Air Force COT...

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bbawco1

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Just wondering from those of ya'll that have gone throught it, I will be attending this June and was wondering what exactly can I expect? Thanks...
bbawco1
 
Hey man,

I'll be there too! I haven't been, but I'll give you the info I've gleaned so far from others.

From what it sounds like, it's pretty easy but not very raucous or fun. We're organized into flights (you probably knew this) and don't socialize much outside that group (you probably didn't know this). The idea is to prepare us for life in the military, including basic AF history and things you need to know to not look like an ass. Also, there's a field exercise at the end... I think. We get nice rooms, and PT is optional. As far as the surrounding area goes... not so great. Since you're from Louisiana you might know better what to expect from Alabama than me... but I'm not expecting any wild weekends.

Also, take what I and other people say with a grain of salt, because from what I hear they like to change COT up a little from year to year.

I'll see you in July I guess! That's when it is, by the way. July 10 to Aug 5. Or thereabouts.

~Alli
 
alicat,
i don't think that i'll see you there because mine starts on june 2 and ends on the 1st of july.
i think ya'll usuhs peeps get the month after mine...i'll be there though if my hpsp scholarship doesn't follow through. thanks for the info though, that's about what i expected as well.
 
AF has a 16 minute video on COT in Mongomery, AL. It shows the highlights from beginning to end. A lot of early marches and tedious classwork.

From what I hear it was a joke till a few yrs ago and has tightened up recently and become more stringent and serious (some say the pendullum swung too far).
 
But don't worry, it's probably a hundred times less strenuous than the real officer candidate school (~13 weeks). A recruiter said that he hasn't known of anyone who has failed COT yet.
 
Hi Alli Cat and bbaxco1,

I was just wondering how you knew when you were going to COT already. I have just applied for the 4 year Air Force HPSP scholarship and was told the board doesn't meet until Feb. 10. Did you receive the scholarship last year and are just going to COT now because you couldn't fit it in before? If we have a choice I am hoping to attend COT in June if I get the scholarship otherwise it will have to wait until the following year because of med school orientation.

Jaime
 
check out the forums here:

http://ci.afit.edu/cimj/default.asp

This is the AF website for the HPSP/FAP program. There's a ton of info on the program. Also see the links section of the site for the COT website.

Have fun!
 
I just watched the online video about COT which was mentioned on this thread. It is very helpful. I must admit I am intimidated by the "confidence building" excercise where I see people climbing vertical and horizontal ropes, going across high monkey bars, walking across elevated logs, and climbing through high wooden structures I don't know how to describe. Of course I was aware of the physical fitness test, but I had never heard anything about this before! Right now I don't have the upper body strength for this climbing. What happens if I can't do this? What are the results of this activity used for? Thanks in advance for everyone's input.
 
jmruby- I'm going to USUHS next year. I'm all unconditional and everything 😉 We have to go to COT, too, but I think ours is at a different time than yours. Anyway, that's how I know already.

NJEMT- I think most officers have to worry about the physical tests more than we do. Their class rank figures into their future job, and part of the class rank is determined by scores on teh fitness tests and PT. But for us the match is so far removed from COT that it won't matter. On exception I can think of is if you're a real spoilsport and have a negative attitude towards doing the PT. That could go in some permant record type of thing and make you look bad. My suggestion is to go to a rock climbing gym and start monkeying around 🙂

~Alli
 
ruby,
My recruiter gave me the dates for the class I would be attending plus I did some research on everything. I am also unconditional at usuhs so I'm kinda planning on going to COT no matter what.
Good luck
 
I'm going to be commissioned (after a few paperwork delays - the background check (final) people have been really slow and my recruiter isn't pleased!) FINALLY next weekend, and I am locking in the 26 May to 26 June session. Anyone be there with me?

