It is mandatory that you live (this includes sleeping) in the OTS dormitories. Officer 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/housekeeping services are NOT provided for rooms and community areas, and therefore 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, or coffee makers.
WEEKEND TRAVEL
Weekend travel will vary depending on the 217th Commander's direction and/or hazardous weather conditions, but Officer Ttrainees are not authorized to stay off of the OTS Complex overnight during training. During the weekend you will not be allowed to travel off base (except for religious accommodation purposes).
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 diagnostic will be administered at the beginning of training. Failure to attain AF fitness standards will result in a referral training report. Additionally, you will participate in several outdoor leadership exercises 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.
WARFARE STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES (WS/ISS):
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.
TOBACCO USE POLICY
Use and possession of tobacco products is prohibited while attending training at OTS (to include privilege periods). We highly encourage anyone who smokes or uses smokeless tobacco products to quit prior to attending training.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
All Officer Trainees (OTs) are required to participate in an Air Expeditionary Force exercise. The OTs 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 OTs 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.