OTS Tips From the Trenches

Here are a few comments from at OTS cadet who was still in training.  I second the remark about getting out what you put into OTS.  The OTS curriculum and staff can only do so much for you, at some point you need to apply what you learn and grow and develop into the type of officer you want to be.

1. The academics are not difficult but the exams are scenario based questions.  If you know Bloom Taxonomy, be prepared to go beyond the first level (remember) and into the understand or higher level.
2. You get what you put into OTS.  If you come here with the attitude that you already know how to be a leader, you will find this place a waste of time and I sincerely hope none of you come with that attitude.  I’m halfway through and feel I have learned TONS about decision-making and leadership.  Yes there are things here that I don’t agree with and that’s part of the learning process.  There will be priors and non-priors who think they have it all figured out.  Do yourself a favor put your ego and pride to the side and you will get plenty out of the experience.
3. Come here fit.  Don’t rely on getting time here to workout.  You will PT and you will get chances to workout after SMT (the scheduled duty day) but you’d be amazed how many people come here not able to meet standards.  I’ve lost 10 pounds so far and my strength has gone down since I don’t workout as much as I used to back home.  Trust me I try.
4. You will spend the next 8-9 weeks with your flight so don’t burn bridges and try your best to get along with everyone.  Even if you have differences in opinions (and trust me you will), these are the people you will be around 24/7.  Life will either be great (because you are all experiencing the same stuff) or will be horrible for you based on how you and your flight act with each other.
5. You are going to do peer feedback about halfway through the course.  This is MANDATORY and be prepared to hear the truth about what your flightmates think of you.  Be open-minded to the feedback and don’t take anything personal.  Learn from each other and become better.
6. Think about the things you respect and desire in a leader and work your way to those positive qualities.  Learn patience with decisions and with your surroundings.  You may not agree with certain things in OTS and that will be the same when you work anywhere else.  How you adapt and how you handle the environment is up to you.  You can either be a part of the solution or the problem.
7. Remember why you’re here.  Remember there are people who didn’t and couldn’t make it.  YOU were selected to serve as an officer in the greatest Air Force in the world.  Prove to everyone why you are here and become the leader that everyone knows you can be.  Be something more than you were yesterday.
8. Ask for caffeine via MFR as soon as possible.