Question 1

How long is OTS?

Accepted Answer

The core OTS course is 60 training days (about 9.5 weeks) at Maxwell AFB, plus 22 hours of pre-requisite distance learning before you arrive. Course length can change, so verify with your recruiter.

Question 2

Where is OTS located?

Accepted Answer

OTS is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

Question 3

When and how do I report on Day 1?

Accepted Answer

Be in the Montgomery local area no later than 11:59 pm the day before class start. Report to the dorms between 0700-0730 - there is no delayed reporting. Arrive clean-shaven, wearing a solid-color collared shirt (tucked in), khaki pants with a belt, athletic shoes with laces tucked in, and your hydration pack assembled and filled with water. See the Reporting page for full details.

Question 4

What should I bring on Day 1?

Accepted Answer

All required documents in an envelope (orders, DD Form 2983, OTS Form 1, and anything else on the Documents tab), your REAL ID-compliant identification on your person, medications, and basic toiletries. Bring a printed copy of the packing requirements. Everything else comes in your luggage.

Question 5

How should I prepare physically?

Accepted Answer

You must be ready to pass the PFA within your first week - there is no time to get in shape after arrival. The OTS PFA is push-ups, sit-ups, and a run. For classes starting after 1 May 2026, the run is 2 miles (up from 1.5) and a waist-to-height measurement counts toward your score. OTS will not administer the HAMR shuttle run, hand-release push-ups, cross-leg reverse crunches, or forearm plank. Expect multiple 4+ mile runs, ruck marches under weight, and obstacle courses during the program. The Warfighter's Fitness Playbook (on afpc.af.mil) is the recommended starting point.

Question 6

How much money should I bring?

Accepted Answer

The official guide recommends having at least $2,000 accessible on arrival - pay setup delays of weeks to months are common, especially for component transfers, and you'll need to cover uniforms and incidentals. On top of that, $200-$300 in cash in varied bills is smart for haircuts, the BX, and any card-reader outages.

Question 7

Can I bring my cell phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes - a personal cell phone is actually required to log into the Microsoft account issued during in-processing. Usage during scheduled training is restricted, so set expectations with your family before you arrive.

Question 8

Are smart watches allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Smart watches are allowed at OTS. However, at some points they may require you to take them off, such as during testing, field events, and other specific training activities.

Question 9

What about running shoes?

Accepted Answer

Bring 2 pairs of running shoes that are already broken in. Do NOT show up with brand new shoes - this will lead to injuries. Start breaking them in weeks before you arrive.

Question 10

Can I bring my laptop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, laptops are MANDATORY. Mac computers are allowed. You will use your laptop for coursework, studying, and completing assignments throughout OTS. CAC-enabled computers and NIPR access are not available to trainees, so bring a CAC reader.

Question 11

What about prescription medications?

Accepted Answer

Bring a 90-day supply of all prescribed medications in their original containers. Over-the-counter meds like Motrin and Tylenol are authorized and encouraged, and the guide specifically recommends bringing electrolyte mix to cut the risk of heat issues.

Question 12

Do I need military-specific glasses?

Accepted Answer

If you wear glasses, bring two pairs with conservative frames per DAFI 36-2903, plus a black eyeglass strap - glasses are secured during field events. Contact lenses are not authorized during field events for safety reasons, so glasses are a must even if you normally wear contacts.

Question 13

Can I receive mail/packages?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mail is a huge morale booster. You'll receive an address after arrival. Care packages are appreciated but keep them reasonable - space is limited.

Question 14

What about haircuts?

Accepted Answer

Males must maintain military hair standards (short). Females must ensure hair is within regulations (can't touch collar when in uniform). Barbershop is available on base. Arrive clean-shaven - moustaches and beards are not authorized except for approved religious accommodations or medical profiles.

Question 15

Will I have roommates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have up to 3 other roommates (4 people total per room). Privacy is limited, and you'll need to work together to maintain room standards. Typical class size is over 200 trainees.

Question 16

What happens if I get injured?

Accepted Answer

Seek medical attention immediately. OTS has an IDMT on campus who runs sick call, and the Tricare Nurse Advice Line is (334) 953-3368. Depending on the injury, you may be set back to a later class to recover. Don't try to tough out injuries - this will make them worse.

