The Binder:
The BOT Guide has tons of information and it is pretty much a step-by-step guide for the AD application. I took the advice from http://journeytoairforceots.blogspot.com and made my own binder. I bought my self a new 1" three ring binder, tabs, and a lot of sheet protectors to set it up.
I opened the BOT Guide and clicked on the little paperclip looking thing to open all the attachments and printed away. I broke it down into sections and tabbed between each section with empty document protectors prior to each tab. Everyone likes to organize their stuff in their own way and I simply chose to separate the guide by its attachments. For example tab one was questionnaire 1, tab 2 was questionnaire 2 etc...If you do this ensure you understand how it is organize because things can get a little chaotic. The empty document protectors were there for the FINAL PRODUCT of the item I needed. For example, questionnare 1 was inserted only after I digitally signed it.
Table of Contents:
The BOT Guide has its own table of contents, but I made one specifically to how I organized my binder. I also have a dopamine addiction so I made myself a "check box" or a to do list. I simply checked the box when a task was complete. Both were located in the front of my binder.
I printed the Privacy Act Cover and slid it into the front slot of the binder. I also print a copy of the latest BOT schedule and inserted into the back side of the binder. I did this to protect my information and just because...
I set up this binder and read the BOT Guide tons of times while awaiting my AFOQT results. Please note that I did not do anything else until I was certain I met the basic AFOQT standards. I found that I met the standards and continued my application.
Commander Recommendation:
Your commander will have a huge part in your application. You will need their full support as they also have quite a lot to do! I went to my CSS and scheduled the appointment with my commander. Unfortunately, she was on leave and I could not see her until she got back. The total wait time to meet with her was 8 days.
The wait actually worked out because this gave me the opportunity to do my job and ponder how the meeting might go. I started thinking about my future role as an officer and "what" I would ask future AD applicants. Here is what I came up with:
Why do you want to commission?
Why should I approve/endorse your application?
Do you feel you're worthy/able to put together an outstanding application?
Would you put your stripes on the line for an applicant like "me"
The last question is geared toward a commanders reputation. I heard of commanders pencil whipping signatures on applications...This caused a bad reputation on their part due to their endorsement of a "poor" applicant.
I believe that you need to be ready for these types of questions. A commander is literally stating that you would make an outstanding officer and/or future commander one day. Be ready for commanders to drill you with questions during this request for their support.
My commander actually asked me questions that pretty much mirrored #1 and #3. I felt that I nailed it!
She ended the meeting asking if I had any questions. I simply told her that this application is "MINE" and NOT the chiefs, first sergeants, or the operations officers. Therefore, I requested that I had straight access to her with documents needing her signature. The reason I did this is because the formal method of routing takes too long! I also did not want everyones hand in the cookie jar making all these changes. Don't get me wrong, I do not mind grammatical fixes (You probably noticed my grammar ain't that great). However, I did not want any of the to change the spirit/character/attitude of my application. Plus they ask way too many questions that slow down the application process.
She ultimately compromised and said I need to have her secretary review the items requiring her signature. WIN!
***I highly recommend that you schedule this meeting with your commander, DO NOT drop a application on their desk without speaking to them first***
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