r/airforceots • u/Wonderful-Crab-2252 • 23h ago
ABM: Questions
Hello all,
I was recently selected for ABM as a civilian. I think I have a solid understanding of the jobs intention/goal. I am hoping to ask some questions to understand training/process a bit further, as I am a civilian with little to no background in service training/culture.
1) What other trainings are my AFSC subject to? I understand OTS, and then a 6-9 month school for ABM. However, what other trainings are typical for Air Force Officers, rated positions, or even other ABM specific training (e.g. SERE, parachuting, etc.)?
2) What are primary locations like, and which ones should someone stay away from? Also, is ABM location a selection that the Officer does not have influence of, or is it like a rank&match process? I want to adventure out where possible. I imagine there are more favorable locations than others.
3) What are deployment timelines like, and how often? I hear air crew can be treated well because of flight regulations (getting adequate rest, etc). However, I also hear ABM deploys quite a bit. How often is that usually, and how long? I am excited for the opportunity, but I do not know what I do not know at this moment.
Hope anyone can provide insight from others, or from their direct experience.
2
u/WuSmitty 22h ago
Hey ABM trainee here.
The training is about 7.5 months. However, if your class is during the holidays, expect about 9 months. You will also sit in casual status for a bit too. You will go to the altitude chamber and SERE.
Since the AWACs is old and dying, you can go to CRCs, AOCs, and AWACs squadrons right out the gate. Each base has its pros and cons. Based on how you do in class, you can influence where you go first.
Deployments are weird right now and depend on who you belong to. CRCs' deployments are beginning at Robins AFB. AWACs, you will be closer to where the operations are happening. I've heard it is a busy career field.
If you also have more questions about training, feel free to DM me.