Oh, and the PT is NOT optional. Everyone should check out the Fitness Standards on the Air Force COt website to prepare, because they test you on the 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, push-ups etc. Something to keep in mind.
 
glamqueen said:
I'm going to be commissioned (after a few paperwork delays - the background check (final) people have been really slow and my recruiter isn't pleased!) FINALLY next weekend, and I am locking in the 26 May to 26 June session. Anyone be there with me?

Oh, and the PT is NOT optional. Everyone should check out the Fitness Standards on the Air Force COt website to prepare, because they test you on the 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, push-ups etc. Something to keep in mind.
Click to expand...

I think it's impossible to fail COT for PT, but there will be documentation and they will put you on a remedial fitness plan (read: extra workouts) to catch up if you don't pass (I think you need a 75?).

It'd be in your best interest to start getting in shape now. Don't worry about being overall strong, just master the push-ups, sit-ups, and run because that's what counts. Fitness will make the obstacle courses, marching, and field exercises much easier.
 
Jolie South - I was hoping you'd see this thread and comment!

I think I'll be fine re: PT. I'm a long-distance runner. Speed isn't really my thing - I only run a 8:30 to 9 min mile on 10K's and I run about a 10 min mile on anything longer. But I'm running a marathon this weekend, and I love half-marathons. Hopefully this will translate well in COT.
 
glamqueen said:
Jolie South - I was hoping you'd see this thread and comment!

I think I'll be fine re: PT. I'm a long-distance runner. Speed isn't really my thing - I only run a 8:30 to 9 min mile on 10K's and I run about a 10 min mile on anything longer. But I'm running a marathon this weekend, and I love half-marathons. Hopefully this will translate well in COT.
Click to expand...

I wasn't responding to you per se. 🙂

I just wanted to point out that PT is important to anyone going to COT and it's not too late to start for this summer if you haven't already.
 
hey glamqueen,

i'm trying to lock in that COT date as well, but in the process of hustling to get the background check and commissioned and all. do you know if that COT class is full yet?
 
I don't think it is according to my recruiter. Believe me - I'm going crazy waiting for my commissioning to happen so I can lock in those dates. I know it fills first out of the summer classes. Although, I do know two people who specifically want the other dates. I am moving for med school, so I really want to get COT over with, so I can focus on my move. I'll post when I lock my COT dates in, and I'll let you know how many seats are left as of that point. When do you think you are going to commission?
 
according to the recruiter...maybe next weekend at the earliest? Hopefully I have a better time getting the background check processed than you did. wish me luck! and yeah, a heads up on if the class is still available when you get it all set and ready would be great! even though it probably wouldn't change anything for me, just nice to have an idea of what's going on. 👍
 
Ugh - apparently my last check wasn't run, and my recruiter had to call in his supervisor to find out what the heck is the hold up. It's for me and two other people that this hold up is for even...I've been scroll-approved for a few weeks now!

Will let you know River Rat...We'll have to start a thread for anyone who reads SDN that is going to that COT session when we confirm. Are you going to try to get any of your uniforms ahead of time? I'm thinking I may try to get some ABU's at the local reserve AFB...I'm a pretty slim female, and I just don't want to be stuck in too big of a size.
 
Hi Everyone,
Personal Bias: I'm prior-service (Air Nat'l Guard for ~8.5 years prior to med school and COT)
COT is what you make of it. I had a good time making new friends and connections with fellow medical students from across the country as well as lawyers and chaplains. The first couple weeks are the more challenging mentally and physically as you adapt to your new surroundings, being "yelled" at by the MTI's (military training instructors, ie: drill instructors) and the COT Staff. Learn your reporting statement ASAP and know it COLD otherwise you'll make a fool out of yourself and get picked on. Be prepared to start the mind game as soon as you arrive at the COT dorm. Guys, dress casually but conservatively. Wear a belt and a shirt you can tuck in b/c you will be instructed to do. Ladies, ditto...don't show up with a tube top and heels. Everyone, body piercings are a big NO. Leave them home. Gratuitous tattoos, be prepared to cover them up.

