Anonymous
12-29-2000, 11:37 PM
Hi, I am thinking about joining the AF through OTS and am really kind of nervous (but excited) about possibly joining. I know others have been where I am right now and I could really use some advice. I was wondering if anyone could please help me answer a few questions. Is there a way to secure a job before entering the AF to ensure I will be doing what I want to do? Also, will there be a lot of public speaking in OTS? That is probably one of my worst fears!! I am also worried about the chances for being deployed. The recruiter said that out of all branches of the military, the AF (other than pilots) are most removed from combat type situations. Is this basically true? One of the main reasons I would like to join is to travel, have you found that you've been able to do this easily? I am also really concerned with the social life. I have always lived in my hometown and am really close to my twin sister. Moving away would be really hard. I was wondering in the AF tries to make adjusting easier. Has it been easy to make friends? I also would like to start a family. This is a kind of immature question but what is the dating scene like for those living on base? Thanks so much for ANY information that you can provide.
dinamail@yahoo.com
Anonymous
12-30-2000, 03:59 AM
When you apply for OTS on your application there are slots for 3 job preferences. You go over theses prefs. w/ your recruiter. In determining your job selections they consider your scores on the AFOQT, your letters of recommendation and your interview w/ the board and in the overall scheme of things, you will fit into the AF best w/ the abilities they perceive you having to assimilate and train through the OTS process. You will know your job before you leave for OTS.
Yes there is public speaking in OTS, called giving briefs. There are 2 briefings that you give during OTS. Speaking in front of a group is something that will be inherent w/in your job as an officer. It is imperative that you learn this skill and master it.
Of course youre going to be deployed! What do YOU mean by being deployed? Overseas or just to another state? An important part of being an officer and continuing advancement throughout the AF is volunteering and making yourself available to be deployed for any mission. Continuing with the ideals of career advancement, every AFSC, whether officer or enlisted has a career path designed for it. A career path for an officer would require further DEPLOYMENT, education to masters level, Proffesional Military Education, along with performance reviews within ones job. Being deployed does not necessarily mean combat. True, the AF is not in 'direct line of fire' as a rule of thumb, but we do go into combat when necessary... necessary to the safety and mission of the AF and the United States.
Yes, you will travel in the AF. Depending on your job of course and your desire for advancement, determine your chances to move. There will be times when you can choose, and many when you cant.
Social life. Well face it, youre leaving your hometown and your family and the likelihood that you will be stationed there is small.. I'm sure. This is a big time in anyones life because you will meet up with many like minded individuals who are pursuing the same things and values that we all should have by entering into the military and AF. In OTS, teamwork, initiative, camaraderie and leadership are essential to surviving the schooling. Make this a time in your life when you can finally figure out who you are in relation to WHO YOU ARE inside. Strength, challenge, failure and success are going to be the words you will roll over within yourself everyday at OTS.
The AF has found that the quality of morale and living conditions are in direction proportion to the retention, work habits, and health of the personnel. Changes and implementation of 'family friendly' issues have continued throughout the AF making it well known that family and such are recognized as an important piece of an active duty persons life. I would hope, as everyone else does, that your focus is not marrying right away. Not to say that it detrimental, but marriage is challenging enough that adding the military and its lifestyle and 'job hazards' can be more strenuous on a marriage, along with the deployments, and the realization that the AF does come first and everthing else needs to stand to that ideal with selflessness.
In the overall scheme of things, when it comes down to social life- as an officer you live in a fishbowl. There is a certain respect and responsibility you will have/give in your position. Although being courteous, friendly, civic-minded and giving of yourself should be within your person, it is more so when you take on this position. If you want to call it scrutiny- so be it.. but thats pretty much what it comes down to. You are seen and known. Remember that in everything you do within your social life.
Please read the AF facilitators letter and its responses. Please go to the www.afoats.af.mil site which will orient you to OTS. Please go to the Career site on www.af.mil and read over the jobs in the Officers guide and see what might interest you.
Personally, if I had to make a call on this- you have not made it to a point where you understand what OTS and the AF is about. I would talk to more people about it and realize that its the military and you are bound to that lifestyle and its ideals for 4 years. Can you handle that?
Please- if there is incorrect information about OTS on here.. email me and let me know. Although I havent attended it yet.. I believe my talking to other officers and people on here, I can give a pretty good view of what it might entail.
Jen
Hi, I am thinking about joining the AF through OTS and am really kind of
: nervous (but excited) about possibly joining. I know others have been
: where I am right now and I could really use some advice. I was wondering
: if anyone could please help me answer a few questions. Is there a way to
: secure a job before entering the AF to ensure I will be doing what I want
: to do? Also, will there be a lot of public speaking in OTS? That is
: probably one of my worst fears!! I am also worried about the chances for
: being deployed. The recruiter said that out of all branches of the
: military, the AF (other than pilots) are most removed from combat type
: situations. Is this basically true? One of the main reasons I would like
: to join is to travel, have you found that you've been able to do this
: easily? I am also really concerned with the social life. I have always
: lived in my hometown and am really close to my twin sister. Moving away
: would be really hard. I was wondering in the AF tries to make adjusting
: easier. Has it been easy to make friends? I also would like to start a
: family. This is a kind of immature question but what is the dating scene
: like for those living on base? Thanks so much for ANY information that you
: can provide.
jenatasu_2000@yahoo.com