re-evaluation of my goals while at BCT.

[13BullsOnParade]

Hello,

I hope this post serves as some sort of guidance for future cadets and those that are just thinking of applying.

I was one of the (roughly) 1,350 basics of 10,000 applicants that showed up for Beast June 25th 2009. I was pretty excited about attending all of my senior year, later to find out that it wasn't for me.

The application process was awful. I never thought I would be able to get all the paperwork in on time, take the SATs before the deadline, get a nomination. I never thought my grades would be good enough, my leadership positions high enough, my athletic abilities strong enough. Eventhough I was a 4.0 student, I was scared about slipping in school, getting in trouble with the law-you name it. It was awful. I had troubles with my girlfriend because we didn't know how to approach being separated for the amount of time the academy keeps you away from home. I had troubles getting my vaccines and glasses perscriptions in on time. But once the year started coming to an end, I was pretty happy with how I had maintained myself at higher standards than most of my classmates.

At the time, all that I knew about the academy came from the pamphlets they sent me, and everything I could rack up from the internet. When it came time for orientation, I was very excited. Then traveling to Colorado Springs was some trip. We stayed that whole weekend up to the Tuesday after orientation. I had to leave before lunch because we booked our flight early, but I was already convinced that I wanted to attend.

Once it was time to leave, I went to the airport on june 24th (the day after my high school graduation), said goodbye to my parents and walked with my chin up accross the metal detectors at security check. Once in Colorado Springs, I met up with my B&B people (Who were very very hospitable) and spent the night with them and another basic. The next morning, both of us were driven up to the academy, and Beast began.

Beast...cannot be explained. I could tell you right now to expect the worst of the worst (because that's all you get), and you probably still will not take what I say 100% seriously. Maybe it was just our squadron that got the worst end of the deal, but every person I talked to said that they too spent most days and nights asking themselves: "what the hell did I get myself into?" cusswords were involved more often than you'd expect.

The first few days into, I knew that there was going to be a lot of screaming and yelling. It was fine, I knew that I had to put it behind me and continue on. Then after the first week, after only getting a couple of hours of sleep (because our beds needed to be perfect despite the cadres making us tear them appart right before taps) I began waking up to the pounding and yelling seriously wondering what I was doing there. At night, after taps I would seriously wonder what the point of being there was. And after a few more days I decided to get out.

To me, getting out wasn't just because of basic. Sure, basic was the deal breaker, but it was finding out what the next four (and then five+) years of my life would be like. I realized, after talking to several basics and cadres (those that were civil enough to talk to you at ease) that there are, ultimately, four groups of people at the academy: those that come from a military background, those that were recruited athletes (ICs), those that are seriously commited to serving their country, and those that have other reasons for showing up. Unfortunately, I fell in the last group. My reason for showing up was because I liked how prestigious an academy education looked, it was financially friendly, and becoming a pilot didn't sound like such a bad thing.

Unfortunately, I come from a rather liberal background. I was never used to the strict lifestyle. After coming to the realization of what an Academy life (or lack thereof) would be like through all the briefings they gave us, I was one of the first in line to want out. They started my out-processing papers and told me it would take 10 days before I could start giving some of my things back, and told me to continue doing the things regular basics were doing. So I was still a basic cadet, with all the restrictions and regulations, but with no motivation to do those things. I still had to get up very early and do the endless amount of pushups + flutterkicks and spend 20-hour days just like everyone else. Some cadres targeted me more often knowing that I would be deserting them soon.

After less than a week into the out-process, I started coughing and what not. Ended up at the clinic and found out I was infected with the H1N1 virus. Then a week later I was exhibiting less symptoms to finish my outprocess. I gave some of the stuff back, had to keep the rest because I had labeled them. Flew home, and the rest is history.

The point of this post was to inform those that are thinking of joining the class of '14, '15, etc about what they're getting themselves into. I wasn't the only person to outprocess. I met many other people who were medical turnbacks, or just wanted to leave due to other personal reasons. One girl I met told me that she had attended because everyone, including her parents, were very proud of her so she felt compelled to go. Once there she found out she had made a bad decision and out-processed. Another guy I met was a medical turnback who had no intention on returning the following year. When I left him his mind was set on getting out as soon as possible. I met another person who was an IC. The only reason he was going to stick with it was because he knew that once basic ended, he would be with his team, practicing everyday. In other words- he wouldn't be experiencing the lack of life a regular cadet experiences while at the academy. He also said he didn't want to be a pilot, he was going to take the five-and-dive deal. This same IC told me about other people he had met who were there for wrong reasons like competing with their sisters/brothers for attention. It was interesting finding out everyone's reasons for being there.