PT: If you are not actively working out now, Start! Crunches, Push-ups, pull-ups, stretching, running, and anything else you like is a good, basic routine to have. The PT exam at COT is not too hard if you are somewhat athletically-inclined. Alabama is HOT and HUMID in June. PT is usually from 0500-0630-ish b/c its a good way to start the day plus the humidity is tolerable. I used to get extra runs between 2100-2200hrs each night on the weekend b/c that was when it was comfortable to run a few miles.

Drill: Easy peasy. Pay attention to the MTI's, treat them with respect, know your reporting statements and you'll be golden. Everyone is expected to act as "Flight Leader" at least once during your stay at COT which means you are in charge of marching to and from the dorms, classroom, dining hall, etc when it is your assigned day.

Ropes Course: Confidence/Team building exercise. Its wicked fun! My whole flight and COT class thoroughly enjoyed the Ropes course. It makes you test your limits, the limits of your flight-mates and somewhat defy gravity.

FTX: Field training exercise, "camp out" a couple days learning how to survive, participate in an EMEDS (Expeditionary Medical Support) hospital/warzone exercise, and some other fun outdoorsy military type stuff. The tent buildings are air conditioned so don't worry too much. We are the Air Force after all 🙂

Classroom, homework, etc...not hard at all. If you can handle the MCAT you can easily handle COT. both are a true test of endurance, mentally and physically. If anyone has specific questions feel free to post them here are PM me. I've also been to the School of Aerospace Medicine course in Texas between my 1st and 2nd years. Great course but a different topic for another thread. Oh, if you can get your uniforms before you get to Maxwell AFB, that would be a smart move. Just go by the checklist they have available on the COT website.

Cheers,
2dLt Fozziewan
 
Me again. I just check the COT website. They are highly suggesting individuals purchase the new Airman Battle Uniforms (ABUs) prior to arriving at COT or be prepared to shell out the $$ for them. Considering the June and July COT classes are known as the "summer rush" classes, the clothing sales people typically run out of uniforms d/t to the large volume of students. I'll provide you with a link to search for an AAFES MCS (Military Clothing Sale) location near you. Your recruiter should be able to take you to one if you do not have your Mil ID/Orders/Commissioning documents yet.

Valuable COT links:
http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/COT-RCOT/CommissionedOfficerTraining.asp

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/COT-RCOT/additionalinfo.asp

AAFES: http://odin.aafes.com/Bases/index.asp

COT links, READ THE OI's before you go. You'll be happy you did b/c the officers will start hammering you on the spot regarding your OI's. If you haven't guessed it yet, the military is all about acronyms. You can also find some other valuable information regarding Fitness requirements, class dates, inprocessing, etc.

-Fozziewan
 
this may seem like a silly question but, what kind of stuff are we allowed or not allowed to bring to COT? Will I be allowed to bring creatine and/or workout supplements (protein shakes, etc.)?

Anything in particular that I should look into purchasing and bringing to make my life easier at COT?
 
River Rat said:
this may seem like a silly question but, what kind of stuff are we allowed or not allowed to bring to COT? Will I be allowed to bring creatine and/or workout supplements (protein shakes, etc.)?

Anything in particular that I should look into purchasing and bringing to make my life easier at COT?
Click to expand...

You can bring pretty much anything you want as far as toiletries, clothing, books, etc. go.

You're supposed to be limited to one closeable plastic tub (you can purchase at AAFES) of food, though no one checks. I would definitely bring granola bars and snacks to put in there. For the first couple of weeks, you won't have access to food outside of the DFAC.

I don't know specifically if you're allowed to have supplements, but as I said before no one is going through your baggage or room on a daily basis. However, if your flight commander or someone needs to see you for whatever urgent reason, they can and will come into your room.
 
NJEMT1 said:
I just watched the online video about COT which was mentioned on this thread. It is very helpful. I must admit I am intimidated by the "confidence building" excercise where I see people climbing vertical and horizontal ropes, going across high monkey bars, walking across elevated logs, and climbing through high wooden structures I don't know how to describe. Of course I was aware of the physical fitness test, but I had never heard anything about this before! Right now I don't have the upper body strength for this climbing. What happens if I can't do this? What are the results of this activity used for? Thanks in advance for everyone's input.
Click to expand...

