I'm up in the Northwest and really don't want to drive all the way down to AL..(if all works out going to OTS). But was curious from those that have been there done that. Would you suggest making the drive or just flying.
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Info on OTS (Officer Training School)
Started by Guest_grsckoro_*, Feb 23 2005 05:47 PM
285 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 23 February 2005 - 06:58 PM
Unless you drive a gas guzzler, you can make some pretty good money by driving when you file your travel voucher.
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#3 Guest_rlb_*
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Posted 23 February 2005 - 09:08 PM
I drove and was very glad I did. It's nice to have a car so that you can get around on weekends. Trust me, you will want to leave on Saturday afternoon and not return until Sunday afternoon. Yeah, you can bum rides, but now you're stuck with someone else. I made great friends and usually partied with them Saturday night. But on Sunday I liked getting away on my own, seeing movies etc.
Also it's easier to pack (i.e. you can bring more stuff).
Also it's easier to pack (i.e. you can bring more stuff).
#4
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Posted 23 February 2005 - 11:32 PM
Our flight was able to get off-campus only one weekend, but even then the people who didn't drive said they wished they had their own car (even it was for only a few hours over 12 weeks). Like everyone else, I suggest driving.
#5
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Posted 24 February 2005 - 12:24 PM
If you drive to OTS, you have your car with you. After OTS, you will PCS to your duty station/school and
1) you may or may not be given time to go get your car and
2) you won't be reimbursed for the expense of going to get your car
If you drive to OTS, you'll get reimbursed mileage and days of perdiem for the drive: literally the govt will pay you to bring your car now, but not after the fact.
1) you may or may not be given time to go get your car and
2) you won't be reimbursed for the expense of going to get your car
If you drive to OTS, you'll get reimbursed mileage and days of perdiem for the drive: literally the govt will pay you to bring your car now, but not after the fact.
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#6 Guest_ifrflyer_*
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Posted 04 October 2004 - 06:17 PM
Need some advice...
I am a former Marine. I will be attending AF OTS in about 6 weeks.
The question; I have about 3-4 pair of old Marine BDU's still in good shape. The problem is, on the pocket the Marines have an iron-on Marine symbol (eagle, globe, and anchor).
Would it be worth it for me to try and 1. dye over the symbol, 2. pull the name tape off the pants and use them? Or should I just toss them and start over.
If I am going to wreck a pair, I would rather not waste what will be issued to me new.
Thanks,
-ifrflyer
I am a former Marine. I will be attending AF OTS in about 6 weeks.
The question; I have about 3-4 pair of old Marine BDU's still in good shape. The problem is, on the pocket the Marines have an iron-on Marine symbol (eagle, globe, and anchor).
Would it be worth it for me to try and 1. dye over the symbol, 2. pull the name tape off the pants and use them? Or should I just toss them and start over.
If I am going to wreck a pair, I would rather not waste what will be issued to me new.
Thanks,
-ifrflyer
#7
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Posted 04 October 2004 - 07:52 PM
At OTS, they are pretty strict about uniform wear, so I would probably not chance it if your BDU's look less than perfect. On the other hand, I saw some prior E's at OTS who had some pretty worn down BDU's (and of course their old duty badges still on them). If you are going to be a pilot, I would just wear the ones they issue you there and after you get done with any casual between OTS and UPT, you will probably not wear BDU's many more times.
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#8
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Posted 05 October 2004 - 09:32 AM
IFR
No, leave them at home, you can't use USMC BDUs in the USAF. They will issue you what you need.
Good luck at Maxwell, but I am sure you will do well...
Cheers! M2
p.s. By the way, I thought there was no such thing as a "former" Marine...once a Marine, always a Marine! You'd feel right at home where I am, we work for Gen Jones...
No, leave them at home, you can't use USMC BDUs in the USAF. They will issue you what you need.
Good luck at Maxwell, but I am sure you will do well...
Cheers! M2
p.s. By the way, I thought there was no such thing as a "former" Marine...once a Marine, always a Marine! You'd feel right at home where I am, we work for Gen Jones...
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#9
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Posted 05 October 2004 - 09:14 PM
ifrflyer,
I made the same transition last year. I had one set of BDUs where the EGA was faded to the point that you had to get within two feet of my pocket to see it. That was the pair that I wore in the field. After that, I did go ahead and purchase two more sets for everyday ots wear. Being a flyer, that's a lot more BDU than I'll need for a while.
On that note, yes, I said "purchased"; you'll buy everything. There will be no assembly line that you walk through with your seabag open while things get tossed in at 11:30 at night. (Ah, the memories) So, if you want to get a leg up (sts), go ahead and start hitting the uniform shop now. The OTS web page has a list of exactly what you need. If you show up with nothing but a credit card, you're golden. www.airforceots.com has this and a lot of other unoffical, but sometimes usefull gouge.
SF.
I made the same transition last year. I had one set of BDUs where the EGA was faded to the point that you had to get within two feet of my pocket to see it. That was the pair that I wore in the field. After that, I did go ahead and purchase two more sets for everyday ots wear. Being a flyer, that's a lot more BDU than I'll need for a while.
