I agree with everything you said. As a recent OTS graduate and six year prior enlisted aviator, I cannot recommend ROTC enough. I was fortunate to have had a great enlisted career to where I was selected the first time I applied for OTS, but I know it is not like that for everyone. Thanks for making a video like this that shares the truth because a lot of people do not talk about it. They assume since your enlisted, you apply for OTS and that’s it. Cheers.
If you already have more hours of credit than the typical three years ROTC will require, one way to complete the degree, while on active duty, is through the Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP) You still report to the ROTC detachment for administrative purposes but only until the completion of your degree. I was temporarily promoted to E-5 (from E-3) and had tuition and books covered as well as E-5 base pay and allowances. The ROTC experience for me was checking in at required times to show progress in my courses and that I was maintaining health and fitness requirements. I did have to drug test each period that I checked in. It did not involve any other commitments for on campus ROTC training although I could participate voluntarily. The fields eligible are technical and not flight rated like nursing, engineering, computer sciences or foreign languages for example. Mine was Electronics Engineering. I was a junior in college when I enlisted and completed my last year and a summer at the University of Oklahoma under AECP. I did a total of 9 years active duty, including the time before AECP and after that I went into the reserves. That is when I was slotted for flight training based on the reserve unit's recommendation, not the AECP program.
That is a great program. I was wondering if they still had AECP since I hadn't heard of anyone having it recently. That was definitely the best deal. My understanding was the years you spent in school in the AECP program counted toward your overall retirement.
@@jrobion I went straight to college after high school and dropped out because of Covid, I Got my associates degree at a community college and I’m wondering if I go back to a four year university and join ROTC would I be able to commission as a officer into the Air Force? Also how many years would it take I’m 25 now
Some states like Massachusetts offer college money and tuition-free education at a state school if you join the Air (force) National Guard or Army National Guard. As a part-time enlisted service member, you'll be attending college and going to drill weekends. Once you graduate, you'll have four years of part-time experience as an enlisted person. You will then be encouraged to apply for a commision in the Guard. From there, you can then apply for full-time active duty as an officer. Trump's former chief of staff Retired Marine General Kelly (four star) came out of the Marines as enlisted, attended UMass tuition-free {because he was a veteran} while collecting the GI Bill for four years, stayed in the Corps and rose through the ranks to four star general.
Thank you for information! Your video has just confirmed what my husband has always been saying to me. I am 38, I do have my degree already and I am considering this path. I am in my tech school now.
Thank you for the clarity! I've been deciding which path I want to take to commission and I think its pretty clear now. Especially with 3 of my friends currently going through AFROTC
I enlisted when I was 17 in the air national guard and am now a sophomore in AFROTC about to go up for the psp! Hoping for a slot so I can get rolling, I do agree that it is a great way to go with just a little bit of experience on the enlisted side.
Does the Air Force still have that animal known as the Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP) back in the 1970s? That was my route to finishing my engineering degree and commissioning via AFOTS. It wasn't a large program in terms of numbers but it was a great deal!
The AECP was a great deal. It paid for college, gave you a stipend and your college time counted towards retirement. I think the AECP ended around 2020, but I'm not positive. It appears that the AECP was replaced by ASCP or SOAR. It basically gives enlisted airmen an AFROTC scholarship and allows them to get out of their enlistment early in return for a 4 year commitment as an officer. You can apply for the ASCP after only 1 year time in service. Unlike the AECP, there would be a break in service for the ASCP.
Correct. With AECP you remained on active duty (administratively assigned to AFIT) while going to school. You were promoted to E-5 for pay purposes if you were not already an E-5 or above. @@jrobion
Think about another pathway. If you’re an airman with really good SAT/Act scores, then you could apply to USAFA prep school. It would be a year of academics, that you can get get credit for freshman courses. If you graduate, you have an automatic appointment to USAFA. My class started around 900 at the Prep School. I think less than 200 of my preppie class ultimately graduated. My USAFA class started with 1650 basic cadets, we graduated with 890. Know that this is a challenging environment.
That's definitely a viable option. What happens if you don't graduate? do you have to go back into the enlisted corps or are you just out? I would think the USAFA prep school would be pretty competitive and my advice is mostly to average airman. Did you have a top notch package for the prep school? Airman of the quarter or anything like that?
@@jrobion I was in the category of not having high enough SAT/ACT scores. Whether you’re prior enlisted, everyone is formally enlisted. I think the requirement was 4 years when I went through. So yes, if you failed you would have to finish out your contract. Three groups of people in the Prep School. Those that didn’t meet the threshold for testing while applying to USAFA. The jocks who were recruited but didn’t meet requirements and prior enlisted that fell in the same category. This school was all about raising SAT & ACT scores. I think we were tested twice a semester. Prior enlisted are judged by their promotion history, so a number are directly selected to USAFA, but many don’t meet the testing threshold and become preppies.
Hello there! I sincerely hope that this question isn’t a waste of your time. I’m 32 years old, graduated with a BS in Business Admin in 2016, 3.1 gpa. I want to be an USAF officer. Should I: A. Apply for OTS and wait however long that takes. B. Enlist and try to go officer after. My concerns: - Will I be less likely to get officer if enlisted vs commissioned? - Are my credentials even enough to be considered for OTS, or should I enlist and hope for the best? - What’s the earliest I can apply for OTS if I enlist? I’m not opposed to enlisting, as long as the advantages are SOLID.
Hi, I can try to answer your question, however, there are a lot of variables you need to consider. The best case would be you apply to OTS and get in with no issues and you are off and running. The variable is how many people the AF is putting through OTS at the moment. Those numbers change with AF officer needs. Also it will take about 8 months from beginning to heading off to OTS and that's if you get selected the first time. The benefit of enlisting first is that you have a steady job with benefits and you are start your clock for retirement purposes. If you are a good airman you should be able to get to OTS, but realistically you will be enlisted for at least 3 years before you are able to do that. You will need to be at your first base for 2 years before they will let you put in an OTS package. Additionally, if you choose a critically undermanned career field to enlist into, they might not approve you leaving to go to OTS. This is rare, but could happen. I think you are more likely to get picked up for OTS as en enlisted member vs a person off the street, but I don't know how they weigh certain things when they do the board. To answer your other questions. I think you are more likely to get picked up for OTS if you are enlisted, however, I don't have any inside knowledge of this. Yes you could be picked up for OTS with your degree. The AF will look at you as a whole person also and there is an interview portion in the application and that's also important. If you enlist you are looking at probably 3 years at the earliest. An Air Force officer recruiter will be able to answer your OTS questions much better than me. He/she will know what the numbers are looking like currently as well. Good Luck!
I got out after 10 years combined experience with AD and reserve. It got frustrating with a graduate degree. VERY frustrating. During my first term, people would crack at me as a SrA with an undergrad. What if there were less red tapes and almost guaranteed OTS without these dog and pony shows... but, it is what it is.
I meant I had both at the same time. Now the G.I. Bill has changed so I'm not sure if you would be eligible for unemployment. I basically got $1150 per month to pay for anything school related. Since I just got out of the AF I qualified for unemployment so I had both. I ended up getting a part time job and still was able to keep unemployment as long as I reported how much I made per week. Then they adjusted my unemployment down as needed.
