Air Force March 2014 COT

catchison1913 · Jan 9, 2014

Hi everyone!!! My name is Candace, and I will also be attending COT in March. I am glad I was informed about this forum, because it feels good to know that I'm not the only one with the same questions and concerns that most of you have. I am 25 years old, and have 2 years as a MedSurg nurse. After COT I will be stationed in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland AFB.

kenashRN · Jan 9, 2014

Candi2188, I have not received my orders yet either. just told my recruiter that I gave my job notice two weeks before COT. I am also due to be out of my apartment by the end of February! I hope that everything goes well or I will be without a job or a place to live...

DEL1VRD · Jan 9, 2014

Nice to meet you all! I'm very excited but also in a state of disbelief. I haven't sworn in yet and I also do not have orders. I don't think I'll tell my job until I have some kind of proof or paper in my hand. This has been a two year journey for me. I want to make sure everything is set before I quit my job and lose my apartment. What is everyone doing now to prepare? What is your workout routine like? Are you reading any materials? Are you already packing up your things?

DEL1VRD · Jan 9, 2014

Thanks so much for your help :-) Have you been to Nellis AFB before, and if so, how was your experience?

Candi2188 · Jan 9, 2014

DEL1VRD,

That is a little strange that you have not taken your oath yet. Have you been in contact with your recruiter regularly? What is he saying is the hold up for you taking your oath? From what I understand, as long as we have orders 30 days before March 4th we should not have a problem scheduling our move with TMO.

I have been to Nellis. I was there back in 2004 for a week long training. I am sure it has changed but it was nice when I was there.

I am running 3/4 miles, 3/4 days a week and working on my push ups and sit ups. Jan 17 is my last day of work and then I plan to focus on my fitness.

I printed the OTS manual and I am reading that before bed. It would be smart for those who are not prior enlisted to get familiar with rank and general AF customs and courtesies

ffemt · Jan 10, 2014

DEL1VRD,

I am scheduling TMO at this time. They told me that a minimum of one week noticed is needed if in the local base area. I live outside the base area, so it will take about 2 wks for scheduling pack and pick up. They will pack everything and you are to only pack what is going with you/family members. I only received my orders about 2 1/2 wks before I was scheduled to be at COT. My recruiter took me to get some of the uniforms. We did not get everything on the list due to somethings are seasonal or optional. He told me to get the rest at COT because they will let me know exactly what I will need.

kenashRN · Jan 10, 2014

Thanks guys for all your insight! I don't have a recent COT guide, but will use the most recent one as a reference

DEL1VRD · Jan 11, 2014

I've been getting the run around with my recruiter regarding my oath. I called him last week and he said he 'forgot about me' and was sending in the papers now. I was supposed to swear in last week but I got no call and no email. Is this normal? At this point should I be in regular contact with my recruiter? I don't want to seem impatient because I'm sure he is busy...,

DEL1VRD · Jan 11, 2014

I sent him an email. He said he will get back to me next week. I was planning to work until the second week in Feb, then use the rest of the time to study, work on fitness and spend time with family before it's time to go.

suely · Jan 12, 2014

wgeene1952

Do you have any idea how many openings they have for critical care?

I just started my application process less than a month ago and have 2 years experience.

catchison1913 · Jan 15, 2014

Hey everyone. I still have not received any orders either, but I have already been sworn in. I am not staying on base, so I am planning a trip to Texas to find off base housing for my boyfriend and I. The only thing is that I have not heard anything from a sponsor, and my recruiter doesn't seem to have any answers for me when I ask about one. March 4th will be here before we know it, and I want to have housing squared away before then. Any suggestions on if I should go ahead with my house hunting plans, or wait for my sponsors advice (if and when I ever get one).

Also, I have just been running and doing a little weight training. I was big on working out before applying to the Air Force, so I've been focusing on the push-ups and sit-up requirements. Also, January 30th is my last day at work. Idk if you guys are aware, but I had someone to inform me that I could take a military leave of absence from work. With the military LOA, they have to hold your job for up to 5 years. Even though I'm pretty much sure I won't be moving back to Georgia, I at least have the reassurance of knowing I'll have a job in case I do. Just an FYI if anyone else wanted to look into that aspect.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jan 15, 2014

The chief nurse at my base emailed me a few months ago. Apparently, your sponsor is generally someone working on your unit; you get one once you're assigned to a unit. Since we won't graduate COT till April 4th (starting work in mid April), you won't get a sponsor for a while.

Your orders will have an authorized number of travel days (I get 13 for Alaska, some people get as few as 2). Once you report to training, you will get roughly a week to look for housing, in addition to your travel days, before you have to start working.