I would love to get a second reference and read how you wrote yours. I still have to write my AD LO personal essay. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
airforceotsguy
Sorry I couldn’t help!
Brittnie
Anybody still reading this in 2019? Thank you for sharing – it’s super helpful! I’ve re-written mine about 5 times. Would you be willing to give it a quick glance to see if I’m on the right track? Thanks in advance!
airforceotsguy
Hey Brittnie yes shoot me an email at airforceotsguy@gmail.com. Sorry for the delay!
Lailany Machado
Hello, I was wondering if you would be willing to read my PS for my OTS application?
airforceotsguy
Sure, shoot me an email at airforceotsguy@gmail.com
Taylor P.
I would love someone to take a look at my PS if possible! If anyone is still doing that. This website has been so extremely helpful.
airforceotsguy
Sure, check out my “app review” page and/or send it to my email at airforceotsguy@gmail.com. I’m back in classes so please just let me know when you want/need it back by. Thanks for the feedback!
Sabrina Rabbani
Hello. I am applying for ots this year at the 21OTCAD board. I would love to get a second reference and read how you wrote yours in Gorm 56. I still have to write my AD LO personal essay. I would also like to send you my essay for review. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.