You shouldn't really worry, its only COT, its not like you're earning your ranger tab or anything.
 
MD Grizzly said:
You shouldn't really worry, its only COT, its not like you're earning your ranger tab or anything.
Click to expand...

yea, it's not like they will kick you out if you suck. the only thing that really counts is the PFT.

i have little upper body strength and i made it through ropes just fine. i think i made it a third up the climbing wall before i fell. as far as the obstacle course goes, there were a couple of things i tried, but couldn't do. as long as you try, they really don't care if you don't make it.
 
I could get a 75 with a broken ankle. There's no excuse for failing the AF PT test. You can even run the 1.5 miles 33 seconds slower than the Navy folks and still get the top score.

Do 13 push-ups, 28 crunches, and jog the 1.5 mile in 13:36 and you get a 75. That's a 9 minute mile. If you're a little chubby, run a little faster or do a few more push-ups.

If you're a woman, it's even less.

If you're a thin woman over 30 and can max out the push-ups and crunches (they're not real push-ups or real sit-ups by the way so it's really like 40 half push-ups and 42 half sit-ups) then you get 18:12 to do your mile and a half. That's a 12 minute mile. 3 minutes a lap.

What a joke. I don't feel a bit bad for someone thrown out for not meeting fitness standards.
 
ActiveDutyMD said:
I could get a 75 with a broken ankle. There's no excuse for failing the AF PT test. You can even run the 1.5 miles 33 seconds slower than the Navy folks and still get the top score.

Do 13 push-ups, 28 crunches, and jog the 1.5 mile in 13:36 and you get a 75. That's a 9 minute mile. If you're a little chubby, run a little faster or do a few more push-ups.

If you're a woman, it's even less.

If you're a thin woman over 30 and can max out the push-ups and crunches (they're not real push-ups or real sit-ups by the way so it's really like 40 half push-ups and 42 half sit-ups) then you get 18:12 to do your mile and a half. That's a 12 minute mile. 3 minutes a lap.

What a joke. I don't feel a bit bad for someone thrown out for not meeting fitness standards.
Click to expand...

as crazy as it sounds, there were a good number of people that had to remediate in my class. 3 people in my flight alone didn't pass the first test.

that being said, i only started working out hard a few months before COT and i made an 87 on my first PFT.
 
ActiveDutyMD said:
Do 13 push-ups, 28 crunches, and jog the 1.5 mile in 13:36 and you get a 75.
Click to expand...

That's slightly sub-75 even if you have a waist under 32.5 (3 points for push-ups, 4 for crunches, 36 for jogging, and 30 max for waist) if you're a guy under 25. And I imagine those people have a waist bigger than 32.5 inches. I can see people failing if they don't get started training until they get the COT info in the mail... I wouldn't know about the requirements if it weren't for SDN. They really should give the info sooner.
 
I think its funny that you have to do more push-ups (more than 62)than crunches(more than 55) in 1 minute to get the maximum score. I wanted to compare what an AF PFT is like to an Army PFT and so i googled Air Force PFT standards and found this.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce/l/blmalefitness.htm

It has the breakdown of scoring and how many points you get for a given number of reps in both sit-ups and crunches, and how many points given for the run (ie less than 9:36 = 50pts, 9:37-9:48 = 47.5pts, and so on).

What i really cant believe is that you get credit just for being skinny. Somehow being thin automatically translates into performance?
 
Last edited:
So to pass, for a male under the age of 25, all you need to do is

1)Have a waist of 38in or less (38in=21.6pts)
2)Do 33 push-ups in 1 minute (7.5pts)
3)Do 40 crunches in 1 minute(7.5pts)
4)Run 1.5miles in under 12:12 (39pts)
This is an 8:08 mile pace (7.4mph for those who want to train on a treadmill). This could probably be done by a run-walk combination, provided the emphasis was on running.

