BASIC OFFICER TRAINING COURSE (BOTC) 3-DAY PROGRAM

Date: 08-JUN-2007 thru 10-JUN-2007 Location: CINCINNATI, OH Time: 8:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.

For further Information Contact:     MARYANN ROBINSON Maryann.Robinson@hhs.gov     Phone 240- 453- 6067     Fax 240-4536141

The Commissioned Officer Training Academy (COTA) began in early 2000 when the Director of the Division of Commissioned Personnel (DCP), now officially known as the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations (OCCO) formed a workgroup to review the Public Health Service (PHS) Officers Orientation Programs presented in the past. The results of this workgroup spurred the establishment of the current Commissioned Officers Training Academy later that same year.

Currently the Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC) is a 3-day training program that places emphasis on Commissioned Corps history, as well as its distinguishing role as one of the seven branches of the uniformed service. It has evolved into a signature requisite and serves as a key benchmark for every Category within the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service.

Military bearing and courtesy, career development, officership, leadership, promotions, leave, compensation, awards, and resource utilization are some of the many topics that are introduced during this course. Officers successfully completing this course will satisfy the prerequisite for enrollment in the web-based Independent Officer Training Course (IOTC), thus making them eligible to earn the Commissioned Corps Training Ribbon.

Officers planning to attend this course are required to register online by clicking the link for Registration on COTA’s homepage and entering the same userID/password that they use to access the Secure Area on the eCCIS website. There is no funding through COTA for this program. Officers are expected to secure funding through their Agency/Operating Division/Program and to make their own arrangements for travel and lodging. An officer should not consider him/herself registered until confirmation is received via e-mail. To receive credit for attending BOTC, an officer must attend all module presentations and wear an appropriate PHS uniform for the duration of the course.