The people who were definitely going to stick with it were mostly preppies (our class had 31 preppies...nearly 300 preppies reported to prep school BCT last year. Prep school is said to be a "joke" by the preppies themselves. The fact that ten percent showed up this year should say something about how this place is not for everyone), others had family in the military, or were dreaming about attending since they were very young. {edit-misinformation. There were more than 31 preppies http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123156150 }

My roomate, before I became sick, was also considering leaving to the point that he would enhance my feelings of getting out. I had to tell him more than once that my decisions didn't apply to him, and had to encourage him that he dreamt of attending since he was 10 while I only found out about the place when I was 17. He decided to stay, and I was glad he made that decision, because everyone is going to experience that down feeling whether they think they will or not. It is definitely the worst experience in the world. It caught me in tears more than once, but if you find the real reason why you decided to attend- you are more likely to make it through. For me, that reason just didn't exist. As much as I wanted to find one, because I had worked so hard to earn that spot, I couldn't. I had more reasons to come home and attend state school than I had to stay at that very prestigious school that "guaranteed me a job during this tough economy" after graduation. Perhaps I'll regret that decision in the future, but for now I'll just have to stick with the choices I've made.

Hopefully if you're reading this and you're in the process of applying, you'll consider what you'll be going through and really find a reason to stick it through. Sometimes it takes attending before you can come to your senses. Have a plan B. If you get accepted to your state school, put the downpayment and leave it with your parents in case you want to come home. The LAST thing you want happening to you is coming home and realizing that you have no plans for the fall. I only wrote this because I was told by my parents, family members, girlfriend, and friends that I definitely did not belong in that environment. For some reason I was blind in thinking that I knew everything. Here is a hint- there are people who know you very well. If they doubt that you'll be a perfect fit- listen. More often than not they'll be right. Right now I find myself kicking myself in the butt saying " I should've listened to my mom," "I should have concentrated myself on other schools," etc. Just saying that it is a very big decision to even show up for Basic. It should be thought-over very well. Good Luck.

Ex-Basic Cadet L.A.,
20-13, "Best to be Seen"
(or 20-13, "We're Quarantined")
(or my favorite- 20-13, "We Need A Vaccine")
July 18, 2009

[PerpetualMotion]

Wow, thank you for your post. As a candidate its really helpful to get the "other" side of the story. Its understandable that the Academy isn't for everyone and quitting isn't in any way giving up.

[72falcon]

Yeah, unfortunately, when someone leaves USAFA (or one of the other service academies) they are labeled as "quitting," whereas if you enrolled at, say, Tech and decided you wanted to go to State, you are merely "transferring." Nothing much has changed over the years, it takes actually being there to realize you may (or may not) fit in. Can't fault 13bullsonparade, at least he/she went to orientation and got a chance to see it first hand....though I know some folks who wanted to go, got the nomination, but couldn't get the appointment from USAFA. Don't know what else USAFA can do to get folks to understand what they are getting into (I know I didn't, back in the day)... good luck to you, 13bullsonparade, I'm sure you will succeed in whatever endeavors you attempt, but for those candidates (or current cadets) reading this, believe me, it is worth it...and yes, I was one who was certain he was going to bail out at the minimum time served, but stayed on for 30 years...and I thank God every day that I stuck it out.

[Eileen]

You are absolutely correct that the Air Force life isn't for everyone- and it's very wise to listen to friends and family if they think you aren't the type to be successfully at the Academy. It doesn't mean they are correct but it does mean you should ask for more details as to why they hold that opinion. Like all the service academies the place is as military as military can get. If you can't stand being told what to do and how to do it for at least 6 weeks the chances of emerging from Basic aren't great.

You are also correct that statistically the doolies with the highest chance of graduating 4 years later are those that attended the prep school. It's one of the many reason my son is at the prep school now.

HOWEVER your prep school numbers are incorrect. I need some time to get the correct numbers-for those that are interested I will post them as soon as I get the exact numbers, but I do know that close to 200 prep students returned to the Academy for basic this year. It was mentioned in the parent briefings.

Good luck to you as you persue "Plan B" and yes, my son had a plan B and even a plan C in case he didn't get in.

