OTS
APPLICANT’S
GUIDE
PART II
1999
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Congratulations on your decision to apply for Officer Training School (OTS). In the following
pages you will find complete instructions on completing an OTS application. I have covered all
forms you will need for your OTS application. I will attempt to give you answers to questions you
may have about the application process as well as provide helpful hints. I’m sure your ESO has
gone through the qualifications for the program with you and determined you qualified to apply,
so, I will cover the application, waiver, board process, and what happens to you if your application
is selected to attend OTS. After reviewing this guide, if you still have questions about the
application, please feel free to contact your ESO.
If you require a waiver of any type, the waiver package must be included with your application
when it is sent to HQ AF Recruiting Service. All applications with waiver action will be worked as
received.
Overseas applicants can apply at the mid-point of their tour but no later than 9 months from
DEROS. They may extend their DEROS to make up the nine months if applicable. Selected they
will not go to OTS until their DEROS. Age critical and rated applicants will be worked on a case
by case basis. Applicants in an IPCOT are considered in a new tour.
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OTS APPLICANT PROFILE—Limited to 2 pages. This replaces the resume. Please refer to the
attached samples. This will be the first thing in your application before the AF Form 56. Type it
on plain paper, two separate sheets (not back to front), and in Times New Roman 10/12 pitch.
AF FORM 56 (Application for Training Leading to a Commission in the United States Air Force)
Oct 95 - PerFORM edition
Web site for the AF Form 56.
http://afpubs.hq.af.mil/elec-products/forms-pages/
Two copies required. Ensure form is copied head to toe or on four separate sheets.
Items 1 - 4 are pretty self explanatory. Make sure you enter complete addresses for both the MPF
(including the PAS) and the ESO in item 2. If you don’t have enough room to make the
appropriate entry, type in “See Remarks Section” and enter the information in item 20 of this
form. Item 2 TAFMSD (Total Active Military Federal Service Date) should be taken from the
review rip page 4.
MPF ADDRESS FOR 37 TRW AND TENANTS IS 37 MSS/DPMS, 1561 STEWART ST, STE 4,
LACKLAND AFB TX 78236-5243 AND THE PAS CODE IS: LAOJFJL4. THE PHONE
NUMBER FOR THE 37 TRW AND TENANTS IS COMMERCIAL – 210 671-4177 AND DSN –
473-4177.
MPF ADDRESS FOR 59 MDW PERSONNEL IS 37 MSS/DPMSPS-1, 2131 PEPERELL ST, STE
2, LACKLAND AFB TX 78236-5315 AND THE PAS CODE IS: LAOJFJL4. THE PHONE
NUMBER FOR THE 59 MDW PERSONNEL IS COMMERCIAL – 210 292-7288 AND DSN - 5547288.
BESO ADDRESS IS 37 MSS/DPE, 1550 WURTSMITH STREET, STE 5, LACKLAND AFB TX
78236-5251. THE PHONE NUMBER IS COMMERCIAL – 210 671-2895 AND DSN - 473-2895.
INCLUDE FAX NUMBER: DSN 473-5181 BELOW THE ADDRESS UNDER ITEM 20.
Item 5 does not apply to you.
Item 6 - Enter your SSAN, Date of Birth, the date you will be available to attend OTS, Number of
Dependents, Citizenship and Marital information. Remember your date of availability must be
after completion of your degree. (Overseas applicants-your date of availability is your current
DEROS). This date should also match the date of availability on the AF Form 1145, item 6B. This
date is extremely important in making your class assignment.
Item 7 - Check Officer Training School (OTS) and indicate line category preferences by reflecting
1st and 2nd choices in the appropriate block. You are allowed only two choices. Do not enter an
“x” in this area. Nonline categories do not apply to you. Helicopter pilot is not available at this
time.
Item 8 - If you checked other operations/support preferences in item 7, you should complete this
item. We cannot guarantee you will receive one of your job choices, but your desires will be taken
into consideration when assigning your selected AFSC. You must understand that the needs of the
Air Force are our number one consideration.
Web Site for AFSC Officer Classification http://136.149.142.178/classification/
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Item 9 - AFOQT scores can only be entered by your Unit Commander or AFTCO. Your most
recent scores are to be entered here.
Item 10 - Enter the degree you received (or will receive), the year of completion and your major in
this area (example: BS/95, Computer Technology). If you received more than one degree, enter
your qualifying degree first.
