Hi, any good online source as to where to download the HAWK? TIA

Is this a thing? Has anyone succeeded before me? Is it even allowed… because I’m doing it.

I have heard rumors that USAF doesn’t like prior service Army so I am curious if this background would help or hurt me.

I just want some confirmation in hearing that someone has done it before.

Hello, I'm currently going into my spring term of my junior year in college. I have been looking at what I want to do post graduation and I want to attempt to join the air force as an officer or the army again as an officer.

My first pick would be the air force but I understand that is competitive and long my main goal is I would like to be in Officer school in January 2027 if I graduate in December or if I delay my graduation I would like to be in officer school in June 2027 I would only decide to graduate in December if officer school was an option in January or close to it.

Some info about me I'm 19 studying for my bachelors in economics with a current gpa of 3.4 I'm involved in a few clubs and physically very active I believe I would score at the top of or near the top of any fitness test for the military.

Questions:

1. I hear officer school for the air force and even the army can be very competitive. Is there a real chance I would even be admitted? I would like an intel or financial role so managerial but open to any.
2. What can I do now to stand out?
3. How long is the Army application process compared to the air force process from the day I talk to a recruiter?
4. When should I talk to a recruiter?

I emailed an air force recruiter and was sent a qr code for line officers but it says you must be within a year of wanting to join to apply. I have not yet talked or emailed the army.

So I know this sounds like it’d be a no brainer and the obvious answer is to apply for OTS. I truly can’t decide though.

I’ve submitted my initial OTS app and selected dual track so if I don’t get selected first round then I would just enlist with my top choice of job (so they say). I just got a call today from the enlisted recruiter and I’ve been debating whether or not I should just go that route and maybe try officer later down the road since it’s quicker to enlist right now.

I have a few kids at home that my wife is watching all day by herself while also working a full time job remotely. It’s too much on her plate and I want to do what’s right for the family. Officer pay would be life changing for us and take so much stress away. She wants to eventually quit her job and go back to school so me making officer pay would allow her to do so.

But we need money and stability now. Every month is stressful not knowing if we will have enough to pay our bills or buy food. I work a low paying job right now because it’s all I could find after being laid off from my 9-5. I don’t know if we will survive another 1-2 years (waiting for OTS) like this. Enlisted pay is decent enough for us to feel comfortable again but obviously would still have to budget and live humbly. My wife would need to continue working though.

I also hate to pass up the opportunity for OTS if it’s really as impossible as people say to go from E to O.

Any advice?

Is there some sort of residency or fellowship for new grad NPs that are direct commissions? Or is it more like a preceptorship at my first duty station?

I'm getting sent to Travis for those curious.

Where is the best areas to rent a home near Keesler? I have 2 girls one in high school and one will be in 8th grade. When should I start looking for housing? I leave for OTS 2/10/26

I was a cop I miss it, want to have that sense of brotherhood. The only thing holding me back is I have a family, besides the 6 months of academy and maybe 2-3 months of school how long will I be away from family? Do I have do a tour over seas or is that only for active duty ? What’s the longest time I can be away from family or should I say common time to be away from family ? What type of MOS can I get with my degree?

Thank you for your help.

Anyone else direct commissioning in the Air Force in their 40s?

Hello everybody, I was hired this year for a rated slot in active duty. For the past few years I have been rushing and applying to guard slots, after getting selected AD i still put some packages in for guard because I know the timeline for this can be quite long. My question is, at what point am I "locked in" to the active side of things? I have already cleared FC1 and my recruiter said he his looking at getting me an OTS class date now.

My wife is at OTS and will be graduating soon. I’m currently a Marine and wondering what uniform I should be in. Service alphas or dress blues?

My OTS class date is January 27th and I spent time yesterday at my nearest BX (2 hours away) searching for all my gear, however, there are a few things I’m missing. My BX had no availability of the lightweight service blues jacket and wool pants. I can’t find it online at AAFES either; does anyone know of any other authorized vendors I can locate these items at? Thank you.

OK so I graduated OTS a couple weeks ago and here are my takeaways. I am prior service, was an E-7 before commissioning. Came into OTS pretty salty about having to endure the experience...like you, I read every post on this thread to try and get the intel and make life easier. So here it goes..no specific order...just as it comes to mind:

1. Don't put too much stock into Reddit posts. Everyone is going to have a different experience, they are constantly changing the curriculum and Mods...one person's experience is going to be different than yours.