Thanks for the info! I just got out the Army after 4 years,2 months ago. The grunt life wasn’t the most fun but hopefully things go well this time since I plan to pursue the aviation route. I’m in college right now but plan to AFROTC this fall since I was too late to register for spring and will be a sophomore in the fall. I’m just wondering how it’s going to be for me as a 24 y/o former grunt
Well, the college kids will get on your nerves, but you just have to remind yourself that it’s only temporary. Think of ROTC like a game and you win by getting your commission. Good luck!
Current 30 y/o (s)sgt that made it first time through and btz year prior. Thoughts on possible ROTC or OTC? Definitely think ROTC is the more secure route but just curious on others opinions/experience.
If you get your bachelors while enlisted you might as well put in a package for OTS. Especially if you got BTZ. Your recored is probably pretty good which increases your chance of getting selected. You just miss out on that break and those college years.
My Air Force journey is actually the opposite of yours, somewhat. I did ROTC back in 2016 but only did a semester and a half because I had tattoos on my fingers and back that I wasn't going to be able to get removed fast enough. Fast forward to 2023 and now I want to enlist after seeing that my life has gone no where since I dropped out of the program. I'm hoping to go enlisted, obtain the remaining college credits I need to get my bachelors and then to go OTS. However I'm a little worried becuase according to Google once one has flunked out of ROTC going to OTS won't be possible, is that true?
That can be true, but probably not in your case. When you leave a commissioning program like ROTC, it gets categorized and recorded in official files. There are a number of categories you can leave ROTC for like drugs and discipline. This categorization is only for contracted cadets who disenroll. If you were not on scholarship when you dropped your time in ROTC will not prevent you from going to OTS. Happens all the time. Unless there was a discipline issue or drug use you should be fine.
Prior enlisted OTS guy. I agree AFROTC vs academy vs OTS. OTS was a crapshoot as prior enlisted. I will say if i had gone to OTS right away i would have failed probably. That was over 30 years ago so in todays world i am sure it is way different. Folks thats did OTS at Maxwell dedcribed way better facilities as i recall.
I’m now really considering this option of rotc but I already have a bachelors degree and am 31. I spent 10 years working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles and am ready for a new chapter in my life. It’s a very tough decision for me as to whether I should do the 3 years rotc in a graduate program or if I should just enlist and cross my fingers that I get selected for ots. Time is not on my side as I would then be 34 finally joining as an officer if everything went smoothly during rotc. Which route would you choose in my position? I definitely want to be an officer and am not a competitive applicant due to a lower gpa for my degree because I was working full time while completing it. So my options are graduate rotc or enlist and apply for ots…
I would contact an Air Force officer recruiter and see how many people thy are putting through OTS currently and how long the process will take. You might as well put a package in and see how it goes. That would get you in the AF faster.
Thanks for the great content! Do you mind giving some advice for my situation, I just graduated with my Bachelors in MIS in May and I am planning on joining the air office. I plan to complete an MS in cybersecurity by the end of this year as well (Online so no ROTC). I want to ask which route would give me the best chance (if any) at becoming an officer. Applying after I obtain my Masters in a stem field to go to OTS, or even cyber direct commissioning program, OR enlist, and try to be involved as much as possible for about a year, and then apply for OTS? Thanks again for the great content!👍🏾
Sorry, I missed your question. Well, I think it depends. A direct commission to OTS would be ideal, however, the application process can take some time and OTS is the smallest commissioning source. They change the number of trainees through OTS as needed to support the number of new officers the Air Force needs. If you enlist first you are looking at the very least 2 years before you can go to OTS, but you have a steady paycheck and you are earning years towards the military retirement. I would ask an officer recruiter to see how the accession numbers are for OTS currently. Good luck!
@@jrobion thank you sir! I have decided I will go the enlisted route, and grind it out for 2 years and obtain my M.S. I’ll then reassess myself and my situation and if I feel like OTS is for me I will apply!
Hi, I am a college senior graduating with a bachelor’s in December 2024. Can I join the ROTC after finishing the bachelor’s while pursuing a one year/two year master’s? Thank you!
Hello. Unfortunately it probably won't work out. The AFROTCI 36-2011 from 2018 states that a cadet may take 1 year of graduate work as part of ROTC. It also states that ROTC is either a 3 or 4 year program so since you are already getting a degree you won't have 3 or 4 years of graduate study. It also states that scholarship money can't be used to pursue a second undergraduate degree. To be sure you should contact a local ROTC detachment and ask them. The regulation I cited is 6 years old and there might be updated guidance.
Going in the Air Force at 20yo w/ an 2 year degree as an E-3 (4 year contract). Is there a chance I’ll be able to get officer training during the time of my duty if I finish school in the next two years (and two years would be left on the clock). Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Yes you can. Once you get your degree you can put in a package for OTS. Between now and then try to be the best airman that you can. Don't get into any trouble and be good at your job. Also don't let anyone discourage you from putting in a package for OTS. Sometimes supervisors are not supportive of that move for some reason.
I’m a non prior with a bachelors and want to join the air force right away. I want to be in public affairs. I don’t want to wait until the next open board months from now for the CHANCE of being selected to be an officer. If it was possible… I would rather enlist and start now and begin applying to OTS the moment that I am enlisted. Is that a bad idea? Would it hurt my chances of becoming an officer?
No, that’s not a bad idea. The main problem is realistically you would need to get through basic, tech training, and get to your first base before you can start putting in an OTS application. There is a 1 year time in service requirement too. You would also need to demonstrate leadership potential to your commander for him/her to support your package. If selected for OTS, it could still take 6 mo this to 1 year from application to departure to OTS. You could be looking at around 2 years in service before going to OTS if you get selected. You would also need to be in a job that isn’t critically manned too because that would make it even tougher to be allowed to apply. I think enlisting would increase you chances though. You would look better on paper than a civilian as long as you are doing good things in the AF. Plus it’s a steady paycheck with benefits.
Apply for maintenance or logistics. Public affairs is not a stove pipe toward promotion. Apply for something mission oriented because folks earn their chops doing the work. There’s nothing like showing up past midnight and watching maintainers do their work in -20F in N Dakota. That”s when I saw what the troops were accomplishing when no leadership was around. Those were the guys we selected to deploy with.
Do you have any info on the SLECP? Advisor briefly mentioned it today but hard to find much info on it. Heard it’s similar to building the OTS package and boards are in the summer at the MAJCOM level. I’m currently AD and already got both my bachelors and masters degree thanks to the Air Force through TA. Looking at my options for applying for OTS and heard the program was worth applying versus the regular OTS package.
@@Grace-ry4cs I don’t have any inside knowledge of SLECP, but I just researched it a little bit. It sounds like a great program, but it looks like they only select up to 3 per year, per MAJCOM. You would have to really stand out to be selected at the MAJCOM level, but maybe you will get it. It’s worth a shot. You would be applying to the SLECP-O program since you have your degree(s). I found some examples of packages here: airforcehub.com/slecp-a-slecp-o/ I’m not sure how to start an application I would actually think a regular OTS package might have better odds of selection
Thanks for sharing, I am in a pretty similar situation as you were once in. I am almost at my 2 year mark and am a pretty average airman, but I do have hopes of commissioning. I just had a question about going reserve after your 4 years when planning on doing ROTC. What is the reasoning with joining reserves/how does that affect ROTC?
