<p>With all the intensity & stress during basic training. how did you guys manage to stay awake during the briefings?</p>
<p>It was pretty difficult, I don't really remember how I even did it. I think it was me saying to myself "stay awake, stay awake..." over and over in my head. My eyelids felt like they had lead weights on them.</p>
<p>is it really that big of a deal if we do fall asleep? I mean, are they actually talking about important stuff? I remember summer seminar last year, after Doolie day, he just kept on talking and talking. It ended up being pretty boring and not important.</p>
<p>perhaps some of the information may be a little repetitive, but Im guessing they aren't going to waste our time with worthless stuff. Im sure a lot of it will be about military courtesies etc; stuff that will need to know at the academy and in the real air force. How else do you think we'll learn it?</p>
<p>in short, yes it is a big deal. cadre and permanent party walk around to make sure u aren't sleeping. some info seems pointless, but its all stuff they have to else us for one reason or another.</p>
<p>to stay awake, keep nudging ur squadmates. if u keep nudging each other and looking (not turning ur head) for ppl nodding off then its easier for u to stay awake</p>
<p>Briefings during BCT are NOT like briefings during SS, and Eagle's right - it is a big deal. Your cadre will always be looking for teamwork. They want to see that you guys are looking out for each other. That's why when someone is caught asleep during Basic, the people to his/her left and right usually wind up in more trouble than the person who actually fell asleep.</p>
<p>Some of the briefings are pointless. Some are very important. Regardless though, you're expected to be awake and attentive. Obviously, that can be tough a lot of times. If you catch yourself drifting off in a small briefing, you can usually stand up in the back of the room. That'll usually be enough to get a little blood flowing and keep you awake. Large briefings are worse. When the entire class is assembled, there are usually numerous important cadre (i.e. Group Staff) patrolling and looking for sleepers. I'm not going to lie - fear of group training staff was more than enough to keep me awake during most of those.</p>
<p>In sum, keep your classmates awake first, and they'll take care of you. Stand if you can. If you can't, you've just got to fight it. The same goes for academic classes after BCT. Try to make sure you're getting enough sleep too (which is obviously easier after Basic).</p>
<p>
[quote]
is it really that big of a deal if we do fall asleep?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Sorry, but that made me laugh!</p>
<p>07PETKO - Do these same tips apply to USMA? Just wondering if cadets are allowed to stand up at the back of the room for awhile there as well, and are those to the left and right of the one asleep also held as responsible as they are at USAFA?</p>
<p>I'm not 100% sure of how things work over there in Gruntland (;)), but I'd imagine the answers are yes and yes.</p>