Item 11 - If you check “Yes” and are applying for a pilot program, you must include a copy of your
current aeronautical rating (private/commercial pilot’s license) and flying hours computation
worksheet.
Item 12 - If you have ever applied for a commissioning program you must complete this section. If
you were selected and enrolled or disenrolled in a commissioning program a DD Form 785 (Record
of Disenrollment from Officer Candidate Type Training) waiver may be required. You should
talk to you education counselor about this for further explanation. As a minimum you will be
required to provide an explanation of your enrollment or disenrollment You must also list any
previous applications for commissioning programs, even if you were non-selected.
Item 13 - If you answer “Yes”, you must provide all information requested.
Item 14 - This applies to all active duty applicants. List all information requested to include any
time you may have on active duty or with the Reserves or National Guard. List each branch of
service separately.
Item 15 - If you answer “Yes”, you must explain in the remarks section what type of pay was
received. Check with your education counselor if you have any questions.
Item 16 - Make sure you list all offenses here. I can’t stress the importance of listing any and all
Article 15 action you may have received in this area. Under “Disposition of charge” you must be
specific. “Paid fine” is not a disposition, “Paid $115 fine” is. If you require further space, use the
remarks section (item 20) of this form. Once again, you may want to check with your counselor to
see if a waiver of any of the offenses is required.
Item 17 - Provide all information requested. Start with your present position and work your way
back.
Item 18 - Read each statement carefully and initial only those sections that apply to you. All other
blocks will be marked N/A. Normally 18 A,B,C,D,G,H,I,and J will be initialed.
Item 19 - Read the statement carefully and if you have given truthful answers to the best of your
knowledge, date and sign the form.
Item 20 - This is the “Remarks” section. If you didn’t have room for answers/explanations to other
items, you were instructed to make additional entries here. Make sure each entry has the correct
Item referenced.
If you require an age waiver (will reach age 30 prior to the board convening date), the
following statement must be entered in this section:
“I am submitting my application with the understanding that, if selected and physically
qualified, I must enter OTS early enough to be commissioned prior to my 35th birthday. If the Air
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Force is unable to place me in an OTS class which graduates before my 35th birthday, my selection
to OTS will be withdrawn.:
If you are applying for the pilot program, you must enter the date and location of your
BAT test. If you are applying for the navigator program, you must enter the date and place your
flying class 1A physical is scheduled.
ALL ITEMS ON THE AF FORM 56 MUST BE INITIALED. ANY COMMENTS WRITTEN IN
THE REMARKS SECTION MUST BE INITIALED/SIGNED AND DATED.
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AF FORM 1145 - (Evaluation of Commissioning Applicants) JUL 92 edition.
Original required. Ensure form is head to toe or copied on two separate pages prior to completion.
Items 1 - 7 are self explanatory. Ensure the date you enter in item 6B matches the date available
for training on the AF Form 56. Item 7C is your cumulative GPA (as figured by your education
counselor) and should match the GPA listed on AF Form 1020.
Item 8 - Provide all information requested. You must complete section B. When completing
sections E & F make sure the information you provide is verified by your transcripts.
Items 1 - 8 may be typewritten or printed.
Item 9 - MUST be printed in ink by you. This gives you an opportunity to tell us “what you can
offer the Air Force.” Choose your words carefully. You only have this small space to get your
message across to the selection board members. It is important that this form be neat, clean,
accurate and legible.
Items 10-13 are to be completed by your current unit commander. If your commander is
not available, the form may be completed by you acting commander. This section may be
typewritten. It is important that your commander complete each section. We recommend
hard hitting bullets which tell a story and provide “qualifiers”, i.e. “Best I’ve seen.” “Top
5% of applicants I’ve interviewed”, etc., but honest evaluations should be given. Make
sure your commander is aware of any waivers that you may require. Your unit
commander is required to include the following statements in the remarks section: ‘The
applicant’s record has been reviewed and contains no derogatory information.’ And ‘The
attached letter of recommendation is within the applicant’s chain of command and no
higher than the applicant’s senior rater.’ The backside of the AF Form 1145
should be typed in 10 or 12 pitch. The comments section must be in
bullet format.
Items 14 - 16 are self explanatory.