You don't have to go reserve after you do your 4-year enlistment contract unless you are Palace Chase. The benefit that you get in going reserve is you get a little money being in the reserve while in ROTC and if you decide not to complete ROTC for whatever reason, then you are still in the reserve. Once you complete your summer field training in ROTC then you will be placed on contract officer status and will be released from your reserve enlisted contract obligation.
I didn't have a reason except to use it as a part time job (1 weekend a month, etc). If you separate after your ADSC you don't have to join the reserves if you don't want to. I would recommend not joining the reserves since then they will have to release you to ROTC in college.
How would I join the afrotc if my college doesn’t offer it, I attend a community college but I still have 3 more years left of my degree, after this year I would transfer to a uni that does offer afrotc for my remaining 2yrs ( Transfer degree ) . What steps do I take in order to be a cadet?
@@domonicksanchez8703 If you have a university w ROTC near your community college they might have a cross town agreement which means you can go to that school 1 time per week for all the required ROTC stuff. If you don’t have a cross town agreement you would have to add at least 1 year onto your degree plan. That could also be work towards your masters. They are strict on the minimum 3 year program though. If you do have an ROTC in your town give them a call or email. Someone will be willing to talk w you and answer your questions.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join the airforce for the first time age 27. I have enough credits to be a sophmore so it would most likely be 3 years of rotc however i really just want to enlist at E3 and go active duty now and save some good money my first contract.
Well, there are a lot of variables to consider for both paths. Is your goal to be an officer? If it is I would still recommend joining ROTC. The difference in pay as an officer is really going to be huge your first 4 years in and depending on how much college debt you have, you should be able to pay it off fairly easily. You will also get help with college through ROTC. They are now putting everyone on scholarship once they get back from field training. This means the last 2 years of college you will be on scholarship. Once you commission, you will be a 2nd Lt, and it's only 2 years to 1st Lt and 2 more to Captain. Checkout the pay chart for a Captain and you will see what I'm talking about. Then you will still have the GI bill to get advanced degrees later on. If you don't really care to be an officer then I would recommend that you enlist like you mentioned. While enlisted you can finish up your degree taking classes after work and you will be all set for your degree. You can apply for OTS while enlisted, but it is very competitive and the number of people that go through OTS is way less than ROTC or USAFA. I would think that for the long term going ROTC is a better option, but there certainly isn't anything wrong with enlisting either. The pay isn't bad and the benefits are great, it just isn't as much money as an officer would make. Hope this helps.
So i was in the navy, got out after my 5 i want to be a pilot in the airforce im now in college working my bachelors degree in aerospace tech service management and in the airguard in security forces would i still be able to become an officer or pilot for the airforce?
Does your college have AF ROTC? Is there another college nearby that does? You can be a pilot for the Air Force, but if there is not a ROTC unit at your school you will need to go down the OTS path. That’s officer training school and is how you can directly become an officer. Unfortunately, I don’t have experience with applying to OTS for a pilot slot.
Thanks for the info John! I am 39, have a Master Degree in Civil Engineering and I am now a P.E. Tried to join as an officer but because of the long process and my age, my recruiter "suggested" me to go as enlisted and then try to pursue the officer path while I am in. Was just wondering if that could be possible. (Edit: shipping out to BMT in Lackland on March)
Well, I think you might have a hard time commissioning simply due to your age. The max age to go to OTS or to enlist is 39. If you try to transfer after enlisting and apply to OTS you would most definitely be over 39. You can try to apply as soon as you can since it won't be a short process. Most likely your leadership will want you to finish tech school and start your job for a number of months before you apply. They might try and discourage you. I've heard recruiters say anything is waiverable, but I don't know for sure about the age limit. Good luck.
Sir, thanks for your video. One question: if a person enlists having a bachelor degree already, how long is it necessary to serve so that he can apply for the OTS? Could this be done after an year?
Yes, it is 1 year per the regulation. There might be other things that could delay you though. If you have a very long initial training program you might have to wait until that’s complete. You might also be required by your base to finish your 5 level training. The pace that gets done is on you which is good. I would say realistically it will probably be closer to 2 years. Of course it will be competitive so you need to be a rock star airman to have the best chances. Just be sure to get a job you are happy with in case you don’t get selected. 🤞
I'm 21 with a four-year degree and I'm just confused. Not sure if I should go through the enlisted route or go the OTS route. I have researched the pros and cons but I'm still stuck. Not sure. I gotta start moving.
I would suggest applying for OTS, but if you do end up enlisting make sure you do your research and get into the job you are really passionate about. Even if you have to wait longer to get into it.
I am wondering if I can have your opinion on my current situation. I enlisted in the Army National Guard in June 2023 as a 88N. I leave for basic training on October 30th. Before enlisting I had a bachelors degree in Political science and a minor in International Relations with a 3.97 gpa. However I didn’t know until after I signed my enlisted contract that I could become an officer with a Bachelors degree. Should I do Army BCT and AIT first and then pursue my masters in Cybersecurity while doing Army ROTC under the simultaneous membership program or should I try to get out of my enlisted contract and apply for Army OCS instead?.
That's a tough call. If the simultaneous membership allows you to do graduate work then that would probably be the way to go at this point since you are so close to leaving. If you you have signed the Army National Guard contract it will probably look bad to break the contract and it might even go on your military record which will make getting accepted to OCS harder. The downside of ROTC is you will have to do at least 3 years in the program before commissioning. (at least that is how AF ROTC works) I am not familiar with the acceptance rate to OCS, but the ROTC route is as close to a sure path to commissioning as you can get.
Hi. You can be an officer in the reserves, but your only option would be OTS since you are so close to getting your degree. I recommend talking to a reserve recruiter about the process of applying for that. Good luck.
I'm a E-3 in the Air National Guard. I finished dental school in another country and wasn't accepted. Do you know if the same process applies to National Guard?
Hello, I'm not sure about your question. Do you want to be a dentist in the AF? If you follow what I've described and join ROTC there will be an option to join the guard or reserves your senior year. This isn't guaranteed, but most who I've seen apply for it have been approved. If you are in the ANG right now and want to go active, the ROTC process should work as well, but not for becoming a dentist. If you want to be a dentist and the AF doesn't accept your dental school you probably are out of luck. Let me know if I didn't answer your question and I will make another attempt.
I will have a bachelors in medical humanities and applied behavioral science in 2025 with around a 3.3 gpa. Should I go to graduate school and enter ROTC or apply to OTC? ROTC allows grads but I heard it’s 3 years and if I get my masters in social work it’s a 2 year program. What would you suggest
If you could get into the ROTC program somehow I would suggest that. Since you only have 2 years of school left I don't think ROTC is an option. This leaves the only option as OTS. ROTC is more of a sure fire way to get a commission, but you can't do it with 2 year unless there is a special program. The main point is that ROTC is the largest commissioning source and OTS is the smallest meaning they aren't taking nearly the number of people. The application process for OTS is pretty long and competitive too, but if you went ROTC you would definitely commission right after you get your masters. If the AF needs officers OTS becomes more of an option because they will increase the numbers they put through. The bottom line is I recommend ROTC if you can do it, but OTS might be the only option you have.
