Candi2188

Less than a week away!! I am looking forward to meeting you all! I am almost packed. DEL1VRD did you get orders? How is everyone else holding up?

Well guys I can't believe we only have TWO WEEKS!! I am starting to pack my bags and I found this packing list and some general tips for COT. https://sites.google.com/site/beforecot/home

Congrats to all of you who are graduating tomorrow!!! You made it

You could ask your recruiter to sponsor you onto a base or either call the security forces squadron on that base and see if your orders can get you on base

Dreaming1007, Did you get your uniforms altered before you started COT? Complete with name tapes and rank on your ABUs? Did you purchase your mess dress?

I went to Maxwell yesterday and purchased most of the items on the uniform checklist. I spent about $1000 on uniforms and alterations. I did not purchase the Mess dress. I figured I would wait and see if we need it. It took me about 3 hours to pick everything out. Being on Maxwell and trying on uniforms definitely made this REAL! I saw a lot of OTS students at clothing sales and we went by the parade grounds and the OTS campus.

Dreaming1007, How is everything? You are ending your 3rd week, right? Have you gotten any privileges? I know it is best not to worry about that but my family only lives 2 hours from maxwell and I am hoping they can come visit while I am there Any another things you wish you would have know before? Thanks for your other post. it was very helpful!

Got orders today!! Excited to get set up with base housing and TMO!!

PNPDNP, When I applied in oct I understood that I was the only PNP applying for that board. My recruiter did tell me that there were only 2 PNP positions for the year (that could have changed). If you don't get picked up by Oct I would apply again for FY 2015. If AF is really the route you want to go then I would hold off on entering an AC program. I have been told that all AF PNPs are used in a primary care setting. Sounds like you have a lot of experience and I am sending good vibes your way! We are heading to Whiteman AFB, MO after COT. It was not on my preference list but it is not too bad

DEL1VRD, It is a little strange that it seems like everyone else has taken their Oath, but I think very few of us have gotten orders. Has you recruiter said anything about taking your Oath? I would be pushy with your recruiter and find out exactly what is going on. If you can't get answers from him/her find out who is their supervisor and take it up their chain of command.

PNPDNP, I guessing you are a PNP…are you an alternate from Oct or are your applying to the next board? I am a PNP and was selected in Oct. I am excited to hear from another PNP!

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?

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

Good luck to all of you leaving for COT next week!! if any of you are planning to keep a blog please post a link so those of us that will be going to COT later in the year can follow your journey

DEL1VRD, Welcome to the forum. I am prior enlisted so I can help answer some of your questions. There are some great blogs out there about COT that will give you a look into the training. The official COT website is:Inbound COT Trainees. 1. I would not put your things is storage. As long as you get your orders 30 days before COT then TMO (air force) will come to your apartment to pack and move everything for you. Once you get your orders you can get out of your lease 2. You will get travel days from Maxwell AFB to nellis. If you want to go back home after COT then you will have to clear it with your supervisor at Nellis and take leave. 3. You get 30 days leave a year. Don't believe the rumor that military fly for free. It is not true! You will have to pay for your travel to VA to see your family but as long as your leave is cleared by your supervisor you can take it any time you like 4. You could put in for a transfer, I guess, but I am not sure how likely that is to happen...the needs of the AF come first. I have heard that people can switch bases if you are the same job and skill level but I believe you would have to pay for that move if that happened. Most nurses that I have talked to said they were at the same base/bases for about 4 years. 5. I was planning to purchase most of my uniforms before COT so I would not have to spend all the money at once. I only live 2 hours from Maxwell, so my husband and I are going down there this weekend (we have an old friend who is stationed there who is going to take us on base). Your recruiter should be able to take you to the nearest AF base or reserve base to get you started. 6. If you are married you will have the opportunity to live on base but if you are single you will get a housing allowance and live off base. You will have a sponsor at nellis that can help you find a place to live and once you get to nellis you will get a couple of house hunting days. You will stay in temporary lodging on nellis while you are looking (I have stayed there, it is nice ). 7. TMO will also ship your car and you can fly (all paid for by the AF). As soon as you get orders you need to contact the TMO office at the closest military base/post. Hope this helps answer some your questions and if you have any more please reach out! See you soon!!