TRAINING
AIR FORCE OFFICER
TRAINING SCHOOL
WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE
Officer Training School is a 8.5-week, five-module program designed for those with a college degree who are ready to take the next step as a leader. Throughout each week, you’ll be challenged mentally and physically while acquiring the skills and confidence needed to lead the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.
What to expect
The 8.5-week course starts with an introduction to Air Force customs and traditions. From there, Officer Trainees are put through a rigorous curriculum of real-world mission scenarios that challenge them to make strategic decisions and collaborate with others successfully.
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MODULE 1
Module 1 focuses on preparing future Officers to assimilate into military culture and adapt to the new, challenging environment by learning fundamentals of leadership and operating as a team.
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MODULE 2
Module 2 continues to develop trainees’ skills and knowledge, along with resilience, adaptability and physical endurance.
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MODULE 3
Trainees in Module 3 start to hone their skills as multi-capable Airmen. They prepare for rapid mobilization and mission execution to promote their sense of readiness and agility.
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MODULE 4
Module 4 is a comprehensive curriculum covering joint planning, full-spectrum awareness, strategic-level academics and practical war-gaming. Trainees will also participate in activities that strengthen physical courage.
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MODULE 5
In the final module, Trainees focus on gaining and maintaining war-fighter advantage through deterrence, defense and decision-focused lethality. Module 5 Trainees also mentor underclassmen, leading them through multiple events until the culminating event in their training: Graduation.
officer ATTRIBUTES
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officer ATTRIBUTES
Officer Trainees must demonstrate the skills expected of all Officers in the Air Force. Throughout each module, their performance will be graded around their ability to practice, learn and apply five leadership attributes.
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officer attributesleadership
Mission success requires Airmen to step up and inspire others to do the same. From solving problems to ensuring no one is left behind, leadership strengthens every individual and team.
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officer attributescommunication
A solid strategic vision is nothing without strong communication. Airmen must clearly communicate with each other, whether they’re leading a mission or following orders.
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officer attributesprofessionalism
No matter what challenge Airmen face, they must approach it with professional preparedness. Achieving this readiness demonstrates respect for others, yourself and the mission at hand.
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officer attributeswarfighting
Approaching each mission with competent conviction wins battles. Not only must Airmen demonstrate the will to win, but the fortitude to win decisively.
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officer attributesmission execution
Airmen must successfully apply all the lessons they’ve learned and the strength they’ve built to execute missions effectively. It’s one thing to understand how to tackle a mission in theory — it’s critical to achieve it in reality.
FAQs
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You need a college degree in order to be eligible to begin Officer Training School. In addition to earning your degree, you will need to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) and pass a physical and mental health screening test. Discover the requirements here.
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There are no specific degree or GPA requirements; however, higher GPAs and STEM degrees are more desirable.
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Air Force Officer Training School is 8.5 weeks and located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.
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Airmen joining the Air Force from private sector healthcare, legal and ministry professions go to Commissioned Officer Training (COT). COT is a five-week training course designed to help ease the transition to military life. You will begin with a training regimen designed to educate you in the ways of the military. This is an important time during which you will develop into an Officer and an Air Force leader. You will participate in physical conditioning five days a week as well as other military training, leadership seminars and classroom studies.
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After Air Force Officer Training School, you will be given your base assignment and begin your career as an Air Force or Space Force Officer.
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During Officer Training School (OTS), you will be required to participate in daily physical conditioning—including aerobic, anaerobic and flexibility conditioning—and pass a Physical Fitness Test. A Physical Conditioning Instructor will conduct physical conditioning Monday through Friday. It is HIGHLY recommended you meet these minimum physical fitness standards before you arrive at OTS.
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No, Basic Military Training (BMT) is completely separate from Officer Training School. BMT is for people looking to become enlisted Airmen in the Air Force. Unlike Officer Training School, a college degree is not required to complete BMT.
