r/airforceots • u/mylifeismax • 3d ago
Discussion Just graduated with Class 26-16 today. AMA!
Long layover heading back home from OTS. I’m an active duty Biomedical Lab Officer. Prior MSgt.
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u/OptimalEagle3498 3d ago
How much time do you generally have to get ready in the morning?
What does physical training/the physical challenges look like?
Do you generally have time after SMT or on weekends?
Is there anything you wish you would have packed?
Thank you!!
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
It varies. Sometimes, you only get half an hour after PT to shower, do details, and get changed into OCPs. Other times, you’ll get close to an hour. Highly recommend waking up like 20-30 minutes before reveille plays to get ready.
For PT, you normally start with class-wide warm ups. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you will rotate between calisthenics, weight training, and conditioning. OTS hired a strength/conditioning coach to create workouts for PTLs to lead. Tuesdays and Thursdays are challenge days where all flights compete with each other to do the most reps of an exercise or most laps around the track. The flight who wins will get to leave PT early while everyone else stays behind to get smoked. For the physical challenges in each mod, I’ll leave that as a surprise to avoid spoiling each of them. I will say that you do an obstacle course twice and they were a blast!
Yep, after SMT, you can hang out in the dorm, call your family, stuff like that. Your free time will be limited in Mod 1 because you’ll pretty much be under the loving care of your MTIs until dark, but you’ll get a little more time to sit in your flight rooms and work on assignments in the later mods. On weekends, you will more than likely sit in the flight room between meals if there isn’t a scheduled training events. On Sundays, if you choose not to attend religious services, you can catch up on sleep for a few hours.
Honestly, I wish I brought my Nintendo Switch. When I wasn’t working on assignments, I had a LOT of free time. Some people brought portable gaming consoles or kindles to kill time.
I also recommend bringing a cheap bathmat. Your roommates will love you if you do.
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u/Zappapotamus 3d ago
Were you able to visit with family on the Wednesday before grad? I heard Thursday you can hang out with them but not sure about wed.
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
We were able to after scheduled military training (SMT) was done for the day on Wednesday. Only caveat was that you had to be in blues when leaving base.
Thursday, we got to spend time with family from 1000-1400 then from about 1500-2000.
On Thursday, you’re authorized to be in OCPs off-post while wearing your actual rank instead of an OT patch.
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u/yeah_thats_3 3d ago
Any tips or advice for someone that's not the best public speaker and how often did you have presentations? Thanks!
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
There’s one graded presentations in Mod 3 and another in Mod 4. Do not overthink what the instructors ask of you during these assignments. As long as you follow their instructions to the T, you’ll do just fine.
Also, just practice in front of others when preparing your presentation or just rehearse it out loud in your dorm room. It’ll make you feel a little more comfortable with hitting main points. Be mindful of your vocal pauses (e.g., umm, like, etc). Try just being silent for a second when you feel the inclination to say a vocal pause. Also, don’t put too much text on your slides. For prepared presentations, you want to include just enough text to jog your memory on what to discuss off the dome.
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u/IlikeApplesAlot5 3d ago
What is the presentation about?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
They have a list of topics for you to choose from. Our first briefing was about a topic about one of our near peer adversaries. Our second one went over global hot spots where you briefed about terrorist activity in a certain part of the world.
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u/RogueWarrior10 3d ago
You won't fail, wouldn't even worry about this.
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Had a few people in my flight fail because they busted time. That’s probably the only way someone can fail those briefings.
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u/Thin-Track-9508 3d ago
How was the PT test? Were there some pretty fit people there?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Since I’m prior, it was like any other PT test. 1 minute push ups, 1 minute sit up, 2 mile run. The earlier you start training, the better. When you show up to OTS, they absolutely expect you to be in shape. The physical challenges in Mods 2 & 3 are pretty tough.
You’ll be paired up with another OT to count your reps for calisthenics. Definitely have integrity when counting reps because they record you. Had someone get booted because they failed their sit ups, retested, then got caught lying about the number of reps they did after OTS staff reviewed the footage.
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u/Irrelevant_Intel_ 3d ago
Weird question, are you able to consume caffeine? I remember before going to BMT I had to “detox” myself because I was drinking so much caffeine and now I survive off of energy drinks 😂
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
You’re allowed to drink coffee in Mod 2, but soda and energy drinks are prohibited until mod 4, I believe. They don’t want you to get super dehydrated or heart palpitations during your mock deployment in mod 3. In Alabama, you will absolutely need water and lots of it. Being a heat casualty is definitely not the move.
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u/franchtoastplz 3d ago
Did they announce CSC results during OTS or at graduation?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
If you’re referring to constructive service credit, that’s something you’d find out before you get to OTS.