Eileen

[13BullsOnParade]

Originally Posted by 72falcon

Yeah, unfortunately, when someone leaves USAFA (or one of the other service academies) they are labeled as "quitting," whereas if you enrolled at, say, Tech and decided you wanted to go to State, you are merely "transferring." Nothing much has changed over the years, it takes actually being there to realize you may (or may not) fit in. Can't fault 13bullsonparade, at least he/she went to orientation and got a chance to see it first hand....though I know some folks who wanted to go, got the nomination, but couldn't get the appointment from USAFA. Don't know what else USAFA can do to get folks to understand what they are getting into (I know I didn't, back in the day)... good luck to you, 13bullsonparade, I'm sure you will succeed in whatever endeavors you attempt, but for those candidates (or current cadets) reading this, believe me, it is worth it...and yes, I was one who was certain he was going to bail out at the minimum time served, but stayed on for 30 years...and I thank God every day that I stuck it out.

Thank you.
And you're right. like I said- I encourage others to find a reason to stick it through. Just because it did not work for me does not mean that it will not work for others. And, in my case, it took a first hand experience to find that out. I'm just that hard-headed sometimes, I guess.

L.A.

[HNeedle]

glad to see that you at least gave it a try. this place definitely isnt for everyone; some people leave and get bitter at the academy, but you've learned something about yourself. that's all that counts in my book

[aggie83]

On the profile sheet that the Academy put out for the class of 2013, it said 31 basics were from the Prep School so that is probably where he got his information. I was very surprised by that 31 number as it seeemed very low but that is what the official profile sheet said. I cut it off the AFA website and pasted it below:

CLASS OF 2013 ARRIVES THURSDAY
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The 1376 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2013 arrive here Thursday to begin basic cadet training.
The class includes 312 minorities, which make up 23 percent of the class. Overall, the Academy received 9,897 applications for admission into the class, with 1,667 being offered appointments. As of June 24, 1,376 had accepted appointments, including 1,097 men and 279 women. Other credentials of the Class of 2013 include:

• 41 are prior-enlisted members; 31 attended the Academy’s Prep School last year
• 15 percent were either high school class presidents or vice-presidents
• 65 percent were in an academic honor society
• 89 percent were athletic letter award winners
• 28 percent were in band or orchestra
• 27 percent were Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts
• 9 percent were Civil Air Patrol
• 13 percent were in Junior ROTC

The high school grade point average of the Class of 2013 is 3.86. College entrance score average for the SAT is 1294.
The 11 international cadets entering with the Class of 2013 are from Trinidad & Tobago, Peru, Colombia, Taiwan, Thailand, Lithuania, Ghana, Slovenia, Philippines, Poland, and Serbia.
The appointees’ introduction to cadet life starts June 25 with a full day of in-processing which includes: medical processing, haircuts, clothing and equipment issue, and squadron and dormitory room assignments. It also marks the start of 38 days of Basic Cadet Training designed to prepare the basic cadet trainees for entry into the Cadet Wing.
During the first 18 days, most of the basic training is conducted within the cadet area. On July 13, the trainees march to Jacks Valley to set up a tent city and live there for 12 days of field training. The trainees march back from Jacks Valley to the cadet area on July 25, and finish Basic Cadet Training on Aug. 1.
The fall academic semester begins Aug. 6.
NOTE: The Class of 2013 statistics are current as of June 24 at 9 a.m., and are subject to change as the class finalizes between now and tomorrow. Media wanting to cover In-processing should call the Public Affairs office at (719) 333-7731/7593 no later than 4 p.m., today to arrange access and escort.

[AuzmansMOM]

41 are prior-enlisted members; 31 attended the Academy’s Prep School last year

It looks to me like it is say "of the 41 enlisted, 31 of those were Prep" Which means the rest of the 200(? )prep were not enlisted. what do you guys think??

[13BullsOnParade]

Originally Posted by Eileen

You are absolutely correct that the Air Force life isn't for everyone- and it's very wise to listen to friends and family if they think you aren't the type to be successfully at the Academy. It doesn't mean they are correct but it does mean you should ask for more details as to why they hold that opinion. Like all the service academies the place is as military as military can get. If you can't stand being told what to do and how to do it for at least 6 weeks the chances of emerging from Basic aren't great.

You are also correct that statistically the doolies with the highest chance of graduating 4 years later are those that attended the prep school. It's one of the many reason my son is at the prep school now.

