HOT! RCOT CLASS 12-01 IN-PROCESSING INSTRUCTIONS HOT!
-- Trainees attending RCOT 12-01 must report to Morehouse Hall (Bldg 1491) between the hours of 1200-1600 for in-processing on 3 December.
-- Please read over the webpage in its entirety before arriving to RCOT.
-- Trainees need to have $100 cash on day of in-processing. In addition, trainees should be prepared to pay cash for all meals while in training (approx $3.50/meal).
-- Trainees should arrive at Commissioned Officer Training with haircuts (males clean shaven) adhering to AFI 36-2903 standards (Table 1.5 Personal Grooming Standards) AFI 36-2903 Dress & Appearance (click on link for standard).
-- Trainees will be tested on the 1 July 2010 Fitness standards. Click on the link (Fitness score chart) to access the new fitness score charts. Trainees will be tested in the Air Force's Physical Fitness Test upon arrival to training. The chart below includes the minimum standards for each component of the Air Force Physical Fitness Test.
MALE MINIMUMS
FEMALE MINIMUMS
AGE
Waist
Push-Ups
Sit-Ups
1.5 Mile Run
AGE
Waist
Push-Ups
Sit-Ups
1.5 Mile Run
< 30
39in
33
42
13:36
< 30
35.5in
18
38
16:22
30-39
39in
27
39
14:00
30-39
35.5in
14
29
16:57
40-49
39in
21
34
14:52
40-49
35.5in
11
24
18:14
HOT! RCOT Class 12-01 UNIFORM REQUIREMENT
-- Trainees attending RCOT class 12-01 will not be required to purchase the Mess Dress uniform.
-- Read RCOT Uniform Requirements below for more information.
Information about wearing the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU)
The new Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) will be worn by all COT trainees. Onluy ABU boots are authorized to be worn with the ABU. TheBattle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) are NO LONGER authorized for field events.
INBOUND TRAINEES
Ensure you read the information below prior to arriving COT/RCOT to ensure you are adequately prepared for training.
1. Welcome to Commissioned Officer Training! The COT staff commends your choice to serve our country. Report to Morehouse Hall (building 1491) on the OTS complex on your class arrival date between 12 p.m-4 p.m. (CST). If you are unable to report by 4 p.m., contact the Staff Duty Officer (SDO) as soon as possible at 334-462-4411. Upon arrival, you will receive a Welcome Package with additional inprocessing instructions.
2. In order to gain access to Maxwell Air Force Base, you must have a picture ID (military ID preferred) with travel orders, proof of vehicle insurance, and vehicle registration (if driving). If you drive, look for OTS directional signs, which will lead you to the OTS campus. Maps of Maxwell AFB and the OTS campus will be available when you arrive.
3. Before the class start date, please ensure your financial obligations have been met and any urgent personal business has been settled. Your time and ability to tend to these matters during COT will be limited. Your ability to travel off base will also be limited during training.
4. Be sure to bring the following: travel orders (and copies), official documents (e.g. military records, diplomas, vaccination/shot records, copy of marriage license, DD Form 214, etc.; see item 4 for a complete list), and military ID card or picture ID. You will also need $100 cash (small bills, please) in hand to pay for your meals during in-processing.
5. Your first training day will be long and may consist of a lot of walking and marching. Wear athletic shoes and neat, comfortable, conservative clothing. Do not report in uniform. Male students should report with a military-style haircut (barbers are available at the Maxwell Base Exchange and Maxwell Squadron Officer College) and must not have facial hair (unless on waiver, then bring waiver with you). Female students will have their hair pinned up in a professional manner so it does not fall below the bottom of the back collar (small pins, barrettes, etc. should be similar to hair color). Personal grooming standards can be found here. Females may only wear stud-type earrings that are small and spherical (one per ear lobe).
7. If you have questions or concerns, please call (334)953-0304 during regular duty hours. Upon arrival, if you require emergency assistance after duty hours (between 1700 – 0800), contact the SDO at the number listed in paragraph 1. Be sure to contact us immediately if you receive an injury or encounter a problem that may affect your training.
DRIVING (TO MAXWELL AFB)
: When approaching Montgomery from North on I-65, take exit #172 “DOWNTOWN CLAY ST” or from the South on I-65, take exit #172 “HERRON ST.” Follow the signs saying “Maxwell AFB” to Maxwell Blvd. Once on Maxwell Blvd, travel about one mile to the main gate. Ask the gate guard for directions or follow the signs to the Billeting Office.
