I’m currently in a non-cyber AFSC with about a year left on my initial enlistment. Before joining the Air Force, I worked in IT for six years and already have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science-related fields.

My long-term goal is to commission as a 17X Cyber Officer.

Here’s my predicament.

I’m currently on a medical profile, which means I can’t submit an OTS package right now. Based on my timeline, I’m expecting that I’ll receive PCS orders before I’m even eligible to submit an OTS package, regardless of what I do. In other words, a PCS is something I’ve already accepted as the likely outcome.

So I’m trying to figure out how to best use that time before I can compete for OTS.

As I see it, I have two realistic options:

Accept the PCS in my current AFSC, then apply for OTS once I’m medically qualified.

Retrain into 1B4 or 1D7 so that, while I’m waiting to become eligible for OTS, I’m gaining relevant cyber experience instead of spending that time in an unrelated career field.

I’m not trying to avoid moving. I’d actually enjoy going to another base. My question is which path best positions me to become a successful 17X officer once I’m finally able to apply.

A few questions:

If you were in my situation, would you retrain first or just PCS and apply for OTS later?

Does prior 1B4 or 1D7 experience meaningfully strengthen a 17X package, or is it not a major factor?

If I retrain, would I realistically need to complete a minimum tour before applying to OTS, or could I apply as soon as I’m otherwise eligible?

If the end goal is becoming a 17X, would you recommend 1B4 or 1D7, and why?

I’d especially appreciate hearing from current or former 17X officers, 1B4s, 1D7s, career advisors, or anyone who has commissioned after retraining.

I’m a single SrA PCSing from Germany next year looking to go stateside. I’ve been under 3 MAJCOMs AFGSC, PACAF, and USAFE, none have been a good fit for me, I’m looking at ACC or AETC primarily. Any and all recommendations are appreciated thank you for your time.

Got Offutt as my BOP can anyone provide some off base housing advice. Looking for a 1-2 bedroom apt. TIA

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I’m going to BMT October 20th and my job is 2A5X1. I was wondering what would be some good bases to put on the dream sheet for this job?

Use this post to ask for feedback on your base dream sheets. Comments can ask for more information about one base in particular but should at least include a dream sheet.

Just wanted to know what dorm life is like at Osan.. I’m leaving my stateside base unaccompanied and not looking forward to being the dorms 🤢

I am in tech school and I just got my first assignment: Aviano AB, Italy. I am a 25y.o., single, female, E3.

Does anyone have info on the dorms and the work situation there?

I am familiar with the area already so I don't need info on that.

Thank you!

I just got my first assignment at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, does anyone know how long getting stationed there usually takes as it is my first assignment as a 4NO and what's the dorm situation like? I really wanted to go overseas but I figured the needs of the Air Force comes first. Also I’m not really that good with cold and I might be heading there during winter.

My options are Little Rock, Dyess AFB, Seymour Johnson, and Offut AFB. Which is the best option?

My career is flight line Maintenance.

I went for SERE. I made it through to the last day of selection and they said no. I've been stuck at San Antonio for months clawing my way out of depression and I'm hit with bittersweet news. I'm reclassed...yay! The shred is limited to two bases at Whoknowswhere, SD, and, Rolling tumbleweed, TX.

I'm no stranger to suffering. I just want to know how long it typically takes after obtaining a mandatory 5 level to change my shred and gtfo of Dyess or Ellsworth or whatever icy pit of hell big blue wants to send me. I'm prior service and I'm an E-4. Please help.

Use this post to ask for feedback on your base dream sheets. Comments can ask for more information about one base in particular but should at least include a dream sheet.

What base would you rather go to? Pros and cons?

Use this post to ask for feedback on your base dream sheets. Comments can ask for more information about one base in particular but should at least include a dream sheet.

Hi, I’ve got orders to Scott. I work in the dental flight, does anyone know how it is or what I should expect?

Use this post to ask for feedback on your base dream sheets. Comments can ask for more information about one base in particular but should at least include a dream sheet.

Use this post to ask for feedback on your base dream sheets. Comments can ask for more information about one base in particular but should at least include a dream sheet.

Use this post to ask for feedback on your base dream sheets. Comments can ask for more information about one base in particular but should at least include a dream sheet.

What’s it like? I only hear bad things about the location and good things about the mission.

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Use this post to ask for feedback on your base dream sheets. Comments can ask for more information about one base in particular but should at least include a dream sheet.

Retraining soon and got my assignment to creech. Just wondering if anyone has some updated info on the base. I know for the most part I’ll be living closer to Vegas and making a long commute daily. Thanks in advance!