<p>Hey, my mom is trying to invent horror stories about BCT and the Academy to try and convince me not to go and I was just wondering, for those who have done it, what was the hardest or worst part of BCT or the fourth class year?</p>
<p>I'm not going to try and tell you about BCT or the academy; I'll let some existing cadets tell you about that. (It's more accurate to have someone currently there answer your questions). But what I will mention is that you are dealing with "9" years. Yes, NINE YEARS. 4 at the academy, and 5 more in the Active Duty Air Force. Now, I'm not telling you this to discourage you, just to put things into perspective.</p>
<p>There are plenty of very demanding jobs in the world. Police, Fireman, Scientist, Doctor, Lawyer, and YES the military. These are occupations that are extremely important to our country and civilization. (Well, maybe not lawyers; we'd probably be better off without any of those. LOL!!!). The point is however, that not everyone is cut out for every job in the world. Not everyone is meant to be a doctor, scientist, Fireman, policeman, etc.... Yet, SOMEONE HAS to do these jobs. You have to decide if 9 years of your life in the military is for you. </p>
<p>Now some might think that the first 4 years don't count because that is basically "COLLEGE". Well, that's true, but it's unlike any college that you've seen or heard of before. For all intent and purpose, it IS THE MILITARY. The only 2 differences are; 1) You aren't going to get shipped off to war during those 4 years. 2) While other military personnel's jobs are in electronics, mechanics, telecommunications, administration, tactical endeavors, etc....; YOUR JOB IS TO GO TO SCHOOL. </p>
<p>So, it doesn't matter what the hardest or worst part of the academy is/was. What matters is; for the reward that you seek upon graduation from the academy, and the future that you want offered to you, are you willing to give them 9 years of your life? To "GIVE" them doesn't mean partially or under condition. It means 100% of who and what you are; in return for the reward you seek. (Each person's reward is going to be a bit different).</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that they are going to intentionally hurt you, degrade you, risk your life, brainwash you, etc.... They aren't. But they DO HAVE TO break you down; take away your surface individuality; find ways for many people from different parts of the country who are totally different from each other to have SOMETHING IN COMMON; to teach you to use that commonality to work together as a team and accomplish goals; to teach you how to follow orders so you can eventually learn how to give orders; to realize that you are a "Piece" of a very large puzzle; and ALL AT THE SAME TIME let you gradually get back your individuality, skills, experiences, confidence, etc.... so that you can think for yourself when needed and make very important decisions which could even have other's lives in your hands.</p>
<p>That is what you go to the air force academy for. Not just to get a college education. You can do that in ROTC or on your own and go to OTS. You go to the academy so you can be in the military, become an officer, lead men and woman in missions that protect the citizens and the interests of the citizens of the United States as well as their rights and freedoms. Sounds simple enough, but it's one hell of a burden to be placed on an 18 year old. Just like a policeman or doctor, it is a very important job. Just not for everyone. </p>
<p>So, if you've applied to the academy and understand in your soul what I've said, and you are willing to give of yourself to your country's defense, in return for whatever reward you are looking for, then that is what you need to stay focused on. If all you are looking at is a free education and the perks of traveling, a job lined up after graduating, and all the other rewards; but aren't really taking into consideration what is required of you in return, then I really think you need to think this through more in depth. Anyway, that's what I think.</p>
<p>Beautifully written Christcorp. Thanks.</p>
<p>To answer the question, many feel the very first day is the worst. Certainly, my son felt that way. The total emersion into military life from the civilian world is a shocker, no matter how well you prepare or how well you've learned what to expect (prior-enlisted notwithstanding, of course). I'm sure the current cadets have much more to say!</p>
<p>Hard to follow up Christcorp there, but he is spot on. </p>
<p>One of the most difficult things for me was understanding I couldn't do everything perfect. I am anal and it gets to me when I am told I am wrong or couldn't do "it" right. Learning to get past the yelling and understand the message and how it will help me later was an important lesson. </p>
<p>BCT is difficult and many people leave once they realize this is not for them, it certainly is not for everyone. If you are willing to tackle any challenge and genuinely give your all for this place and the military and your country, you will succeed.</p>
<p>thanks for the info everyone and from what you said, Christcorp I think that the academy is what I want to do.</p>
<p>The hardest part for me in 1st BCT was not smiling. The hardest part during 2nd BCT was the assault course, and when we didn't have the assault course, not smiling. :)</p>
<p>the hardest part for me was not being bored. there's a lot of dead time and standing around when you can't sit, and it gets boring.</p>
<p>A couple things stick out to me. First, was the second day. I expected the first day, generally, to be what it was, but I had no clear idea of what the second day would be like. Next, was the A-course. That is a gut check more than "hard." Any basic can do it by that point, it is just how much you want to. Finally, being scared of heights, the Confidence course was an interesting thing to do. That one taught me the value of teamwork, because I wouldn't have made it up the Tiltin' Hilton without my flight!</p>
<p>i hated first bct, mostly the last week. i didn't mind second bct at all even though it was alot more demanding. it all depends though, b/c there were people who were the opposite of me.</p>
<p>"Hey, my mom is trying to invent horror stories about BCT and the Academy to try and convince me not to go and I was just wondering, for those who have done it, what was the hardest or worst part of BCT or the fourth class year?"</p>
<p>Who's going? Your Mom or you?</p>
<p>I agree with funny.