You get O-1E pay if you've been in over 4 years. Not 4 exactly, but over 4. Like 4 years and 1 day. I had O-1E pay because I did 4 years active, then joined the Reserves so I had enough time.
I’m sorry, I don’t think that is possible. You need to be in ROTC for a minimum of 3 years and most graduate degrees are around 2 years. I would recommend calling the ROTC office at the school you want to go to be sure. OTS would be the other option.
What if you're older? 30 years old. Coming in with a bachelors degree. How can someone become a top candidate for OTS? Would getting out and do ROTC be an option?
When I was a ROTC instructor the guidance said that you cannot join ROTC to get a second bachelors degree. Not double major, but you already have one and you are getting another one in ROTC. If that is still the case your best bet would be to try for OTS. It wouldn't hurt to get on your commander's good side. Taking on extra duties and doing them well is also a good idea. If you can get som airman of the quarter awards they look really good on an OTS package. To get the most up to date guidance you can call any ROTC office and ask one of the instructors; they all should know if you can get a 2nd bachelors in ROTC. Good luck!
Since you have your degree, your best bet is OTS. You should maybe try to get a quarterly award or volunteer for something outside of work. Then you can start applying to OTS. Hopefully you get approved on the first try. Don’t give up. Good luck !
I joined the Air Force a year ago with a Master's Degree. Joined as E-3. In my case, I went to college and got my master's before joining. What's the easiest path for me to become an officer?
@edwinrivera5000 - Greetings and thanks for the comment. I really think the best path to a commission for you would be to put together an OTS package. If you are doing well in your job and staying out of any disciplinary issues you would likely have a good shot at it. If your degree is a technical one it would increase your chances, but either way you should start preparing a package. If you happen to get turned down, don’t get discouraged, keep doing good work, and submit another package until you get approved. If your supervisor discourages you don’t let it stop you from applying.
yes, but I don't have the option the do ROTC. I have one year left to get my bachelors degree. Can I just enlist then after a year of being enlisted apply for commission ? I would love to do ROTC but I was told I can't because I'm almost done. I think I can only take graduate courses "If I'm accepted into a graduate program which I'm not finished with my bachelors so I can't do that yet"
Yes, You can go enlisted and apply to OTS. The only catch is that it is a more competitive process than ROTC. You must be well above the average airman to be competitive for OTS. That means leadership roles in tech school, airman of the quarter awards, etc. Volunteer for stuff and do that stuff well. The main point of the video is ROTC is the easiest path if you can do it.
You can separate and join ROTC. You'll have a break in service though so be aware of that . There are also programs that help you like SOAR which come with more benefits.
Back then the federal government increased the amount of unemployment people could get. It was after the 2000 market crash. Added to that I took a smaller amount of unemployment since I had a part time job. By working part time I reported what I made each week and the unemployment made up the difference to equal $350 per week. I believe my total unemployment benefits were increased to $12,000.
I’m currently enlisted with 3 years left on my contract. I have about 30 college credits from previous education but a terrible gpa bc I failed out. Is ROTC still an option for me? Can I still commission? Or are there GPA requirements that hinder me from doing so?
Yes, I think ROTC is an option, but it might require you to do 4 years in college. You can usually join as an AS100 even with a GPA below 2.0. You will then have until your 2nd year to get your GPA higher to be eligible and competitive for field training. You will start getting some money from the Air Force for tuition once you come back from field training. If you do end up getting your degree before your 4 years in ROTC is up you can start doing graduate work and the final semester you don't need to be full time. You can just take ROTC if you want. All this is dependent on the commander and cadre allowing you in the program. In my experience we usually gave everyone a chance. Maybe they had GPA issues or maybe they were over weight. We would give them that time to get within standards. If they didn't get it done we would have to drop them, but I think most ROTCs will give you that chance.
Hey I am an older recruit. Gettting ready to sign emlistment papers for the ANG at 41 years old. 94 on my ASVAB. I have a career path question that my recruiter hasnt ben able to answer. Ideally, I woukd like to join the ANG as enlisted, then finish my bachelor ( ionly have 2.5 years left) then get a commission.....and go active duty. Has anyone seen this done? I have heard there are ways to do this but i havent spoken to anyone who can tell me if this is a reality or not.
@@mattgardner3763 you can definitely join AFROTC if you are in the ANG. Your best bet is to call the AFROTC office at your nearest college. You might have to add a year of college to complete the program
@@jrobion thats great news I just got my job list for the squadron im looking at and i am not happy. I got a high asvab score and the jobs avauilable are really meh.
@@jrobionso I spoke to the recruiter at Cal State San Bernardino ROTC. He told me that the age limit to commission is 42 regardless of prior service. It was frustrating to hear because I was under the impression that I would get credit for any prior service.
Typically your only route to commission if you already have a degree is to go OTS. ROTC isn't really an option if you already have your 4 year degree. The Air Force is allowing more masters courses to be done through ROTC, however, that would only take you about 2 years and you will need 3 years of ROTC at least. In rare cases the AF has a 2 year ROTC path, but that is usually a temporary thing to get numbers up and only tech majors qualify for that. My advice would be to enlist and excel at whatever your job is. Get quarterly awards, volunteer for extra projects, etc. Then after a couple of years of outstanding performance you can apply to go to OTS. OTS is only about 9 weeks then you will be back on active duty as a 2Lt and with no break in service. Good luck!
@Javon Green Your case is just similar to mine. For me I am a foreigner with a greencard I would wish to enlist first get my citizenship and then try OTS path. Can we get in touch for more information Javon?
Dude at about 0:55 you said one could become an O-4 “Captain” after about 4 years commissioned. Are you insane? An O-4 is a Major, not a Captain. A Captain is an 0-3. At least that’s what they were when I was in the ISAF during the Vietnam War.
In my experience there were a lot of very religious officers in the USAF, but it is kept out of the workplace. If it isn't it is a valid IG complaint. I have been an athiest my entire AF career, but I didn't bring it up often.
I agree with everything you said. As a recent OTS graduate and six year prior enlisted aviator, I cannot recommend ROTC enough. I was fortunate to have had a great enlisted career to where I was selected the first time I applied for OTS, but I know it is not like that for everyone. Thanks for making a video like this that shares the truth because a lot of people do not talk about it. They assume since your enlisted, you apply for OTS and that’s it. Cheers.
If you already have more hours of credit than the typical three years ROTC will require, one way to complete the degree, while on active duty, is through the Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP) You still report to the ROTC detachment for administrative purposes but only until the completion of your degree. I was temporarily promoted to E-5 (from E-3) and had tuition and books covered as well as E-5 base pay and allowances.
The ROTC experience for me was checking in at required times to show progress in my courses and that I was maintaining health and fitness requirements. I did have to drug test each period that I checked in. It did not involve any other commitments for on campus ROTC training although I could participate voluntarily.
The fields eligible are technical and not flight rated like nursing, engineering, computer sciences or foreign languages for example. Mine was Electronics Engineering. I was a junior in college when I enlisted and completed my last year and a summer at the University of Oklahoma under AECP.
I did a total of 9 years active duty, including the time before AECP and after that I went into the reserves. That is when I was slotted for flight training based on the reserve unit's recommendation, not the AECP program.
