<p>2011 has only a short time left before basic, and the nerves are definitely setting in on me! In retrospect, what was the absolute worst thing that you had to do, and what could you have done to better prepare?</p>
<p>{I’m not trying to make anyone relive a terrible experience, I’m just curious!}</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>oh btw. question. during bct do you get mustered?</p>
<p>While I can't answer from my experience, I HAVE heard that one of the most difficult things is the first day or so. The bus ride up the hill on I-day is intense, with a lot of yelling and no matter how much you expect it, it seems to get to people. Know that almost EVERYONE wonders during the first day or two, why they chose this. You are simply not used to the military immersion. No matter what you hear, KNOW THAT THINGS GET A LOT BETTER and that there is good reason you are being treated the way you are. The first time you are in your room and the cadre spill your cloths or rip up your bed and you are confused, perhaps not even sure how you should react, no that it's ALL normal and you will be just fine. If you endure, the reward is great and you must keep telling yourself that. Avail yourselves of chapel on Sunday -- it's a great respite that you will come to cherish. Make sure your family knows to write OFTEN -- it's what will keep you going during BCT. You may think it's nothing but the feeling when you don't get the letters while others are is just as difficult as getting those letters is joyful. Think of short trm goals: Just need to get to Doolie day out, just need to get through Basic, just need to get to parents weekend, etc. The Recognition, etc. You will hear things that may discourage you into thinking that it won't get better. Hang on to the fact that it does get better with each passing milestone -- in the end, you will feel that you really accomplished something. Not exactly what you asked, but you get the idea. 4-digs to comment for sure!</p>
<p>My mom kept bugging me about USAFA when I was going through the application phase. She kept asking me over and over again if I was sure I really wanted to do it. I am thankful my mom did that, because now my resolve is hardend beyond anything I had earlier in the process. With each passing day, I look forward even more to the challenges ahead of me, and I have reached my peak of anticipation now that I have gotten my LoA (I got it on Monday). It has been my desire for soooo long to be part of something bigger than myself, that I know I WILL make it through, and that I have to just keep going, and to keep from letting my TEAM down. This is meant as an encouragement to anyone who is getting nervous and having trouble keeping motivated. And just to repeat what AFDAD2010 said, don't forgot that THINGS WILL GET BETTER! Any comments, 4-digs?</p>
<p>90 days until I-day! I'm so nervous and excited and anxious and happy and everything that I don't even know what exactly I feel anymore. But I am still definately motivated and will not give up! But I would love to hear some of the cadets' first day stories...my brother didn't say much other than it was the worst day of his life.</p>
<p>the worst thing for me was heading to i-day. i had to leave a younglife camp ith alost all my friends (the place was like heaven) to go to basic (like hell). the orst part for me as being nervous about leaving so many ppl i cared about behind as i entered a new phase in my life. i dealt with it by talking to some of them before i left, and looking forward at the positives of a new life. once u there, u don't worry about it, and it all gets fine. usafa definetely changes you, and its great now to have moved on</p>
<p>The mornings are by far the worst part. Day one sucks pretty bad also, just endless hours of standing. Some people were upset by the yelling, I just never payed attention to it so it never really bothered me. Spacing out is the key to success. Just be able to pick out when they ask you something or tell you to do something and you will be fine.</p>
<p>Were any new cadets able to sleep the night of I-day, and if so how? That's what I'm worried about-not being able to get to sleep the first week, which would make it a million times worse.</p>
<p>If you are worried about the Cadre yelling at you during I-day, go to USAFA's website and look up the pictures of I-day from previous years in the Cadet Life section. One of the pictures shows 5 Cadets smiling and dancing and doing some goofy things just moments before all the new basics get off the buses and start getting yelled at. It helps as a reminder to see that they can relax and be funny when they want to. Most of the Cadre that help with BCT yell and stuff just because it's their job, not because they truly enjoy it (although there are exceptions). A 2nd Classman told me that he kind of missed the new 4-digs he helped teach during BCT after it ended.</p>
<p>The worst part for me was the feeling that it was going to be a very long time until I got to be "normal" again. Just learn to relax and kind of accept where you are and what you're doing as "normal" for a while, and don't compare basic to your life back at home. Don't compare anything. Take every day for what it is, and just get through as if it's the only life you've got...since it is. :P</p>
<p>You will be tired a lot. I was always sleepy, and briefings were so difficult to stay awake in. I hated that the most....and the assault course too. yikes. Many funny stories though. I woke up so many nights hallucinating I had a room full of cadre then I would either stand up at attention (in the dark), sit at attention, or go to attention laying down! Funny looking back. Just remember, it will end, and you will have funny memories to look back on!</p>
<p>Getting to sleep on I-day was a bit of a challenge, but I was definitely tired enough to pass out after a while. My advice during BCT is to put everything else out of your mind. (not saying to become obsessed with it though!) High school is over, this is USAFA. It might sound harsh, but keeping HS out of my thoughts helped me. I also thought about what I was going to do after graduation...kept things in perspective. Do whatever works for you.</p>
<p>One thought got me through many a BCT day..."It HAS to be getting close to lunch."</p>
<p>How bad is the PT during BCT, and how does it compare to training during the Academic year and during Recognition?</p>
<p>well, its every morning (switch run or normal pt), so you get used to it. it isn't too hard, but the fact that ur so tired from so much pt every day gets fatiguing.</p>
<p>as far as during the year, it depends on the squad. during recognition is worse than basic or the school year, but it is only 51 hours.</p>
<p>The PT during recognition and possibly during Ac year sessions is much harder than BCT, but keep in mind your body is ready for it then and you will most likely be in better shape.</p>
<p>In Basic and the AC year, PT stands for Physical Training. In Recognition, it stands for Physical Torture.</p>
<p>Haha, it seemed like it!</p>
<p>anyone else excited when they picked up their parade caps in the warehouse and saw the sign that reads "Welcome class of 2011"? u guys are very close...</p>