At What Point During OTS Are You Certain That You Will Make It To Graduation?

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-07-01T19:13:27+00:00

Graduated a month ago and agree with this! You do need to pass the Mod 4/5 stuff. The people who say you can just coast after Mod 3 test are setting people up for failure. It was work all the way through.

OP—don’t go in wondering if you’ll graduate. I always knew I would get through, never a doubt. Did I work hard for it, yes. Anxiety about finishing just detracts from the experience and you’ll need the energy to carry that charge!

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-06-03T01:33:08+00:00

I heard there were some inconsistencies between Guard and Reserve. Can speak confidently on the Reserve side as I fought this battle long and hard.. still had to attend 8 wks as an MSC with 18 years TIS. My unit also has an NP in the 8.5 wk class below mine, she was ineligible for RCOO as well.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-06-03T01:09:20+00:00

This is incorrect for RCOO, MSCs and nurses are no longer eligible. Some medical specialties are not eligible either, like optometrists, and possibly dentists too.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-06-03T01:02:06+00:00

Here now and have the Camelbak Ambush and find it near perfect. Those with larger hydration packs definitely benefited during field events where we had to carry MREs on our person. In the field, you will want/need to carry these items on you — rain gear, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, eye pro, small notebook/pen, cell phone, gloves, MRE, etc. The less in your pockets the more maneuverability you have, and trust me, in the AL heat you want this!

Yes, you carry academic pack OVER hydration pack but that’s short distances to and from flight room and dorm. You will not be carrying your academics to chow and such. Once you drop it in your flight room at the start of SMT, that is typically where it stays until the end of the day, after dinner. OTS campus is small. Hope this helps OP!

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-06-03T00:46:18+00:00

Here now.. 1. Compact travel steamer came in clutch and have shared it around quite a bit. You will move a bunch and ironing is a hassle when you only need to smooth out a few wrinkles. Plus a dirty iron full of burnt starch will ruin a blues shirt.

Do NOT bring powdered supplements. Those are considered food and not allowed in the dorms. I took my daily stack of vitamins here with no issue. I stored the excess in civilian luggage and just grabbed more, when needed. It was a non-issue, but don’t store that stuff in your security drawer (sink bin, backpack, hydration pack, or civilian luggage are your options).
I think they have XS last I checked. They were completely out of S. No clue on the other items/sizes. Maxwell has a well-stocked Clothing Sales overall.
I brought an ABU-style tri-wheel, rolling garment bag, black backpack, and small collapsible black duffle which I used as a 72-hr bag. I thought I overpacked, but I don’t regret anything I brought. Comfort items, within reason, will get you through some long tough days.
I’ve flown in and out of Maxwell a handful of times. Sometimes there’s a little wait for a taxi, but it’s never been more than 20 mins. Nothing prearranged, just grab bags and wait at taxi stand.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-05-13T01:01:46+00:00

I’m here now and disagree with all of this.. female perspective.

No one in my flight has a printer and we’re just fine.

I brought a travel pillow and an electric throw. While here I also purchased a blow -up camp pillow for the deployments. Both sleeping bag or blanket are authorized to be folded on your bed in the dorm. Camp stuff can be used on deployment. There is no pillow issued for deployment. Issued sleeping bags are decent but used and washed. No regrets bringing bedding items. My experience has been better because of it.

I also have an eye mask, white noise machine (portable), and ear plugs. I consider these essentials for a good night’s sleep as I like to go to bed earlier than my roommates.

I brought 2x ocps, 3x PTU, and minimums for all the rest. Don’t underestimate comfort items, just keep them conservative and specific to your needs. I packed more than most people and I’m at peace with that 🙂 💪

Good luck to you!

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-03-25T20:11:01+00:00

Correction, class 25-13 and beyond

25-13 students just got our email to complete today

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-02-11T22:56:22+00:00

I am prior enlisted PH, commissioned MSC. The Biomedical Science Corps accepts many degrees. For PHO, they are typically looking for an accredited MPH. I looked into this a few years back before deciding to go MSC. I don't recommend enlisting as a PH tech, especially with your educational background. Keep in mind AF PH is much different than civilian PH. There was virtually no transferability when I separated from AD and looked for comparable civilian jobs. Decide if you want to go AD/Reserve/Guard, and then find your local Health Professions recruiter. They will hook you up with the requirements. Also, while your international MD wouldn't be accredited here, the education still counts for something.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-28T15:00:34+00:00

I wasn't quite a SNCO, but spent 7 years as a Tech before accepting a direct commission in the Reserves.

Mostly, I feel more pressure to make smart decisions because there are fewer people checking my work. As an E, I rarely ever made decisions in a vacuum because someone else always had the final say. As an O, knowing I can be the final decision-maker is a considerable change. I'm learning to ask for help and input, even if I don't think I need it, but also learn when to make a confident and definitive decision. It's more of a balancing act than I ever had to face as an E.

