It is mandatory that you live (this includes sleeping) in the OTS dormitories. Trainees will usually share a room with another trainee. There will be a security drawer in your room to lock up valuables. You must bring your own bath towels and washcloths or purchase them upon arrival. Washers and dryers are available for student use at no charge. Custodial service for all rooms and community areas is provided six days a week, but you are responsible for the cleanliness of your room. Rooms are carpeted and furnished with minimal furniture. Each room is provided with an iron and ironing board. The rooms DO NOT have TVs, telephones, refrigerators, microwaves, bath towels, wash cloths, coffee makers, or clothes hangers.
COMPUTERS
All dorm rooms are equipped with a government laptop computer; however, use of these computers is currently limited due to ongoing changes to Air Force network security requirements and limited availability/use of Common Access Cards (CACs). All trainees are highly encouraged to bring their own laptop to training. Additionally, personally procured/purchased access to the internet (e.g. MiFi, 3G/4G device, etc.) is recommended as government provided wireless internet connectivity is currently limited on the OTS campus and Maxwell AFB. Wireless internet is available in various locations on the campus, but connection speeds will vary based upon the number of students using it. There are other locations on the base that offer free wireless network access, but you will have very limited access to those locations for at least the first 2 weeks of training. Computer access for personal services such as Skype and Oovoo are not available on government computers. These services, along with social media and all personal business, must be conducted on a personal computer or hand held device. Again, personal computers are not a mandatory training requirement, but highly encouraged. Personal computers WILL NOT be plugged into the military network.
WEEKEND TRAVEL
Weekend travel will vary depending on the 23d Training Squadron Commander's direction and/or hazardous weather conditions, but trainees are not authorized to stay off of the OTS Complex overnight during training. During the first few weekends you will not be allowed to travel off base. In addition, some training may occur during the weekends when you have off-base privileges. If there are no training requirements or restrictions on the weekend, you may travel only within a 120-mile radius from Montgomery. Bottom line: do not make any plans for traveling outside of the 120-mile radius during your time here without prior approval from the Commander.
COURSE CONTENT
Our curriculum is broken down into several areas:
-DRILL AND CEREMONIES:
We are going to teach you marching skills. This is the most effective method of moving a large mass of people from one area to another. In addition, it reinforces self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. We will give you the basic skills and expect you to practice them. Everyone must be able to effectively march (lead) a flight in drill.
-HEALTH AND FITNESS:
We cover the importance of maintaining a good physical fitness program. You will participate in a daily aerobic/anaerobic program. A fitness test will be administered near the end of training. You’ll be required to pass the fitness test to graduate with honors. Additionally, you will participate in several outdoor leadership laboratories requiring physical fitness.
-COMMUNICATION SKILLS (CS):
We will familiarize you with various forms of military correspondence and provide you opportunities to write military-style documents. Besides military correspondence, we will instruct you on the basics of military briefings and thus, you will be given the opportunity to give a short briefing.
-PROFESSION OF ARMS (PA):
You will learn proper military customs and courtesies, military dress and grooming standards for the proper wear of the uniform, the nature of the military profession with an emphasis on Air Force Officership, and the importance of professional relationships.
-MILITARY STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES (MS):
You will learn the structure of the Department of Defense including the Department of the Air Force. You will also learn the concept of the Expeditionary Aerospace Force - the Air Forces guiding vision for how we are organized, trained, and equipped to deploy and sustain our aerospace forces for military operations overseas. As part of the International Security Studies, you will learn about the Air Force role in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW).
-LEADERSHIP STUDIES (LS):
This is the largest portion of our curriculum. You will study various leadership styles, problem solving techniques, and management tools. You will then have an opportunity to put some of them into practice during our many practical leadership exercises. Additionally, you will be trained in the importance of the Air Force Officer Honor Code as well as the Air Force Core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
OTS TOBACCO USE POLICY
Use and possession of tobacco products is prohibited while at COT (to include privilege periods). We highly encourage anyone who smokes or uses smokeless tobacco products to quit prior to attending COT.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
All COT/RCOT students, including Judge Advocates and Chaplains, are required to participate in an Air Expeditionary Force exercise. The students are trained and evaluated on medical readiness, Air Force Manual (AFM) 10-100 (Airman's Manual), and field leadership. AEF exercises foster team building, provide chances for trainees to excel as leaders, and ultimately provide mission orientation for real world contingency situations. If you require the use of prescription lenses, bring your eyeglasses and gas mask inserts (if you have them) with you. Due to the equipment that will be used during the AEF exercise, you must wear glasses. No contact lenses may be worn.
