<p>I might add - go to the academy admissions web site and study it until you're crosseyed. Then if you have more questions, you know where we are!</p>
<p>Hi I'm a junior and I've been preparing myself for the Air Force Academy since the 8th grade. Lately I've been debating the Air Force Academy vs. Air Force ROTC issue. I've heard that either it doesn't matter the source once you get your commission and also that a lot of people think Air Force Academy are a** holes. I'm not saying that's how I feal I was just wondering what you guys had to say about that. Also I was wondering if it is possible to still get a "college experience" out of the Academy. I know this has been kind of a negative post but everything on here is positive so I don't know what you guys think about what some people say.</p>
<p>We think ROTC is a piece of cake, they think Academy cadets are arrogant - there are stereotypes on both sides. Still, from my experience, the people here are AMAZING. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. There's maybe one or two people in my squad of 100+ that I don't really like. As far as a commissioning source goes, it depends. If you want to fly, come here. ROTC cadets get relatively few slots, while virtually everyone at the Academy who wants to fly gets to do so. College life - it's obviously going to be different at the Academy. You aren't going to go out and party every night and you'll never see alcohol in the dorms. BUT, that's not to say we don't have fun. We still order pizza when we want to and toss a frisbee around on the weekends. You really make your own fun - I've had a great time so far. The choice is ultimately yours, but my recommendation: AFA all the way.</p>
<p>I echo what 07PETKO says. There are some people here who are full of themselves, and there are some who are cynical and hence come off as completely arrogant. BUT that's not the majority of people here. I get along with and have a lot of respect for almost everyone I know here. Don't listen to ROTC kids... they're just jealous because they're not here! :)</p>
<p>This is not a normal college. If you want to have the party lifestyle and aren't too interested in devoting basically all your time to academics, military, athletics, leadership, etc. then you probably shouldn't come here. However, we find ways to make life fun, and I can definitely vouch for the fact that there is plenty of time for a social life. We have hall brawls, spirit missions, carrier landings, dining outs... and then you also have a designated number of passes to go out on the weekends. If you're a fun person, you will have fun here. If you're a boring person, then you will stay locked up in your room all the time reading textbooks and occasionally taking a 5-minute break to eat and read Harry Potter, and pretty much your life is going to be miserable. :)</p>
<p>OK, first, let me say that anything I am about to say is just my personal opinion. While it also reflects the opinion of many others in the Air Force, it is by no means an opinion of all members of the Air Force. Active or Retired. Also, no matter what type of commissioning program I talk about, there are good a bad officers who have come out of these programs. Please forgive the length of the post.</p>
<p>There are 3 ways to become a commissioned officer in the Air Force. The Air Force Academy; AF ROTC, or standard OTS after obtaining a college education on your own.</p>
<p>Among many Air Force members, especially enlisted personnel, there are some pre-conceived opinions about all 3 commissioning programs, as well as some opinions of the pros and cons. Starting with the traditional OTS program after getting a college degree on your own. Some believe that with the exception of "Prior Enlisted" personnel, the majority of people who go to college on their own and then join the Air Force and go to OTS for a commission, are people who couldn't find a "Real" job after graduating. Or, that they weren't smart enough to get into ROTC or the academy. Not that this is true, but the perception is; "Why would you pay for your own college just to come in the military, if the military would have paid for it, for you". Most know that many times this is a mis-perception, but it is still a perception of many. The Pro side is that you do indeed get the "Real" college experience. You have the chance to grow and mature and figure out what you really want to do with your life. You aren't locked into a military commitment if you graduate and decide that maybe the military isn't the right choice for you. The negative side is the perception that you are someone who doesn't commit. Especially to defending their country. That this was something to do because of a lack of other choices. </p>
