Air Force training initiative targets officer quality, quantity

As a means of enhancing officer quality and quantity, Air Force officials said they are initiating training revisions designed to phase out separate officer programs in lieu of merged classes.

The Total Force Officer Training and Commissioned Officer Training courses will be phased out throughout 2019. They will be replaced by a combined eight-week course offering an off-ramp for a limited number of non-line specialties.

“The purpose for this change is twofold,” Col. Pete Bailey, Officer Training School (OTS) commandant, said. “First, we are ensuring the best leadership training is offered to all who attend OTS, in a setting which better mirrors the environment in which they will serve. Also, this change assists in the development of a more resilient organization, which is effectively resourced to meet both steady state and surge requirements of the Total Force.”

Lt. Col. Erick Saks, 24th Training Squadron commander, said the OTS One Syllabus for One Officer concept moves from its current three-training squadron system to a more efficient two-training squadron model, noting with two squadrons training both line and non-line officers, OTS can increase officer quantity and quality.

“The real nexus behind the new syllabus was to make the right training, for the right Airman, at the right time,” Bailey said. “Producing good officers and good leaders is not only a force multiplier but will also help revitalize the organization that we take to war, which is the squadron. When you have the responsibility of training over 54 percent of the officers who access into the United States Air Force annually, you have to get it right.”