<p>What keeps you guys going? What do you do when you get frustrated and just want to give up and quit? How do you overcome this?</p>
<p>For me, I just look at my Air Force Academy posters, signs, stickers, or anything and keep on trucking and listen to some music. “I’ll never let you go” by Third Eye Blind keeps me going for some reason I dont know why.</p>
<p>What about you?</p>
<p>I usually look outside. This really is a beautiful campus.</p>
<p>As aweful as USAFA can seem to a 4 degree sometimes, I know that I would regret not comming here. I know that it is kind of an odd motivation, but I ask myself "Would you regret not trying it?"</p>
<p>you could just think about how much easier you have it than a 4th class cadet at west point. :)</p>
<p>From what our exchange cadet from WP has said, you are right!</p>
<p>This campus is amazing, don't forget to take the time to enjoy it. I especially took advantage of that during basic when we would be doing PT at 4:30 in the morning, watch the sunrise, find a falling star (but don't get caught gazing!) During basic, we would live meal by meal, sitting down for those short twenty minutes was amazing. Now during the schoolyear, the prospect of being able to leave on the weekends, getting to call some friends and family on the weekend, plus being able to sleep in on Saturday mornings gets me through the week, Music will definatly be a huge motivator once we get it back.</p>
<p>I have not had that urge to quit yet. The only person more optomistic than me is Chief Vasquez (for those who read the words of wisdom in the morning and/or gone to VECTOR), so I see everything in a positive light. I am known in my squad as the next wing stan/eval officer, the nicest one to attain the throne. lol. Just depends on the person.</p>
<p>What academy has the most grueling Plebe/1st year?</p>
<p>I'd say either Army or AF.</p>
<p>I've heard some "horror stories" out of USNA too.
They are all though, just in different ways. It depends on what is tough for you. WP is very physical, USAFA is very academically focused, and Navy is a mix (from what I've heard).</p>
<p>USAFA is the most academic. But our basic was more intense than navy's. I speak from the stories I have vs the stories of my friend's plebe summer there. But army is very difficult, my friend there is having a rougher time than me.</p>
<p>Don't forget that each squadron may run things differently so that some may have it particularly tough in one Squadron but a little easier in another. Some seemed to be tougher in BCT, some tougher after BCT, or both. There were differences between first and second beast as well. I imagine the same could be true in WP and Annapolis, making comparisons difficult. Current 4th years like Hornetguy and Guyforchrist seem to have had varied experiences.</p>
<p>Probably right AFDAD. My second BCT squad comm was insane. We were doing push-ups in our "free" time, literally. </p>
<p>Our squad now just got a few priveledges many have had the entire time. We finally greet by cadet last name, we got flanking movements back (lost for a week), and a few other things.</p>
<p>My son is making similar observations. He says some squadrons are having it easier than his, but some are having it tougher.What seems to grate the most is that some squadrons are getting to keep their phones all week, but his isn't.</p>
<p>Ditto my son on the phone issue. But then he said something interesting -- he was glad he didn't have the phone because he was worried it would distract him during the week -- and he wasn't sure he would be able to "just turn it off." He thinks the practice is helping keep the discipline he needs-- I guess I can't argue with that! As for me, I'm seeing a new level of maturity that represents another example of what's good about the AFA! ;)</p>
<p>If you took BCT seriously and take this place seriously, you do change. For me, not my personality, but I've finally picked up the right study habits and time prioritizing. In less than to weeks we will be allowed our phones all the time if grades are good. Bring it on!</p>
<p>I've heard that Basic at USMA is more difficult than here, but doolie year is a little rouher here. They don't have to do any of the stupid stuff that we do (like not carry backpacks, run on the strips little stuff like that).</p>
<p>For me, when I don't really get down at the stuff we have to go through. WHat gets me down is the fact that I kinda have a while until I'm done with all the 4 degree stuff. But whenever I get down, I take a walk (outside the cadet area, of course ;)) and just think about how I felt about this place before I came here. I wanted it so bad, and now I'm here. In the grand scheme of things, this game we play called "being a 4 degree" will be well worth it in the end, and it's really not even that bad.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, the scenery here doesn't hurt either.</p>
<p>I hear that quite a lot: the scenery really helps everyone get through the rough spots. Is it the majesty of it all? Reminder of a higher power? Reminder that there are bigger things you are working for that make the little annoyances tolerable? All of the above? Just curious.</p>
<p>All of the above, really. You have to realize at times that this is not just a college that throws a bunch of BS at you...its an opportunity to do something that 99% of America was not qualified enough or motivated enough to do...its a higher calling.</p>
<p>It is the majesty, partly. I usually think, "Wow, this place is beautiful and I am lucky enough to be here!" or I think about the cool stuff I would never do at a civilian college.</p>
<p>What about things like church? What kinds of services do they offer at the AFA? Does that help you get through?</p>