7 Requirements For Air Force Ots

Becoming an officer in the United States Air Force is a prestigious honor that requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. For those who aspire to join the ranks of the Air Force's esteemed officer corps, Officer Training School (OTS) is a crucial step in the process. OTS is a commissioning program that prepares individuals for the responsibilities and challenges of being an Air Force officer. To be eligible for OTS, candidates must meet specific requirements, which are outlined below.

Requirement 1: Citizenship and Age

To be eligible for OTS, candidates must be U.S. citizens and be between the ages of 17 and 39. However, candidates who are 40 years old or older may still be eligible if they have prior military service or have been commissioned through another source.

Waivers for Age and Citizenship

While the age and citizenship requirements are strict, waivers may be granted in exceptional circumstances. For example, candidates who are older than 39 may be eligible for a waiver if they have prior military service or have been commissioned through another source. Similarly, candidates who are not U.S. citizens may be eligible for a waiver if they are lawful permanent residents or have been granted asylum.

Requirement 2: Education

To be eligible for OTS, candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The degree can be in any field, but candidates who have degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields may be given preference.

Types of Degrees

While a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, candidates who have advanced degrees, such as master's or doctoral degrees, may be eligible for OTS. Additionally, candidates who have degrees from foreign institutions may be eligible, but their degrees must be evaluated by the Air Force to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.

Requirement 3: Physical Fitness

To be eligible for OTS, candidates must meet the Air Force's physical fitness standards. This includes passing the Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), which consists of a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups.

Physical Fitness Standards

The physical fitness standards for OTS are rigorous, and candidates must be able to perform at a high level to be eligible. The standards include:

• 1.5-mile run: 10:23 minutes or less
• Push-ups: 33 or more
• Sit-ups: 42 or more

Requirement 4: Medical Standards

To be eligible for OTS, candidates must meet the Air Force's medical standards. This includes passing a medical examination and meeting the necessary medical requirements.

Medical Requirements

The medical requirements for OTS are strict, and candidates must be free from certain medical conditions to be eligible. These conditions include:

• Vision: 20/40 or better in each eye
• Hearing: able to hear sounds at a frequency of 500-4000 Hz
• Blood pressure: 140/90 or less

Requirement 5: Background Check

To be eligible for OTS, candidates must undergo a background check and be eligible for a security clearance.

Security Clearance

The security clearance process is rigorous, and candidates must be willing to undergo a thorough investigation to be eligible for OTS. This includes providing personal and financial information, as well as undergoing a polygraph examination.

Requirement 6: Moral Character

To be eligible for OTS, candidates must demonstrate good moral character. This includes being honest, trustworthy, and respectful of others.

Moral Character Standards

The moral character standards for OTS are high, and candidates must be willing to uphold the Air Force's core values of integrity, service, and excellence.

Requirement 7: Commissioning Sources

To be eligible for OTS, candidates must have a commissioning source. This includes being a ROTC cadet, a college student, or a prior service member.

Commissioning Sources

The commissioning sources for OTS are limited, and candidates must meet specific requirements to be eligible. These requirements include:

• ROTC cadets: must be enrolled in a ROTC program and meet the necessary requirements
• College students: must be enrolled in a college or university and meet the necessary requirements
• Prior service members: must have prior military service and meet the necessary requirements

Air Force OTS Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for Air Force OTS. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.