Sharing my journey through Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) and beyond.

OTS Packing, Support

OTS Packing List

Official Packing List

The following list is from the Active Duty Reporting Instructions dated 15 March 2017.  As far as I know these instructions haven’t been updated since, but please let me know if I am incorrect and I will update this list.  This post is divided into my recommendations for items from the official packing list, then some other miscellaneous items which many have reported were useful from classes over the years.  Please let me know if you have any other recommendations and I will add them to the list.

NOTE!!!  The links are not necessarily to the cheapest items.  The purpose of the links is to give you an example of what that item is, then it will be up to you to shop around for the best price.  Many of the items are items I personally use and recommend despite the price.

Required

*Denotes gender specific items

ABU (See Note 1)QTYRECOMMENDATION
Belt, Rigger, desert sand color1DSCP US Military Issued Tactical Riggers Belt - Color: Sand (46)

Rothco AR 670-1 Compliant Military Riggers Belt, Medium
*ABU Coat (Shirt)3https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf
Name Tapes, textile, ABU, 1″ wide3https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf
Insignia, distinguishing USAF, ABU, 1" wide3https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf
AFSC insignia badge (Chaplain, Cyberspace, Aeronautical) (If prior service)3https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf
*Pants, ABU3https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf
Boots, sage green (2 recommended)1NIKE SFB 8" Sage/Sage 329798-200 Men's Special Field Army Tactics Boots (8.5)


Oakley Mens Light Assault Boot 2 Boots, Sage, 10
Socks, boot, sage green5Under Armour Men's Heatgear Boot Socks (1-Pack) LG  (Men's Shoe 9-12.5),Foliage Green

FoxRiver Men's Fatigue Fighter Over-The-Calf, Foliage Green, Large

Men's Military Boot Socks OLIVE DRAB - 3 PAIR - MEDIUM
T-Shirt, crew neck, desert sand color6T-Shirt, NSN 8415-01-519-8786, Large, Tan (Sand), for ACU/ABU Uniform, 3-Pack
Hat, ABU1https://wp.me/p9iSFL-Lf
Watch Cap, sage green (October-April)1Condor Watch Cap (Foliage Green)
Black Gloves (October-April)1Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves for Men & Women, Black, Small

FREETOO Tactical Gloves Military Rubber Hard Knuckle Outdoor Gloves (Black Full Finger, XL:9.2"-9.6" Circumference Finger Length: 3.5")
Blousing straps1http://shrsl.com/157ew

Foliage Green Boot Blousers For ACU (One Pair)
SERVICE DRESS/BLUES UNIFORMQTYRECOMMENDATION
*Light weight blue jacket, (with or without embroidery) (October-April)1Military Clothing Sales
*Service Coat, w/epaulets with officer sleeve braid sewn on1Military Clothing Sales
*Blue Pants (Wool or Polyester, with a minimum of 1 set of Wool pants)1Military Clothing Sales
Insignia, US (officer)2http://shrsl.com/157eh
*Belt, Blue w/Chrome Buckle1http://shrsl.com/157ek
*Flight Cap (Officer w/Silver Trim)1Military Clothing Sales
Name Tag, Standard Air Force, Individual, Blue, Plastic 1Military Clothing Sales
Name Tag, Standard Air Force, Individual, metallic1Military Clothing Sales
*Necktie, Blue1Military Clothing Sales
*Shirt, Cotton/Poly, Short Sleeve (no “princess cut” shirt)2Military Clothing Sales
*Shirt, Cotton/Poly, Long Sleeve, w/Epaulet1Military Clothing Sales
Shoes, Dress, Oxford, Black, Plain Toe1http://shrsl.com/157g4