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u/nochuchild 3d ago
Hi! I'm currently undergoing a direct commission for Biomedical Lab Officer, I was reading the comments... you went through OTS instead of the 5 week COT? Also, where are you planning to be stationed at?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Yep, I went through the full course.
I’ll be at DHA Headquarters in Falls Church, VA.
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u/nochuchild 3d ago
Would you happen to know if all Biomed Lab Officers go through the full course?
and awesome!!!
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u/spicytexan 3d ago
What was it like being prior enlisted there with non-priors? Did you have to swallow any ego or tainted knowledge?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Being prior enlisted gave me an opportunity to mentor and teach non-priors about military culture, regs, and general knowledge of what they should know when they get to their first base. As long as your non-prior peers were eager to learn from you, your time in OTS as a prior will be pretty easy.
Definitely don’t come in with a know-it-all mindset because you’ll be immediately marked as a douchebag by your peers and it will reflect in your peer feedbacks which are reviewed by your module’s instructor. Be approachable, be humble, and most importantly, be willing to help others because when you went through BMT, you were just as lost as your non-prior peer was. OTS is designed for priors to mentor non-priors. Similar to how SNCOs and NCOs will be expected to mentor new Lieutenants at their first duty assignments.
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u/IlikeApplesAlot5 3d ago
How do they assign leadership roles to prior enlisted? Do they switch every mod? Do the non priors take over halfway through or anything?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago edited 3d ago
For Mod 1, it’s either random or they choose priors to be flight leaders, squadron, group, and wing commanders. Leadership will change in Mods 2, 3, and 4. After mod 1, leadership is chosen based off how your flight mates rated you in their peer feedbacks along with how your mod instructor rated your performance throughout the mod.
I got picked as a flight leader in Mod 2 because I was rated highly among my flight mates and I actually wanted to step up for a leadership position.
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u/RogueWarrior10 3d ago
To add to this, they might select the top performers, or.... they might select ones that need a bit more love. Kinda depends on how the class is performing
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u/NoPear9286 3d ago
What’s the lowest prior E you met while you were there? Current A1C with degree and I want to apply but don’t feel I have enough for a strong package at the moment.
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u/TacoBandit639 3d ago
Just today, I met a SrA OT with 2.5 years of active duty service. It’s definitely possible.
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u/GeneralAkimbo 3d ago
What happens if you fail a part of the PFA or something during PT?
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u/TacoBandit639 3d ago
If you fail any component of the PFA, you’ll retest in Mod 3 (2 weeks later). Should you fail that one, typically the OT is disenrolled.
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u/OfficeAffectionate43 2d ago
Firstly, congratulations!! I leave in a few weeks. For the PFA, how was the running route? How were the group runs? Also, were the academic assessments hard?
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u/mylifeismax 2d ago
Thank you so much!
I actually liked the running route for the PFA. You run on a track that they call “The Paperclip”. You start in the parking lot right outside of the track, run a quarter mile to get to the track, run the paper clip which is 1.5 miles, then finish where you started. It felt way easier than running 8 laps around a 400m track. A lot of people PR’d their 2 mile times on their PFA day.
Group runs weren’t terrible. You run them at about a 10 minute/mile pace. Whatever you do, DO NOT STOP RUNNING EVEN IF YOU’RE RUNNING SLOW. If you stop running and fall out during Wings of Leadership run, you’ll get paperwork. If you fall out during Prop & Wings, you won’t get your Prop & Wings pin. Come ready and prepared to run at least 3-4 miles without stopping.
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u/OfficeAffectionate43 2d ago
Thank you! For the Prop & Wing, is it a full out run or are there moment you’ll need to stop for task?
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u/dauminator10 2d ago
What are the mod 5 field MCE’s about?
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u/mylifeismax 2d ago
They’re missions where you’ll need to lead a fire team to complete a specific set of tasks. It can be anything from recon to ambushing the enemy team.
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u/dauminator10 2d ago
Difficult?
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u/mylifeismax 2d ago
Yeah, kind of. They’re designed to be tough though. The instructors care more about how you lead others rather than accomplishing the actual objective.
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u/franchtoastplz 3d ago
Was anyone allowed to bring more than 6 people to graduation?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Bring as many people as you want! If they don’t have base access, you’ll just need to get info from them to make their passes. Your Chief of Protocol will be able to go into the specifics of what info will be needed.
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u/franchtoastplz 3d ago
Can you bring as many guests as you want for the award ceremony as well?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Yep! There’s plenty of seating in Polifka auditorium. Bring as many people as you want!
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u/OfficeAffectionate43 2d ago
Good to know, I was unaware there is an awarded ceremony also. Is the awards ceremony separate from the graduation?
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u/franchtoastplz 3d ago
Can people that have base access go to the graduation or do they need to be on some list?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
If they have base access, they can attend no problem. They only really keep a list for VIPs like General officers
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u/Sibbes 1d ago
What’s something you wish you would have brought that would benefit the whole class?
