Planning on applying for HPSP, but am worried about COT/ODS (haven't decided between Air Force & Army, yet).
1. I'm out of shape, but I can fix that. I'm starting to work out more to get back into shape before COT/ODS. What do the workouts consist of in the AMs?
2. I'm scared of heights and worried about the ropes course. Did anyone have someone in their class who was scared of heights? How did they get through it? Any suggestions for me?
3. How often do you get to call home nowadays?
4. I tend to cry when I am screamed at. May be pathetic, yes, but that's the way I am. How much yelling will actually happen at COT/ODS?
I've read a lot of the posts but it seems that all of them that talk about what COT or ODS is really like are all 5+ years old. Anything changed
This is COT (AF) specific:
1. The workouts consist of running, push-ups, sit-ups and things of that nature (leg kicks and whatever else). If you can pass the PT test, you will be fine. You are in a large group anyway so it's not like you are being stared at constantly. You can tell that some people have more trouble than others, but I never saw anyone get called out as long as they looked like they were trying. Put in the effort, and you will be ok. Again, be able to pass the PT test and then don't worry about it.
2. We had someone afraid of heights. They gave it a try and pretty much froze up right away. They try and make you do it, but they are also ok with you giving up early if you at least try. While they do yell sometimes (see 4), they will not yell at you for being afraid of heights.
3. You can usually call or email any time at night. You aren't supposed to have your cell phone, but after dinner, you are usually back in the dorms doing stuff. You always pretty much have something to be doing, but you can take some time to call or email people.
4. At COT, we actually had a fair amount of yelling. Pretty much the second we stepped off the bus. Yelling goes down as the weeks progress. But yes, you will be yelled at. Most of the time, the yelling will be more generalized and not directed at you specifically (unless you mess up quite a bit, and yes, we did have those people). I'll admit, it can get pretty intimidating in the moment. In the long run, if you just keep your cool and correct your mistake, it's no big deal at all. Do expect to get yelled at, try not to react much to it because any reaction may cause them to yell more.
Overall, they try and stress you out. You are up at 4:30 every morning, they yell at you for mistakes, and you have very little free time. This all relaxes as time goes on, and you get into a groove. You just have to be able to hang in there for a bit, and it ends up being a pretty cool experience.
Hope that helps.