OTS

From Rebel Squadrons Wiki

Officer Training School (OTS), is a postgraduate course offered through the Training Office. OTS provides advanced training in leadership and problem-solving techniques that a new or inexperienced member will utilize in current or future command positions. At this time, the Administrator and sole Instructor of the OTS program is General Petr Margul.

Requirements

The OTS is designed primarily for newer RS members, although any current member can apply provided they meet the following criteria:

• Required:
  • Must be an active member of the RS in good standing.
  • Must have successfully completed the Beginner's Path or prior command experience if prospective student joined before the Beginner's Path was implemented.
  • Must be able to devise, in co-ordination with the OTS instructor, a workable schedule for instruction.
    • This requirement is negotiable, as extenuating circumstances such as extreme differences in time zone between instructor and student will be accommodated.
  • Must currently either hold a command level position, or have interest in attaining such a position.
  • Willingness to download and use voice communication software, i.e. Ventrilo or Teamspeak. (Note below that a microphone is not necessarily required).

• Optional:
  • Should have access to a microphone. This is not required, however, use of a microphone rather than standard typing will greatly improve the speed and efficiency of the student's OTS instruction.

Program Description

OTS does not have a fixed duration, nor is there a specific list of steps to graduate successfully. Rather, a schedule of instruction will be negotiated directly with the current OTS instructor. Graduation requirements will differ as well, according to different needs and prior leadership experience. The OTS program will be molded to fit the unique needs of each individual student, providing them with a safe, non-stressful environment within which to practice and develop leadership techniques. OTS covers situations appropriate to all levels of command, from Fleet to Squadron.

The bulk of a student's OTS curriculum will be spent in personal instruction with the OTS instructor. This will consist of theoretical discussions, situational analysis (or role-play) and other commonly used teaching methods. Instruction periods will last for pre-determined durations as established by student and instructor. Occasionally, personal instruction may be supplemented by written work or other assignments as seen fit by the OTS instructor.

The OTS Program is designed to improve the following skills:

• Ability to successfully run, or assist in running, at least a squad level unit in the Rebel Squadrons.
• Ability to overcome "crisis situations" such as a disruptive or inactive member, a break down in the Chain-of-Command, or other severe problems.
• How to manage and strengthen the morale and participation of a unit.
• How to work and function effectively within your chain-of-command and the RS organization as a whole.
• A basic understanding of different leadership styles and their attending strengths and weaknesses.
• An understanding of routine duties of unit command, such as newsletters, updates, etc.

How to Apply

Those wishing to enroll in OTS must send an application directly to the current OTS Administrator with the following:

• Name, Rank and list of current positions held, if any.
• List of non-RS leadership experience.
• Future plans for command in the RS.
• A statement of why you want to enroll in OTS, and how you think it will benefit you. Please make this statement at least one full paragraph. Note that there is no maximum limit.

OTS, due to its highly personalized nature, can only effectively train a limited number of candidates at any given time. Therefore, the selectivity of the program may fluctuate depending on the number of applicants. The OTS Administrator reserves the right to suspend, defer or deny any application as he/she sees fit.