That is a great program. I was wondering if they still had AECP since I hadn't heard of anyone having it recently. That was definitely the best deal. My understanding was the years you spent in school in the AECP program counted toward your overall retirement.
@@jrobion I went straight to college after high school and dropped out because of Covid, I Got my associates degree at a community college and I’m wondering if I go back to a four year university and join ROTC would I be able to commission as a officer into the Air Force? Also how many years would it take I’m 25 now
@@reginaldwilliams5999 You have to do 3 years minimum in ROTC to commission. You would have to start working on your master's degree to continue.
Totally agree. ROTC is the best way becoming Air force officer. If you are applying for OTS , the air force will cancel board frequently, it sucks
Some states like Massachusetts offer college money and tuition-free education at a state school if you join the Air (force) National Guard or Army National Guard. As a part-time enlisted service member, you'll be attending college and going to drill weekends. Once you graduate, you'll have four years of part-time experience as an enlisted person. You will then be encouraged to apply for a commision in the Guard. From there, you can then apply for full-time active duty as an officer. Trump's former chief of staff Retired Marine General Kelly (four star) came out of the Marines as enlisted, attended UMass tuition-free {because he was a veteran} while collecting the GI Bill for four years, stayed in the Corps and rose through the ranks to four star general.
Thank you for information! Your video has just confirmed what my husband has always been saying to me. I am 38, I do have my degree already and I am considering this path. I am in my tech school now.
Thank you, I just swore in and got my job and ship date for the Air Force, information was helpful
Thank you for the clarity! I've been deciding which path I want to take to commission and I think its pretty clear now. Especially with 3 of my friends currently going through AFROTC
I enlisted when I was 17 in the air national guard and am now a sophomore in AFROTC about to go up for the psp! Hoping for a slot so I can get rolling, I do agree that it is a great way to go with just a little bit of experience on the enlisted side.
I just enlisted in the Air Guard as 17 as well!!!!, have you finished ROTC?
Does the Air Force still have that animal known as the Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP) back in the 1970s? That was my route to finishing my engineering degree and commissioning via AFOTS. It wasn't a large program in terms of numbers but it was a great deal!
The AECP was a great deal. It paid for college, gave you a stipend and your college time counted towards retirement. I think the AECP ended around 2020, but I'm not positive.
It appears that the AECP was replaced by ASCP or SOAR. It basically gives enlisted airmen an AFROTC scholarship and allows them to get out of their enlistment early in return for a 4 year commitment as an officer. You can apply for the ASCP after only 1 year time in service. Unlike the AECP, there would be a break in service for the ASCP.
Correct. With AECP you remained on active duty (administratively assigned to AFIT) while going to school. You were promoted to E-5 for pay purposes if you were not already an E-5 or above. @@jrobion
Think about another pathway. If you’re an airman with really good SAT/Act scores, then you could apply to USAFA prep school. It would be a year of academics, that you can get get credit for freshman courses. If you graduate, you have an automatic appointment to USAFA. My class started around 900 at the Prep School. I think less than 200 of my preppie class ultimately graduated. My USAFA class started with 1650 basic cadets, we graduated with 890. Know that this is a challenging environment.
That's definitely a viable option. What happens if you don't graduate? do you have to go back into the enlisted corps or are you just out? I would think the USAFA prep school would be pretty competitive and my advice is mostly to average airman. Did you have a top notch package for the prep school? Airman of the quarter or anything like that?
@@jrobion I was in the category of not having high enough SAT/ACT scores. Whether you’re prior enlisted, everyone is formally enlisted. I think the requirement was 4 years when I went through. So yes, if you failed you would have to finish out your contract. Three groups of people in the Prep School. Those that didn’t meet the threshold for testing while applying to USAFA. The jocks who were recruited but didn’t meet requirements and prior enlisted that fell in the same category. This school was all about raising SAT & ACT scores. I think we were tested twice a semester. Prior enlisted are judged by their promotion history, so a number are directly selected to USAFA, but many don’t meet the testing threshold and become preppies.
Hello there! I sincerely hope that this question isn’t a waste of your time.
I’m 32 years old, graduated with a BS in Business Admin in 2016, 3.1 gpa. I want to be an USAF officer. Should I:
A. Apply for OTS and wait however long that takes.
B. Enlist and try to go officer after.
My concerns:
- Will I be less likely to get officer if enlisted vs commissioned?
- Are my credentials even enough to be considered for OTS, or should I enlist and hope for the best?
- What’s the earliest I can apply for OTS if I enlist?
I’m not opposed to enlisting, as long as the advantages are SOLID.
Hi, I can try to answer your question, however, there are a lot of variables you need to consider. The best case would be you apply to OTS and get in with no issues and you are off and running. The variable is how many people the AF is putting through OTS at the moment. Those numbers change with AF officer needs. Also it will take about 8 months from beginning to heading off to OTS and that's if you get selected the first time.
The benefit of enlisting first is that you have a steady job with benefits and you are start your clock for retirement purposes. If you are a good airman you should be able to get to OTS, but realistically you will be enlisted for at least 3 years before you are able to do that. You will need to be at your first base for 2 years before they will let you put in an OTS package. Additionally, if you choose a critically undermanned career field to enlist into, they might not approve you leaving to go to OTS. This is rare, but could happen. I think you are more likely to get picked up for OTS as en enlisted member vs a person off the street, but I don't know how they weigh certain things when they do the board.
To answer your other questions.
I think you are more likely to get picked up for OTS if you are enlisted, however, I don't have any inside knowledge of this.
Yes you could be picked up for OTS with your degree. The AF will look at you as a whole person also and there is an interview portion in the application and that's also important.
If you enlist you are looking at probably 3 years at the earliest.
An Air Force officer recruiter will be able to answer your OTS questions much better than me. He/she will know what the numbers are looking like currently as well. Good Luck!
I got out after 10 years combined experience with AD and reserve. It got frustrating with a graduate degree. VERY frustrating.
During my first term, people would crack at me as a SrA with an undergrad. What if there were less red tapes and almost guaranteed OTS without these dog and pony shows... but, it is what it is.
The G.i Bill includes Unemployment ? Or you Meant You Had Both Coming in ?
I meant I had both at the same time. Now the G.I. Bill has changed so I'm not sure if you would be eligible for unemployment. I basically got $1150 per month to pay for anything school related. Since I just got out of the AF I qualified for unemployment so I had both. I ended up getting a part time job and still was able to keep unemployment as long as I reported how much I made per week. Then they adjusted my unemployment down as needed.
Thank you.
Thanks for the info! I just got out the Army after 4 years,2 months ago. The grunt life wasn’t the most fun but hopefully things go well this time since I plan to pursue the aviation route. I’m in college right now but plan to AFROTC this fall since I was too late to register for spring and will be a sophomore in the fall. I’m just wondering how it’s going to be for me as a 24 y/o former grunt
Well, the college kids will get on your nerves, but you just have to remind yourself that it’s only temporary. Think of ROTC like a game and you win by getting your commission. Good luck!
What were your verbal and quantitative scores if I may ask?
Current 30 y/o (s)sgt that made it first time through and btz year prior. Thoughts on possible ROTC or OTC? Definitely think ROTC is the more secure route but just curious on others opinions/experience.
