<p>I don’t really know the easiest way to say this, but I’ll do my best. I got a letter of assurance to the Air Force Academy in October and my appointment back in December. In recent years, I have dreamt of going to the Academy, and especially of being a pilot in the Air Force. As a junior-in-high school-to-be, I started to become very serious about the application process; i worked hard in school and sports and did well on my ACT.</p>
<p>Once I got my appointment, though, everything became so real; I read all the forms and saw the box that says, “I accept my offer of appointment and agree to be at the Academy on 26 June 2008” and nearly freaked out. I guess that before that point I focused so much on the glory and the benefits/positives of going to the Academy; even though I had an idea of what it really is like to go there and what it implies, it simply didn’t hit me until that day. My life will change forever as soon as I arrive there on June 26th, and that reality is scary as hell-- which i think is the underlying reason for this: fear. </p>
<p>I dont want to sound like a spoiled lazy teenager, but I live a very comfortable life and I am used to all my civilian luxuries; I have so much respect for all the men and women in the armed services, obviously, and though I am a very serious and disciplined person, I’m beginning to think the military lifestyle just isn’t for me. Then again, for all I know, I could do very well in the military-- I just don’t know, and I think this fear could be impairing my judgment. Are these normal feelings??? I need to know if they are or if maybe God is trying to tell me something.</p>
<p>This is such a big decision, and I don’t want to make the wrong choice on a premonition…</p>
<p>This is certainly not a decision to take lightly. Try talking with someone who has military experience or, better yet, is a graduate of a service academy. Talk to your parents too. Consider the pros and cons of attending, making a list of each if you have to.</p>
<p>There certainly are many "benefits/positives" of coming to the Academy, and sometimes even "glory" as well. But as I'm sure you realize, it's very often hard work. You'll be putting in long hours and will be forced to push yourself, all while knowing that your friends back home are having a good ol' time sleeping in until 11 and having fun every night. </p>
<p>It's natural to feel a little nervous about accepting an Appointment, so ask yourself whether's you think it's just nerves or if you are seriously concerned about your potential choice of lifestyle. Think it over - you've still got a while to decide - and make sure that whatever you decide is what you want. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Were you able to attend summer seminar or go to the Academy for an orientation visit? It isn't an easy decision, and should not be made lightly. I am sure there will be more about that later.</p>
<p>First off, maybe you should read the post about advice from a navy grad. I read through all of it, and thought it was pretty helpful.</p>
<p>It's good that you know why you might not "sign the dotted line", but maybe you should try to figure out even more of what's bothering you. If you are afraid of changing, then maybe you need to understand that change is part of life. You experience it regardless of what you do in life. Although the Academy makes a lot of changes very fast, it can be a good change.</p>
<p>If it is losing your civilian luxuries that's bothering you, then maybe you should remember that those things may not always be available to you in life, at least as you have them now.</p>
<p>Ask yourself, is there something that I would rather be doing than joining the military, or do you feel pressured to go? Because if you are just considering going for a free education, or because your parents/friends are strongly encouraging you to, then you will have problems finding reasons to stay when it gets tough here.</p>
<p>This decision is a big one, as any current cadet or grad will tell you. It's good that you are asking yourself whether this is truly what you want now, as opposed to waiting to ask yourself while you are here. But understand that, should you choose to come, you will probably mature a lot, and be very capable as an adult. You will learn more in your first year here (experience-wise) than you might in 4 years at a civilian university (although there are obviously exceptions to this).</p>
<p>I hope you will make the right decision, like you are trying to do. If you decide that USAFA or the military just might not be for you, then I hope you will find success wherever you choose to go.</p>
<p>Plenty of use here have left a very cushy life as civilians. However, in my opinion, I really enjoy the life at USAFA. It's not like we are losing everything we have and living in tents! It can be a great life and a ton of fun if you choose to make it. We gave up home cooking, but I can sit down in my room, turn on my Wii and play Guitar Hero, Zelda, Mario or something else on my projector. Not at all bad I think!</p>
