Officers' Training School

Introduction

Officers' Training School (OTS) is charged with the responsibility of creating the leaders of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). All individuals aspiring to a commission in the Air Force must undertake training through Officers' Training School.

Approximately 200-300 students graduate from OTS each year. The course is very demanding, requiring physical and mental toughness. These demands provide the means to measure the students' suitability for leadership.

The school works to transform officer trainees into leaders with integrity, professionalism, loyalty, determination, pride and dedication to the Air Force. The training aims to prepare the students for their careers as officers and leaders by providing them with skills in decision-making, communication, management and leadership.

Mission

To prepare RAAF junior officers to be effective leaders within Australian Defence Organisation.

Vision

To develop and deliver initial officer training to best meet the needs of the future Air Force.

Location

Officers' Training School is located at RAAF East Sale, Sale, in Victoria, Australia.

The address is:

Officers' Training School RAAF East Sale, Sale, VIC 3852

Phone: 03 51466600

History

Officers’ Training School was formed under the command of WGCDR P.J. McMahon DFC on 12 April 1950. It was originally at RAAF Station Rathmines, a World War II flying boat base located at Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. Later reorganisations of training requirements saw each flight of OTS become an independent squadron. Thus on 16 May 1956 Officers’ Training Flight became Officers' Training Squadron.

The last course to graduate from the Officers’ Training Squadron, No 30 Officer Initial Training Course, did so on 3 November 1960. RAAF Station Rathmines was closed down in December 1960. On 9 January 1961, the squadron was relocated to Point Cook and renamed Officers’ Training School. At the end of 1986, the school was closed and its functions absorbed into the RAAF College structure. However, in July 1998, OTS once again became an independent unit with a Wing Commander as Commanding Officer. The school’s motto is “Accept Responsibility”, which is both a reminder and a charge to staff and students alike.

In January 2008, Officers' Training School moved from Point Cook to the new facility at RAAF Base East Sale. The official opening of the new facility was conducted on the 14th March 2008.

Today

The definition of the role of OTS is much as it was at the unit's inception. The unit conducts the majority of initial officer training for Air Force via the Initial Officer Course. The Initial Officer Course is structured and delivered to cater not only for Permanent Air Force students, but RAAF Active Reserve (RAAFAR) officer trainees and RAAF specific training for RAAF officer cadets of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). In this way, OTS graduates around 200 students from the full Initial Officer Course, and trains roughly an additional 300 RAAFAR and ADFA students at various times in any one year. In addition, OTS conducts the Reserve Specialist Officer Familiarisation course bi-annually.

The Initial Officer Course syllabus places an emphasis on leadership training, adventurous and experiential learning, the development of high levels of individual commitment, responsibility and team orientation. The practical aspects of the course include several field deployments which develop leadership, management, ground defence and teamwork skills. Coupled with a broad academic program, the course develops the knowledge, attitudes and skills for a professional officer corps that can meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

OTS directing staff have the responsibility of being role-models and mentors; emphasis is placed on encouragement and support. The directing staff are assigned to each course of students and participate in all aspects of the course including adventurous and physical training and the full range of classroom and field activities.

OTS is also responsible for overseeing Single Service Training for RAAF officer cadets of the Defence Force Academy. This training, together with the Common Military Training taught at the Academy, give the Academy students the equivalent of the IOC.

Crest

Motto - ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY

Description - A quill pointed downwards and sword pointed upwards, saltire charged, clenched in a mailed gauntlet erect.

Reason for Design - The mailed gauntlet indicates strength of purpose; the pen learning and education; the sword, the traditional weapon for an officer or leader, indicates leadership; all three desirable attributes of an officer

Crown Bound By - St Edward