Air Force OTS- Enlisted to Officer

[@Andr3wco7]

Awesome. I hope this man gets in. If he gets into class 19-04 with me this January that would be great!

[@yourmilitarymoney]

We shall see. His future is bright!

[@Distanc3]

Andr3wco7 An Officer and RuneScaper? That's almost everything I ever want for my life

[@erikminamihata]

Awesome! I'm going to take the AFOQT when I get back from tech school and cross my fingers that an O1 slot opens up at my unit. Thanks!!

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Definitely give it a try!

[@calfy]

That’s awesome, go for it! One thing to note is that your commissioning prospects aren’t contingent upon your unit having an available slot.

[@God-hr9tm]

*Did you make it?*

[@V1Speed360]

He's not joking about that AFOQT exam, I saw it knock out a lot of our potential reserve pilot's that had their college degrees thinking they would glide through any military test. It is the single biggest factor on whether you get that officer slot or not. Other than that if you are prior enlisted.. you got to stay out of trouble, have good EPR's, volunteer, and overall be a stand out within your organization. Also dont be afraid to tell your leadership what your intentions are! Your biggest cheerleaders are going to be those senior enlisted airman that have avenues and resources that you may have not had access too if you would have just kept them in the loop. Just my two cents! Good luck all.

[@somekid1053]

Thanks for the advice. But how do you become a officer If your already enlisted? Do you know the steps on how it works?

[@V1Speed360]

@@somekid1053 You transition from enlisted to offier through various programs that you have to be selected for. 1st step is get your college degree.

[@somekid1053]

@@V1Speed360 does it matter what degree you get or can it be any?

[@V1Speed360]

@@somekid1053 It does not but certain degrees are more competitive than others but it depends on what you want to do with the military. I would suggest if you are trying to become a pilot - to go with STEM degrees or engineering degrees. To become an officer it doesnt mean you need to be a genius. Just get a degree

[@somekid1053]

@@V1Speed360 thanks and how should I study for the AFOQT? Do I just buy a AFOQT for dummies book like the ASVAB?

[@washingtonsauerbronn9387]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! A little bit late , but from the bottom of our heart ! The Sauerbronn’s , a Proud USAF family in 3 continents !

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Thank you Washington. I hope you are doing well amigo.

[@Spartan117A51]

If I'm joining as E-3, who would I talk to and when do I talk to them about becoming an officer?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Visit the education center at your base and they will guide you on the way forward. From what I heard, there are websites that show projected OTS boards, the dates, the requirements, etc.

[@Spartan117A51]

@@yourmilitarymoney awesome. Thank you for the information. I really look forward in progression throughout the military and I believe becoming an officer will be an achievement for me and as well be an example for those who seek achievement from within themselves.

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Do it Chris!

[@Spartan117A51]

@@yourmilitarymoney I definitely am! I'm looking forward to a successful future where I can help others do the same . I have compassion in helping those who struggle.

[@selsahmwishen2981]

​@@Spartan117A51Hey did you succeed and how long did it take you to transition from enlist to officer?

[@mackmzle]

Process isn’t hard. Just tedious.

[@N54325]

i know this a weird question but what do you think are the odds of becoming a fighter pilot thought OTS as a civilian with a PPL and STEM degree

[@selsahmwishen2981]

How long does it take for an enlist to express interest of wanting to commission as an officer?

[@thierryndika7204]

Can you be in the army and apply for airforce OTS ?

[@jasonjet81]

I've watched 2 of your videos, and they're very insightful. I'm currently 37, working as an online teacher. I'd like to apply to OTS as a civilian, yet I understand I'm already passed the age cutoff. I have a college degree, so I'd like to commission as an officer in the USAF. What is the best route to get there? Should I apply as a civilian to OTS, or take my chances on the Enlisted side since the age cutoff is 39? I believe the USAF offers age waivers for anyone they'd believe would make a good officer; however, I don't believe the odds are in my favor now.

[@calfy]

Jason Tillery it’s my opinion that civilian to OTS is your best route. Speak with an officer recruiter, which may just be a local recruiter. Take the AFOQT and work the process. I believe 39 is the age cut off, so work quickly.

