Basic OTS Eligibility (Part 3 of 3)

If you think OTS is the right path for you, you are in the right place. The next two things you should think about is if you are actually eligible to become an officer through OTS. Here is a basic list of criteria for applying to the program and becoming an officer. NOTE: This is general information and not necessarily the most current guidance in effect. Be sure you verify all requirements with the AFRS staff or your recruiter.

Be between 18 and 34 years of age 39 years of age. Age limit raised to 39!
Have a bachelor’s degree
Meet minimum AFOQT scores (currently 10 on quantitative/15 verbal)
Meet minimum GPA requirements (currently 2.5 for rated/non-rated, no minimum GPA for technical programs)

Here are a list of non-waiverable requirements:

U.S. citizen and do not hold dual citizenship
Recommendation from your permanent unit commander for a commission
Eligible for enlistment IAW applicable AFIs (see Questionnaire 1 for more details)
Not being considered for involuntary discharge
Not being under investigation for court-martial or civil court
Not being on a control roster
(Non-rated/non-flying) Able to graduate, meet a board and enter BOT and commission prior to 35
(Rated/flying) Able to graduate, meet a board and enter BOT prior to the age of 29 and one month of age.
Eligible for personnel security clearance
Not being a conscientious objector who has reservations about the Oath of Office
World-wide medically qualified without waivers to the fitness standards
Meet tattoo standards as outlined in AFI 36-2903
Never be convicted of a felony sexual assault, felony or disdemeanor crime of domestic violence

Here are a list of potentially waiverable requirements:

Moral disqualifications (Article 15, law violations, financial bankruptcy/delinquent bills)
Civil suit or criminal charges filed or pending
Selected for retraining / assignment
Currently attending a retraining course leading to award of an Air Force specialty
Currently serving overseas and have not served more than 1/2 of your current OS tour
Currently serving stateside, on a controlled tour, or entered active duty service commitment and have not completed 1 year TOS
Currently serving OS and are within 9 months of your DEROS
Less than 1 year of continuous active service in the Air Force as of commissioning program board convening date
Ever held a commission as an officer or warrant officer in a regular or reserve component of the Armed Forces
Ever been previously disenrolled from an officer training program
Obtained enrollment in another commissioning program (ROTC and OTS/OCS)
No drug or alcohol abuse problems
Member of an ANG or reserve component
Previously applied and withdrew application, or previous waiver disapproval
Selected by USAFR to attend OTS
Previously declined commission selection, or was involuntarily withdrawn
Currently serving as on of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.
Received IEB/SRB and have not served at least half of the term of enlistment
Meet minimum AFOQT/GPA scores
(Rated) Minimum PCSM score of 10 pilot/RPA programs
(Rated) Are you age 28 or older on the board convening date and can you complete the boarding process and enter a BOT class prior to age 29 and one month?
(Non-rated) Are you age 33 or older on the board convening date and can complete the board process, enter BOT and commission prior to age 35
Are you non-native English speaking applicant (potentially disqualifying)
Finance Responsibility – Filed or declared bankrupt, had bills turned over to collection agency, had a repossession in the past 5 years, intentionally written bad checks, debt ratio that exceeds 40 percent.
180 days transpired since final disposition of previous application (as of 14 Apr 16 180 day wait period no longer in effect)

If you meet all requirements to apply, the next step is to determine what board you want to apply for. Refer to the “Schedules” tag at the top for the applicable Fiscal Year (FY). Here is a breakdown of the different types of boards:

Active Duty – This board is for Active Duty Air Force personnel. Within the Active Duty board you can apply for both rated and non-rated positions, as long as you meet the criteria.
Civilian – Civilians, prior military who separated, or enlisted in other branches apply in the Civilian boards. Within the civilian board you can also apply for both rated or non-rated positions, as long as you meet criteria.

Next Step

Determine which board you are interested in and take a look at the schedule. Once you determine your timeline it is time to dive into my “Application” pages. Next, I recommend you take a look at the “TFOT Guide” posts. Good luck! Shoot me an email or post a comment if you have any questions.

Basic OTS Eligibility (Part 3 of 3)

Next Step

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