Air Force March 2014 COT

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This is a forum for sharing information related to commissioned officer training (COT) for the United States Air Force. It starts March 3, 2014 at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. I found out today that I was accepted. I will be stationed at joint base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

I wasn't thinking about going to NV to look for apartments but I printed out a few to look at when I get there. I still haven't sworn in. I plan to work until feb 15, or until I have better proof that I'm actually going in to the military. My recruiter has been gone. Should I be worried? Is anyone else having trouble with the push-ups? Any suggestions???

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Specializes in ICU.

I am not sure, but I can find out for you.

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I'm in COT right now so post any questions you may have and I'll try to respond as soon as I can.

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What do we need to do to prepare? 1. Any tips on packing?2. What did you do before you left for COT in terms of packing/leaving your apartment?3. Any tips on physical fitness?4. How is the course load?I would love any information on how your experience has been so far. Thanks so much!

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We just finished our first week which was not so bad but I'm prior service and keep comparing it to basic training. There were some people in my flight who were second guessing their decision due to the yelling and correcting every move you make. By the end of the week they calmed down a lot and when you see how BOT carries themselves you will be relieved. Just had our first test yesterday which I got 100, I know people recommend reading the OTSMAN ahead of time but I will tell you that it is not going to make a difference because one you will have plenty of time to read it and two you really won't understand or remember it til you see it done. Sorry I'm a little out of order with your questions so let me go back..

1. I would definitely recommend getting your uniforms with everything sewn on and altered prior to coming. It will save you a big headache because the alterations place has a 2-3 week turn around time because of the large volume. As far as shoes and boots go, the clothing sales ran out of a lot of sizes and some boots were defective and cutting into the heels of some airmen. I would recommend Nike or Converse boots because they don't need much breaking in and are light on your feet, just a suggestion.

2. I don't have many tips on packing, just know that if you drive you will need to park very far and upon checking in you need to have everything with you so you will be lugging that stuff a good distance. Make sure you have at least $100 cash on you upon arrival because you will have to pay $55 when you check in and you will have to pay for your meals until you get your EZ pay card.

3. My husband and children are still at home so I didn't really have to do much with that.

4. I would suggest working out as much as you can but don't be alarmed if you are out of shape. We just had a practice PT test (not our baseline) and there was a lot of people who failed but we will be doing our baseline Tues which is not the official one and then we PT everyday so you will get better if you are not in shape.

5. Course load hasn't been too bad but my flight commander said it gets a little harder with the academics. What makes it hard is all the meetings we have to attend for our other positions so I will say choose your officer positions carefully because some will keep you tied up most of your day and will barely have any free time but you will have time to catch up on weekends which is a plus.

Hope this helps, I am open to questions because I know how scary it is to "not know".

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Specializes in Oncology, Transplant, Med/surg.

I'm so ready to get this over with, lol. See a couple of y'all coming to San Antonio after COT. Although I won't be stationed there after, I currently live here if you have questions about the military capital of the US.:)

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Any particular areas you would suggest I look into or avoid for housing?

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Specializes in Oncology, Transplant, Med/surg.
Any particular areas you would suggest I look into or avoid for housing?

The areas of Northside ISD that are North & northwest are middle to uppermiddle class, northeast ISD is middleish too. Alamo Heights ISD is the best district overall but is the wealthiest/expensive area. Most of the Southside is depressed, though the best food, cheapest services/housing... Lackland AFB is in this area. Fort Sam is a little better but not much, Randolf AFB is the better of the three but the North & Northwest side is better. The best ISD if you're looking for public schools though is act on Lackland, they have they're own ISD that's won many awards. If you can't live on base Northside is the best bet as it is the only other district with a high school that's >95% passed the state tests (Health Careers HS). Hope that help.

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While trying to keep myself busy I found a great deal on a hotel for my family during graduation week at the double tree. $169 a night for a two bedroom suite with 1 king bed, 2 double beds and a pull out. They also allow dogs, which is important for us. The website I use was: Lodging, Hotels on and near US Military Bases

I got an email from the Chief Nurse at Whiteman today welcoming me to the clinic. I sure hope this means that my orders are coming SOON!

Has anyone else received orders?

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Hi everyone, I am slotted for COT in March as well. I am coming from Atlanta, my assignment is Eglin....I have been sworn in, I have no orders. I hope to have orders in hand before I travel to Pensacola looking for an apartment....I am a little disappointed there are some rank issues that I am not quite getting (after swearing in....I got a called informing me that my rank will change.... WOW!!). I am prior service-Former Army reservist...I am excited about this journey....Wishing everyone the best ...see you all soon...

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Nope. Have not received my orders yet either...I told my co-workers and put my resignation for February 12th. My wife is resigning from her job the first week of February to take our toddler to be with her family while I am in COT. I hope everything works out!

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Still haven't sworn in...still don't have orders...haven't heard from anyone at my first duty station at Nellis AFB. Should I be worried or just stay patient? I have no choice but to keep working; I don't want to quit my job or put in a letter of resignation when things have been so uncertain. Does anyone have any tips for apartment hunting in NV? Also, what does your packing list for COT look like?

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