AF COT/NTP Questions/Answers

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Hey guys, been a bit since I was on here. I'm about done with COT, then off to NTP at Tampa, FL. I'll be stationed at SAMMC afterwards. I thought I'd start a new thread for people to ask questions specifically about COT/NTP because in the last year things have been changing in COT. They have been trying to make it as similar to BOT as possible, which means it's a bit harder and stricter. Definitely no maids for our rooms, no civilian clothes basically ever, and of course lots of yelling and demerits. So fire away, I'll do my best to answer questions, along with the others who know what COT is like right now!!

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What did you wish you knew before you went? What did you wish you brought, didn't really need, or know is necessary to bring? How was the training?

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Oh and btw I grew up 45 minutes from Tampa. You will love the Gulf!!!

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I wish I'd brought food items like granola bars, energy gummies, and beef jerky. You don't get phased up for the first two weeks, so you aren't allowed to just go buy food whenever. I just bought candy for Halloween last weekend, after week three ended. You are allowed to bring food and put it in your plastic tuberware, you just cant always buy food once you're here. I'm so glad I brought my cloth scissors, because you'll need those nice small sharp scissors for strings, along with small lighters. I'm glad I brought about 100 bobby pins, because I've lost dozens and generally carry 5 with me everywhere for emergency hair disasters. Also, BRING A PRINTER AND LAPTOP. That is crucial. They technically can't force you to bring them, but it makes life so much easier having your own laptop and printer. The people with no laptop took a good 10 days to get their laptop. There is wifi in the rooms and classrooms and I feel it's decent, so I'm glad I didn't waste money on a hot spot. Buy as many of the uniforms ahead of time as possible, just make sure they're correct. Bring a blanket so you can just sleep on top of your bed (saves time in the mornings, you don't get much time to get ready). Get rank sewn on for your ABUs, again saves the struggle of having to pin it on exactly correct.

How was training? Well, it was difficult but doable. The first two weeks are the worst, that's when a lot of people are wondering "why am I here, what did I get myself into?" But it gets immensely better after week two, so stick it out. Lots of yelling in your face, screaming, corrections that make you feel inferior, stupid rules that you don't see as important. But you pick it up fast. The better you pick up the rules and structure, the less you get yelled at. I've really enjoyed the more active lessons, where we do leadership obstacle courses and land navigation and such. You will be awake at 0430 every morning, lights out 2300 every evening and you will not be going to bed sooner till the last week or so of COT. Even though the instructors leave after dinner, you will have extra assignments, duties to finish, meetings to attend, people to collaborate with, not to mention take a real shower (not just 3 minutes after PT), maybe laundry, and your room to clean up and standardize (as in every item has a specific place and position).

Overall, it is not easy peasy the way it used to be just one year ago. They've changed it to be closer to BOT, which is an officer training for enlisted but it's longer and tougher. Basically BOT don't have their commission yet. We do. But they want it as similar as possible. So no house keeping/maids, no room service, no free time to play golf or see a movie, lots of work, lots of stress, lots of expectation. It's 100% worth it, and I'd do it all over again!

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I'm so glad you're posting. Thank you. What about bringing personal vehicles versus taking a flight? Do they pay for the flight

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Yes they'll cover the flight if you fly. I drove my own vehicle, so I was able to pack more items and on weekends when you do have base privileges, you can use your own car to drive around

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Thanks for the info. Good to know.

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Hi I am going to be going through cot soon and stationed in Texas too, I want to know what to expect PT wise when I get to cot thanks!

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

COT is a complete joke from a physical training perspective. Google the Air Force fitness requirements. If you look at those and say, "I think I can do that with a little bit of work," then you'll have no issues physically.

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So what do I need to do to prepare? When did you go through COT? :)

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

It depends on your age and gender. A 25 year old male needs to do more than a 40 year old woman. I would start with running, doing pushups, and doing situps 4-5 times per week. Make sure you can comfortably (with room to spare) do the numbers required for your age.

You need to search "Air Force PT Requirements."

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

What, I'm getting at is that you need to be concerned with your overall level of fitness than getting ready for COT. COT is easy. If you can comfortably meet the Air Force PT requirements, than you are good to go.

I went to COT in March 2014.

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