The AFRS Accessions staff posted this message on a page accessible to the Active Duty community (Air Force Portal). The TFOT Program Guide superseded the BOT Guide and applies to Active Duty Air Force applicants only. I’ll try to point out and emphasize notes which apply to both the Active Duty and civilian applicant communities. Message below. Also note the links should work if you have AF Portal access.
New AF Line Officer (LO) Program Guide and Board Schedule!
Author: AFRS Line Officer Accessions
Published: Tue, Jan 24, 2017
HQ Air Force Recruiting Service has published a new Line Officer Accessions Total Force Officer Training (TFOT) Program Guide and a new LO Board Schedule, effective 19 January 2017.
The use of this TFOT Program Guide is effective immediately for all future Line Officer application submissions for active duty enlisted personnel. Application Packages submitted using the outdated BOT Program Guide will be returned. This new TFOT Program Guide has significant changes.
Please thoroughly read and follow all directions on how to complete the forms and submit any needed waivers. Failure to follow the instructions will result in your Application Package being returned to you. If you have questions or concerns when filling out your Application Package, contact your Base Education and Training Office. You may apply for a commission as both a Rated officer or Non-Rated officer – if you meet the eligibility requirements. Clearly indicate in your Application Package, the AFSCs for which you would desire a commission. The Accessions Enterprise will make every effort to match you to your preferred AFSC. However, understand the Air Force cannot always match you to your preferences. In these cases you will be matched to an AFSC for which you qualify and which meet the accessions requirements for the Air Force (needs of the Air Force).
Sascha Newberry
Is it me, or did they eliminate Rated and Non-rated boards after 17OT1 and 17OT2? I recall there being additional Rated boards (at least 2) throughout 2017 from an earlier schedule.
airforceotsguy
Not you, they did indeed. Now you have to apply in your group, either civilian or active duty. Regardless of when you apply you can choose rated or non rated preferences.
Sascha Newberry
Phew. Alright, thanks for the assurance. Can we submit two packages for a board if they're Rated and Non-rated, or must you submit only one of either?
airforceotsguy
You can submit one application for a given board and in that application you can express preference toward rated vs. non-rated. Diagram 3.1 on my TFOT Guide post gives the exact verbiage. Also it says you can only have one active application at a time and there are restrictions for how often you can apply in a one year period.
http://journeytoairforceots.blogspot.com/2017/01/tfot-guide-19-jan-17.html
airforceotsguy
Whoops, I replied below
Jonathan David Spangler
I am trying to find clarification, but if we were active duty Army and had PRK, are we not eligible to even apply for Air Force OTS now?
airforceotsguy
I am pretty sure active duty people in the AF do the PRK and have no trouble? I'm reposting this question in my facebook group to see if people know, because I'm not sure.