AETC FORM 1422 ‘EVALUATION OF CIVILIAN APPLICANT FOR RATED DUTY’
This is to be completed for all rated applicants. It can be typed or hand written. All items must be
completed. The interviewing officer should be the same individual who did the AF Form 1145
interview. It is placed behind the AF Form 1145.
The AETC Form 1422 (for rated applicants) and the AETC Form 1413 (Impending
Graduation) are on the web, http://www.aetc.af.mil/im/aetcfrms.html
FLYING HOURS COMPUTATION WORKSHEET (Pilot Applicant’s only)
If you are applying for the pilot program and have a private/commercial pilot’s license, a copy of
this worksheet will be given to your by your education counselor for inclusion in your OTS
application package. The form is self explanatory. If you have no flying hours, don’t include the
form.
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LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Applicant’s are limited to one letter of recommendation from within their chain of command and
no higher than their senior rater. Check with your MPF to see who is the senior rater for your
command.
APR/EPR AND OTHER PRIOR SERVICE RECORDS
Required from all branches of Service you have been affiliated with.
A copy of all evaluations you have received are required to be submitted with your application. If
you have a Letter of Evaluation (LOE) instead of an EPR/APR, you must submit a copy of the
LOE. All APR/EPR/LOEs are to be copied head to toe.
You must include any derogatory information in your service records, i.e., Article 15 actions.
If you have prior service with another service, or were ever discharged from any branch of service,
an undeleted DD Form 214 will be required. If you were a member of the Air National Guard and
were discharged, a NGB 22 will be required.
Do not include extraneous information, i.e., letters of appreciation, commendations, awards, etc. If
you send any of this type of information, it will not be presented to the selection board for review.
If you wish the board to know of an award you have received, it should be mentioned in your
statement on the AF Form 1145, on your resume, mentioned by your commander or in a letter of
recommendation.
AF Form 1020 - (Grade Point Average (GPA) Worksheet) Apr 88 edition
Per instructions on the top of the form, this form is to be completed by your education counselor.
A separate AF Form 1020 will be required for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
LETTER OF IMPENDING GRADUATION
A letter of impending graduation is required if you have not completed degree requirements at the
time your application is submitted. (Applications may be submitted 270 days prior to completion
of degree requirements.) The letter must include projected graduation date, classes needed to
complete degree requirements, GPA and class standing (if available). The letter must come from
the registrar of the college/university that will be granting you a degree. This letter must be
original.
TRANSCRIPTS
You must submit a copy of transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended (to include
CCAF), even if you only took one class there. We do not encourage you to send your original
transcripts since you will need these when you go to OTS. Your education counselor, on the other
hand, may require the originals be presented to him/her prior to submission of your application.
RECORDS REVIEW LIST (RRL)
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A records review list is required on all active duty applications. Your ESO will notify the MPF to
place you in an AAC 05 approximately one month before forwarding your application to HQ AF
Recruiting Service. The code AAC 05 should be good for one year from the date of your
application. If for any reason you decide to withdraw your notify your ESO immediately so you
may be taken off the AAC 05.
AF Form 2030 - (USAF Drug and Alcohol Abuse Certificate) NOV 90 edition
Web Site for AFI 36-2013
http://afpubs.hq.af.mil/elec-products/pubs-pages/36-pubs.html
You must answer all sections on the form. You are required to initial the appropriate response. If
you answer “Yes” to any of the questions (except the first one which is about marijuana), you must
provide a handwritten statement to include the date and circumstances, specific drug or
combination of drugs used, how the drug/drugs were used, what the effects were, what the residual
effects were and your current feelings toward drug use are. This statement must be signed by you
and indorsed by your unit commander for waiver action. If you have any questions, please see
your education counselor. If you answer ‘yes’ to the question about marijuana, you only need to
provide the dated and signed handwritten statement. It does not need to be indorsed by your unit
commander.
DD Form 785 - (Record of Disenrollment from Officer Candidate-Type Training) JUN 68
This form is required if you have been enrolled in a program leading to a commission and were
disenrolled. If you fall into this category, a waiver for disenrollment will be required. The waiver
package must consist of the DD Form 785 and a statement from you explaining the circumstances
of your disenrollment and requesting a waiver.
DEPENDENT CARE RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT (ATCH 11 AFI 36-2013
Your education counselor should advise you if a dependent care responsibility statement is
required for your OTS application. The counselor will provide you with a copy of the statement to
be signed by you and your unit commander.