HOWEVER your prep school numbers are incorrect. I need some time to get the correct numbers-for those that are interested I will post them as soon as I get the exact numbers, but I do know that close to 200 prep students returned to the Academy for basic this year. It was mentioned in the parent briefings.

Good luck to you as you persue "Plan B" and yes, my son had a plan B and even a plan C in case he didn't get in.

Eileen

This is where I got my numbers:

Academy Class of 2013 arrives for inprocessing

Also tell your son that as soon as he goes up to the hill for basic next year from prep, that he will immediately be looked at as a leader. All of the cadres treat the preppies differently. They make them element leaders and always hold them up to higher standards. I thought it was fair since they had a larger advantage over a lot of us (which is a little crazy considering prep school is supposed to get everyone on the "same level," yet the preppies are always ahead of the game. A lot of them didn't help us, they just looked at us as if we were dead weight).

Thank you though.

L.A.

[stoneturtle]

Originally Posted by AuzmansMOM

It looks to me like it is say "of the 41 enlisted, 31 of those were Prep" Which means the rest of the 200(? )prep were not enlisted. what do you guys think??

Yeah that makes sense.

They wouldn't run the prep school if it had such a dismal record.

[afprincessintrainingmom]

Quite confusing isn't it...from everything I have ever seen...approx 75% go on to an academy from the Prep Schools!

[Eileen]

Ah ha-I think I see the problem. Someone was in a hurry to meet a deadline. I think what they actually meant to say was that of the 41 priors-31 of THEM had attended the prep school. We were told that most proirs attend the prep to get back up to speed on academics but certainly that is not the way it reads. I will post exact stats as soon as I can get them.

Eileen

[afprincessintrainingmom]

Originally Posted by 13BullsOnParade

This is where I got my numbers:

Academy Class of 2013 arrives for inprocessing

Also tell your son that as soon as he goes up to the hill for basic next year from prep, that he will immediately be looked at as a leader. All of the cadres treat the preppies differently. They make them element leaders and always hold them up to higher standards. I thought it was fair since they had a larger advantage over a lot of us (which is a little crazy considering prep school is supposed to get everyone on the "same level," yet the preppies are always ahead of the game. A lot of them didn't help us, they just looked at us as if we were dead weight).

Thank you though.

L.A.

I have to preclude this with...I have written this over and over...and it doesn't get any better! We have raised our daughters to tough as nails...to take into consideration everything before making a decision...and when you make a decision to think about it one more time to make sure you are making the decision for the right reasons. It is not that I am not an empathetic person...I just don't go along with blaming others for what you can not accomplish! I am sorry you had such a hard time in BCT...but please do not paint the entire Preppie class with the same brush stroke...I am sure there may have been some hot dogs you may have encountered...but maybe there were other options you did not see that would have turned your outlook differently! If our Preppies are held to higher standards good for them...they will work their behinds off for a year to get that! So please do not bash anyone because you "thought" they looked at you differently!

What you will find in life is that you more often than not hold the key to your own success or failure!

Godspeed with your future endevors! I hope that you will find something you love and have a happy healthy life!

[foxesth5]

"Errare humanum est, perseverare diabolicum".
My dear son, I am more proud of you now, because you tried, learned and rectified on time, with your chin up and your mind very clear. Your honesty, personality, believes and principles will guide you in life with wisdom. Welcome back home.
Thanks USAFA Community for your support and guidance. Thanks for your prays too. God bless you all.

[72falcon]

13bullsonparade: the more I read your posts, the more I am impressed with how articulate and intelligent you are...I think USAFA and the Air Force lost a good one...again, good luck to you.

[13BullsOnParade]

Originally Posted by afprincessintrainingmom

I have to preclude this with...I have written this over and over...and it doesn't get any better! We have raised our daughters to tough as nails...to take into consideration everything before making a decision...and when you make a decision to think about it one more time to make sure you are making the decision for the right reasons. It is not that I am not an empathetic person...I just don't go along with blaming others for what you can not accomplish! I am sorry you had such a hard time in BCT...but please do not paint the entire Preppie class with the same brush stroke...I am sure there may have been some hot dogs you may have encountered...but maybe there were other options you did not see that would have turned your outlook differently! If our Preppies are held to higher standards good for them...they will work their behinds off for a year to get that! So please do not bash anyone because you "thought" they looked at you differently!

What you will find in life is that you more often than not hold the key to your own success or failure!

Godspeed with your future endevors! I hope that you will find something you love and have a happy healthy life!