If you are approaching Montgomery from the East on I-85, take the I-65 North exit. Instead of getting on I-65, stay to the right and exit “HERRON ST” exit #172. Follow the signs saying “Maxwell AFB” to Maxwell Blvd. Once on Maxwell Blvd, travel about one mile to the main gate. Ask the gate guard for directions or follow the signs to the Billeting Office.
If you are approaching Montgomery from the West from I-20 and U.S. 80, follow the signs to I-65 North. Follow I-65 North for approximately 3 miles until you see the exit for Maxwell AFB exit #172 "HERRON ST." Follow the signs saying “Maxwell AFB” to Maxwell Blvd. Once on Maxwell Blvd, travel about one mile to the main gate. Ask the gate guard for directions or follow the signs to the Billeting Office.
FLYING:
Go see your recruiter or your AFIT Program Manager (HPSP students). They will get the airline tickets for you. Military bus transportation from the airport to Maxwell is available if at least four students will be riding. If you have a group awaiting transportation, call the military taxi dispatcher at (334)953-5038. Lastly, you may call any civilian taxi service. You must ensure they have access to Maxwell AFB. Be sure to get a receipt--this taxi ride is a reimbursable expense. The following directions are provided in case you decide to drive.
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. It is also highly recommended that you bring your own bath towels and washcloths in addition to the towels that you will purchase for physical conditioning while here at COT/RCOT. 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. The rooms DO NOT have TVs, telephones, refrigerators, microwaves, bath towels, wash cloths, or coffee makers. There are TVs and phones in the common area day rooms.
You will need to bring with you all of your important personal documents. As part of your in-processing you will receive a United States Armed Forces identification card. You will need to two forms of identification, one picture identification and one state/government issued identification (drivers license, passport, Social Security Card, etc.) to receive your military I.D. card.
The following papers are needed during your COT in-processing:
Any recent medical tests or records
Immunization record (if you have one)
- Without a verifiable immunization record, you will receive a full set of immunizations within the first four training days
Marriage certificate (copy)
Children’s birth certificates (copy)
All copies of orders plus any amendments (minimum of 10 copies, never give your original)
If prior service:
DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
DD Form 368, Request for Discharge or Clearance from Reserve Component
NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service (if applicable)
DD Form 93 (Emergency Data Card)
Original SGLV 8286 (SGLI, life insurance form)
- Addresses of Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance beneficiaries
Military ID card, if you have one
NOTE: Active Duty, AFRES, ANG, and IMAs who have already in-processed into their base will only need a copy of their orders and a valid military ID card.
It is highly recommended that you bring copies of formal education, training, and clinical experience records in case corrections need to be made to your Air Force records (they do not have to be notarized with a raised seal):
PHYSICIANS:
Copy of Certification by American Specialty Board (if applicable)
Copy of Residency Completion Certificate
AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFIT) OR HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (HPSP) GRADUATES:
Diploma
Certificate of Internship
Certificate of Residency Training
State License
DENTISTS:
Diploma from Dental School
State License
Advanced Training Certificates
NOTE: Air Force Instruction 44-119 “Medical Service Quality Improvement and Risk Management,” specifies that anyone independently providing direct health care services to a patient, i.e., PHYSICIANS, DENTISTS, NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NURSE ANESTHETISTS, MIDWIVES, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, OPTOMETRISTS, PODIATRISTS, or others, need to bring a reproduced copy of their formal education, training, and clinical experience records for entry into their Air Force records.
REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR ALL NON-HPSP STUDENTS:
Upon arrival you will need the following information:
1. Your commander’s full name
2. Your commander’s telephone number
3. Air Force Specialty Code
4. Base to which you will be assigned after COT/RCOT
5. Unit to which you will be assigned after COT/RCOT
All students are required to enroll in Sure-Pay, a direct deposit program for your military pay.
Your pay record will be established during the first or second week of training. To ensure your record is built accurately and in a timely manner, please bring the following items to training:
ALL STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE:
An established checking account (IMPORTANT: You will ONLY get paid through Electronic Funds Transfer directly to your financial institution.)