NON-NATIVE ENGLISH-SPEAKING (NES) IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT
The NES is required on nonnative English speaking applicants applying for OTS. This statement
is to be completed by your unit commander and signed by both you and your commander. Your
education counselor will provide you with a copy of the statement.
PRIVATE/COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENSE
If you are applying for a pilot slot and have a private or commercial license, you must include a
copy of the license in your application.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
You should take a commissioning physical as soon as possible once you have been notified you were
selected to attend OTS. The type of commissioning physical you take will depend on the career
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field you are chosen for. Your ESO will assist you in getting the proper physical examination done.
The original and two copies of the exam are required and must be forwarded to HQ AFRS/RSOCL
through your base education office.
BASE OF PREFERENCE LISTING
Once you have been selected to attend OTS, you will be asked to send your assignment/base
preference list to HQ AFRS. You may wish to submit an AF Form 90 or just list your preferences
on plain bond paper and sign them, either way is acceptable. If you have any questions, please ask
your education counselor.
WAIVERS
There are many different types of waivers you may request. For the majority of waivers, we will
need, as a minimum, a letter from you (endorsed by your unit commander) telling us why you
think you deserve to have requirements waived. Your education counselor will be able to advise
you on any additional information you will need for each waiver. The following is a partial list of
the waivers you may request:
AGE (34 - 35 years old - must be commissioned prior to your 35th birthday)
ASSIGNMENT
MORAL (Article 15, DUI, etc.) **
AFOQT (Minimum requirements of 15 Verbal and 10 Quantitative)
DISENROLLMENT
TIME ON STATION (1-year time on station required for conus applicants)
TIME IN SERVICE
MEDICAL
** Moral waivers require a detailed letter of circumstances, police reports or any other supporting
documentation.
Change to the AFI 36-2013, Table 1.2, Rule 20: Is ineligible for a commission according to current
AF Drug and Alcohol policy[see AFI 36-2002 (Regular Air Force and Special Category Accessions)
and AETCI 36-2002 (recruiting procedures for the Air Force)]. For those individuals who need to
apply for a waiver under this rule the following information will be needed in addition to a request
for waiver endorsed by the commander:
1.
A handwritten statement regarding the circumstances and how long you have
been abstinent.
2.
All documentation regarding treatment.
3.
A commissioning physical.
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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most of the questions you have about the OTS selection/assignment process can be answered by
your education counselor. The following are a few of the questions we commonly get from
applicants. If you have any questions, ask your counselor first. It they cannot answer the question,
have the counselor call us.
1. What happens if my request for a waiver is disapproved or I am non-selected for OTS by two
boards?
Once your waiver has been disapproved or you have been notified of your second non-selection for
OTS, you must wait a minimum of 3 boards to reapply for OTS. You must complete a new
application. Your old application will be filed in our “dead” files and maintained there for one
year.
2. Can I get my application returned?
It is our policy to return only original transcripts (which you should not send to this office at all) or
physical exams. You must request these documents in writing.
3. When will I go to OTS?
That really depends a great deal on you. We base class assignments on your date of availability
and your being physically qualified by the AETC command Surgeon General (SG). OTS classes
are scheduled approximately two months apart. Once the SG has qualified your physical
examination, we look at your date of availability and assign you to the next available class.
4. How will I know when I am going to OTS?
When we make your class assignment, we send a letter to your ESO notifying them of your class
number and reporting date. Attached to the letter will be a copy of “A Headstart On OTS”. Both
the letter and the pamphlet will be given to you by your ESO.
5. Where will I go after OTS?
That is determined by AFPC. Once we have made an OTS class assignment, your file is forwarded
to AFPC for assignment action. They will send a message to your MPF, no later than 45 days prior
to your report date, with assignment instructions. Not everyone will know where their next duty
station will be prior to attending OTS. Some of you will be required to attend technical training
and will be told during tech school where your next assignment will be. It really depends on your
selected AFSC.
6. Where can I get information regarding the Enhanced Flight Screening Program (EFSP)?
The EFSP is for pilot trainees and they have a web page. It is maintained by the 3rd Flying
Training Squadron and the information they have covers just about everything. Their website is
http://www.rnd.aetc.af.mil/12FTW/3FTS/index.htm.