[@jasonjet81]

@@calfy I've heard that before in different words. Mostly, people have told me to go straight in as an officer and don't go Enlisted. However, some people have said going Enlisted would be better so I can relate to what they go through as an officer. I'm already at the right weight to get accepted, so I'd need to start on the paperwork immediately after taking the AFOQT. Thank you for your advice.

[@calfy]

Jason Tillery in my opinion, if you’re a decent human and appreciate the enlisted, you’ll be a good officer. Experiencing the enlisted struggle doesn’t mean you’ll be a good officer.

[@jasonjet81]

@@calfy Thank you again for your input. I believe I'm decent, and I also think that most people I know would agree. I was looking at ranks in the USAF, and it seems that I could enlist as an E-5 at the minimum since I have a college degree. That'll be something I need to clear up with the recruiter when I speak with him/her.

[@calfy]

Jason Tillery even if you had a Ph.D. The highest you could come in as is E-3. Unless your entering the USAF band, then you could come in as an E-6.

[@tomhalv1]

Nice work, some great information

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Thank you.

[@fjo9492]

Hello not sure if you are answering questions still but I am about to graduate with a bachelors in criminal justice/criminology. Friends are pushing me to go OCS route. Yet, I want to go enlisted reasons being my GPA isn’t good and the process is long. I just think going in enlisted first with doing my job exceptionally and recommendation can give me a better chance later on to follow the officer route. What are your thoughts?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Enlisting first is a great option. You can join, get a feel for the Air Force life, excel and then see if you want to apply. You have to do what is best for you and yes, the OTS process can be lengthy. Explore enlisting and see if it’s a good fit for you. I first enlisted and then I commissioned.

[@fjo9492]

@@yourmilitarymoney thank you so much for responding.

[@RadioRamen]

Question: So since im joining the reserves I'm starting as 2T2 while I finish my BS in Computer Science, I have about two years left. I want to retrain for cyber operations in three years, then reenlist for active duty and apply for an officer position, I would like to be an officer working in cyber operations. Is that something that's possible with my degree? Am I on the right train of thought? What should I be doing to ensure success?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Just so you know, it's very difficult to go from the reserve side to active duty. If you're overall goal is active duty, I'd join from the beginning as active duty. If you're alright with staying reserve, then you can enlist and later apply to become an officer on the reserve side. The Air Force Reserve does have Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) positions which are active duty for the reserve side. I completed my AGR tour in June 2019 and it was a great experience.

[@istudy9]

I thought I was alone, I have business degree, wanting to join the reserves as officer. I have cyber security experience with CISSP. Recruiter said they arnt recruiting though.

[@verseve]

@@istudy9 that is true for the most part, when you join the reserves I was told youre limited to the opening at the base you will be reporting to. Waiting for a job at that base could take forever. Also a lot of those high demand cyber jobs want a prior 5skill level experience. Which you get in the military and work your way up with your military degree. You're eligible to retrain in three years and since youre in you should have more information on when those spots become available and where and could possibly request a transfer or move there.

[@valentine5062]

I'm also in college rn studying computer science and been wondering if enlisting for reserve and finish my degree or to go active and try to finish that way. Any advice ?

[@WildCatBlair]

Leaving for BMT next month. (Air traffic control) Are there any leadership opportunities while active duty that you suggest? Great videos. Thank you!

[@calfy]

William Blair I’d say get involved in the extra curricular activities in tech school. Being a rope (Airman Leader) is a great way to be a leader amongst your peers, which will set you on the right path.

[@WildCatBlair]

calfy thank you

[@og_allex136]

Are you rated yet?

[@elmertollinchiruiz9466]

Can a 41 year old enlisted airman submit an application for ots while in active duty? Or do i age out of that opportunity altogether ?

[@Shalerboy101]

Elmer Tollinchi You age out of that, unfortunately.

[@elmertollinchiruiz9466]

Thank you sir.

[@Neonagi]

Not necessarily. There was a 42 years old chief master sergeant that got accepted to OTS with an age waiver but it’s definitely not common.

