TFOT FY2019 – Week 2, Day 4-7

Week 2, Day 4 and 5

There is nothing really special about these days, just more classroom time.  As an example of what we did during these two days, here are the things that we learned.  For testable material:

• Counseling and Practicum
• Followership
• Dress and Appearance
• Professional and Unprofessional Relationships
• National Security Strategy
• Full Range Leadership.

All of this will be testable in one way or another.  Then, we had several non-testable classes:

• Two leadership exercises in the classroom
• A few “Heritage Series” classes (fun classes about Air Force Heritage)
• A panel with a representative from the Army, Navy, and Marines came in to talk about what their services do, and how the Air Force works with them.

I recall that during the initial weeks of the course it was a fire-hose of academics.  There was nothing but a rotating schedule of flight room classes, auditorium lectures, written tests and practical examinations.  I settled into a routine and I thought this is how the rest of OTS would be, but when the academics were over all of those things just stopped.  It was kind of weird, really.  After the academics were over we had very few flight room and auditorium lectures but instead settling into a “calm,” we were faced with all of the field exercises and other challenges.  (SR)

Week 2 Day 6 and 7 (Weekend)

Another Saturday, another weekend of rest.  Today we did a volunteer event.  Each flight will need to do two volunteer events during their time here.  Today we went as a whole cadet wing, approximately 210 of us, to Troy University and held one of those football field-sized American Flags for their Military Appreciation football game.  They also fed us pizza for lunch and because we got home late, we were able go out for dinner as well.  It really didn’t feel like “volunteering” for me, but it was still fun to do and nice to get out.

When I was there a cadet was in charge of deciding what volunteer event to do and making it happen.  Depending on the event the staff may set it up and let the cadet execute, or it may be the cadet’s responsibility to set up everything to include reaching out to local organizations.  The events may vary but at the same time you may hear of very similar events from class to class.  The reality is that there are only so many things you can do so the class in session will just decide what is best for their situation.  (SR)

On Sunday, we didn’t do anything big, except prepare for our first briefing. 

At OTS you learn to truly appreciate those times when you have nothing to do but catch up on whatever you need to catch up on and focus on one specific thing.  Of course you can never focus on one specific thing, but you learn to accept the reality that focusing on five different things at once feels like how focusing on one specific thing used to feel.  That is how my life as an officer has continued to be, and I love it 🙂  (SR)

Helpful Hint:  Be prepared to do anything at any time.  For example, be prepared to march your flight at any time.  If you weren’t chosen to be flight leader the first couple of weeks, it doesn’t mean that you can just hang out in line and not pay attention.  Flight leaders switch out every week.  And, often they will pull out someone randomly to march the flight as well.  So pay attention, practice marching on your own, and be ready to jump in when your name is called.

This is great advice.  Being ready for anything is another invaluable skill I have exercised many times as an officer.  (SR)