OTS APPLICANT PROFILE
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TSgt John W. Smith
111 Main St.
Smith, AL, 12345
(H) 321-555-1234 (W) 123-456-7890
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
Institution/City/State
- Troy State Univ., Montgomery AL
Degree
B.S., Human Resources
PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION
School
Year Graduated
- NCO Academy
1992
- Airman Leadership School
1988
Year Graduated
1995
Awards
Distinguished Graduate
Honor Graduate
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
- Air University NCO of the Year, Maxwell AFB, 1996
- Air University NCO of the Quarter, Maxwell AFB, 1996
- Air Force Commendation Medal 1995
- Air Force Achievement Medal 1993
- Dean’s list five semesters of college
PERSONAL ACHEIVEMENTS
- President of Washington High School PTA
- Received Certification of Appreciation from the mayor of San Antonio for my work in feeding the homeless
- Recognized as Randolph AFB Outstanding Volunteer, 1993
- Team captain of the Maxwell AFB softball team for the last three years
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
- Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society
- Noncommissioned Officers Association
- Air Force Sergeants Association
PERSONAL/OUTSIDE INTERESTS
- Teach Adult Couples Sunday School, Ages 30-35, Eastdale Baptist Church
- Soloist, Eastdale Baptist Church and various Military Functions
- Fishing, Reading, Golf, Traveling, Music/Theater
WORK EXPERIENCE
NCOIC, Student Management (1994 - Present), Ira C. Eaker College for Professional Development
(AETC), Maxwell AFB, Alabama—Responsible for all student matters for the USAF Chaplain Service
Institute to include student selections, course quotas, and logistics. Supervised staff of four. Managed
student selections and logistic coordination with all MAJCOMs for three regional off-site Combat Ministry
Training courses, enabling the training of over 250 total-force students in wartime skills
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Military Training Manager (1993 - 1994), Ira C. Eaker College for Professional Development (AETC)
Maxwell AFB, Alabama—Supervised over 150 non-prior service students attending technical training and
managed all student matters outside of the classroom.
NCOIC, Gunter Chapel (1989 - 1993), 502 Air Base Wing (AU), Maxwell AFB - Gunter Annex,
Alabama—Managed all aspects of chapel mission and supervised three individuals. Coordinated and
directed $140,000 renovation Project; served as first comptroller for prototype automated accounting
package
NCOIC, Financial Management (1986 - 1989), 343 Combat Support Group (AAC), Eielson AFB,
Alaska—Managed both appropriated and non-appropriated chapel budgets, totaling 250.000. Supervised
one individual. Coordinated remodeling of facilities through self-help on “shoestring budget
Bookkeeper, (1984 - 1986), 1100 Air Base Group (AFDW), Bolling AFB, Washington DC—
Instrumental in testing the first automated accounting system for the Air Force Chief of Chaplains.
Developed automated scheduling program later implemented Air Force wide.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I’m writing this letter to illustrate my personal accomplishments and abilities that I believe makes me worthy
of your consideration for selection to Officer Training School and a commission as an Air Force Officer.
On my first day of basic training I was appointed Dorm Chief, and my career has progressed like a rocket on
rails ever since. I was an Honor Graduate from BMT, and the Student Flight Leader at technical school.
During my first assignment I won an Air Force Media Award for Best News Story, a Navy Chief of
Information Award for Best Radio Program, and was promoted to Senior Airman Below-The-Zone. On my
second tour I completed my Bachelor’s Degree and won both the Air Force Broadcasting Service Airman of
the Year and Air Force News Worldwide Airman of the year awards. Here at HQ Air Force Recruiting
Service, I won the John Levitow Award at Airman Leadership School, and was hand-picked as Ambassador
to represent Randolph AFB for the Air Force’s 50th Anniversary Events throughout Texas.
I am aware that my GPA is below average. However, when I first started college straight out of high school, I
worked 30 hours per week to defray the cost of my education. In addition, I was involved in numerous
extracurricular activities, i.e. University Student Training Manager, Vice President for the Annual Giving
Campaign and Community Service Chairman, and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. I obviously didn’t use good time
management skills and my grades were horrible. My overall GPA has suffered ever since because of my lack
of direction during those first two years of college.
The Air Force has given me more opportunity, and enabled me to achieve more than I ever believed possible.
I hope you will see fit to select me for OTS so that I may give back to the Air Force by fulfilling the leadership
role of an Air Force officer.
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