<p>Ok so this is gonna be my second time at BCT, last year i was sent home thanks to a torn up knee about halfway through. that being said, my main question is this, last year it was made clear to us that they were trying to “toughen” BCT, and that we as 2010 were basically the guinea pigs in that attempt… this included the removal of the intramural athletics, and the implentation of daily PT. After my injury when it was clear i was getting turned back, my cadre were suddenly very friendly towards me, and would comment on the pros and cons of the changes. most said that the loss of intramural athletics was bad because it essentially took away one of the rare chances we had to bond and get to know our classmates. Did the views of last years cadre come into play when the 2011 BCT schedule was made? Secondly in post several weeks ago i saw someone commenting on how the academy was cutting costs for 2011, and how some of the particular cuts “sucked” can someone comment on what those might be?</p>
<p>I heard a rumor that intramurals are returning. For 2010's BCT there was not a whole lot of time to bond in 1st BCT, but (thanks to the weather) there was more time for bonding at Jack's. As far as cost-cutting, 2011 will just be doing a couple more things for themselves.</p>
<p>Seemed like the sentiment about the weather last year was that it was essentially par for the course in terms of colorado in the summer, but the idea of intramurals returning seems like a positive thing for us basics. I definately recall the cadre asking us where each other were from and us thinking to ourselves how the hell should we know when were allowed to communicate with nobody outside of our own rooms lol. After thinking back as to what we didnt do ourselves last year, i assume that we'll probably now be in charge of our own laundry, and probably the work around the dorms that is usually done by the goodwill people? my guess is that you people in the know will neither confirm or deny this haha</p>
<p>But I was looking forward to having my clothes boiled for me... :P</p>
<p>My daughter is a swimming recruit with the class of 2011 and the swim coach told her that swimming will be part of intramurals during BCT. So, looks like intramurals are back!</p>
<p>"But I was looking forward to having my clothes boiled for me... :P"</p>
<p>Unrelated, but FYI... Contrary to popular belief, clothes are not actually boiled. ;)</p>
<p>I've got an update for everybody on this year's BCT changes. The following is from an article on the Academy's website, and can be found here: <a href="http://www.usafa.af.mil/scripts/aweb/ffnPopUp.cfm?newsid=1732%5B/url%5D">http://www.usafa.af.mil/scripts/aweb/ffnPopUp.cfm?newsid=1732</a>.</p>
<p>
[quote]
We are increasing Airmanship by two days, returning intramurals, and moving the Jacks Valley training session up by a week...This will allow the last week to center on evaluations. Basics will be in various blues combinations the entire last week to allow for a smooth transition into the academic year... - MSgt. Schoellkopf, Academy MTI [Military Training Instructor]
[/quote]
</p>
<p>One less week of 1st BCT, one more week of Stan/Eval. :)</p>
<p>Evaluations... does that mean physical testing and validation exams?</p>
<p>stan/eval is standards and evaluations, as that article mentions the various combinations of blues uniforms. Its basically making sure we're competent with the standards of uniforms, rooms etc etc. But im sure being that we'll still be basics, there is sure to be some good ol' physical training as well. I'm pretty sure the validation exams are during 1st bct...</p>
<p>That sucks, lol. I'm betting you'll have room inspections, perhaps drill inspections, etc. those days...</p>
<p>Re the article, what goes on during "airmanship" - more time to tour the airfield, review flight ops, etc?</p>
<p>And I guess the extra week of being in "blues" is to ensure the incoming cadets know how to iron and wear thier AC year uniforms? Were there problems in the past with there not being enough training on this basic function?</p>
<p>yes, many had issues prepping blues and service dress. Plus, yall will get to see us 3 digs moving back in! :) That will feel nice. </p>
<p>You will still have your laundry done for you, its really a necessity for you and us. </p>
<p>No comment on the other duties you will have.</p>
<p>I got a quickie. Anyone got any opinions/comments on blisters this soon to I day. I'm trying to decide whether it would be better to let my feet heel up more b4 I day, because I know their going to get worked out there. Or I should just make do and push through it now with only a couple of workouts left?</p>
<p>If you ve broken in your boots for the most part, I think you'll be ok. For BCT 1 we'll be on our feet a lot, but the boot wear wont be as intense as in jacks. Probably keep doin what you're doin, just take care of the blisters, or whatever is bothering you right after a workout. If its bad though, i would allow some healing time.</p>
<p>Have heard that if you do get blisters, duct tape is a great thing to cover them with. You might have to smuggle it in wrapped around a pencil or something; I can't imagine anyone getting in with a big role of the stuff!</p>
<p>ah no! duct tape bad! really really bad! speaking from gullible personal experience here. it prevents the moisture from leaving the area and actually makes them worse. athletic tape is great, though, since it's cloth. if you get blisters during basic, there's supposed to be a lot of people out there to help you take care of them, i would advise letting them deal with it early on so they don't get worse.</p>
<p>They give you a blister kit as well, so you can even just take care of it yourself to save yourself the hassle of going to the clinic during beast</p>
<p>just 2 more questions...
1. What happens on Inprocessing day after the paperwork and the bus ride. I know we learn how to march but does anything else happen?
2. At mealtime, do we eat square? Also, when I went to the orientation the girl I stayed with said to know some jokes because the cadre ask for them. Should I try to memorize some?</p>
<p>Thank you! :]</p>
<p>Just a question. What kind of boots do you wear to USAFA? And are any of the professional foot skin care products available to you? Luckily I didnt have problems often with my feet, but, some of my buddies did. THere was some sort of spray that provided a protective covering. And there was a liquidy type of material that was cool feeling that could be adhered to problem areas. It was covered with a larger elastic type of tape that enabled the entire area to breathe and heal while being protected. I think some of the bigger running shoe type stores still carry that stuff.</p>
<p>Mail call question. I know incoming cadets are not to bring much of anything (boots and razor are about it) but what about things they get in the mail - are they allowed to keep them after reading them? I.e. postcards w/pictures on them (though I think photos are not allowed to be mailed in envelopes, right?). Newspaper articles, letters from freinds, etc. - do they have a "place" to store them at Jacks? Or can they bring along a zippered "mini-binder" to keep old mail in?</p>