COT question

[glamqueen]

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I was reading the packet of info for COT - just curious - it talks about privileges etc. for various classes. What class are we at COT? Second class? I can't figure it out? They talk about 3rd Lt/First class etc., and I know I will be commissioned as a 2nd Lt. Where does that fall in?

 

[AFSmiley]

I was reading the packet of info for COT - just curious - it talks about privileges etc. for various classes. What class are we at COT? Second class? I can't figure it out? They talk about 3rd Lt/First class etc., and I know I will be commissioned as a 2nd Lt. Where does that fall in?

I would expect to start at the bottom and work your way up....

 

[glamqueen]

I would think that, but being COT, we are given a higher class ranking than the BOT people. As in, we get to eat and talk, and they eat at attention etc. I was just looking for the official classification of what class this is if you are a 2nd Lt. I realize Majors, Col. etc. who are already doctors will probably have more than I do, but I was just trying to understand what these were called, because I didn't understand the grid with it all listed in the packet.

 

[J-Rad]

I assume you're referencing OTS MANUAL 36-2202.

Unless some major change has happened since I went to COT in 2001, most of that manual seems directed at the BOT students with a sprinkling of COT thrown in (poorly organized at that). Because COT students are already commissioned officers they have more privileges than the BOT students. It is still very regimented and hierarchical to inculcate a military mindset, but much less restrictive than BOT. You'll be able to talk at your lunch table. Wing and flight student-command structure will be based on rank and Time In Service (i.e. the highest ranking individual will be made wing King/Queen. Amongst all the 2Lts, TIS will determine order of rank). There probably won't be much talk of "2nd and 3rd class" stuff.

 

[glamqueen]

This was what I was looking for. The manual is very confusing for that reason - it's hard to separate out BOT from what they include for COT. Thanks!

 

[Miss Mab]

so, yeah, that's what you'd think, huh?

Trust me, there will be MUCH angst about priveleges and class status at COT and no, you won't be talking during any meals--at least for the first 2-3 weeks, anyway. It's nowhere near as brutal as basic training, of course, but this is no longer 'knife and fork' school and you will do better if you're somewhat prepared. Apparently, the AF has decided that COT has been a little too 'soft' so things are running a bit differently as of late...
I was there in November and we were 'third class'--meaning COT campus only, not even Maxwell base priveleges until the 2nd weekend and didn't get to make it off base until the very last week. And we weren't even a crazy summer surge class with all younger people, either. It was mostly already practicing JD's, RN's, Docs and Dentists. We also couldn't speak during meals and sat at attention, etc. until that final week(wait, in 2nd class--or for us third week--- you do get to talk but during dinner only).
Don't try to read that manual--it really is written more for BOT and will probably just confuse you now but you will be following the DFAC procedures in there, sitting at attention and grounding utensils and all that it's just not worth trying to read that thing until you get the condensed version when you arrive. Everything you need to know will be given to you and you will learn rather quickly....

Just remember, they will yell at you no matter what your rank(the doc and dentist LTC's got it just as much as anyone else if not more so because they had more 'expected' of them), there will be ridiculous rules and structures to follow, you'll get up at 0430 every morning but none of it is personal and you will get through it.

It just is what it is at the 'new and improved' OTS and just knowing what it WON'T be--read kind and gentle--will already put you ahead of the game. Try to have fun with the people in your flight as they will make or break the experience for you. Oh, and search out the priors because they will show you what you need to know and save you a hell of of a lot of time...

 

[glamqueen]

Thanks for the insight - wow - that is so different than what my friend, a JAG, said about COT this weekend when I asked him. Sounds like your class was a lot stricter than his (He went last year). I'm not sure what the difference is. I guess I can hope that mine is more like his than yours, but prepare to deal with one like yours just in case. Thanks very much for the post - we'll see what happens this summer.

 

[J-Rad]

Interesting. Every so often the AFOATS folk decide that COT should be more or less "intense". The year before mine was "more". To the point where there were multiple calls to senators/reps complaining of being deceived about what was in store (this per a friend who went through it at the time). My year was more a middle ground, not as "Charm School" as many previous years had been labeled, but not as hardcore as the year before, or now, apparently. I wonder if the winds will blow in another direction as time goes on. Nevertheless, I stand corrected.

 

[Miss Mab]

I agree it is likely dependent on the current status of the winds/whims. Regardless of which class style you attend, GlamQueen, you have the right attitude and will be fine. Let me know if you have any questions as it gets closer!

 

[Jolie South]

Thanks for the insight - wow - that is so different than what my friend, a JAG, said about COT this weekend when I asked him. Sounds like your class was a lot stricter than his (He went last year). I'm not sure what the difference is. I guess I can hope that mine is more like his than yours, but prepare to deal with one like yours just in case. Thanks very much for the post - we'll see what happens this summer.

I was in a summer surge class and it was definitely as MissMab said. We followed the same progression that she described as far as privileges.

It wasn't all bad. The people in my flight were pretty awesome and I lost a few pounds. 👍 Keep a sense of humor and you'll be good.