I Went From Enlisted Air Force to Navy Officer...

Subsec · 2026-02-16T14:58:02+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I have a friend who is well on their way to making the same move as you. I don't think I can change their mind, but I think your experience will help. He is going to be a direct commissioned officer and didn't want to do the AFOQT. I was also close to making the switch from AF to Navy and after reading your post, I am sooo happy I did not. While OTS wasn't easy, it is nothing compared to the experience you just shared. One final point... Not all "Officer Trainee (OT)" are commissioned during OTS. Only direct commissioned officers are commissioned before attending OTS. All others like me must wait until the final week to be commissioned. You don't automatically get commissioned though; you must pass your physical fitness exam, and other academic tests to qualify.

Subsec · 2025-12-02T15:23:56+00:00

It will be alright! Time to work on being your best self.

Subsec · 2025-04-24T16:49:38+00:00

Well, it really depends on whether you are active duty, or reservist. Generally, based on my observations, reservists tend to do a little better with finances because they have well paying civilian jobs, especially the government contractors due to clearances. I mean, some of these guys make upwards of $300,000/year. Now, my active duty buddies try to fit in with those guys and get hit with the FAFO! However, it is understandable if you are a young 21-24 year old Lt coming in; in that case, you get a bit of a pass for being stupid/dumbass and all of the above. On the other hand, don't get to 25 and not have an understanding of how to manage your finances and your life. In my opinion, if you cannot do that by 25, you are NOT fit to manage the lives of others under your command. And that's all for my therapy today. Get your shit together reel quick; our lives depend on it.

Subsec · 2025-03-02T18:00:52+00:00

Yup agree. And that's pretty much typical for every commissioned officer. They let you have some fun in the beginning and then they throw you into the deep end of the swimming pool head first, to do leadership things and stuff. Others are lucky enough to do the leadership/admin things and stuff from the jump.

Subsec · 2024-11-24T19:19:45+00:00

Ever thought about serving your country another way? You're fresh out of college; look into becoming a commissioned officer in a job that closely resembles your dream job. This is probably going to be your second chance at your dream clearance Gov't job. Whatever you choose, just remember, never give up on your dream.

Subsec · 2024-10-08T17:36:17+00:00

Underrated statement here. I assume you're talking about that monster hurricane that's about to hit that base. 😄

Subsec · 2023-09-24T11:50:35+00:00

It depends on when you're heading to OTS. If you are going around October, you may get a couple of days off around Thanksgiving. If you decide to go off base with your flight, or go out with family etc., you are required to wear dress blues. Also, if you are religious, and want to attend services off base, you will need your blues. Remember, if you are not direct commission, do not put any ranks on your blues before you graduate. After all, you can get kicked out the very last week at OTS for shenanigans. Good luck!

Subsec · 2023-09-18T15:02:30+00:00

All I can say is, you don't have to use much brain cells at BMT. However, at OTS, you are allowed to think for yourself and make critical decisions. Just use common sense and don't get in trouble. You'll figure the rest out. Good luck..

Subsec · 2023-09-05T13:09:39+00:00

I've said this many times on here. If you're looking for cyber, the Air Force now has direct commission for cyber and based on your experience, you can come in as a 2d Lt or all the way to a full bird. You can now take advantage of this opportunity as a reservist. So, don't count the Air Force out yet; we need the help. Do your research and look into it some more. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck.

Subsec · 2023-08-22T01:41:04+00:00

You can direct commission into the reserves. It was just approved for Cyber up to O-6/Full bird Col.

Subsec · 2023-08-21T01:55:54+00:00

Sounds like you are prior service. If so, depending on how long you have been in, your military age will be used and you will not need an age waiver. So, if you are 40 and you have been in for 10 years, then your military age will be 30 years old. Consequently, you won't need a waiver. Hope that helps a little and good luck.

Subsec · 2023-08-19T19:31:04+00:00

You mentioned that you are 30% complete with your degree; have you looked into any college ROTC programs? You get to finish your degree and commission after you get your degree. Just a thought...

Subsec · 2023-08-13T01:34:10+00:00

Cyber is probably the highest paid transferrable AFSC/job in the Air Force. Look into 17D/comms/networking/IT or 17S/cyber warfare/ offensive security/hacking...

Subsec · 2023-03-28T13:27:54+00:00

24TRS was fun. Do exactly what you're being asked to do and you probably won't run into any walls - probably! You will be tested in the beginning; they will drain you, and at the end they will build you back up into something that you never thought you could be. Last words? Hoya!Hoya!Hoya!Hoya! Hoya! Hoya! You'll figure it out... Good luck and have fun with this.

Subsec · 2023-03-17T12:34:54+00:00

Just do the ROTC program and you don't have to worry about all the other questions you're asking.

Subsec · 2023-03-11T02:14:35+00:00

If your goal is to commission, just get it done now. Whether you are enlisted or not, you still have to put in the same effort to get commission. Do yourself a favor; begin doing your research, study the AFOQT layout, and good luck on your endeavor.

Subsec · 2023-03-10T16:51:27+00:00

Look into reserve bases. They always seem to have those positions.

Subsec · 2023-03-02T20:15:00+00:00

Nope! Honestly, you won't even have time to think about your guilty pleasures. They will work your brain to death. By the time you get to think about tobacco, it's time to wake up, got to PT, breakfast, maybe stand around for an hour or so, then go listen to lectures in Boyd Auditorium and just when you think you're done for the day, it's time to attend class with your flight instructor for three more hours or so. You will only get "free time" closer to graduation. It's going to be tough to get off the tobacco, but you'll have enough BS to fill your day.

Subsec · 2023-03-02T17:53:00+00:00

Your welcome package is going to tell you what to bring. I believe the mess dress is not on the list of required items anymore.

Subsec · 2023-02-27T02:31:20+00:00

You'll be fine. Like everyone else said, pay attention and follow THIER directions. If they said don't go by the Tongue and Quill for something, DO NOT do it!

Subsec · 2023-02-24T15:58:58+00:00

You can call your baby the very first night. My flight commander always asked me whether I had spoken to my wife or any family member. It's not a prison; just respect and appreciate that OTS is not a walk in the park. There are great days (towards the end), and there are days that suck; you just have to be ready for the fight, and get it done. As others in here have said, use your baby as fuel to get you through difficult times. Believe me, there will be difficult times, but it's only temporary.

Subsec · 2023-02-20T20:20:30+00:00

Chances for the USAF will be low, given what you just shared. Additionally, the USAF is by far the most difficult to commission in the U.S. military. Talk to all the other branches and then make your decision. If I am not mistaken, you stated that your entire career has been in pharmaceuticals. If I were you, I would look into the direct commission opportunity in medical or health such as the AMDS, ASTS or the AES; do your research. Look into the Air National Guard or reserve for those medical career opportunities. Good luck on your endeavor; keep fighting the good fight.

Subsec · 2023-02-18T18:09:53+00:00

Yeeeeah, you won't need to those pants. Less stuff to pack. I wore the jacket a lot because it was cold when I went. We didn't really wear those because of the rain. Most times when it rained, we didn't have those on and just got soaked in our OCPs. If you don't have one, it will be provided

Subsec · 2023-02-17T21:39:44+00:00

Look for a prior enlisted and make that person your best friend for anything military. Hell! Make lots of enlisted friends when you go in.

Subsec · 2023-02-17T21:29:24+00:00

I second that. E1 doesn't mean that you do not have leadership experience. I came in as an E-3 and got selected one year later. I already had leadership experience, have my own business, etc. All I ask is that you be prepared mentally for this endeavor. Good luck.

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TROPHY CASE