I'm sorry, I did not mean to paint the whole preppy class that way. A lot of them were also very helpful. I remember two preppy girls and a preppy guy in my squad who came into our rooms to check that we had everything set up well before an inspection. They also made sure we had everything that was required of us. I was not generalizing them when it came to their personalities or whatever. But again, they had that advantage of knowing ahead of time what the requirements were and how to get by. I thought that 2 preppies in a squad who weren't of much help to their comrades was a high number. It also looks a little bad especially when the academy tries to instill teamwork. I'm sorry if I insulted your son because he is a preppy, I was just saying what I saw. I'm sure he'll be one of the helpful ones next beast. He'll just have to remember that preppies are like the teachers among the students. They'll be evaluated more strongly on how they use that knowledge. Also, now that I think about it, the numbers are definitely skewed. There were most likely more than 200 preppies among us since they were a common sight. Sorry about that misinformation.

And to be clear- I do not blame them (preppies) for me not making it..at all. I also don't blame the school or anyone else (including the cadre). If anything I blame myself for not being able to foresee the outcomes. This was something I was trying to get through on the thread: I re-evaluated my goals (and, ultimately, my decisions).

[RaptorDad2013]

LA --

"Blame" is not the right word, and I don't think anyone is using that word with you, at least not in the literal sense. I have a great deal of respect for your decision and, moreover, of your decision to make your narrative public. I have seen your posts before and always thought you to be an articulate young man.

I'm sure, regardless, you are even more so now, given the last 3-4 weeks of your life. So, "blame" is not the word you should use with yourself, either. With time, I'm sure you will say (as you've already noted, there were a few "clues") "I should have paid more attention to this person," or "I shouldn't have discounted what that person said." That is how life is. The decision you made to become part of the Class of 2013 -- the best yet to be seen -- was a life-changing one, and you, as did all our sons and daughters, made your best choice. Upon more direct evidence (BCT-1) you realized this was not for you. This is how life is. Many people make the same errors about many life-changing experiences -- goodness, just think of the number of people who get divorced who say "I knew it when I got married, but pressed on in spite of..." ...of what parents, friends, or others might say.

So don't be so hard on yourself. You have the integrity to own your decision. You've gone public with your experience, hoping others may learn from it. That's commendable. You're not putting blame elsewhere, but you are taking responsibility for your actions. "Taking responsibility" is not "blame." Others saw things in you that caused them to select you for this Class. You know yourself even better, and as a result of your experience came to some conclusions, and have self-selected yourself out. But those qualities the Admissions Board saw in you are still there and you've shown them in just a few words on this USAFA Community site with your advice for others. That's character, and obviously, you have it.

Good luck in your future endeavors. You have much to be proud of, including your honest account and your decision. Whatever it is you choose for your life, you'll do well, of that I'm sure, because even though you are no longer part of the Class of 2013, your best is still yet to be seen.

Best regards,

Dave

[MaiTaiSq]

Thank you for your insight on your experience, you obviously had all the requirements in academics, athletics, leadership and other areas expected for a nomination and appointment to be accepted into the 2013 class, by passing Prep school. My son also said the Preppies were element leaders for the first week in his Flt. But he and others where rotated in thereafter after they were up to speed in the marching etc. Good luck in your future!

[pojack]

13BullsOnParade

You have made a very wise post and you show wisdom beyond your years. The Academy and the AF or any other service =, for that matter, is not for everyone and if you found it wasn't for you, then you made a most mature decision. Leaving is definitely not quitting so never think that. I wish you luck in any endeavors you undertake and I am sure you will be a success in anything that you attempt.

[PA Twin Mom]

Originally Posted by 13BullsOnParade

I only wrote this because I was told by my parents, family members, girlfriend, and friends that I definitely did not belong in that environment. For some reason I was blind in thinking that I knew everything. Here is a hint- there are people who know you very well. If they doubt that you'll be a perfect fit- listen. More often than not they'll be right. Right now I find myself kicking myself in the butt saying " I should've listened to my mom," "I should have concentrated myself on other schools," etc. Just saying that it is a very big decision to even show up for Basic. It should be thought-over very well. Good Luck.

L.A.
I agree that you did what was best for you. There is no shame in that...you should move on in life with your head held high.

The point you made about all the people in your immediate circle of influence not thinking it was a good fit for you is definitely a point prospective applicants should take very seriously. Family knows us best.

Be blessed in your future endeavors!