<p>Just trying to get a better sense of the major operational differences between the two pre-summer training programs. Obviously the content focus is a bit difference–no sailing at AFA, but is the approach different as well. When we were at the CVW for USNA Plebe summer definitely seemed to be a bit more low key–the previous summer’s student commandant actually attended a parents’ forum and spoke in depth about her leadership and direction of the cadre and plebes. Definitely got the sense that while the physical challenge, discipline and expectations had not changed, degradation was not an acceptable way to motivate and the support and resources were there for most if not all to succeed. Do those who have experience fell that this is the case at USAFA as well?
In addition, are there summer experiences after the first year at air force beyond summer school, or do cadets just go home for a short period of time and then return to campus. Do they travel anywhere?</p>
<p>I can't speak to the BCT aspect, but I can tell you a little about summer experiences from what my son is doing.</p>
<p>Summer after 4 dig year, He had leave for 3 weeks, jump for 10 days and Global Engagement for 10 days, OPS for 3 weeks. OPS is basically a 3 week stint at an AF Base somewhere in the world. His was at Barksdale AFB.</p>
<p>This summer, he is heading to Bosnia on an Olmstead Foundation Grant for 17 days, going to Philmont Scout Ranch as an Academy Ranger for 3 weeks and then OPS summer yet to be determined for 3 weeks. No leave as he gave up his leave to go on the Olmstead trip.</p>
<p>I know he also applied for another scholarship for a language immersion program that he hasn't heard back from yet that would have been 8 weeks in egypt. There are lots of language immersion program run through USAFA as well.</p>
<p>Summer is really anything but summer school for most. There is also the soaring program that is taught during the summer, in addition to the regular school year.</p>
<p>I am sure some of the upperclass cadets on here can elaborate on even more programs that I have never heard of yet. Their summers are not dull, that is for sure. I guess they can be as busy or not busy as they choose depending on what they reach for.</p>
<p>This summer, I'll be heading to Peru for a month for language immersion, teaching jump for three weeks, and spending some time at home on leave.</p>
<p>USAFA sends cadets to dozens of different countries. I'm pretty sure that even I don't know about all the available opportunities.</p>
<p>hopefully itll be GE, CST, Soaring, leave for me :D</p>
<p>another major difference between plebe summer and BCT is that basic cadets can be "dropped" to perform push-ups and like exercises, while plebes at plebe summer cannot. other than that, both teach knowledge and teamwork and things of that nature.</p>
<p>USAFA is definetely on the same page as far as an "anti-hazing" rule which is enforced. all training must be done with a purpose (to include push-ups) and cannot be done in a demeaning way.</p>
<p>and as other people have shared, there are plenty of opportunities, and summer school is certainly not the only option</p>
<p>
another major difference between plebe summer and BCT is that basic cadets can be "dropped" to perform push-ups and like exercises, while plebes at plebe summer cannot.
</p>
<p>Really? Is there a reason behind this?</p>
<p>I don't know of a reason why they can't and we can, but there is always a reason to do pushups. In theory the TIs at Lackland can't drop the enlisted guys... do they? Of course. At least there it is about the intimidation aspect more than anything else and the threat of pushups usually kept the slackers in step and in line better than actually doing them.</p>
<p>no idea what the reason is. same story for during the school year tho too.</p>
<p>PETKO, will you elaborate a bit more about what you know about your Peru trip? Where will you be staying? What work/activities will you be doing? Is it in conjunction with other AFA cadets or is this solo? </p>
<p>Sounds like a neat experience. Is spanish the language you are studying? I'm currently in my fifth year of spanish. I have some interest in continuing in the language. However, a c4c friend of mine said that during BCT you take a language aptitude test. If you score well, you choose between Russian, Chinese, or Arabic. Would it be possible to take say both Russian and Spanish, or take Russian but still have to opportunity to do a Spanish immersion trip?</p>
<p>Thanks! Lots of questions...</p>
<p>Sure thing. While I don't come from an area that naturally has a lot of Spanish speakers (central PA), I've always enjoyed the language and took five years of it before coming here. If you score well on the DLAB, they'd like you to take one of the strategic languages, but certainly won't force you if you're already somewhat proficient at something else. I scored high enough on the Spanish placement exam to be put into a pretty advanced class right off the bat, which is probably what saved me from Chinese 101. That being said, if you really want to take both Russian and Spanish, it can be done. If you're just looking to continue with the Spanish, that's definitely possible as well. Just make sure you do well on the placement exam.</p>
<p>Now, regarding the trip. The Spanish department is sending twelve cadets each to five different countries this year (Spain, Mexico, Panama, Argentina, and Peru). Other languages have similar programs: the French speakers go to Paris, those learning Arabic go to Morocco/Egypt/Jordan, etc. There's an application process that's not terribly difficult (I didn't even get interviewed), and anyone at or above the 200 level can apply (which is a fairly basic level of the language). Since our summer periods are three weeks each and the language immersion trips are generally about a month long, we'll actually leave the Academy after Dead Week, and before Graduation. Our first week is going to be in Cuzco, followed by a week on the Inca Trail and at Macchu Pichu. After that, we'll spend another week down in the Sacred Valley, and finish up with our fourth week back in Cuzco. We'll be staying with Peruvian families that have volunteered to host cadets. During the day, we'll (usually) attend classes, but our nights should generally be free. It's a really great opportunity. I believe the AF is dropping about $5100 on each of us, and the trip should be awesome. Peru was my first choice too, so I'm pretty stoked. Let me know if you've got any more questions about Spanish, immersion trips, summer fun, etc.</p>
<p>Does anyone know where I can find a list of all summer activities available?</p>
<p>I'd like to know about summer activities too. Do you know if there is anything that involves SCUBA diving?</p>
<p>there's a scuba class you can take here during your firstie (senior) year</p>
<p>I think jump and soar are probably the most sought after activities the first summer. Space is another option. CST and leave may comprise the remainder of the summer though some 2011s were lucky enough to get ops. Ours got an F-16D incentive ride out of Eglin.</p>
<p>Opportunities for travel begin the second summer (e.g. language immersion), as stated ops assignments for some can also be pretty cool. Sports camps, summer seminar, and BCT I & II are other potential assignments but there are more than that. If you are a soaring IP or make the WOG, then you probably spend time at the airfield each summer teaching soaring or jump.</p>
<p>Keeping your GPA/OPA up helps.</p>
<p>What year can you start Jump Training and when can you start on the Demo Team who does the shows at Football games and occasionally Bronco's Games? ;)</p>
<p>scuba is no longer a class offered at the academy, at least for a few years until renovations are compelted</p>
<p>jump is a program you can enter summer after freshman year. if you successfully complete the program and earn your wings, you can compete for one of the coveted 25 slots on Wings of Green, the prep team to the 50-member Wings of Blue. Petko is a WoG, so PM him if you want more direct details. the demo team is juniors and seniors, and usually seniors get the big jumps (like bowl games and professional games)</p>