MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. –

Officer Training School trainees participate in a BELPS exercise during their third week of training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Oct. 3. This exercise required trainees to move as a group without verbally communicating. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

Getting coined

Senior Airman Joseph Hunter, 42nd Security Forces Squadron, shakes hands with Alabama Sen. Bryan Taylor during a recognition ceremony for recently returned veterans at the Montgomery capitol building July 27, 2012. The ceremony was also presided over by Jim Byard, director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and Alabama Rep. Spencer Bachus. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Stoltz)

Getting coined

Second Lieutenant Ryan Weiand, 42nd Security Forces Squadron, is recognized by Sen. Bryan Taylor during a coin presentation ceremony at the Montgomery capitol building July 27, 2012. Jim Byard, director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and Rep. Spencer Bachus joined the senator for the recognition ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Stoltz)

Getting coined

Staff Sgt. Alicia Shealey, 42nd Air Base Wing command section, is congratulated by Sen. Bryan Taylor, during a recognition ceremony for recently deployed veterans at the Montgomery state capitol building July 27, 2012. Shealey, who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 - 2006 and to Iraq in 2010 - 2011, was one of 13 Maxwell Airmen recognized for their deployment contributions by Jim Byard, director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Alabama Rep. Spencer Bachus and Alabama Sen. Bryan Taylor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Stoltz)

Hanging Around

Cadet Josh McDaniels rushes down the last hurdle of the ropes course as part of his time in Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base, July 25, 2012. Cadets slide down a line over 40 yards long as the grand finale to the strenuous course. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship

A day in the life of an OTS trainee

Trainees study their academic work while waiting in line to get necessary items at Maxwell July 3. Trainees are responsible to memorizing information that they study in any available down time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)