Bates Lites Oxford, High Gloss Black, 10.5 D US
Socks, Cotton/Nylon, Black3Gold Toe Men's 3-Pack Metropolitan Over-the-Calf Dress Socks, Black, 10-13 (Shoe Size 6-12.5)
Stockings, black (females only)1
Undershirt, Cotton, White, V-neck3Fruit of the Loom Men's 6-Pack Stay Tucked V-Neck T-Shirt,White,X-Large
Ribbons and Ribbon Rack (As required)VariousEZ Rack Builder
Shirt Garters1Stirrup Style (Loop) Shirt Stays - Adjustable Elastic Shirt Stay 2-Pack (1 Pair)
MESS DRESS UNIFORM (See Note 2)QTYRECOMMENDATION
*Mess Dress Coat (½ inch silver sleeve braid & silver chain, blue in1Military Clothing Sales
*Mess Long Sleeve Shirt, white1Military Clothing Sales
*Mess Dress Trousers, blue1Military Clothing Sales
Mess Dress Skirt (females only)1Military Clothing Sales
Pumps (black, no higher than 2 ½ inches) (females only)1Predictions Comfort Plus by Women's Karmen Pump 7 Wide Black
*Bow Tie, blue (males)/Mess Dress Tie tab, blue (females)1Military Clothing Sales
Cuff Links1 sethttp://shrsl.com/157gx
Studs (set of 4)1 sethttp://shrsl.com/157gx
Medals (Miniature)(as qualified to wear)As reqEZ Rack Builder
Badges (not to exceed four)(as qualified to wear)As req
PHYSICAL TRAINING UNIFORMQTYRECOMMENDATION
PT Shorts5
PT Shirt5
Running Pants1
Jacket1
Socks, white or black, cotton (Ankle or Crew Socks)6Champion Men's 6 Pack Low Cut Socks,Black,10-13 (Shoe Size 6-12)
Running Shoes (color does not matter; 2 recommended)1ASICS Men's Gel Venture 5 Running Shoe, Silver/Light Grey/Royal, 8 M US
MISCELLANEOUSQTYRECOMMENDATION
*Underwear, bra6Marvel Wear Captain America Storm Shield Boxer Brief For Men (M)
Eyeglass Strap (As required) (purchase at OTS Clothing Sales)1
Personal Hygiene; Toiletry itemsAs req
Shower shoes/sandals1 setGear One Men's Rubber Sandal Slipper Comfortable Shower Beach Shoe Slip on Flip Flop, Black, 11
Black Attaché (purchase at OTS Clothing Sales)1
Black Flashlight (Purchase at OTS Clothing Sales)1
White Towel1
White Wash Cloth1
Hand Soap1
Laundry Bag (Purchase at OTS Clothing Sales)1
Tupperware (Purchase at OTS Clothing Sales)1
Masterlock (combination lock only, no key)1Master Lock Padlock, Standard Dial Combination Lock, 1-7/8 in. Wide, Assorted Colors, 1530T (Pack of 2)

Master Lock Padlock, Standard Dial Combination Lock, 1-7/8 in. Wide, Blue, 1506D

Master Lock Padlock, Standard Dial Combination Lock, 1-7/8 in. Wide, Black, 1500D

Master Lock 1500iD Set Your Own Directional Combination Padlock, 2-1/8 in. Wide with 1 in. Shackle, Assorted Colors

Optional

MISCELLANEOUSQTYRECOMMENDATION
Shoe polishing supplies (if black leather shoe)1
Soap dish with cover1Hugging Tree Hill Soap Box Dish - Cobalt Blue - Container Perfect for Cosmetics, Travel, Camp, and Storage. Made in USA! 4 x 2.5 x 1.5 in. (Blue)
Sage Green Fleece APECS liner (October-April) (Recommended)1
Plastic Cup1
Sewing kit & Scissors1Raine Military Sewing Kit, Black
Bug spray1REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent Pump, 1 unit, 4-oz

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent1 (Pump Spray) (HG-54011) (7.5 oz)

Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 3.4 Ounce Pump
Sunscreen1Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30, 6 oz. Tube, 1 Count, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Gluten Free

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 fl. oz

Bull Frog Land Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen, SPF 50 5 fl oz (147 ml)
Work gloves (black or sage green for use in the field)1
Black ball-point pensAs reqSKILCRAFT B3 Aviator Multi-function Pen Black/Red Ink, Medium Point with Pencil (7520-01-564-9906)
Laundry soap1Tide Pods Laundry Detergent Pacs, Original, 35 Count
Second pair of boots for field training
(strongly encouraged)
As req
Pajamas1
Wrist watch1Casio Men's G-shock DW5600E-1V Shock Resistant Black Resin Sport Watch

Men's Digital Sports Watch LED Screen Large Face Military Watches and Waterproof Casual Luminous Stopwatch Alarm Simple Army Watch - Black

Casio Men's 'Super Illuminator' Quartz Resin Casual Watch, Color:Black (Model: W-736H-1AVCF)
Shoe sole inserts1Dr. Scholl’s Comfort and Energy Work Insoles for Men, 1 Pair, Size 8-14
Hair pins (females)As req
Lint Roller1Scotch-Brite Lint Roller Twin Pack, 150 Sheets Total

Lint Roller - Pet Hair Remover Rollers - Extra Sticky Lint Remover Brush with 3 Refills, 240 Sheets Total - Best for Dog & Cat Fur Removal -Easy to Remove Sheets with Durable Handle & Dust Cover

* NOTE 1 – Three pair of ABUs are recommended for use at OTS.  Realizing that units are only authorized to issue two pairs, students will use their discretion whether to acquire the extra set or not.  OTS will not replace uniforms damaged during training.
* NOTE 2 – All cadets will be expected to purchase a black hydration system (camelback) upon arrival at OTS.  For standardization purposes, DO NOT bring your own.  Hydration systems will be available for purchase at OTS military clothing/sales.
*NOTE 3 – Mess dress is available for purchase or rent at off-base vendors.  It will not be worn until the final week of the program.
*NOTE 4 – It is RECOMMENDED cadets bring their own personal APECS if they already have one in their possession.


