Weather
Montgomery is located in a gently rolling area of Alabama with no local topographic features to appreciably influence weather and climate. During the summer months, average temperatures are normally in the mid 90s, with fall and spring temperatures averaging between 75-85 degrees. Winter lows average between 35-45 degrees with occasional dips into the teens/single digits.
Late afternoon thunderstorms are common throughout the summer, and possible at any time during the fall. Snow in Montgomery is rare.
Living Quarters
It is mandatory that you live (this includes sleeping) in the OTS dormitories. Officers may share a room with another officer. We recommend you bring padlocks to secure the security drawer in your room. You should also bring your own bath towels and washcloths. Washers and dryers are available for student use at no charge. Custodial service for all rooms and community areas is provided 6 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, washcloths, or coffee makers. There are TVs and VCRs in the common area day rooms. Non-perishable food and drinks are authorized; however, they must be kept in sealed containers.
Dining Facility
You will need to bring a copy of your orders to verify your authorization to eat in the Dining Facility (until you receive your ID card). You will also need small bills ($1s and $5s) to pay for your meals. No checks, travelers' checks, or credit cards are accepted. You will eat most of your meals at the Dining Facility while you are at COT. Approximate cost per meal is $3.
Mail
To ensure prompt delivery of your mail, use the following address:
Rank/Name COT (or RCOT) Class XX-XX
550 E. Maxwell Blvd. #9000
Maxwell AFB AL 36112-5000
OTS Tobacco Use Policy
Use or possession of tobacco products is prohibited while at COT. We highly encourage anyone who smokes or uses smokeless tobacco products to quit prior to attending COT.
Ceremonies(COT only)
While at COT, there are several events you may wish to have family members attend. The ceremonies that are part of your training are Dining Out and the Awards/Graduation Ceremony. We also have a one-hour, specially designed "Happy Landings" program for spouses of service members. "Happy Landings" includes an orientation of a typical Air Force base with time set aside to discuss family issues particular to life in the military. The Dining Out and "Happy Landings" will be during graduation week.
NOTE: Due to the large class sizes during the summer surge classes, you will attend a Dining In rather than a Dining Out. No guests may attend Dining Ins.
Weekend Travel
If there are no training requirements or restrictions on the weekend, you may travel only within a 120-mile radius from Montgomery. Weekend travel will vary depending on the 23TRS/CC direction and/or hazardous weather conditions. During the first weekend you’ll have Maxwell on-base privileges. In addition, at least one weekend (usually the 4th) is set aside for training. Bottom line: do not make any plans you can’t change, such as buying non-refundable tickets.
Follow-on Housing Arrangements
Until you have completed training and arrived at your permanent duty station, you should not make any housing arrangements that cannot be changed.
Your Medical Care While a student at COT, 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, 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 may 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 also be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). DEERS enables your family members to obtain military ID cards and have access to military facilities. If you have not been issued a military ID, you may be issued one during training at COT, depending on availability and your military status. Regardless of whether you are issued a military ID during COT, you will be enrolled in DEERS. You must bring marriage and birth certificates and social security numbers to enroll your dependents in DEERS. Once in DEERS, your dependents are authorized medical care under CHAMPUS or Tricare. If your dependents require medical care while you are at COT, they should contact the closest military medical facility and obtain 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 80 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 all costs incurred.
If you have already reported to your permanent assignment before arriving at COT, 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 CHAMPUS rules.
Military Environment
Upon arrival at COT, you will enter a military training environment. You will be expected to immediately transition from civilian life into life as an Air Force officer. Customs & courtesies, and marching will start from day one. COT Operating Instructions are available on the website to prepare you for this transition. In addition, you will be required to perform some basic drill movements (e.g., hand salute, position of attention, parade rest). The following link will take you to AFMAN (Air Force Manual) 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies. Go directly to chapter 3, paragraphs 3.1 - 3.6, where each movement is explained in detail. http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/afman36-2203.pdf
Local Area Lodging
Please check the list of local area hotels who have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Maxwell AFB. These hotels have met all AF standards and requirements.