<p>The next choice is ROTC. Generally, this is a pretty well respected means of getting commissioned by most active duty personnel. It shows a commitment that you made ahead of time prior to accepting a college education in return for you serving your country. There are few negative perceptions of ROTC except for one. Many believe that those who come out of ROTC are a bit too "Gung-Ho" and don't have a realistic understanding of the Air Force and military once they are commissioned and enter active duty. Some thing that ROTC students many times also did Jr ROTC and they've been "Playing" war most of their lives. Again, not saying this is true or false. I'm sure there are some that fall into this category while some others who don't. It is still a perception however among some. The PRO side is that you do have the majority of your education paid for. You can go to some "GREAT SCHOOLS" like USC, U of Miami, and others that the average person may not normally ever be able to afford. With the exception of your military training and the way you have to keep your appearance, you also get most of the traditional college experience.</p>
<p>The Air Force Academy is the 3rd and most unique commissioning program. It is generally perceived by most active duty personnel as being very prestigious. Most people realize that only about 17% are actually selected into the academy. Most people in the air force, mainly enlisted personnel, also consider it the same as their military training except longer. Enlisted personnel will go through 6 weeks of basic training and then directly to 3-9 months of school for technical training. (Depending on their job). The air force training program is accredited and recognized through CHEA via the Community College of the Air Force. The only branch of the military at the time to have an accredited college. Albeit a Community College. Most personnel recognize academy cadets as living the "Military Life" just like they did. Just 4 years of training instead of the 1 year or less. The majority of pilots and flying officers are academy graduates and this also fuels the perception of being part of the "Real" Air force. The pro side is obvious. 100% free education with pay and a job waiting for you when you graduate. A different type of "Team Work" attitude instilled upon you compared to the other 2 commissioning programs. (24X7) A better perception among the men and woman who you will eventually be commanding over. The negative side is that many will think that you are very "Book Smart" but have no practical experience in life. Whereas the other 2 programs allowed you to still develop as an individual before thrusting into the team environment.</p>
<p>Again, all of the pros and cons I mentioned are primarily based upon perception. That doesn't mean that it's right or wrong. Just that it is perceived that way. The practical benefits of the academy are financial and a full time military environment. The practical benefit of ROTC is financial for the most part and the ability to be "Part Time" military. The practical benefit of paying your own way through college is not being committed to anything unless you wanted to later.</p>
<p>As a 1st Sergeant, a young airman once compared the 3 commissioning programs in the military to me as such.</p>
<ol>
<li>Air Force Academy: Is like The Regular Active Duty Air Force</li>
<li>AF ROTC: Is like joining the Air National Guard (There's a whole other perception of guard vs active duty)</li>
<li>OTS after getting your own degree: Is like being told; "It's the military or Jail" back in the old days. Basically it's people who don't have many options.</li>
</ol>
<p>Anyway, these are only perceptions. I personally have known excellent officers in all 3 categories as well as some real "BUTT-HEADS" in all 3 categories. I've gone to school with many of these people and I've served side by side with many of them. You can be whatever type of officer you want to be once you are commissioned. I personally think that while the academy is definitely the most prestigious and most closely related towards the "Real" Air Force, it takes a very special person. A person who can be dropped into a whole new world with all the stresses associated with that, and pull a full college course work in 4 years without the possibility of pacing it longer. But then again, the "TYPE" of cadets that go to the academy are usually self motivated, high achievers, and natural perfectionists and leaders. They demonstrated that in high school with the type of classes they took there and their other activities. Anyway, there's 1 opinion. Albeit long winded. Later... Mike....</p>
<p>There definitely are perceptions between commissioning sources. At the academy, cadets are warned not to become "ring knockers." There is the risk of having an over-inflated ego after graduation (I've seen it before grad. in some people). Cadets here don't get to interact with a large number of OTS grads, so our perceptions are not very solid. The majority of OTS officers I have met were prior enlisted. Priors are generally respected because they have more real AF experience. The majority of prior-E officers I have met were "no-nonsense" leaders. There are a lot of perceptions of ROTC cadets here. Some of the common ones are that ROTC cadets lean more toward the slacker side or are too "hooah" for their abilities. Now, this is definitely not universal! I have met some excellent ROTC cadets, who fit neither stereotype. Unfortunately, when we meet ROTC cadets here, many tend to rub us the wrong way. One cadet was extremely focused on every detail (not always bad, but they didn't seem to be able to put perspective on things here). Another was very hard working, but demanded more respect than I felt she earned. </p>
