Jake posted an update
Does anyone know the current wait time between an FC1 appointment and starting OTS? Any insight would be appreciated.
3 Comments
Good morning @Jake, the wait time between these two events is affected by a few factors that are important to understand so you don’t get too frustrated. I’d say on average you’re probably looking at 6-ish months…but once you are in the pipeline be ready, but NGB could push out a message to the units asking for “anyone available to fill an OTS (TFOT) seat and it’s first come first serve.”
Once you complete your FC1, it takes several weeks for that formal documentation to make it over to your unit’s Flight Doc who has to then sign your “approved to fly” paperwork. The AF422 then goes to the recruiter who submits the packet to NGB for approval to send you to Total Force Officer Training (formally OTS). Average time at NGB is 2-3 months before the packet comes back approved. Once approved, the unit’s training manager/base education office can submit a request to get your TFOT date scheduled which tends to be 2-3 months in the future. So, you’re looking at about 6 months.
The other important factor is where you are within the Fiscal Year. If all of this is happening as a new FY starts, there are likely more spots available. If, however, you get NGB approval in July/August, you may end up having to wait until the next FY to get a seat.
I hope this helps answer your question!
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@SMAX I appreciate your insight regarding the timing between FC1 appointments and OTS start dates. I was hoping to get a bit more clarification. My FC1 is scheduled for October 20, and my fiancée and I are trying to set a wedding date this winter.
In your experience, would planning for January or February be relatively safe, or is there still a significant risk of being tasked to leave for OTS during that timeframe? I’ve been trying to get a firm answer from my unit, but haven’t had much success so far.
I appreciate your time!
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@Jake Congrats on the soon to be wedding! In our unit, we were able to work around life-events and get an OTS that made sense for the member. Just keep open communication with your unit commander and training manager, let them know your wedding plans and respectfully ask if they can schedule you for a date that starts after you’re married. Be considerate of their timeline as well though, you don’t want to drag out the process too long as I’m sure they are hoping to get you in the pipeline as soon as they can. Make sense?