Question 17

Can I visit on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Weekend liberty is earned about halfway through OTS after prop and wings. When granted, you may have off-base privileges. Family visits are possible but must be coordinated carefully. Graduation guests without base access will need REAL ID-compliant identification.

Question 18

What's the pass/fail rate?

Accepted Answer

Most candidates who arrive prepared and motivated will graduate. The biggest reasons for elimination are honor violations, safety issues, medical problems, or failure to meet standards. Failing a PFA during training results in disenrollment, so arrive fit.

Question 19

How can I best prepare mentally?

Accepted Answer

Study Air Force knowledge (ranks, chain of command, core values). Practice stress management. Understand you'll be challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally. Maintain a positive attitude and help your classmates.

Question 20

What should I do in the weeks before OTS?

Accepted Answer

Complete your WINGS medical checklist (hard cutoff 14 days out - miss it and you're disenrolled), finish pre-course assignments 10 days out, train physically, study AF knowledge, break in your running shoes, get your documents in order, and inform your family of limited contact.

Question 21

How much should I pack?

Accepted Answer

PACK LIGHTLY! Bring one large duffel and a backpack. Roll everything to save space. You can get OCPs and other items at the shoppette on Day 1, but it's recommended to bring them if you already have them. Remove all tags and trash from gear before arriving.

Question 22

What should I know about bedding?

Accepted Answer

Sheets and blankets are provided by OTS. Bring an extra blanket (extra pillow is optional). Important: You are NO LONGER ALLOWED to sleep in a sleeping bag on top of your bed. Instead, make your bed once, then sleep on top with just the blanket covering you. This saves you from having to make your bed every morning.

Question 23

What should I do with my dress blues?

Accepted Answer

Get your blues before arrival if possible. If you can access base early, drop them at dry cleaners before OTS starts. Otherwise, pack them in a garment bag in your civilian luggage to keep them protected until Week 1-2 when you can drop them off for dry cleaning.

Question 24

What are the 7 Basic Responses?

Accepted Answer

KNOW YOUR 7 BASIC RESPONSES before arriving. These are standard replies you'll use constantly at OTS. Also know DFAC procedures, the Air Force Creed, Space Force song, and Air Force song. The OTS SPINS on the official website covers expectations in detail - memorizing it is considered part of your pre-course work.

Question 25

What's the daily schedule like?

Accepted Answer

Wake up call is at 0430 (4:30 AM). Set a personal alarm for 0415 and plan to be walking out your door by the last note of reveille. Days are packed with PT, academics, drill, and inspections. You'll have time at the end of each day to text/call loved ones, but prioritize sleep during the first few days - your roommates will appreciate the quiet too.

Question 26

What medicine should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Beyond your 90-day prescription supply, prioritize decongestants - you will likely get sick around Week 2. Bring ibuprofen, Tylenol, behind-the-counter Sudafed, and electrolyte mix. A small stash is sufficient.

Question 27

What items are must-haves?

Accepted Answer

Bring good running shoes that are already broken in (these will save you on Day 1 and during PT). Also bring headphones, two towels, two pairs of boots, hangers (only as many as you need - there are extras in the dorms), and ziplock bags for trash and desk organization. Laundry sheets work great.

Question 28

What should I avoid doing?

Accepted Answer

Don't let prior service members in the groupchat or Facebook page intimidate you - blend in and stay confident. Don't overpack. Don't push yourself to injury during PT. Don't keep unauthorized items in your security drawer (they inspect it during Week 2). Remember: the only ways to get recycled (set back to another class) are failing the PFA, failing the academic test in Mod 3, or getting injured.

Question 29

Any tips for success?

Accepted Answer

Blend in and stay low-key. Pass the PFA before you arrive (one less thing to stress about). Prioritize sleep over socializing. Help your roommates - teamwork matters. Use ziplock bags for desk organization to keep everything neat. Pro tip: Put a mesh bag inside your green laundry bag, then throw the whole mesh bag in the washer and dryer for easy laundry. If you have high-teens years of service, expect to be selected as flight leader in Module 1. Most importantly: don't stress - you'll have time to handle everything.

FAQs

FAQs