<p>From talking with ROTC cadets, I found out about a few perceptions of academy cadets they have. Some consider us crazy for volunteering for such a restrictive environment. Others think we are way too arrogant (which is partially true). One talked about how the academy "gave out pilot slots like candy" while she had to work for hers...that really angered some people here, because most of us consider the academy to be more than a cakewalk to a pilot slot!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the difference in lifestyles and customs between the academy and ROTC creates a lot of misunderstanding between cadets. That is not to say that one is better than the other, because both can produce fine officers. However, the experience is very different!</p>
<p>Sorry to be so long-winded!</p>
<p>My "Personal" opinion, based on working with every type of commissioned officer, is that Academy Grads are indeed "The Best". Yes, there are exceptions to all rules. But generally speaking, academy grads seem to make better officers. Once commissioned I find them to be more realistic about the air force, more prepared to do their job, willing to learn, (Even from enlisted personnel), and more about "Team work". Just my opinion. Later... mike....</p>
<p>When I was on Ops I talked with a lot of Staff Sergeants and SAmn who eched something interesting to me. They don't like prior-E who commission because while they usually say they want to make it better than they had it, they actually may come down harder and make things more difficult. The enlisted where I was liked USAFA and ROTC grads based on my perception.</p>
<p>Yup, that too is very common. Also with quite a bit of truth to it. I.e. A Senior Airman or Staff Sergeant who works in the Communication squadron as a radio or satellite repair technician. Finished college and goes to OTS. Comes out as a "Communications Officer" and winds up working in the communications squadron. They tend to "Think" that they know all about commmunications because they use to work there.</p>
<p>However, those prior enlisted who go to OTS and get into a field that they didn't have past experience in aren't usually like that. Later... Mike...</p>
<p>This is great stuff....very thoughtful dialogue. You can learn a lot here.</p>
<p>Raiderchick92 and Pilot360</p>
<p>Gasdoc is right -- this is all great stuff, but in re-reading it, I thought you might be looking for a couple of ideas of activities you could do THIS YEAR in high school. Since you are a sophomore, your high school should be picking people to participate in "HOBY" -- which stand for the Hugh O'Brien Youth leadership program (Pilot360 -- the Rotary Youth Leadership Program -- RYLA -- is for high school freshmen -- same advice applies, and many of those participants go to HOBY the next year). </p>
<p>HOBY is for sophomores in high school who exhibit leadership skills, is sponsored by Kiwanis Clubs (who pay all the costs) and the participants are usually picked by the high school counselor -- or at least they have a part in that process. It is usually a long weekend, takes place toward the end of your sophomore year, and includes other sophomores from all the schools in your state or maybe a large part of your state. (RYLA is the same, only a year earlier.) You might meet with your counselor and ask what you need to do to be selected -- and take the chance to tell them of your interest in the AFA.</p>
<p>There are two positives here -- one is that your high school counselor now knows YOU from all the other sophomores in your school (and of your interest) but your high school counselor also usually has input into things like Boys/Girls State (an American Legion-sponsored leadership seminar between junior and senior years of high school) or similar "leadership" seminars where you can get leadership skills that come later in high school. </p>
<p>Plus, you want to get on your counselor's "radar screen" that you are interested in a service academy -- the sooner they know you are interested, the more they can help you achieve YOUR goals (and that's what they are there for!) And it won't hurt if your high school guidance counselor is one of those who writes a letter of recommendation for you when you apply and can truthfully say " I know she's worked hard and been focused on the AFA since her sophomore (or freshman, Pilot) year in high school..."</p>
<p>Another is to start prepping for the PSAT -- some schools will let sophomores take a practice PSAT which will give you a good idea of where your academic strengths are and maybe some places you need to emphasize. As many have pointed out, solid SAT/ACT scores are critical to your application.</p>
<p>And, you might check to see if there is a Civil Air Patrol squadron in nearby sounds like Pilot 360's done that). It's a great way to see if all the "military" stuff is something you enjoy (or not) and is another potential leadership activity for you. Plus, it exposes you to the Air Force and flight in ways that can give you info on your future potential career.</p>
<p>That's "something" you can do right now, along with all the other excellent advice you've received here about sports, EC's, and etc. Good luck!</p>