Unofficial – Useful Items

GRADUATE RECOMMENDED ITEMSRECOMMENDATIONNOTES
Microfiber Cloth (3 pack)Dusting and cleaning your dorm room.
RulersMaking hospital corners and measuring margins on papers.
Water Squeegee

Drying showers without using as many towels.
Boot maintenanceBrush off grass and debris from your boots.
Kiwi Heel and Edge (2 pack)Use on the soles of your blues shoes.
Laser printer, duplexI am independent and loved having my own printer while I was there.
Toner (high capacity)If needed.
USB Cable for printerIf needed.
GPS Running WatchI love having my current pace on my wrist while I run.
Name tag and ribbon backing
(I can only find these at Military Clothing Sales)
I hate the cardboard ones, these are the ones I use.
Stain StickKeeping stains out of your ABUs.
Pledge WipesLeaves a waxy/shiny appearance on general surfaces to appear more clean.
Windex WipesThey will probably have Windex in the supply closet.
Clorox WipesI used these to clean the room toilet and sink.
Blister MoleskinFor those who struggle with blisters.
Scissors for StringsThese hurt my fingers but are handy to carry around everywhere you go.
Lighters for StringsClip with scissors, burn off with lighters (only on ABU). It will ruin blues.
Travel Alarm ClockCall me old-fashioned.
Coffee PotI ordered one specifically for OTS/tech school.
Silver DollarHonor the tradition by giving a silver dollar to the first enlisted member you salute.
HeadphonesBluetooth headphones.
Multi-Function Pen/PencilI love this pen.
Expanding FileSomething like this could be helpful for in-processing.
Vitamin CThese kept me healthy for my entire time at OTS.

18 Comments

  1. Juan

    What’s the difference between the Kellac uniforms and those sold/issued at the BX?

    • Comment by post author

      airforceotsguy

      Brand, but both meet the required military spec. In my opinion the kellac looks slightly nicer and sharper. My other post talks about the convenience of the uniforms arriving completely ready to wear

  2. Nathanial

    For priors, are you to show up with your career field badges or do they want those removed while you are at OTS?

    • Comment by post author

      airforceotsguy

      Career field badges are optional unless you have the mandatory pilot/cyber/space ones. Wearing your prior function badge really doesn’t matter at all, the staff didn’t really pay any attention to them when I was there.

  3. paul

    Any recommendation on boots? I saw on your packing list spreadsheet it budgets for composite toe (heavy) boots and light trainer boots. Any reason 2 pair of light boots wouldn’t be recommended? Are composite toe boots needed for a component of OTS? Thanks!

  4. LC

    For priors, do you recommend buying new uniforms or showing up with the ones you had while enlisted? Any issues passing inspections if they’re not brand new uniforms?

    • Comment by post author

      airforceotsguy

      It all depends on shadow stripes. The fabric doesn’t wear the same rate underneath the stripes so it can be very obvious once you take off stripes. Either way you should be able to use an old enlisted pair for field exercises. For buying new ones if there were no rumors of new uniforms I would probably buy two. Depending on your class date pay attention to the new uniform rumors

  5. Nick

    Do you get reimbursed for buying the uniforms and supplies required?

    • Comment by post author

      airforceotsguy

      Enlisted members get a “clothing allowance” every year or two years but officers do not get this benefit. Officers get this allowance once upon commissioning and that is it for their career. I got two installments and it was about ~$800 but I had to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed a few months later

  6. Rachel Leslie

    Does the type of hand soap you bring matter? (Bar or liquid). How long is it until caffeine is allowed? Is it worth it to bring your own coffee/pot? Is bringing things like protein bars or electrolyte mixes allowed?

    • Comment by post author

      airforceotsguy

      1) no, the type of soap doesn’t matter. You will just have to order it from tallest to shortest in the cabinet. 2) no caffeine for the first few weeks. Once you guys get settled and do something good as a team (like good test scores or dorm inspection) you can submit a memo to request caffeine privileges. I bought a coffee pot because our classroom didn’t have one but they should have ones there now. They had a Keurig in the dorms when I was there. 3) yes you can bring protein bars and mixes but you aren’t allowed to keep it in the dorms.

  7. Adriana

    I’m a non-prior, not yet applied/still earning degree hopeful. Where do you get the PT uniforms? i.e. are they given/purchased upon arrival (assuming they are specific uniforms rather than just general workout clothes) or is it something you purchase from somewhere prior to your arrival similar to ABUs? And second question, as of a week or so ago, females are now allowed to wear pants instead of skirts for the mess dress uniform, but what about service dress? I’m a female that prefers the look of the male uniform over the females

  8. Jeff

    Here is a link for towels that are the right size. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2X5KRDM?ref=myi_title_dp&th=1
    hope this helps.

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