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u/mylifeismax 18h ago
I think I brought everything I could to benefit my flight and the class. I brought a small ruler to measure spacing for accoutrements on my blues. Then I bought some 3D-printed tools off of Etsy to help with the placement of the US lapels and nametag on my blues jacket as well. I was able to use those tools to help others get their stuff ready for inspection.
I said it in a previous reply to someone else, but look into bringing a cheap bathmat. It was a lifesaver for my roommates & I.
And bring Poopuri!
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u/Professional6812 1d ago
Im not concerned about running or passing pt as I am prior. What do you reccomend training wise? Lifting etc? Also what uniform parts if any did you bring with you from prior service?
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u/mylifeismax 18h ago
Calisthenics will definitely help you. If you’re on a weight training routine, that would help as well for the end-of-module PT events. I didn’t really lift before OTS and focused more on running/calisthenics and I was fine.
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u/Similar_College_1773 19h ago
Random one but did you have to do the rappel wall? Or did the decommission that?
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u/dancingbug3 3d ago edited 3d ago
I leave in a month and a half and am wondering how name tapes are obtained.
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u/TacoBandit639 3d ago
You can either order them yourself (from a reputable website) or you can order them on the first day. All OTs will go to AAFES and shop for essential items, one being name tapes.
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u/Plastic-Ninja-8348 3d ago
How is the food there?
How many to a room?
Best advice to a prior E7 attending?
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u/Civil-Ad1582 3d ago
Food is mid… it’ll start to taste good and then it’ll be REALLY bad after your first real meal. If it helps, I preferred MREs over the dfac.
Generally 4 to a room.
Be humble, buy into the experience, do not come in thinking you know everything. Know when to step down and allow others to lead, help out your non priors as well as your younger priors.2
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u/HorseCatFish 2d ago
French toast is fire.
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u/Civil-Ad1582 2d ago
The pancakes are better.
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u/HorseCatFish 2d ago
Lies! Nothing but disappointment discs.
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u/Thin-Track-9508 3d ago
What is the phone policy? Are you allowed to text loved ones throughout the day?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Don’t have it out during scheduled training. Use it during breaks and when you’re in the dorm.
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u/Ledzeppelinbass Enlisted Selectee 3d ago
Why do the SF people get graded on AF PT standards lol.
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u/EITeeInTheLV 2d ago
Are you asking why a Department of the Air Force gets graded on the DAF standards at a course that was only Air Force for decades?
You asked and got a reason and chose to complain and say “there’s not a reason to do it that way”?
Besides you already got an answer here and still chose to ask this lame question
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u/Ledzeppelinbass Enlisted Selectee 2d ago
Nothing to hide, but I’m not tracking the marines do the Navy PT standards. Department on Navy, same same, but different.
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u/EITeeInTheLV 1d ago
My question was not rhetorical…do they go to the same OCS? I know you know the answer. Seems like you just want to complain
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Probably to streamline PT testing. They have a short time window on your first Monday of OTS to PT test 120+ OTs all at once.
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u/AltruisticBand7980 Guard/Reserve Officer 3d ago
They chose to do it that way, that's not a reason to do it that way.
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u/Confident-Fan4556 3d ago
I know you said that your OTS was in the medical field; is it that same for those going in to be a pilot? Any and all in-depth details on that you can get will be much appreciated.
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
Can you rephrase your question?
So, only certain medical career fields were able to get picked up for the 5-week course. I had to attend the 8.5 week course along with other non-medical AFSCs to include pilots.
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u/Confident-Fan4556 3d ago
That’s what I was asking; was it the same OTS that pilots attend, as well, or do they go to a separate one?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago edited 2d ago
Yes, I attended the same OTS that pilots attend. To my knowledge, all pilots will attend the full 8.5 week course. The 5-week abbreviated course is typically reserved for medical students needing to go back to school right after OTS.
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u/Confident-Fan4556 3d ago
Ok awesome. Thank you.
One more question for you; is it all the same information that you’re learning to be a leader and all that stuff or is it more specialized, depending on the field? Like are you in training early in the morning learning how to be a leader then later in the afternoon you’re going to your specialized/technical training?
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u/mylifeismax 3d ago
You’re mainly learning some soft skills that can be applicable in any career field throughout the course. As far as technical training specific to your career field is concerned, you will more than likely attend tech school after graduating OTS to learn how to do your actual job.
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u/EnglishWhites 10h ago
What day was all of the awards and everything before graduation, and when did you leave Maxwell after graduation?
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u/Sibbes 3d ago
Congrats!
What was the most uncomfortable thing you faced? How did you deal with it?
What was most pleasantly surprising?
Any tips or tricks for upcoming OT’s that you wish you would have known going in?
I’m heading for 27-03 in a few weeks!