<p>So, (I’ll warn you right now, this thread is pointless :)) I’m totally bummed because I live at 1200 feet…200 feet higher than I can be to qualify for that study they’re doing with iron.
Poop!</p>
<p>Totally lame because I live 15 miles from school, church, store, …LIFE 
which is all at a much lower elevation. Augh, I’m so bummed!</p>
<p>hehehe, if ya can’t tell, I’m thinking I’m gonna need all the help I can to acclimatize</p>
<p>haha.. take some iron before you get there. be warned of the side effects though :) i'm from ~400, so i'm set. i may not even get the iron though, maybe just a sugar pill! that'd suck. i started a thread on this somewhere.. i'm sorry missmuff!</p>
<p>HNeedle, you'll learn in just a day or two whether you've got the placebo or iron pill. There will be no possible doubt there. Look it up, if you REALLY want to know.</p>
<p>Sorry MissMuff - I hope this is your only setback.</p>
<p>haha fencersmother i already know :) mom's a nurse</p>
<p>hehe, mine's an np. she thought iron was a good idea</p>
<p>yeah, well, no other classes got it, i'll live :)</p>
<p>just had to declare the injustice of it all to the world! ;)</p>
<p>You will be just fine missmuff. just try and run hard, do lots of push-ups, and get the pull-up thing done.</p>
<p>I guess you'll just have to do what people have been doing for 53 years...just do it (insert nike logo here).</p>
<p>yup yup :)</p>
<p>and good luck trying to explain to everyone back home why it is so hard! :) I pretty much gave up after basic. You will be fine though, as far as acclamating goes. That first AFT is fun!</p>
<hr>
<p>:)</p>
<p>(that's from GroogWaugh cause he couldn't get it to work)</p>
<p>there ya go GroogWaugh... haha</p>
<p>haha. GroogWaugh's right. Doesn't matter how much you try, people back home will almost never understand why and how hard life here is...people back home also have difficulty understanding life in general here. I guess you kind of just have to do it.</p>
<p>Never fear though! A lot of cadet parents understand how difficult life can be.</p>
<p>They have a lot of experience getting cadets aclimated at the Academy. You will probably hate it at first, but after a while things will get easier. As for understanding, well you haven't chosen a traditional path or career. Most kids your age will be joining a Frat or Sorority, gliding through classes, and partying on the weekend. They will not be trusted wit the things you will though; the protection and defense of your friends and neighbors. You will have an opportunity to do great things, and set yourself above your peers. You may be given the chance to fly jets, or spend long hours in a missle silo, but while America sleeps you get to ensure her safety. The average american will never understand, but some do.</p>
<p>Generally current or previous servicemembers understand the most. This makes obvious sense.</p>
<p>When I came home for leave the first time, I got in a looong discussion about BCT with my friend and his father. His father was in the Army, during the '80s. It turned out that my friend's dad was really enjoying the conversation and had a lot of understanding, whereas my best friend was routinely giving me the "smile and nod" accompanied by the blank stare...really awkward for your best friend to not comprehend but his father to instantly understand!</p>
<p>How's does BCT at AFA stack up against Basic Training in the Army, or in another service? How about against the training they get at USCGA?</p>
<p>I don't really know. Obviously, there are some similarities, but the people I know who have done it went through in the '70s, '80s, and one guy did army basic a couple years ago. From talking to him, it sounds like they did a lot more running and weapons training than we do (makes sense, since it's the army).</p>
<p>Fencersmom, Basic Training no matter which Branch (Army, AF, Navy, Marines or CG) is constructed on the same principals. You shock the individual, and tear away what is normal for them. You replace it with a regimented schedule of activities they have no control over. That said Basic Training has some unique elements depending on which branch is experienced. </p>
<p>Enlisted AF is probably the easiest. USAFA 2nd BCT is very physical and being conducted in "Jack's Valley" adds to the challenges.</p>
<p>Army Enlisted Basic has some very physical elements (Marches), and Combat techniques (Hand to Hand Fighting). USMA has the BEAST Barracks experience, and also has very physical combat portions. </p>
<p>Navy and Coast Guard have elements unique to sea service. They get to learn a whole new language (port, starboard, aft, bow etc.) decks instead of flooors.</p>
<p>The Marines have what is likely the most challenging Basic Training experience. They are very physical and everything culminates in an event called the crucible. A very grueling final exercise.</p>
<p>In my AF career I only attended AF Enlisted basic. I instructed graduates of Army, AF, Navy, and Marine basic at a Joint DoD technical school. That gave me a window into the other branches. I think USAFA BCT is more intense then USAF enlisted basic, and probably at least as physically intense as ARMY enlisted basic. Hope this helps a little.</p>
<p>Oh, thanks, ds - and everyone else. Just trying to get the complete picture so I am not shocked. Ss may be shocked out of their shoes, but their mother will be in-the-know. :)</p>
<p>;) well, potter's poor roommate can tell y'all the differences between enlisted, preppie and academy bcts...she went through all 3!</p>
<p>So will living at 400ft above sea level make me the weakest kid in the world at high altitude?</p>