[@Stephoya]

The policy has changed to ensure that as long as you can serve 10yrs min as an officer then you can apply. I'm doing so now.

[@V1Speed360]

Also - did this guy eventually get picked up??

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Yes he did!

[@astro_mach7117]

I am leaving for the Air Force Reserves in April this year enlisted but coming out of Tech School as E3. My AFSC is 2T351 Vehicular Maintenance. I went in with a waiver from previous enlistment and didn't mind taking this job to get me back in the service. I have 95 hours of flight time and will be continuing to add on that, I have my A.S. in Aeronautics and will be completing my B.S. in Aeronautics (minoring in Unmanned Aerial Systems) coming up next year. My goal is to fly in the Air Force. I would prefer to go active although after reading certain comments it seems it would be difficult to do, though not impossible. I suppose it would matter whom I have made an impact on and would meet being with a special forces unit down at Hurlburt. My question is, aside from taking the AFOQT and having an aviation background civilian-wise, my degree from Embry Riddle, and being the age of 26 currently but 27 when I graduate, what else can I do to improve my chances of being a pilot in the Air Force?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Focus on your AFOQT scores, your complete application which shows your potential on leadership, well rounded person concept, etc. Have a solid GPA, get support from your leadership and speak with your education center for guidance as things often change. Begin there and see what happens.

[@christin5812]

Hey I'm joining 2tx same as you and planning to be a flying officer too, how did it work out for you?

[@astro_mach7117]

@@christin5812 Well, I had the options to go when I was in but decided to do my 4 years and leave. The military is not a place I wanted to have my career so I work as an engineer for Boeing now.

[@ryambo8713]

TFI guide what code and guide is he talking about? Also how old where you when you finished your masters in rotc?

[@crazyvideoholic9380]

im an immigrant to US. ive already completed my bachelors but i dont have a US citizenship (im a greencard holder). Now, can I join US Airforce as enlisted, obtain a naturalized citizenship and apply for officer? please reply.

[@yourmilitarymoney]

A recruiter will be able to let you know the requirement and length of time that you need to have as a US citizen in order to serve in the US military.

[@royalewithcheese9257]

Thank you so much! I leave the Army very soon as enlisted with no degree and transitioning to the Air Force guard/reserves (whichever has the job I want open). Once in, I will immediately start my GI bill to complete a bachelor’s in engineering to hopefully switch to officer! From your experience, is this unwise and Is there a reason I should choose reserve over guard to accomplish this?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Both are great options. Go with the one that offers you the job that you want.

[@stephen7125]

Do they give more privilege to the civilian people to become officer or to the enlistment people? I have heard that once you become enlisted it’s very hard to become officer.

[@yourmilitarymoney]

They have two separate boards. Both are competitive but it does happen for both. Find the nearest recruiter who brings in officers and see what happens.

[@jayhchd]

After serving 1 year enlisted can you apply to become an officer?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Depends. Yes if they have OTS boards and your leadership supports you. Bloom where you're planted and it will open doors for you.

[@romellodotson1084]

When u go from enlisted to officer does the time u put in from enlisted start over when u become an officer for the 20 year retirement???

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Your prior enlisted time counts towards retirement. You'll have to complete a minimum of 10 years to retire as an officer as long as you have at least 10 years enlisted.

[@Westcoast_Potato]

Here's a curve ball, how do you Cross from the Navy enlisted to the airforce officer?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Contact an Air Force officer recruiter and find out when the next board will take place, find out what is needed to apply and see if the Navy will release you if selected. Visit your education center on your installation as they know more.

[@blackleo_999]

Hi how do I apply for ots, ?? Before or after afoqt?? I have a bachelors degree..

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Take the AFOQT first as it'll be part of your application. Contact a recruiter for OTS.

[@spm04]

If you go from Enlisted to Officer will this add to your time in the military?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Your enlisted time will count towards your retirement. If you want to retire as an officer, you have to complete a minimum of 10 years as an officer. Time flies by.

[@mr.n.e.d4717]

Is it hard to get selected for officer in the usaf reserves. Also do you compete for a slot nationwide or just wing wide?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

If you have a solid record, leadership support and have potential to lead....it could happen. People apply each year and get selected.