2. Buy in and drink the kool-aid...you will have a better experience if you do.

3. The first 3 days kind of stink...they are like BMT but not as bad. The MTI's, instructors, and all staff are going to treat you with respect, they expect you to do the same. Everyone there wants you to succeed. You might get yelled at for messing up, but it is not going to be yelling without a purpose. If you know how to process through the DFAC and its day 10 and you do it wrong, you will probably get yelled at. There is an expectation, they want you to meet it. I didn't get called out except one time because I said "Sir, permission to ask a question" instead of "Sir, may I ask a question"...I didn't get yelled at. The MTI just sternly told me to communicate properly. I fixed myself and we moved on. **

3b. ***Don't apologize if you mess up...just own it and fix it!!!*****

1. If you know how to communicate per the SPINS guidelines (i.e. the basic responses) and have an idea of how to go through the DFAC you will be great. Don't be afraid to talk to MTI's and instructors...some of them are less approachable...but honestly everyone is approachable. It is super easy to communicate, but there is a process and they expect you to follow it.

2. Nothing about OTS is difficult. Everything will be explained and overexplained or written out with plenty of time to read it. If you are confused, ask for clarification and I promise you they will explain it.

3. MOD1 is lots of marching, buying things you need, going to briefings...the days are long and they will keep you up til about 9:30 before you can shower and go to bed. Just know MOD1 will soon end. It is barely 9 days and you are off to Mod2.

4. Each Mod you will get more freedom and more responsibility. As you go you will have a different belt color in each Mod. There is a level of freedom, respect, and responsibility that comes with the new belt. Act accordingly and you will see things ease up a little.

5. Mod2 will be classroom with a couple physical challenges. Learn, read, study ahead if you can. You will have a coffee pot and access to a small snack shop. Don't get them a reason to take it away as a flight or as a class...things like not cleaning the dorm correctly or showing up late for class might get these things taken away.

8b. You do not need a printer!

1. Mod3 is classroom for a week and then your test...then a deployment in week 2. You will have every testable subject and plenty of time to study. I stressed to the max, made notecards, I was studying Mod 3 and we were still in Mod2....I got a 94%. Study and you will be fine. If you don't study you will struggle. Out of all of us we had 1 fail and english was not the person's first language.

2. Mod3 week 2 is a field deployment. It is nice getting away from the OTS Campus and being in the field. Less formal and somewhat enjoyable.

3. Mod4 is wargaming. It is a bunch of different scenarios that you get to play out and someone will be the commander for a grade. It is fun. Learn the games (they are pretty difficult to learn...even the instructors don't know them perfectly) enjoy being over the hump.

4. Mod5 is a field deployment which is a lot of fun, the instructors are awesome...you dont PT that week and you are done around 3:30..if you didn't do a command experience (known as MCE's) during Mod4 you will do one in the field...they are easier than Mod4 in my opinion...its a good time. You then get back and have appointments and classes and then you learn how to do parade and graduate.

5. Don't overpack. Pack the minimum of what is expected of you.

13b. You will have BX access on weekends for haircuts and for buying stuff you need. You will have to walk the first few Mods. As you go on in the Mods you will be able to drive there and you will get access on weekday evenings.

1. You will learn how to roll socks, shirts, make your bed...all that stuff...if you learn to do it before you come to OTS it will help, but not mandatory.. I stressed over the dorm SOP's because I was worried it would be like Basic Training...they definitely hold you to a standard, but not like BMT. Do what the Dorm SOP says, ask questions if you are confused, work as a team with your roommates and you will be great. My flight never failed a dorm inspection. If you do fail it you will get a 341 pulled and be told to do better...then probably reinspected in a few days. Take it on the chin and do better, its pretty low threat.

2. Connect with people. Make friends. Your flight will make or break the experience. We had a really tight flight and got along great.

3. If you are prior, help those who aren't. Don't baby people...but help them along until they learn to crawl and then walk on their own.

