<p>I was USAFA class of 1999. The first day is something that I will never forget. (and the next morning too…I woke up to upperclassman yelling at me with “Welocme to the Jungle” playing in the background…) If I had to do it all over again, here is what I would do:</p>
<li><p>Do it by myself…I realize family is very important, as are mine. But you have to prep yourself mentally before you go. The bus ride from Dolittle to the BMMR is something you will not forget. Its a time for introspection and realization of a dream. Take it in for every moment it is. You won’t do it again. And the last thing you want is to be worrying about your family being there and just be slightly distracted. This is your moment of realization and will stay with you forever. Get yourself motivated as you start to get locked up! You will need personal strength and determination to make it through. That introspection starts the morning you wake up. </p></li>
<li><p>I would listen to my iPod to get me motivated. Do whatever it is that helps you build confidence. You might have a journal, a book, a scripture or whatever it might be. You need to pull out all the weapons you can to give you that mental edge…You will soon enter a club that will be yours forever.</p></li>
<li><p>Try your best to be a leader at the beginning. Volunteer for leadership very fast…Actually, the harder you work, the more the Cadre respects you and the less they yell at you. They go after the dirtbags. I used to be cadre and a training NCO…</p></li>
<li><p>Make friends fast! The people in your squadron will be your best friends forever. And, yes, when you first see the people you will say: “he looks like a dork…” but you will soon be very tight to him/her.</p></li>
<li><p>Realize that sleep deprivation is the name of the game and you just have to accept it!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Above all: be proud and do your best. Realize that you are among the best…I met my best friends in 1995 and they are still my best friends more than 10 years later. The were in my wedding, my son’s godfather, and we always talk to each other - even if we are hundreds miles away.</p>
<p>Go Air Force!!!</p>
<p>PS - If you want more advice or questions send me an email to <a href="mailto:pirate1999@gmail.com">pirate1999@gmail.com</a>!!! I would be willing to tell you what knowledge to learn so that you can be squared away!</p>
<p>PSS - If you are a parent and you really wanna go, then I understand. But be sure to not overwhelm them. Give them confidence but give just enough space to be ready for the zoo! They are in great hands out there…</p>
<p>Thanks sir for the information.</p>
<p>A big thing on attitude: BE A TEAM PLAYER!</p>
<p>When you get to I-day, realize that everyone here has a set of skills and experience that your flight can build off of. You will probably have some prior-enlisted or prep. schoolers. During the first week of BCT they will be way ahead of most people...they've done similar things before. Others will be Eagle scouts, champion athletes, braniacs, and maybe even business owners. Get to know them, they can help you greatly. BCT is about teamwork, so get to know your team! It is no longer about "you" but about US.</p>
<p>Take your work seriously. (Also, realize that many rediculous things you do are about habit building, not the task itself.)</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. My son just received his appointment.
I don't know why he wants to attend the AFA. He says he has
his reasons. He shows no emotion at all. Are there any other cadets
that display no or very little emotion?
My wife and I are skeptical about his desire, although we are very
proud of him.
Is there any advice you can give him?
He doesn't read any of these boards and I tell him there is all kinds
of info to be found.</p>
<pre><code> Thanks for any help.
</code></pre>
<p>FalconDad,</p>
<p>He sounds like a typical teenage son to me. Check your messages, I sent some more insight.</p>
<p>Stealth_81</p>
<p>Clearly if he has an appointment the Academy, His ALO, His Teachers/Counselors, and your local Rep/Sen believe he understands what he doing. Only you really know your son. What do you think about your son's decision. Judging by the post it would seem you have some apprehension. I know my duaghter has been excited about the place since the sixth grade. I cant imagine her not showing emotion about her appointment (She couldn't contain herself when she got the word).</p>
<p>We are going to orientation April 15-16,so he can get a better feel for the
academy. I asked if this is definately what he wanted and he said yes.<br>
I see him looking through the appointee catalogue and
the getting up at 4:30 a.m. and he says jokingly "yeah right thats not gonna happen". Well hopefully he's joking. Time will tell.</p>
<p>Sometimes people can't seem to articulate exactly why they want to go. Maybe you should ask what makes USAFA a place where he wants to go, or why he is choosing USAFA over a "normal" college.</p>
<p>As for advice for him--Tell him NOT to go for anyone else but himself, and be 110% commited to being a cadet.</p>
<p>Well, if he accepts his appointment, he will get up at 0430 during BCT...the cadre yelling and pounding on the door will guarantee that!</p>