Air Force NTP

mobro · Dec 29, 2009

do you a link to that list?? i've been looking for it and for some reason can't find it...

midinphx, BSN · Dec 29, 2009

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/documents/COTUniformChecklist.pdf

mobro · Dec 29, 2009

oops, i had that one. i thought there was a separate 'what to pack with you' list. i thought i remembered seeing that somewhere and that's what you were referring to.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2009

The plastic container - you'll get that during your first BX run at COT. They want you to keep your food in it (you're allowed to have stuff in your room, but it must fit in that box). Don't worry about that until you get there.

hollarz · Dec 30, 2009

Hello Carolinapooh!

You really seem to have the answers! I've been reading your posts and you've been very insightful. But I do have some questions of my own I am hoping you can respond to them.

I am looking into to the NTP for active duty and it seems like a long road--that, I am prepared for. But I get really nervous during interviews and I was wondering what the interview process is like. Was there a board or is it a single person? What type of questions are there? How long is the process?

If you could provide some help with this issue, it will be very much appreciated. On paper, I look great (high GPA, currently a medical tech in the reserves, lots of awards during tech school, etc.) and I know I will be an outstanding RN for the AF but for some reason, I always get nervous during interviews!

Thanks,

Holly

Also, what are the decisions based on; is there a certain aspect that weighs more heavily?

midinphx, BSN · Dec 30, 2009

Holly,

Relax about the interview! All of us who have posted about it have related it to be a really great experience. Mine was by the Col. who is the chief nursing officer at Luke AFB. My recruiter escorted me on base. Dress nicely, dress the part. Be professional. Be yourself. You have the right mindset, know your strengths. Know why you want to go AF (they all seem to ask that).

Biggest thing... start that paperwork process early! Have a list of questions for the recruiter. Go in with the attitude of what you can do, not what the AF will do for you. :)

Good luck!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2009

hollarz - midinphx said it great. That interview was more like a conversation than an interview - and if you cruise this board a bit you'll see everyone seems to say the same thing. I was scared to death - I wanted back in the Air Force so bad - and it just sort of FLOWED along.

Know the core values (you're in the AF already so you know these, I'm sure). Know how they're important and why. And know how YOU fit in to the mission of the Air Force (to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace) - both as a medic and as a future RN.

And take a deep breath - and JUST DO IT. :0)

hollarz · Dec 31, 2009

Midinphx & Carolinapooh:

Thanks for your words of encouragement, I really appreciate them! I already have the sense that the AF is like a big family and your support has strengthened that concpet.

HNELLA · Jan 1, 2010

I went through MEPS just a few weeks ago. The CMO there saw that I am an RN and told me that the AF has such a high need for nurses they will waive almost any DQ conditions. Thankfully MEPS was a smooth process, but I have yet to hear or be told of someone not making boards.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2010

Don't believe everything you're told in MEPS - not trying to be a downer, just trying to warn folks before they get their hopes up.

I didn't meet any RNs in COT with hugely DQing conditions that were waivered. And trust me, COT is one huge gossip pit...or at least it can be when you live that closely with others.

UTstudent · Jan 1, 2010

What is the last week of NTP like? My husband and mother-in-law would like to come watch graduation and wanted to do some planning. What is the schedule like around that time? How soon after you graduate can you leave?

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2010

I go back to work this week - if I run into any NTP grads I'll see what I can find out. I honestly haven't seen many folks with the holidays and all, so bear with me for a week or two.