OTS Preparation Advice – November 2017

One of the upcoming TFOT classes has the unique opportunity of having an OTS MTI as part of the class.  Here is a post he wrote up on Facebook which contains some great advice.  I am posted this with his permission.

Some of the info is specific to his class but I personally think the perspective is invaluable.

Hello class 18-04!  I’ve been watching for a while to get info, but haven’t been able to contribute.  Lurking?  Yes.  Awkward?  Yes!  I am an MTI at OTS and just had my last class, 18-01, graduate.  I’ll be a MSgt for a couple more months and have been at OTS for a 1 1/2 years, I’ll be in 18-04 with you as an RPA pilot.  First things first, this looks like a great bunch of people that are already passing on a bunch of great info; I think we will have an awesome class and I’m honored to be a part of it with you all!

Here is some info I think may be beneficial.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask!  Also, I know some of this may not line up with what has been posted by your friends all of the time, it is just a different perspective from the staff side.

1. We will be part of the 24th Training Squadron.  The week before we arrive, COT will start a class of 100-150 (medical, chaplains, lawyers that are already commissioned and will be there for 5 weeks).  A day later, Det 12 will start a class of 250-ish.  Our class will be around 270.  We will be divided into 4 student squadrons, 16 flights of 14-16 individuals each.  The campus will be packed with cadets.
2. We will be one dorm, with 3 to a room.  2 will be in bunk beds, will share a closet and sink.  Each room has its own shower and bathroom.  The dorm manual was posted on here a while ago if you want to see the setup and cleanliness standards.  You will have plenty of time to review this and get set up the first weekend, so I’d keep this a low priority now.  If you have ample time on your hands now, I would say rolling socks and shirts are the two that give cadets the hardest time.  Also, I’d suggest packing light.  There are requirements for exactly what you can put in drawers, so extra stuff only gets in your way.  You won’t need much while here, and after the first few weeks you’ll be able to go to the store (BX and eventually off base) if you need items.  Items you don’t need can be stored in your vehicle.  If you fly, a roommate’s vehicle may work.
3. I think uniforms have been discussed plenty, so I won’t add much.  Just know that the AF had some contracting issues with the mess dress and officer service coat.  They are forecast to be resolved in Feb and Jan, respectively.  It would be worth checking your local AAFES if you have one, as there may be less of a demand there compared to here.  If you’ve been around the AF a while, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to see those dates pushed back farther.  If these items are not ready in time, they will not be a requirement for our class, so don’t worry.  If you have an enlisted coat, it can be converted but can be pricey as well.  They generally need an un-serviceable or defective officer coat to pull stuff from.  Also, know that the officer coat has more padding in the shoulders than enlisted.  For ABUs, I plan to bring three pairs:  two new ones and an old one with the stripes taken off for the field events.  One pair will absolutely be grass stained.  For priors, you might be able to take your stripes off, just be sure they aren’t overly faded and there aren’t shadows left the stripes were.  The only thing I would recommend everyone get before they come is a set of boots and wear them for a few days to break them in.  Expect to be on your feet for 12-16 hours a day for the first few days.
4. The prerequisite course probably won’t count for us (the test we take on site), but there is a chance it could.  This is a new process that will probably take a few more classes to tweak.  I saw some joking around about the drill/bearing/discipline video that was added (I get it), but know that this was made and added specifically for NPS so you all can learn some of the things that will bring negative attention to you before you arrive.  If you can’t stand at attention, do facing movements, or respond correctly to a staff member after the first day or two, you will get some attention.
5. You will be judged from the second you arrive.  Remember that this is a small stepping stone among many in your career and remember that you had to work and fight to get this slot.  Also, remember that no matter how much you think the current situation sucks, how hard it is, or how tired you are, you get to leave with a commission and gold bars.  With that being said, the first couple weeks might suck – but they are temporary.  However, many cadets look back at the first couple weeks as the best part of OTS.  After that, there are going to be a lot of really great opportunities and exercises to learn and lead.  This isn’t BMT where you try to fly under the radar, and you aren’t enlisted.  Don’t be afraid to volunteer.  Every one of us will absolutely have to step outside our comfort zone.  Priors:  you’ve been through this environment once already, but don’t show up thinking you are exempt or should be treated differently (no matter what rank you were).  This is a common training experience for all officers along with AF Academy and ROTC.  All staff has heard priors say every class that there should be a separate, shorter class for prior.  It won’t happen anytime soon, so just embrace the suck and help your classmates get through it with a positive attitude.
6. Reasons why cadets excel:  effective prioritizing, great attitude, willingness to help others, learning from mistakes and applying that knowledge to the next opportunity, being well rounded for PT, leadership, followership, and academics.  We will all make mistakes.  The top graduate of the last class made a judgement call that pushed the progress of his class back several days in the second week, but he learned from it, continued working hard and applying the lessons learned, gained the respect of his class and knocked the course out of the park.  Don’t be afraid to fail!
7. Reasons why cadets fail:  not showing up ready to pass PT test, ineffective prioritizing (usually involving studying and practicing), poor attitudes, lack of officership/breakdown of core values (most notably lying/deceiving), not learning from mistakes.
8. Don’t fear the staff!  From the MTIs all the way up to the commander, the staff is genuinely committed to making you better prepared to lead and be an officer.  It may be direct and loud at times and it may be hard to hear that you aren’t doing well, but take it to heart and adjust.  Also, cadets provide mandatory feedback on you as well, the same applies…  don’t take it personal and learn!
9. For those of you that have children on the way or family issues, know that OTS can authorize you a short leave of absence (up to 4 days) to go home and take care of the issue.  This is not a given and is case-by-case, but births are almost always accommodated.
10. My wife recently joined the spouses page.  If your spouse has questions about the local area, grad week events, communication during OTS, etc., she may be able to help answer.
11. If you want to prepare now, I would say the OTSMAN should be #1, although it is being revised and probably 5% will change.  After that, it would be beneficial to be familiar with AFI 36-2903 so you have an idea of how to wear your uniform.  General awareness of the Air Force is a plus (ranks, acronyms, organization, etc).  After those three, anything else that has been posted here.

Hope this helps!  Let me know if you have any other questions!