Orders
Copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Copy of Birth Certificates for children (if applicable)
Voided Check
Completed & signed by financial institution Form 2231 (Direct Deposit Form found HERE)
Air Force Reserve (AFRES), Air National Guard (ANG), and Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) students should be paid by their home units before or after attending COT. To assist with the payment process, please out process through your unit finance office prior to arriving at COT. Reservists, ANG, and IMAs may receive a $200 clothing allowance after serving 14 days on active duty and submitting proper paperwork. Upon arriving to COT, your orders will be certified by COT staff personnel. Fax your certified orders to your reserve pay office or finance office within 2 working days or 48 hours. (Further details will be given in briefings at COT.)
You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about pay and allowances when the Accounting and Finance personnel meet with you during the first few days of training. Please prepare as much as you can by writing down your questions in advance.
You will be required to eat most meals at the dining facility while at COT/RCOT. Active duty trainees will be issued an EZ pay card preloaded with approximately $300.00 (which will be deducted from your pay) to pay for meals at the dining facility. If you are not issued an EZ pay card, you will need small bills ($1s and $5s) to pay for your meals. No checks, travelers’ checks, or credit cards are accepted. Approximate cost per meal is $3. There will be times when meals in the dining facility are not feasible. In this case, you will purchase a Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE). Costs will vary.
Trainees attending RCOT must arrive training with all uniform items. The list of uniform items for RCOT can be found here. Ensure you ask for assistance from AAFES staff regarding proper fit and wear of uniform items. AAFES will not accept returns or exchange items that have been worn or altered.
In addition to uniforms, there are several other items you will need. You may bring them with you, or you may purchase them when you arrive. All the items below can be purchased at the Base Exchange (BX) or Shoppette (within walking distance of OTS campus).
It is also recommended that your bring an old pair of tennis shoes to wear to events where your footwear could get wet. You do not need to purchase a second pair if you do not have an old pair.
You are allowed to wear contact lenses during training, however, there are some field events that do not allow the wear of contact lenses. Please make sure you have a suitable pair of eyeglasses for these events. Eyeglasses worn during training must meet the standards outlined in AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance. Standards regarding the style and wear of eye glasses can be found here.
While a student at COT/RCOT, you will have access to routine and acute medical care on base. Procedures for emergency medical care during non-duty hours will be explained upon your arrival. While traveling to COT/RCOT, if you experience an injury or illness that requires emergency care, report to the closest emergency room. If a military facility is nearby, use its emergency room. If not near a military base, a civilian emergency room may be utilized. Ensure you inform the medical staff that you are an active duty Air Force member, and they will bill the appropriate military hospital for your care. Do not report to a civilian hospital for routine or acute care while traveling, or you will be responsible for your own medical bills. An emergency is any situation that will result in loss of life, limb, or eyesight.
YOUR FAMILY’S MEDICAL CARE
If you have been issued a military identification card, you and your family (dependents) should have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) in order for them to obtain an ID card and have access to military facilities. If you have not been issued a military ID, you will be issued one as soon as possible after arriving at COT. At that time arrangements will be made to enroll your dependents in DEERS. Once in DEERS, your dependents are authorized medical care under CHAMPUS or TRICARE. While you are at COT/RCOT, if your dependents require any medical care, they should contact the closest military hospital and ask for an appointment. If an appointment is not available, they may seek care from a civilian provider. Depending on the provider’s rates, CHAMPUS or TRICARE will pay up to eighty percent of the medical costs, and you will be responsible for the rest if the annual $150 deductible has been met. If the deductible has not been met, then you will be responsible for costs incurred.
If you have already reported to your permanent assignment before arriving at COT/RCOT, you should have had the opportunity to enroll dependents in TRICARE Prime or Standard. If they are enrolled, they should contact their primary care manager (PCM) when in need of medical care. The PCM will provide appropriate instructions based on local rules governing medical treatment. If your dependents did not enroll in TRICARE Prime or Standard, they fall under TRICARE CHAMPUS rules. Should you have any further questions regarding TRICARE, please call 1-800-409-3950 or visit their web site @ www.tricare.mil.
All trainees will be provided with a government laptop computer, however you are encouraged to bring your personal laptop, or 3G/4G device, if you have one. Personal computers will NOT be plugged into the military network and will have limited internet access unless a 3G or 4G adapter is used.
The Scheduled Air Transportation Office (SATO) here at Maxwell will book your airline ticket if you're flying.
