USAF COT 11-01

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Hello I'd like to start a thread for those who will be attending the 10/18-11/19/10 COT. Perhaps we could get to know each other before going. Sharing advice and thoughts ahead of time would be great.

I too am being commissioned tomorrow!! It's starting to feel real!

I plan to drive to COT also. Not sure what day yet, probably arrive Saturday evening and have Sunday to settle in before reporting for COT. I am driving from St. Louis, if there is anyone that wants to hop in let me know!

I have been working on my packet for quite a while, I started the process while I was junior in college...so in all it has taken me 2 years this past July. (Remember, I had to graduate nursing school first) I went to MEPS so long ago that I cant even remember the date, I was still in school and I graduated this past February. It takes a while to get everything in order...and if you have ANY type of issue at MEPS you will need to get a waiver and this may take a couple of weeks to complete. I was originally told that I would be in the May 2010 COT, then January 2011, then August '10 and now its official- I will be there in October. I had a few hurdles to overcome such as Lasik surgery, don't due it if your thinking about joining the AF...this almost cost me my military career. Love the results, but WOW did it cause issues. :uhoh3:

at0055 is right on with what will happen during your physical.

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Specializes in MED/SURG.

I want Lasik but I know its tough to get once you are in. The Navy does it at Bethesda and the Air Force in San Antonio. A friend of mine got it (USN) and it took him 3 yrs to get the OK. I have had my glasses for YEARS so it would be nice to get rid of them for good. You are right though wait till you get in before you do anything medical. The "insurance" Tricare is fantastic when you have to get referred out for a family member. I had 3 of my kids born on Tricare as well as other medical intervention. But it also has flaws too so you just have to be your own advocate. Each base will have a office and just look on the referral site before you go out in town at the MD's and look to see who you want to see. They will ask you when you go in if there is anyone in the network you want to see. A friend of mine worked at the local office here and she always did this.

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Specializes in ICU.

I too may be going to COT in October. I have an official date for January, but am on the alternate list for a sooner slot. (fingers crossed). I have been a nurse for a little over a year working in the ICU setting. I have been told that I am going to Travis AFB after COT. "dlinlee" I am coming from somewhat around your area, so if I get a spot it would be great to at least follow someone I would know down there. I am very nervous about this screaming business...because I'm a laugher. My husband was in the Army, so I am somewhat familiar with the environment.... still nervous. Does anyone have any other links to manuals that I should read other than the one that is posted on the COT site? I want to be as prepared as possible.

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RN09MDS...HI! Sure hope you get a spot in the October COT! I am a brand new nurse, just passed boards in June. I am currently working on a med/surge floor. I will be going to Travis for NTP and then I will be stationed at Lackland. My husband is riding down with me and then flying home, your welcome to join us or follow. One of my friends just graduated from the last COT and she said that we will not have a chance to drive our cars for the first few weeks, we have to earn off base privileges...But it is still a comfort to me knowing that my car is there for some reason...I know "weird" LOL!!

She also said she got yelled at for smiling!! She said they were in her face asking her what she was smiling about...so you might want to learn to "laugh on the inside!" Good luck with that!! I dont know of any other links for you to look at. I have been reading the facebook page US Air Force Cot 10-06...lots of good info on there.

Have a great day!

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Specializes in all.

I wanted to go early (October) but I really want my house to sell before starting the whole process. I can't imaging being at COT and not being able to be in contact with the realtor and worrying about everything.

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Just commissioned today ! Whew what a relief ! No turning back now :)

I absolutely agree dlinlee that just having my truck there will make me feel better since Im driving there from Michigan. I know it seems funny to me as well, but its a little comfort I guess, even if I can't drive it. I'm heading out to Travis as well after COT as that's my duty station, glad to see others will be joining me on the long haul to California. Never been out that way but I hear its beautiful there. I'm getting excited now.

Question that arised today with my recruiter, he told me that he's been told that we should not sow anything on our uniforms before going to COT since there's a specific time at COT that we're allowed to get them sewn on. I was under the impression from this site that it's best to have everything on before you go? Any advice on this?

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I am a 2nd Lieutenant as of today!!

I have been told mixed things about purchasing as much of our uniforms as possible to not buying anything until we get to COT. I guess its personal preference. My friend told me that even if you purchase your items you will still go when everyone else is getting theirs, it doesn't get ya any "free" time. As far as having stuff sewn on?? Well, I guess if you have it done by someone who knows where they need to be sewn on at, why not? I plan to purchase as much as possible and have my rank and name tags sewn on. I have two friends in the AF, one just graduated COT and one is going this month. My first friend didn't buy anything she waited and said it was fine, the one that leaves this month has bought just about everything, had her blues fitted and all items sewn on. I will see what she thinks as well.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Preparation is the key to less stress at COT. Get as much done as you can. Yes, plenty of people arrived with nothing. I had everything and it made it so much easier.

I went in May 10

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I agree with midinphx, and thanks for that info! I do plan to buy as much as I can. Its nice having a couple of friends that are already in the AF and its also a big help living close to a base so that I can pre buy everything. One word of advice, as I am sure most of you already know...when you purchase your ABU's make sure the print and colors match!! Try everything on, the size you THINK you will need will not be right...pants, shoes..everything! Once you buy your stuff take the time to cut off all loose strings and burn the ends so they don't frey. I was told to bring a lighter so that I can burn loose ends that I come across once there...she said she was the only one with one and everyone wanted to use it. She also gave me a list of other "useful" things to bring if anyone is interested I will post it. I know I am taking all the advice I can get!! So please keep it coming!

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I'd love to see the list of useful things to bring. I too am interested in any and all advice I can get to help me be best prepared for COT.

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Here is the list, some of it I noticed was listed on the OTS web site. Small brush and comb, hair spray, hair pins, pocket size hand sanitizer,wet wipes, card holder, gum, water bottle for your room, tylenol, hangers, band-aids and mole skin, antibiotic ointment, black sharpie, detergent and fabric softner, laundry bag, flip flops, scissors, lighter, nail clippers, chap stick, an old watch, a note book, 3 ring binder, folders, ink pens, pencils, accordion style folder, zip lock bags. This is what she told me about...I hope it helps, as soon as my other friend returns from COT I will she what she has to say.

Also, for those of us with long hair the sock bun is FABULOUS!!! Go to You Tube and type in "sock bun for military girls" for directions.

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Thanks for sharing the list ! I just want to try and be as prepared as possible before I get there .

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