With the 65% Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) acceptance rate, does anyone have advice if I were to apply?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:59:22 -0400

I currently have an assignment to Kadena, no orders yet... And I am currently in Germany. I know I am not eligible for OTS right now because of my DEROS. Does anyone have any advice if I were to try to apply now? The acceptance rate is incredibly high, so right now is the time to do it but I'm unsure of anything after being willing to cancel my assignment to apply.

Any advice of any variety regarding OTS would be great, thanks!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 2:14 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:14:20 -0400

Without knowing very many specifics, my default comment/recommendation on any kind of special program is that you never know unless you apply. If it's something you want to do, waiting until the time is right will never end up working out.

That said if you are flat out ineligible for some reason, applying now will also make it look like you didn't look into the program very well, which can be a negative. Do your homework and make sure you do qualify (including with waivers).

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Aug 20 at 2015 2:41 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:41:41 -0400

SSgt Spencer Kelly
Regardless if you are applying to OTS while on active duty or separated from the Air Force it is still very competitive to be accepted to OTS as you eluded to.

As stated by LCDR Nicholas Mulcahey have your very best presentation ready. During my phone interview many years ago for Air Force OTS (COT) there will be elevator questions and you can bet they will have reviewed your application in great detail. The fact you are military will help and hurt you at the same time because your expectations can be greater simply because you should know the selection process is very competitive.

I too agree with LCDR Nicholas Mulcahey, if you wait for the perfect opportunity it may very well pass you by. Be prepared and put forth the best package you can, and sometimes you have to make difficult career decisions that can end up in several different directions.

I wish you success in your selection for OTS should you put your package in. A career as an officer is equally rewarding as your career enlisted; both are challenging.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Aug 20 at 2015 2:49 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:49:31 -0400

If you want it bad enough -- go for it. Don't worry about possible assignment outcomes. We need smart people with experience. Once you get through with OTS they'll put you in some other AFSC where the AF needs you and then in a slot some where they need you. Enjoy the ride.

Response by Maj Benjamin Beadles made Aug 20 at 2015 6:02 PM

Maj Benjamin Beadles — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 18:02:27 -0400

Request an exception to policy and don't back down when told it can't be done. It worked for me when I applied for OTS.

Response by Col Kyle Taylor made Aug 20 at 2015 9:03 PM

Col Kyle Taylor — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 21:03:28 -0400

If you want it, go for it! You are on one heck of a ride that you never know where it will take you but it won't take you some places unless you want it to. Enjoy the ride!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 8:39 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 20:39:54 -0400

There is a waiver for everything. Check airforceots.com. The site is a fantastic peer ran forum for anyone interested in applying. I practically live in there when I was putting an app together. I sent you a .mil email to discuss further (I am also (you will be soon) at Kadena)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2019 10:24 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 10:24:51 -0400

be a genius and max the AFOQT....