If you get your bachelors while enlisted you might as well put in a package for OTS. Especially if you got BTZ. Your recored is probably pretty good which increases your chance of getting selected. You just miss out on that break and those college years.
My Air Force journey is actually the opposite of yours, somewhat. I did ROTC back in 2016 but only did a semester and a half because I had tattoos on my fingers and back that I wasn't going to be able to get removed fast enough. Fast forward to 2023 and now I want to enlist after seeing that my life has gone no where since I dropped out of the program. I'm hoping to go enlisted, obtain the remaining college credits I need to get my bachelors and then to go OTS. However I'm a little worried becuase according to Google once one has flunked out of ROTC going to OTS won't be possible, is that true?
That can be true, but probably not in your case. When you leave a commissioning program like ROTC, it gets categorized and recorded in official files. There are a number of categories you can leave ROTC for like drugs and discipline. This categorization is only for contracted cadets who disenroll. If you were not on scholarship when you dropped your time in ROTC will not prevent you from going to OTS. Happens all the time. Unless there was a discipline issue or drug use you should be fine.
Prior enlisted OTS guy. I agree AFROTC vs academy vs OTS. OTS was a crapshoot as prior enlisted. I will say if i had gone to OTS right away i would have failed probably. That was over 30 years ago so in todays world i am sure it is way different. Folks thats did OTS at Maxwell dedcribed way better facilities as i recall.
I’m now really considering this option of rotc but I already have a bachelors degree and am 31. I spent 10 years working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles and am ready for a new chapter in my life. It’s a very tough decision for me as to whether I should do the 3 years rotc in a graduate program or if I should just enlist and cross my fingers that I get selected for ots. Time is not on my side as I would then be 34 finally joining as an officer if everything went smoothly during rotc. Which route would you choose in my position? I definitely want to be an officer and am not a competitive applicant due to a lower gpa for my degree because I was working full time while completing it. So my options are graduate rotc or enlist and apply for ots…
I would contact an Air Force officer recruiter and see how many people thy are putting through OTS currently and how long the process will take. You might as well put a package in and see how it goes. That would get you in the AF faster.
Thanks for the great content! Do you mind giving some advice for my situation, I just graduated with my Bachelors in MIS in May and I am planning on joining the air office. I plan to complete an MS in cybersecurity by the end of this year as well (Online so no ROTC).
I want to ask which route would give me the best chance (if any) at becoming an officer. Applying after I obtain my Masters in a stem field to go to OTS, or even cyber direct commissioning program, OR enlist, and try to be involved as much as possible for about a year, and then apply for OTS? Thanks again for the great content!👍🏾
Sorry, I missed your question. Well, I think it depends. A direct commission to OTS would be ideal, however, the application process can take some time and OTS is the smallest commissioning source. They change the number of trainees through OTS as needed to support the number of new officers the Air Force needs. If you enlist first you are looking at the very least 2 years before you can go to OTS, but you have a steady paycheck and you are earning years towards the military retirement. I would ask an officer recruiter to see how the accession numbers are for OTS currently. Good luck!
@@jrobion thank you sir! I have decided I will go the enlisted route, and grind it out for 2 years and obtain my M.S. I’ll then reassess myself and my situation and if I feel like OTS is for me I will apply!
Hi,
I am a college senior graduating with a bachelor’s in December 2024. Can I join the ROTC after finishing the bachelor’s while pursuing a one year/two year master’s?
Thank you!
Hello. Unfortunately it probably won't work out. The AFROTCI 36-2011 from 2018 states that a cadet may take 1 year of graduate work as part of ROTC. It also states that ROTC is either a 3 or 4 year program so since you are already getting a degree you won't have 3 or 4 years of graduate study. It also states that scholarship money can't be used to pursue a second undergraduate degree.
To be sure you should contact a local ROTC detachment and ask them. The regulation I cited is 6 years old and there might be updated guidance.
Going in the Air Force at 20yo w/ an 2 year degree as an E-3 (4 year contract). Is there a chance I’ll be able to get officer training during the time of my duty if I finish school in the next two years (and two years would be left on the clock). Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Yes you can. Once you get your degree you can put in a package for OTS. Between now and then try to be the best airman that you can. Don't get into any trouble and be good at your job.
Also don't let anyone discourage you from putting in a package for OTS. Sometimes supervisors are not supportive of that move for some reason.
Remember that, if you are accepted for and attend OTS, "the clock" gets reset!
I’m a non prior with a bachelors and want to join the air force right away. I want to be in public affairs. I don’t want to wait until the next open board months from now for the CHANCE of being selected to be an officer. If it was possible… I would rather enlist and start now and begin applying to OTS the moment that I am enlisted. Is that a bad idea? Would it hurt my chances of becoming an officer?
No, that’s not a bad idea. The main problem is realistically you would need to get through basic, tech training, and get to your first base before you can start putting in an OTS application. There is a 1 year time in service requirement too. You would also need to demonstrate leadership potential to your commander for him/her to support your package. If selected for OTS, it could still take 6 mo this to 1 year from application to departure to OTS. You could be looking at around 2 years in service before going to OTS if you get selected. You would also need to be in a job that isn’t critically manned too because that would make it even tougher to be allowed to apply.
I think enlisting would increase you chances though. You would look better on paper than a civilian as long as you are doing good things in the AF. Plus it’s a steady paycheck with benefits.
Apply for maintenance or logistics. Public affairs is not a stove pipe toward promotion. Apply for something mission oriented because folks earn their chops doing the work. There’s nothing like showing up past midnight and watching maintainers do their work in -20F in N Dakota. That”s when I saw what the troops were accomplishing when no leadership was around. Those were the guys we selected to deploy with.
Do you have any info on the SLECP? Advisor briefly mentioned it today but hard to find much info on it. Heard it’s similar to building the OTS package and boards are in the summer at the MAJCOM level. I’m currently AD and already got both my bachelors and masters degree thanks to the Air Force through TA. Looking at my options for applying for OTS and heard the program was worth applying versus the regular OTS package.
@@Grace-ry4cs I don’t have any inside knowledge of SLECP, but I just researched it a little bit. It sounds like a great program, but it looks like they only select up to 3 per year, per MAJCOM. You would have to really stand out to be selected at the MAJCOM level, but maybe you will get it. It’s worth a shot. You would be applying to the SLECP-O program since you have your degree(s). I found some examples of packages here: airforcehub.com/slecp-a-slecp-o/ I’m not sure how to start an application
I would actually think a regular OTS package might have better odds of selection
Thanks for sharing, I am in a pretty similar situation as you were once in. I am almost at my 2 year mark and am a pretty average airman, but I do have hopes of commissioning. I just had a question about going reserve after your 4 years when planning on doing ROTC. What is the reasoning with joining reserves/how does that affect ROTC?
You don't have to go reserve after you do your 4-year enlistment contract unless you are Palace Chase. The benefit that you get in going reserve is you get a little money being in the reserve while in ROTC and if you decide not to complete ROTC for whatever reason, then you are still in the reserve. Once you complete your summer field training in ROTC then you will be placed on contract officer status and will be released from your reserve enlisted contract obligation.
I didn't have a reason except to use it as a part time job (1 weekend a month, etc). If you separate after your ADSC you don't have to join the reserves if you don't want to. I would recommend not joining the reserves since then they will have to release you to ROTC in college.