You should not make any travel arrangements to leave the Montgomery area prior to 4pm on your graduation day. Typically graduation events are complete by noon, but you should allow time for packing, checking out, transit, and security measures at the airport.
Weekend travel will vary depending on the 23TRS/CC direction and/or hazardous weather conditions, but trainees are not authorized to stay off of the OTS Complex overnight during COT/RCOT. 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 of the 23 TRS/CC.
While at COT/RCOT you will be required to wear Blues, ABU's or PT gear unless you are exercising off-base privileges on the weekend. You should bring a couple of changes of conservative civilian attire for attending flight dinners and outings with your classmates, etc.
Trainees should not arrive to COT on a physical profile or with any condition that will prohibit them from participating in the many physical aspects of this program. IAW AFI 36-2022, trainees not medically cleared to engage in these physical demands will be disenrolled from COT.
The COT/RCOT physical training program is designed to introduce officers to a healthy lifestyle and the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) criteria (push-ups, crunches and 1.5 mile run). Officers need to have a good physical fitness program to ensure they are physically capable to deploy if necessary to complete the AF's mission. While at COT, you will be required to exercise 5 days a week in a rigorous, full-body aerobic and anaerobic program. Trainees will perform one Physical Fitness Baseline (PFB) and one official Physical Fitness Diagnostic (PFD) during training. Trainees will also be required complete a 5k (3.1 mile) run. You will also run through several obstacle courses, which may require climbing, low-crawling, jumping, etc.
Physical fitness is an essential and critical component of readiness. Muscular strength and endurance activities help your muscles become stronger, giving them both the raw strength and ability to work repeatedly without undue fatigue. Flexibility or stretching exercises are necessary to prevent injury to the muscles and joints, and to allow the muscles to work efficiently through a full range of motion. Cardiovascular activities, such as running and swimming, help the heart, lungs, and blood vessels become more effective at delivering to the muscles what they need to function--oxygen and glucose. Physical fitness can be achieved by everyone, despite body type, family health history, and past habits.
You are encouraged to start preparing for the physical demands of COT/RCOT as soon as possible. See the fitness charts below for Air Force standards on the fitness test you will take at COT/RCOT and after you get to your permanent duty station. If you have not already done so, we recommend you start a good physical fitness program concentrating on aerobic, anaerobic, and flexibility exercises before your arrival. Your program should include running, biking or other aerobic activities, and a strength-building regimen such as weight training.
You should bring comfortable, well broken-in, conservative (in appearance) running shoes and a pair of court shoes for other physical activities. A pair of cross trainers (all purpose shoes) will meet the requirements for both court and running activities. If you wear foot appliances (shoe inserts) in any of your shoes--bring them!
For more information concerning weight standards and Physical Fitness Test (PFT) rules, please check out the following link ‘Fitness Program ’. Attachment 14 shows fitness assessment score charts.
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.
Primarily Monday through Friday, with studying, readings, and computer based training on the weekends. Trainee Group may organize weekend and after duty hours events. Expect to be very busy throughout the entire course.
Trainees are restricted to a 120-mile radius around Montgomery, Alabama when they have earned off-base privileges. Trainees are authorized to attend church off-base on the weekends. However, off-base privileges may be revoked per direction of 23 TRS/CC for disciplinary reasons.
The “sample” schedule below will give you an idea of a typical summer training day. Physical conditioning is typically held in the morning, but may be conducted inside.
0500-0615: Physical Conditioning 0615-0800: Personal Time and Breakfast 0800-1200: Training/Academics 1200-1300: Lunch/Student Wing Activities 1300-1700: Training/Academics 1700-1800: Evening Meal 1800-2200: Trainee Group Activities/Meetings 2200-2330: Personal Time or Sleep
Use and possession of tobacco products is prohibited while at COT/RCOT (to include privilege periods). We highly encourage anyone who smokes or uses smokeless tobacco products to quit prior to attending COT/RCOT.
Do not plan to attend COT/RCOT if you’re pregnant. Contact your recruiter or AFIT program manager immediately if you become pregnant. The physical requirements placed on you at COT/RCOT are demanding, and being pregnant will prevent you from completing training. If pregnancy is discovered after arrival at COT/RCOT you may be removed from training.
All COT/RCOT students, including Judge Advocates and Chaplains, are required to participate in a 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.