On that note, yes, I said "purchased"; you'll buy everything. There will be no assembly line that you walk through with your seabag open while things get tossed in at 11:30 at night. (Ah, the memories) So, if you want to get a leg up (sts), go ahead and start hitting the uniform shop now. The OTS web page has a list of exactly what you need. If you show up with nothing but a credit card, you're golden. www.airforceots.com has this and a lot of other unoffical, but sometimes usefull gouge.
SF.
"You should accept the fact that you are a huge pu*sy and SIE from life." -Porkchop_A10
#10 Guest_AdamSanes_*
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Posted 22 July 2005 - 09:48 AM
I have read several journals about the briefs and etc. you have to give at OTS/UPT. I am not a very good at public speaking at ALL. I mean sometimes my voice is cracking I'm so nervous. Has anyone here made it through OTS being like this? Does everything kinda change when you get there and feel the pressure that you have to do it?
#11 Guest_flyguy13_*
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Posted 22 July 2005 - 10:29 AM
There is pressure because they're graded measurements & if you fail 3 during your entire time there, you're either kicked out or recycled to the next class. Most people aren't as nervous as what you're describing. However, you're only briefing in front of your flight of 12-14 other people who you will know very well by the time it comes to give your briefings. That's a big help. I'm not the best briefer and I did fine. Just don't stress about it too much.
[ 22. July 2005, 10:30: Message edited by: ErikG ]
[ 22. July 2005, 10:30: Message edited by: ErikG ]
#12
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Posted 22 July 2005 - 08:02 PM
Good points. Remember, too, that most people get a little stage fright and that you're not expected to be perfect. Just know your topic and
prepare and practice. You'll learn what you need to know when you get there. Be confident, and if not, appear confident. That ability will help when you get to pilot training, too.
prepare and practice. You'll learn what you need to know when you get there. Be confident, and if not, appear confident. That ability will help when you get to pilot training, too.
I support the CFACC's objectives.
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Posted 23 August 2005 - 10:42 PM
What do you speak about in the briefings? Are the subjects picked for you?
#14
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Posted 23 August 2005 - 11:20 PM
At OTS the briefing subjects are sort of picked for you, yes. But you aren't expected to actually know what you're talking about, only to look like you do so it isn't so bad.
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Posted 24 August 2005 - 03:14 PM
For my last class in college I had to give a 25 minute power point pres. in front of an auditorium of people. Nearly shat my self for two straight weeks before that project was due. Once I got into it, the fear went away. It is all the pregame hype that sucks, but that’s normal. Fear of public speaking is the #1 fear in people. More than dying, more than flying , more than heights. It is a proven fact. Just try to calm down the best you can and let er rip. If you know your sh!t it will pour outta you.
#16 Guest_JL_*
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Posted 15 July 2004 - 09:31 PM
Does anyone know if you can apply to OTS before you have your degree? I seem to remember reading that you could if you were with in a certain number of days till your graduation but i cant find it :confused:
Thanks
Thanks
#17 Guest_FCI_*
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Posted 15 July 2004 - 10:13 PM
365 days prior to graduation for Civilians and 270 days prior for AD.
It's not very commoon for civilian guys to be accepted that far out, as a degree is the main key to be commissioned.
It's not very commoon for civilian guys to be accepted that far out, as a degree is the main key to be commissioned.
#18 Guest_Ryan Paul_*
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Posted 28 September 2005 - 01:25 PM
This question is for the Reservists here:
I have been researching the threads at airforceots.com.
I've heard some rumors that it may be possible for me to borrow/rent a laptop for OTS from my sponsoring unit. I've also heard some references to uniforms being partially paid for. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? (perhaps this only pertains to UPT selectees that were a member of the unit prior to selection?)
Things are financially tight right now for me. Any responses are greatly appreciated.
[ 28. September 2005, 13:26: Message edited by: RJP ]
I have been researching the threads at airforceots.com.
I've heard some rumors that it may be possible for me to borrow/rent a laptop for OTS from my sponsoring unit. I've also heard some references to uniforms being partially paid for. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? (perhaps this only pertains to UPT selectees that were a member of the unit prior to selection?)
Things are financially tight right now for me. Any responses are greatly appreciated.
[ 28. September 2005, 13:26: Message edited by: RJP ]
#19 Guest_skipplet_*
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Posted 28 September 2005 - 02:14 PM
Do new reserve officers not get the one-time uniform stipend?
#20
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Posted 28 September 2005 - 09:22 PM
FWIW, I got my clothing stipend while at OTS, and I was non-prior. I'm also AD, so you may want to work this with your unit's finance folks.
Also, if it makes sense for you, USAA has a pre-commissioning loan up to 25k with 5k unsecured (do anything you want with the $). Don't have to start paying back on it for a year after you get the loan.
[ 28. September 2005, 21:22: Message edited by: JReyn ]
Also, if it makes sense for you, USAA has a pre-commissioning loan up to 25k with 5k unsecured (do anything you want with the $). Don't have to start paying back on it for a year after you get the loan.
[ 28. September 2005, 21:22: Message edited by: JReyn ]
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