Originally posted by: TLfromAI
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: TLfromAI
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: MAXIMVS
Chipy, good luck. Have fun at Maxwell. I spent 18 long weeks there.
Excelsior, if you will already have your degree apply directly to OTS.
Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.
After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.
I just hope Ill be able to get in...
Would you rather be a new E-3 or a new O-1? Check the pay scales and make that decision. Either way you're going to be a newb so why not as an officer? The O-1s I know that don't get respect are the ones that don't deserve it. Do everything you can for your enlisted troops and they will return the favor.
Lowly O-1 here.
Good point, the pay and treatmeant is better. Thanks for clearing my head. Like I said though, I hope Ill have the "credentials" needed to get in.
Edit: When did you join, what is your career, and where are you stationed? You don't have to answer if those are too personal.
I got to OTS (as a very nervous OT) in Feb 04. I started the OTS application process in August 03. From what I understand I got in pretty quick...some of my flightmates at OTS had been trying to get in for over 2 years. OTS is a "fun" experience. OK not really but if you're prepared it will go a lot smoother.
I'm a 62E1E which is an electrical engineer. I work in the AF Research Lab at Eglin AFB. I just moved in to a condo on the beach so I'm loving it right now. Sometimes the work sucks but sometimes it is cool (like any other job). I'd say my time is split between doing paperwork and doing basic research. You can take a guess as to which part I like better. I'm sorry I can't go into a lot of details about what I do exactly, but when it comes to disclosing information on the internet it's better safe than sorry IMO.
Before you join make sure you are OK with the possibility of deployment. The AF wants everyone to be ready to deploy, including nerdy engineers like myself. Although the chances for me to deploy are very slim, I still have to be ready. Also get yourself in good physical shape, whether you do OTS or BMT. Oh and as an officer you will be expected to give plenty of briefings. If you are uncomfortable speaking to crowds don't worry, we'll train you well.
If you have any other questions just PM me.
In summary:
1. AF = good
2. Get prepared, start now (paperwork, physical training, etc.)
3. PM me with questions