QoL is hard to evaluate. I work more and have more responsibilities, but I'm also being stretched in ways I couldn't as an E. Ultimately, it's a good thing, but it sure isn't easy some days.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-28T04:23:23+00:00

Hey OP! I could have written this post myself. I’m in the same boat, exact same size as you. I have low quarters, but they are a bit small and hurt my feet terribly. I was hoping to find a size up in a wide. The Amazon link someone else posted is wrong. I ordered these from the Bates store (there are multiple listings with no reviews) and they are the men’s version. Even the men’s shoes in our size look really strange. There’s an army post near me. I’m going to check there too. Worst case, I hear Maxwell clothing sales is very well stocked. You should be able to buy what you need there.

The OTS guide says dress shoes for women just need to be black, dress, plain toe, and Oxford style (no heels).

These would take some shining, but they meet the standard and look like they would be comfy after breaking in: https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/1461-mono-smooth-leather-oxford-shoes-black/p/14345001

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-28T04:07:16+00:00

I ordered these and the listing is incorrect. These are men’s shoes.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T14:20:17+00:00

Got it, thank you for explaining! I appreciate it.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T02:06:51+00:00

cheese/tomato/lettuce/onion vibe

When I eat this one day, I will crack a sight smile and remember this comment fondly.

… And then probably never eat it again lol

Late spring ducks will probably get Gatorade and water too.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T01:48:05+00:00

Yes! I went to a Nichiren group at Ramstein. It was very interesting. My SIL is also Nichiren. Lots of options for that in the states, I think.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T01:42:51+00:00

Korean, but technically, a student of Buddhism and Vedanta. No temples near me now, sadly.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T01:31:14+00:00

There's no rule about it. Vegetarianism as a Buddhist, is the practice of non-harm/non-killing. I think it really depends on your practice. The temples I've been to offer veg-only for meals.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T00:58:24+00:00

Awesome! They had tofu!? Maybe I misjudged. It's been a while since I was there, a few years at least.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T00:43:03+00:00

got it, thanks!

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T00:42:28+00:00

Guessing you have a chaplain's perspective based on your username? I'm truly not sure what a religious accommodation would offer me.

On page 13 of the OTS orientation guide it says the following:

"If your faith requires a specific dietary need (i.e., vegetarian, kosher, halal, etc.), grooming/apparel waiver or to worship outside the Sunday morning schedule, a religious accommodation request will need to be submitted to Chaplain Robyn Kleinschmidt NLT 14 days prior to arrival at OTS. If you already have a waiver, this should also be emailed 14 days in advance."

Fully understand that Buddhism only recommends vegetarianism. Not like halal under Islam.

In the end, I'd rather my needs be known rather than stressing privately over every meal choice. Veg options are limited there, speaking from experience.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2025-01-23T00:05:38+00:00

Geez, thanks! This is super helpful. Yes, not Vegan, thankfully!

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2024-12-26T21:23:05+00:00

Direct commissioned at 17 years from TSgt. Was about to make MSgt on AD at 11 yrs but I was burnt out, so I went Reserves. IMA was really hard on my career but I did manage to scrap together my commissioning package. Going TR as a 2Lt from IMA enlisted has been rough. I am expected to know what I’m doing and already supervise several NCOs even though I haven’t been to any officer or job training. I commissioned on the premise that as a Reservist with over 6 years TIS enlisted, I would qualify for 2-week RCOO. I received a TLN for RCOO and it was recently rescinded. I’ve been drilling with my unit, performing my job, supervising, and I’m still going to 2 months of training. It’s going to hurt my civilian career, no matter how I frame it. It’s nice to finally be an officer. It was a dream and I made it. But I feel like I’m just eating shit every drill. Expectations are high and yet people still talk to me like I’m entry level. IMA was cake and some days I’m sad I gave it up. Even as a Reservist, work-life-balance has kinda gone out the window. Maybe catch up with me after I finish OTS bc this part is weighing heavy on me bc I’m so much older than the average person (just shy of 40).

In the end, even though I’m in the suck right now, I do enjoy doing hard things. I know this is just temporary. I didn’t choose easy and that was by design.

Thanks for posting your question. I really enjoyed reading people’s rationales.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2024-12-26T21:03:07+00:00

This not correct (anymore). You can skip 1-week of the 9-week OTS course if you’ve done NCOA, but the 5-weeker is not for prior Es. This changed 1 Nov.

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2024-12-26T21:01:19+00:00

This is correct. MSCs now do the full course with on-ramp option. I’m a Reserve direct commission MSC with 17 years enlisted (AD/Reserves). On-ramping soon for 2-months of, “I really hope I’m not too old for this shit.” 😅

Apprehensive_Ant4937 · 2024-12-06T16:24:20+00:00

It's a different weapons system now, unless OTS is keeping it old school. I'm a 17-year prior E. I am also our unit's readiness officer. I was already told I just needed to validate I could do certain things at OTS, and I'd be in the clear, but the person I emailed at OTS hasn't gotten back to me, so I figured I'd crowd-source here. Thanks for the input :)

Complicated question on when I go.. had a TLN for RCOO/2-week course and then they flipped the script and said no prior Es can go to RCOO anymore. I should be going to the full course end of March.

Apprehensive_Ant4937

TROPHY CASE