How would I join the afrotc if my college doesn’t offer it, I attend a community college but I still have 3 more years left of my degree, after this year I would transfer to a uni that does offer afrotc for my remaining 2yrs ( Transfer degree ) . What steps do I take in order to be a cadet?
@@domonicksanchez8703 If you have a university w ROTC near your community college they might have a cross town agreement which means you can go to that school 1 time per week for all the required ROTC stuff. If you don’t have a cross town agreement you would have to add at least 1 year onto your degree plan. That could also be work towards your masters. They are strict on the minimum 3 year program though.
If you do have an ROTC in your town give them a call or email. Someone will be willing to talk w you and answer your questions.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join the airforce for the first time age 27. I have enough credits to be a sophmore so it would most likely be 3 years of rotc however i really just want to enlist at E3 and go active duty now and save some good money my first contract.
Well, there are a lot of variables to consider for both paths. Is your goal to be an officer? If it is I would still recommend joining ROTC. The difference in pay as an officer is really going to be huge your first 4 years in and depending on how much college debt you have, you should be able to pay it off fairly easily. You will also get help with college through ROTC. They are now putting everyone on scholarship once they get back from field training. This means the last 2 years of college you will be on scholarship. Once you commission, you will be a 2nd Lt, and it's only 2 years to 1st Lt and 2 more to Captain. Checkout the pay chart for a Captain and you will see what I'm talking about. Then you will still have the GI bill to get advanced degrees later on.
If you don't really care to be an officer then I would recommend that you enlist like you mentioned. While enlisted you can finish up your degree taking classes after work and you will be all set for your degree. You can apply for OTS while enlisted, but it is very competitive and the number of people that go through OTS is way less than ROTC or USAFA.
I would think that for the long term going ROTC is a better option, but there certainly isn't anything wrong with enlisting either. The pay isn't bad and the benefits are great, it just isn't as much money as an officer would make. Hope this helps.
So i was in the navy, got out after my 5 i want to be a pilot in the airforce im now in college working my bachelors degree in aerospace tech service management and in the airguard in security forces would i still be able to become an officer or pilot for the airforce?
Does your college have AF ROTC? Is there another college nearby that does? You can be a pilot for the Air Force, but if there is not a ROTC unit at your school you will need to go down the OTS path. That’s officer training school and is how you can directly become an officer. Unfortunately, I don’t have experience with applying to OTS for a pilot slot.
Thanks for the info John! I am 39, have a Master Degree in Civil Engineering and I am now a P.E. Tried to join as an officer but because of the long process and my age, my recruiter "suggested" me to go as enlisted and then try to pursue the officer path while I am in. Was just wondering if that could be possible. (Edit: shipping out to BMT in Lackland on March)
Well, I think you might have a hard time commissioning simply due to your age. The max age to go to OTS or to enlist is 39. If you try to transfer after enlisting and apply to OTS you would most definitely be over 39. You can try to apply as soon as you can since it won't be a short process. Most likely your leadership will want you to finish tech school and start your job for a number of months before you apply. They might try and discourage you. I've heard recruiters say anything is waiverable, but I don't know for sure about the age limit. Good luck.
@@jrobion Thanks for answering. I’ll check that out after tech school. 👍🏻👍🏻
Sir, thanks for your video. One question: if a person enlists having a bachelor degree already, how long is it necessary to serve so that he can apply for the OTS? Could this be done after an year?
Yes, it is 1 year per the regulation. There might be other things that could delay you though. If you have a very long initial training program you might have to wait until that’s complete. You might also be required by your base to finish your 5 level training. The pace that gets done is on you which is good. I would say realistically it will probably be closer to 2 years. Of course it will be competitive so you need to be a rock star airman to have the best chances. Just be sure to get a job you are happy with in case you don’t get selected. 🤞
I'm 21 with a four-year degree and I'm just confused. Not sure if I should go through the enlisted route or go the OTS route. I have researched the pros and cons but I'm still stuck. Not sure. I gotta start moving.
I would suggest applying for OTS, but if you do end up enlisting make sure you do your research and get into the job you are really passionate about. Even if you have to wait longer to get into it.
Go talk to a recruiter and get the current scoop.
I am wondering if I can have your opinion on my current situation. I enlisted in the Army National Guard in June 2023 as a 88N. I leave for basic training on October 30th. Before enlisting I had a bachelors degree in Political science and a minor in International Relations with a 3.97 gpa. However I didn’t know until after I signed my enlisted contract that I could become an officer with a Bachelors degree. Should I do Army BCT and AIT first and then pursue my masters in Cybersecurity while doing Army ROTC under the simultaneous membership program or should I try to get out of my enlisted contract and apply for Army OCS instead?.
That's a tough call. If the simultaneous membership allows you to do graduate work then that would probably be the way to go at this point since you are so close to leaving. If you you have signed the Army National Guard contract it will probably look bad to break the contract and it might even go on your military record which will make getting accepted to OCS harder. The downside of ROTC is you will have to do at least 3 years in the program before commissioning. (at least that is how AF ROTC works) I am not familiar with the acceptance rate to OCS, but the ROTC route is as close to a sure path to commissioning as you can get.
Hello I’m an E4 in the reserves on my second year out of 6 and I will get my bachelors next year will I be able to be an officer in the reserves ?
Hi. You can be an officer in the reserves, but your only option would be OTS since you are so close to getting your degree. I recommend talking to a reserve recruiter about the process of applying for that. Good luck.
@@jrobion thank you for your quick response!
I'm a E-3 in the Air National Guard. I finished dental school in another country and wasn't accepted. Do you know if the same process applies to National Guard?
Hello, I'm not sure about your question. Do you want to be a dentist in the AF?
If you follow what I've described and join ROTC there will be an option to join the guard or reserves your senior year. This isn't guaranteed, but most who I've seen apply for it have been approved.
If you are in the ANG right now and want to go active, the ROTC process should work as well, but not for becoming a dentist.
If you want to be a dentist and the AF doesn't accept your dental school you probably are out of luck. Let me know if I didn't answer your question and I will make another attempt.
I will have a bachelors in medical humanities and applied behavioral science in 2025 with around a 3.3 gpa. Should I go to graduate school and enter ROTC or apply to OTC? ROTC allows grads but I heard it’s 3 years and if I get my masters in social work it’s a 2 year program. What would you suggest
If you could get into the ROTC program somehow I would suggest that. Since you only have 2 years of school left I don't think ROTC is an option. This leaves the only option as OTS. ROTC is more of a sure fire way to get a commission, but you can't do it with 2 year unless there is a special program. The main point is that ROTC is the largest commissioning source and OTS is the smallest meaning they aren't taking nearly the number of people. The application process for OTS is pretty long and competitive too, but if you went ROTC you would definitely commission right after you get your masters. If the AF needs officers OTS becomes more of an option because they will increase the numbers they put through.
The bottom line is I recommend ROTC if you can do it, but OTS might be the only option you have.
Did you make 01E pay or just 0-1 ?
i’m like 75% sure you have to be enlisted for 5 years to get 01e
You get O-1E pay if you've been in over 4 years. Not 4 exactly, but over 4. Like 4 years and 1 day. I had O-1E pay because I did 4 years active, then joined the Reserves so I had enough time.