That would give you a 75.6.

The corresponding scores for a female, under the age of 25

1) Waist of less the 34.00 (21.5pts for a waist of 34in)
2) 18 push-ups in 1 minute(7.5pt, doesn't say whether these are full push-ups or modified)
3)35 crunches in 1 minute(7.5pts)
4)Run 1.5miles in under 14:54 (39pts)
This is right under a 9:56 mile pace (6.1mph on the treadmill will put you ahead of 14:54)

Total = 75.5

These definitely aren't that demanding. I would hope that the majority of men and women serving have waist lines under 38/34in respectively so you'll have more lax goals on the run, push-ups, and sit-ups. If you're concerned go to the link in the previous post and piece together what you can reasonably do.
 
mslall said:
What i really cant believe is that you get credit just for being skinny. Somehow being thin automatically translates into performance?
Click to expand...

Yeah, this kills me every time. It might be more of a risk factor thing...if you're large you have more of a chance for problems? In case anyone doesn't know, if your BMI is under 25 you don't have to worry about the waist measurement, you get the full 30 points automatically.
 
Great info on the BMI to get out of the waist measurement. I had no idea.
Also, can anyone tell me how sizing works for the ABU's? I'd love to order some from the cheap place listed above, but I'm not sure how sizing works.

Thanks!
 
glamqueen -

I'm not sure if this will help you but I recently sized myself up for some ABUs and I was a little surprised. I normally wear a size 8 pant but I needed a size 12 in the ABUs which really surprised me. It would probably be best if you could try some on before you buy, or make sure they have a good return policy.
 
giraffes said:
glamqueen -

I'm not sure if this will help you but I recently sized myself up for some ABUs and I was a little surprised. I normally wear a size 8 pant but I needed a size 12 in the ABUs which really surprised me. It would probably be best if you could try some on before you buy, or make sure they have a good return policy.
Click to expand...

yep, sizing is weird.

there will also be no crossover with blues sizing, so you'll have to try everything on before you buy it.
 
Actually, your posts did help, because I am definitely going to go to the reserve base and hope they have some to try on before buying. I'm definitely not going to order blindly now. Thanks! Here's a uniform question for the women - do we get the skirt or the pants where there's an option? What looks/feels better on?
 
glamqueen said:
Actually, your posts did help, because I am definitely going to go to the reserve base and hope they have some to try on before buying. I'm definitely not going to order blindly now. Thanks! Here's a uniform question for the women - do we get the skirt or the pants where there's an option? What looks/feels better on?
Click to expand...

You're technically allowed to wear either, but your flight standardization officer might decide that everyone in your flight wears pants at COT. you all have to be standardized within your flight with regards to everything: how you place your books on your desks, whether you can have coffee mugs, rolling up vs. not rolling up ABU sleeves, princess vs. regular women's shirt with blues. you might not have a choice.

Most people wore pants, but I think the skirt looks better and is probably more comfortable. I didn't get one, because we were only required to get pants.

Also, the princess cut women's shirt is much more comfortable and looks better. Fight with your flight to let women wear it. You don't have to tuck it in so you can hide how horribly the pants fit. Mine were super tight and high in the waist and surprisingly 2 sizes too big in the hip region. They looked AWFUL. We couldn't tailor them either because the tailors had too much going on with hemming and such.
 
Just out of curiosity, do they do any combatives training at COT?
 
Mosin said:
Just out of curiosity, do they do any combatives training at COT?
Click to expand...

there is no weapons or combat type training.

there is this leadership activity where you have to navigate clues and pretend to be in enemy territory. your flight commander will scream "mortar fire" and you'll have to get down, but that's the closest it gets.
 
speedyk said:
That's slightly sub-75 even if you have a waist under 32.5 (3 points for push-ups, 4 for crunches, 36 for jogging, and 30 max for waist) if you're a guy under 25. And I imagine those people have a waist bigger than 32.5 inches. I can see people failing if they don't get started training until they get the COT info in the mail... I wouldn't know about the requirements if it weren't for SDN. They really should give the info sooner.
Click to expand...