<p>Again, yeah, you give up a lot, especially as a 4 dig. And seriously consider that if you aren't willing to sacrifice here and as an officer, then maybe someone else waiting for an appointment in line deserves that appointment you are holding if you don't think this is a life you can undertake. Not to sound callous, but every day you hold on to it, is a day you could be preventing someone who is completely willing to be in the military from attending, especially if you do get here and decide to leave.</p>
<p>Think long and hard, make the decision that's best for YOU. There is a reason this country has an all volunteer force, in fact its AMAZING that we do. Someone else is just as willing to take the oath to protect you if you do not think you are able. And the glorious thing about this country is that no one will hold that against you. Good luck in your decision.</p>
<p>Your feelings are natural. Everyone I know here was nervous at some point (not everyone admits it). I was so nervous on I-day that I puked--fortunately, NOT at USAFA! Seek out advice from those around you (who have your interests in mind). There are a lot of people who have BTDT within the SA forums here. Most of us want to give you the best advice we have.</p>
<p>USAFA is not an easy road to take. I know people who hated USAFA and left quickly. Others loved this place but were forced out. However, most will graduate, and will feel they have developed/accomplished something here. </p>
<p>USAFA has plenty of days that suck--no doubt about it. For me, that is outweighed by the satisfaction of what I am doing (and will do) and by those good days (yes, there are quite a few of those too).</p>
<p>Consider your options and motivations for each route you have. No one "in the know" will fault you for making a sound decision, be it USAFA, State U, or whatever.</p>
<p>As others have said, reaction isn't too uncommon considering this is such a big decision. Just think about it, and be sure you are fully ready for the challenges that await you in June. If, after thinking about it, you really do not feel you want to go through it, that is okay too, as the military isn't for everyone. However, if you do show up, give it a fair shot; every year there are a couple people who don't get off the bus, a few more who don't get through the inprocessing line, and several more who quit in the first couple days--all of who take up spots other people could have had.</p>
<p>I'm an 06 grad, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to give you a bit of perspective.</p>
<p>What hornet said is true... you give up a lot as a 4 degree here. But the benefits FAR outweigh the costs, I can tell you that much. That's not to say that the Air Force Academy is for everyone, because it's not. However, you gain things here that you never woild at a civilian college, especially teamwork and comraderie. On the weekends you can pretty much live a "normal" life and have fun... And as a 4 degree you can also make up a lot of your own fun. I was told before I came that I would make my best friends in the military and that has proven so far to be very true... don't forget, you're going to have a LOT in common with all of your classmates. You can't really understand 100% until you actually come, but you will see...everything is what you make of it. I would advise you to visit and also to talk to as many cadets as you can. Doing so before you come can really give you a lot of insight and perspective on what cadet life is like and also give you a better basis off of which to make your decision.</p>
<p>One last thing... it's a weighty decision so it's understandable that you might be a little nervous about committing to come here. But don't think that a little bit of nerves means you're not supposed to come! You're the only one who can really determine that, but I say you should visit, ask questions, and give it a chance. :) That's the only way to find out, and you don't want to have regrets later that you turned down an opportunity of a lifetime.</p>
<p>One of the biggest benefits of being a USAFA cadet is the unique opportunities you get. In the past year and a half, I have been to Spain, flown gliders, gone on tours of a rocket factory and an ICBM launch control center, completed BCT and Recognition, met some famous officials and writers...and even got paid a little to do all of that.</p>
<p>On the downside, I've woken up to simulated ground bursts at 0330 (during GE) and upperclassmen at 0430 (BCT), stayed up 'till 0430 cleaning for an inspection (for which I had to get up at 0600), had little opportunity to see my old friends and family (although that would have happened to some extent anyway), left my car and most of my free time in Chicago, and have had a lot of extra jobs/responsibility compared to most of my friends...and been on probation since 1st semester last year due to PT scores. (wow, huge run-on!)</p>
<p>You give a lot to gain a lot at USAFA. It really depends on your priorities and attitudes.</p>
<p>I've been on this forum for going on three years now and mostly stuck to the Navy posts, since my daughter is a USNA candidate. Having said that I'm extremely proud of all the compassionate and well worded advice above. As soon as I read the question I was sure someone would jump on this poor kid and berate him for wasting others time, being a wimp, etc. </p>