[@Neonagi]

Would you say you have a better shot of making OTS if you are already on active duty is an airman?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

People join with no military experience and some are already serving. It depends on the needs of the Air Force. Both enlisted and officer are great options.

[@OlafSanchez93]

Do you know if someone with a criminal justice/criminology degree could apply for OTS and try to get a pilot slot? Or would the jobs as an officer be more directed toward your degree/major?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

You can apply for OTS with that degree and also put pilot as the job you want. What’s going to help you will be your AFOQT scores as well.

[@cadeclemons9162]

My plan is to enlist in the reserves after high school and during that time work for a bachelors degree while still enlisted and then attend OTS to become an officer. is that a realistic path to take to become an officer (ideally a pilot)

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Your best options are to do ROTC or the Air Force Academy. If not, enlist active duty and try to commission through OTS and hope to get a pilot slot.

[@cadeclemons9162]

YOUR Military Money Would it be possible to be an enlisted traditional reservist and join ROTC while in college already as an enlisted traditional reservist?

[@bj6916dell]

From Straight out of BMT as E-3, how long does it take to start the process to be an officer? Is there a minimal time as an enlisted man before you can be an officer?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

It depends on getting an endorsement from your leadership, upcoming OTS boards, your application, your reputation as an Airman. The education center will be able to guide you with the process.

[@silenttreatment2537]

I have haven’t met my recruiter yet in person but have spoken with him on the phone doing my pre-analysis. Everything went well, I set up a appointment hang up and went to sleep. Next day I get a text from him saying “Hey man you interested on joining the Marines they have a whole lot of more jobs options for you”. -TSgt Well any thoughts anybody?

[@calfy]

Silent treatment 253 they do have jobs, but trust me... AF is the way to go.

[@silenttreatment2537]

calfy Thanks man but my thoughts were why would a Air Force recruiter want me to go Marnies?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Let the recruiter know that you're serious about the Air Force and you're not interested in other branches.

[@xSouthMexicanx]

Hey what do you recommend. I want to be a officer. I’m not a citizen, I’m a residence. I have a bachelor degree already.

[@calfy]

xPandax it’s my understanding that you’ll have to be a citizen to be an officer. Work towards that first, then the doors will open.

[@igorgoncalves3849]

If you were enlisted in the army and once your contract ends you want to try OTS in the air force. Can you do it ?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Sometimes yes. You'll have to know when to apply, submit a competitive application and see what happens. Definitely look into it.

[@96Collectors]

Were you still married when you left to ROTC? And if so how did you manage a married life style without active duty pay?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Yes I was married with a family. We were debt free, paid rent, worked part time and made it happen. Keep your eye on the prize and you can attain it.

[@honesttomato4845]

could you become officer in the reserves and whats different with it

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Yes you can. The main difference will be time as reserve is mostly part-time.

[@IHWKR]

I actually have an nco that is guard and on active duty probationary period he just took his AFOQT and is awaiting results. Overall it sounds highly competitive but it is possible.

[@lil_rice_bowl1346]

Do you have to be enlisted to get in ots?

[@yourmilitarymoney]

No. Civilians can also go through OTS.

[@vilchenburgbodesky1]

My education center told me to kick rocks.

[@yourmilitarymoney]

?

[@vilchenburgbodesky1]

@@yourmilitarymoney minot said we dont deal with that stuff normally its for the member to figure out online. I get why they said that so that the member can show initiative to get it filed and done by themselves. But with no guidance from them, I was a little shocked for them just to say google it.

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Let me ask Scott what his input it and I'll get back to you mid-week.

[@vilchenburgbodesky1]

@@yourmilitarymoney I appreciate it. Any information relative to the most up to date information would be extremely beneficial. Being that the information I've found is over a few years old now.

[@yourmilitarymoney]

Check out on Facebook "USAF 19OT01 Active Duty" Those are letters OT and numbers 01. Also airforcejourney.com That's what Scott was able to pass along.

[@lil_rice_bowl1346]

First