I used the 25-30 year old chart. You must have used the under 25.

At any rate, the reason people fail at COT is maybe no one explains to them what an AF push-up (it's the top half of the push-up) and an AF sit-up (the bottom half of a regular sit-up) are. I can't do 52 push-ups in one sitting, but I can do 52 AF push-ups with 20 seconds to spare. I can see people not getting 100% on it, but not passing? Ridiculous. Agree that the waist measurement is dumb. It wasn't that long ago that the AF didn't have a PT test at all.
 
Jolie South - should I wait to buy the shirt and the pants/skirt then til COT? I guess it is impossible to know what my flight will be standardized to beforehand?

Thanks for the info on the pants and shirt. Hopefully, we will get to avoid those awful pants. Ugh - sounds miserable.
 
glamqueen said:
Jolie South - should I wait to buy the shirt and the pants/skirt then til COT? I guess it is impossible to know what my flight will be standardized to beforehand?

Thanks for the info on the pants and shirt. Hopefully, we will get to avoid those awful pants. Ugh - sounds miserable.
Click to expand...

I think you would be safe buying the shirt and pants now, and then waiting until COT to buy the skirt. That way you could alter the pants if necessary.

You won't be wearing blues until several weeks in, so you should have time to buy the skirt if that's what you want to do.

I also forgot to mention that you'll be marching around everywhere and that might be harder to do in the skirt and pumps. I don't know though, because I didn't try.
 
ActiveDutyMD said:
I used the 25-30 year old chart. You must have used the under 25.

At any rate, the reason people fail at COT is maybe no one explains to them what an AF push-up (it's the top half of the push-up) and an AF sit-up (the bottom half of a regular sit-up) are. I can't do 52 push-ups in one sitting, but I can do 52 AF push-ups with 20 seconds to spare. I can see people not getting 100% on it, but not passing? Ridiculous. Agree that the waist measurement is dumb. It wasn't that long ago that the AF didn't have a PT test at all.
Click to expand...

I had a guy in my flight fail for sit-ups because he was doing way more work than necessary. His run and pushups weren't that great, but I think he got zero points for sit-ups.
 
Jolie South said:
I had a guy in my flight fail for sit-ups because he was doing way more work than necessary. His run and pushups weren't that great, but I think he got zero points for sit-ups.
Click to expand...

Zero? That's unbelievable. The only rule is that you have to cross your arms and touch your elbows to your legs. I can do that with like 1/3 of a sit-up. Long arms help and so does a sharp angle between your legs and trunk.
 
ActiveDutyMD said:
Zero? That's unbelievable. The only rule is that you have to cross your arms and touch your elbows to your legs. I can do that with like 1/3 of a sit-up. Long arms help and so does a sharp angle between your legs and trunk.
Click to expand...

He did some, but the amount that he did didn't qualify for points.
 
Jolie South -

Thanks for being the current "COT Expert." I just started going through the list and buying my uniforms. I noticed that suspenders are listed under Mess Dress but I wasn't sure about them. Do we need to get them? Also, can I bring a small coffee maker for my room?

Thanks so much for all the info!
 
giraffes said:
Jolie South -

Thanks for being the current "COT Expert." I just started going through the list and buying my uniforms. I noticed that suspenders are listed under Mess Dress but I wasn't sure about them. Do we need to get them? Also, can I bring a small coffee maker for my room?

Thanks so much for all the info!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't even buy mess dress, unless they make you do it when you get there. It's a huge waste of money. We didn't wear it for our Dining In. I think guys might wear some weird shirt device to keep shirts taut with blues. I have no idea what that is called or what it looks like.

Coffee maker? hmmm. . . I guess you could. I don't know when you'd have time to make coffee though, unless it was in the evening or on weekends.:laugh:
 
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