<p>Far from any of that you've all been helpful and caring. Therover5509, you're in the best place to get help. Think long and hard and do what's right for you. Hopefullly that will be accepting your appointment and having a great (if tough) time at USAFA. If not, that's okay too.</p>
<p>I agree with Cougar......interesting how the threads for the different Academies will vary......</p>
<p>Going off to college, ANY college is a big decision for someone graduating from h.s. For most, it will be their first time away from home for an extended period of time. No one will be there to tell you when to go class, do your homework or set your priorities. Just think of how many h.s. students ever did their own laundry or ironed their own clothes before going to college!!!! </p>
<p>All of that will involve changes and you will grow as a person. Will it be easy, probably not. But then you are pursuing a dream you have and that will almost involve some unknowns. No one can say for sure if someone will be successful, but that should motivate you to do your best to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.</p>
<p>Visit whatever school/Academy you are seriously thinking about attending to get a first hand view of the place. Talk to as many current/recent students you can to see if this is what you want. When you read about someone who realizes the first day the Academy was 'too military' for them, they probably haven't done enough research ahead of time.</p>
<p>When you show up for I-day, you will probably not be the only one who is nervous about their future. That's OK. But if you prepare yourself and work hard, you are far more likely to acheive your goals, whatever they might be.</p>
<p>5509; as already pointed out, cold feet is normal. It' normal before you get married; move to a different and take a new job; going off to college; and it's no different when deciding on going to the air force academy.</p>
<p>First off; I am retired from the Air Force so I am definitely biased. Having said that, I didn't notice in your original post if you said you had gone to summer seminar. If not, have you visited the academy ever? If not, are you planning on going to orientation in April. Any of these would give you the opportunity to see exactly what you are getting into. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot anyone here can tell you that is going to put you totally at ease. Not unless you've visited or at least have spoken 1 on 1 with people who are very familiar with the academy.</p>
<p>I just returned from the academy with my son about an hour ago. We went down for the weekend to look over the athletic facilities and let the coaches explain the program to my son. Even though he received his appointment in November and has always wanted this, we still enjoy the numerous visits. (Yes we are fortunate enough to only live 2 hours away). We will also go down again for orientation in April.</p>
<p>All I can suggest is that you ask certain people here some detailed questions that you have concerns of. Especially if you've don't have the chance to visit it first. I can tell you all the great things that the academy and air force have to offer you that will pay off hundreds of times over throughout your lifetime. Many here could tell you about an environment and opportunities that only available to an academy cadet and graduate. Employment opportunities and such that not even hardvard or yale can provide for you. Opportunities that some go their whole life and only dream of. Unfortunately, most of this isn't going to help put your mind at ease. Most of this isn't going to answer what is digging deep inside of you.</p>
<p>You are going to need to ask very specific questions about your concerns. Don't be shy. There are hundreds of others who are thinking the same questions but are too shy to ask. If you are truly worried about being sent off to war or similar, then ask it. If you are concerned about the lifestyle and social environment, then ask it. What are you so concerned about? You've only really mentioned your comfortable lifestyle and luxuries. You probably didn't provide those. Your parents probably did. As such, all I can say is that those same luxuries, when you get them back again, will taste even better having provided them yourself. </p>
<p>But if you truly are even thinking about how miserable you think you might be because you don't have you WII, MP3's, car, or other possessions for a short time; then your priorities are definitely not in line with the academy or military. The academy isn't a some place you go because they've got the #1 ranked school in the western United States or one of the best engineering schools in the country. The academy, and then air force, is a way of life. For some it's a way of life for the academy and just 5 more years. For many, it continues onto graduate school and a military career than might last 20-30 years. Either way, you have to tell us what your concerns are. maybe one of the current cadets or one of us old farts who have retired can help put some things in your mind to rest. Good luck.</p>