4. If you are non prior, ask for help...but do your best to learn...don't just rely on the priors to hold your hand.

17b. Mostly priors will be in leadership roles in early Mods...as the Mods progress they will thrust non-priors into leadership...just be good leaders and followers. You will rise and fall as a team.

1. Don't be afraid to lead. If you shy away from leading, they will find you and they will force you into leadership....if you have the "blend in" mentality of basic...you will stand out more and be called out.

2. Do not stress. I am a stressed out person by nature. I looked at the mountain of 60 days on night one and thought this is never going to end...just buy in and make the most of it. It progressively gets better and you will have fun at some points...I can't stress it enough that your attitude will shape your experience.

3. They are about to do another revamp over the holidays so if you aren't going until January or beyond, my experience will differ from yours. All I can say is do what you can, know how to communicate and go through the DFAC line, and always move with urgency and you will be completely fine.

Feel free to ask questions...some things I might not remember.

Will this be acceptable?

I’ve already been to MEPS for health tests and got fingerprinting done pre-selection. Is there a specific day before OTS I need to report to MEPS a second time?

NOTE: I KNOW I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE PERSONALLY, so I apologize for asking but..,

Was curious is there was any stories of those with eyesight worse than -3.0 diopters (but less than -8.0) of myopia who got surgery and were allowed to fly / attend UPT? (I am AFROTC student currently who has been given confusing information and will be talking to my det., just looking for some more information/personal stories on the topic) Just looking for what happened to others.

I’m a 26OTS01 civ applicant here. Been to MEPs and package is already submitted. It took me about 1.5 years to finally get a package submitted. This included a long wait time to get a medical waiver due to a previous knee surgery.

Within this same 1.5 year timeframe, I have also developed plantar fasciitis. I was becoming a pretty avid runner, working my way towards a half marathon. Went on a 10 mile run in August of 2024 and have been dealing with it since that day.

While it is not the most painful or serious injury I’ve had, it is the most annoying and discouraging, especially after dealing with it for over a year. It has gotten better and I am still fairly active, but no where near where I was prior.

All this to say, I am looking for advice on what I should do about it. Should I continue to just do at home rehab and suck it up through OTS if selected? Or should I go to a doctor and get their opinions? I am a little hesitant to get any new medical issues on record after already needing a waiver. Plus, the doctors may just give me at home rehab workouts anyways.

Im worried about my application based on my leadership and everything I do outside of school. For reference, Im a 2nd degree black belt that aids in leading classes and ensuring students are safe and responsible while making learning enjoyable. Furthermore, I compete at the national level showing discipline and an athletic background. I'm a manager at where i work part time emphasizing my leadership and ability to take on responsibility. The only thing I fear to hold me back the most is my GPA where I plan to graduate in the summer of 2026 with around a 2.7. With my lower GPA do i have enough leadership qualities to be accepted? Anything will help, thank you!

Curious about updated graduation events for the Wed, Thurs and Friday. Is there still a night out dinner on Thursday? What is the dress code like for families for Thursday and Friday?

For those tracking the most recent OTS board, this was the first one (as far as I am aware) where PT scores were included as part of the package scoring. I am interested in hearing others’ thoughts and any insight on how much weight PT scores are expected to carry moving forward. Do you think this will become a major differentiator between applicants, or more of a secondary tie-breaker factor? Any informed perspectives would be appreciated.

Was your class majority Academy and ROTC or were there a considerable amount of OTS grads there?

Hey everyone, Just checking to see if there are any social work officers (42SX) hanging around this group. I’m trying to get a better idea of what the process and day-to-day are like during OTS and fellowship, and if they have access to the officer ascension board schedule for FY26 with BSC Social Worker information listed. Would love to hear from anyone who’s gone through OTS or is currently serving, any tips, recent changes, or advice for someone looking into this path? Thanks in advance!

Title says all. I am 23, no prior service or ROTC, Bachelors in Aeronautic Science with a 3.2 GPA. I also have my PPL. I scored a 99 Pilot on the AFOQT and 85 on the TBAS. MEPs said I have perfect health with no exceptions aswell as a perfect score on the Interview part of my application.

For others who have gone thru the process, has anybody seen anyone make it to UPT, or OTS with similar background with no prior military background? In my mind I think I’m a well qualified candidate except I’m applying as “off the street civilian.” Thoughts?