I’m a SrA reservist with a undergraduate degree. Is ROTC still an option if I go back to school for a graduate degree?
I’m sorry, I don’t think that is possible. You need to be in ROTC for a minimum of 3 years and most graduate degrees are around 2 years. I would recommend calling the ROTC office at the school you want to go to be sure. OTS would be the other option.
What if you're older? 30 years old. Coming in with a bachelors degree. How can someone become a top candidate for OTS? Would getting out and do ROTC be an option?
When I was a ROTC instructor the guidance said that you cannot join ROTC to get a second bachelors degree. Not double major, but you already have one and you are getting another one in ROTC. If that is still the case your best bet would be to try for OTS. It wouldn't hurt to get on your commander's good side. Taking on extra duties and doing them well is also a good idea. If you can get som airman of the quarter awards they look really good on an OTS package.
To get the most up to date guidance you can call any ROTC office and ask one of the instructors; they all should know if you can get a 2nd bachelors in ROTC. Good luck!
I have my degree. I’m really good at my job but on paper I’m not really a great airman. But I want to commission what route should I take
Since you have your degree, your best bet is OTS. You should maybe try to get a quarterly award or volunteer for something outside of work. Then you can start applying to OTS. Hopefully you get approved on the first try. Don’t give up. Good luck !
I joined the Air Force a year ago with a Master's Degree. Joined as E-3. In my case, I went to college and got my master's before joining. What's the easiest path for me to become an officer?
@edwinrivera5000 - Greetings and thanks for the comment. I really think the best path to a commission for you would be to put together an OTS package. If you are doing well in your job and staying out of any disciplinary issues you would likely have a good shot at it. If your degree is a technical one it would increase your chances, but either way you should start preparing a package. If you happen to get turned down, don’t get discouraged, keep doing good work, and submit another package until you get approved. If your supervisor discourages you don’t let it stop you from applying.
@@jrobionMy degree is in Education. Thank you Sir for the advice! 🫡
yes, but I don't have the option the do ROTC. I have one year left to get my bachelors degree. Can I just enlist then after a year of being enlisted apply for commission ? I would love to do ROTC but I was told I can't because I'm almost done. I think I can only take graduate courses "If I'm accepted into a graduate program which I'm not finished with my bachelors so I can't do that yet"
Yes, You can go enlisted and apply to OTS. The only catch is that it is a more competitive process than ROTC. You must be well above the average airman to be competitive for OTS. That means leadership roles in tech school, airman of the quarter awards, etc. Volunteer for stuff and do that stuff well. The main point of the video is ROTC is the easiest path if you can do it.
How competitive is ots from outside? @@jrobion
I've been in for 11 years and am a ssgt what about me?
You can separate and join ROTC. You'll have a break in service though so be aware of that . There are also programs that help you like SOAR which come with more benefits.
@@jrobion I got out. F the military
@@AMomNow sorry to hear that. I hope civilian life is going well. Good luck to you.
I have a few questions is there any way to contact you
how did you get unemployment for 2 years?
Back then the federal government increased the amount of unemployment people could get. It was after the 2000 market crash. Added to that I took a smaller amount of unemployment since I had a part time job. By working part time I reported what I made each week and the unemployment made up the difference to equal $350 per week. I believe my total unemployment benefits were increased to $12,000.
I’m currently enlisted with 3 years left on my contract. I have about 30 college credits from previous education but a terrible gpa bc I failed out. Is ROTC still an option for me? Can I still commission? Or are there GPA requirements that hinder me from doing so?
Yes, I think ROTC is an option, but it might require you to do 4 years in college. You can usually join as an AS100 even with a GPA below 2.0. You will then have until your 2nd year to get your GPA higher to be eligible and competitive for field training. You will start getting some money from the Air Force for tuition once you come back from field training. If you do end up getting your degree before your 4 years in ROTC is up you can start doing graduate work and the final semester you don't need to be full time. You can just take ROTC if you want.
All this is dependent on the commander and cadre allowing you in the program. In my experience we usually gave everyone a chance. Maybe they had GPA issues or maybe they were over weight. We would give them that time to get within standards. If they didn't get it done we would have to drop them, but I think most ROTCs will give you that chance.
@@jrobion Thank you! I appreciate your response. I'll keep that in mind as I continue to do my research.
Hey I am an older recruit. Gettting ready to sign emlistment papers for the ANG at 41 years old. 94 on my ASVAB. I have a career path question that my recruiter hasnt ben able to answer. Ideally, I woukd like to join the ANG as enlisted, then finish my bachelor ( ionly have 2.5 years left) then get a commission.....and go active duty. Has anyone seen this done? I have heard there are ways to do this but i havent spoken to anyone who can tell me if this is a reality or not.
@@mattgardner3763 you can definitely join AFROTC if you are in the ANG. Your best bet is to call the AFROTC office at your nearest college. You might have to add a year of college to complete the program
@@jrobion thats great news
I just got my job list for the squadron im looking at and i am not happy. I got a high asvab score and the jobs avauilable are really meh.
@@mattgardner3763 You would need to get a conditional release from the guard to ROTC. Your age shouldn’t matter if you’re already enlisted
@@jrobionso I spoke to the recruiter at Cal State San Bernardino ROTC. He told me that the age limit to commission is 42 regardless of prior service. It was frustrating to hear because I was under the impression that I would get credit for any prior service.
@@jrobiondo you know if any other recruiters that might be better to talk to?
32yrs old w/ a 4yr degree. I’m looking to go enlisted and hopefully commission as an officer later. What yours thoughts on this?
Typically your only route to commission if you already have a degree is to go OTS. ROTC isn't really an option if you already have your 4 year degree. The Air Force is allowing more masters courses to be done through ROTC, however, that would only take you about 2 years and you will need 3 years of ROTC at least.
In rare cases the AF has a 2 year ROTC path, but that is usually a temporary thing to get numbers up and only tech majors qualify for that.
My advice would be to enlist and excel at whatever your job is. Get quarterly awards, volunteer for extra projects, etc. Then after a couple of years of outstanding performance you can apply to go to OTS. OTS is only about 9 weeks then you will be back on active duty as a 2Lt and with no break in service. Good luck!
@@jrobion thanks for the advice. Your insight has helped! I plan on seeing a recruiter tomorrow.
@Javon Green Your case is just similar to mine. For me I am a foreigner with a greencard I would wish to enlist first get my citizenship and then try OTS path. Can we get in touch for more information Javon?
Hello! Me too, I have a degree, but they dont accept green card. I will get enlisted first then try to commission later. Im 35.
Dude at about 0:55 you said one could become an O-4 “Captain” after about 4 years commissioned. Are you insane? An O-4 is a Major, not a Captain. A Captain is an 0-3. At least that’s what they were when I was in the ISAF during the Vietnam War.
Dude, if you actually watched the video and can read you would have seen that I misspoke and I corrected it on the screen with text.
Becoming an officer, I am told, is to become an Evangelical Christian.
In my experience there were a lot of very religious officers in the USAF, but it is kept out of the workplace. If it isn't it is a valid IG complaint. I have been an athiest my entire AF career, but I didn't bring it up often.
You are told wrong.
Who told you that? Not at all haha