If your mom is trying to convince u not to go and you are ? SA's may not be the right choice for you, and remember the Air Force will be a part of your life for @8 years. I think the bigger ? is does she support your choice to go into the military or is it she would rather see you go ROTC? My s and I have had many conversations about BCT and he watched the military channel show on the academies this weekend, if you can find this show watch it, it will help your decision. The program is a series (all SA's) covering all 4 years, after seeing it he determined that he knows it will be painful, but as he stated noone has ever died in BCT so he's ok with it.<br>
AND YES, he knows he may at one or many points just wish they would kill him to end his pain...
Finally what freaked him the most is that he will have to sit at attention for every meal until March.</p>
<p>USAFA</a> Class of 2010 has pictures from my BCT. I know that without explanation, you will lose a lot of meaning, but I think it will still give you an idea of BCT.</p>
<p>Actually, I do believe someone has died in BCT before. Cardiac arrest. Can't confirm that though.</p>
<p>OK just will keep that fact from my s. Plus, if that is true (not ? u) I am sure the AF would review the BCT and DODMERB immediately...i.e just this month every 15 was grounded even the strike which is TOTALLY different (2 people) for over a week.</p>
<p>Yeah, some Major fell off a obstacle at a different base and died. (Why he was running an obstacle course by himself, I don't know.) The AF closed all courses until they could review them. We were upset because the freshmen were not getting the full courses. Fortunately, most of the courses were reopened before BCT.</p>
<p>Even pro athletes have dropped dead on the field before. It can happen, but it is highly unlikely.</p>
<p>I know that it is not uncommon for someone at the age of a Major, I thought you were speaking of BCT at the acad. Hate to say it, but the scenario with major is common. Remember they only have a full work up every year and a short work up in the between years. And after you are commissioned most of the courses are either refresher or an xtrain in either case it is up to the member to get ready for it...some start working out and raising the bar for themselves and some don 't.
I also wonder if that Major died at CGSC(PME sister school) in 2000 doing the annual run to graduate. That did occur in 2000.<br>
Note here, even after your acad days if you want to expand your wings and go to sister schools you will have to perform at their level. This is true if you want to do an exchange job (jump alo) Army makes you live like you are in the army,</p>
<p>When I took the R&R seminar here for 3 digs, they said that the Major died HERE on that really tall obstacle in the middle of the ropes course.</p>
<p>A few years ago a girl went into cardiac arrest on one of the courses (MAYBE the A-course?) because she literally pushed so hard it caused her heart to give out. </p>
<p>Also, BCT was revamped in 2004 I believe because people were taken off either daily or weekly due to a disease that was caused by excessive exertion. While I can't remember the name of it, once a person used all their glycogen in the muscles, then the fat stores were depleted, the body started chowing down on the muscles. People would turn red and the disease is very life threatening. Many people dropped out of BCT because of it so training changed dramatically. This comes from an EMT paramedic who has been at USAFA for 4 years now. </p>
<p>These are some horror stories, but they DON'T happen now. BCT is very safe, but it will challenge everyone!</p>
<p>My feeling too...AF does everything they can to protect "their assets" = future leaders</p>
<p>well, thanks for the horror stories and the info. My parents don't have a problem with me going into the military, but they can't picture me liking it, although I think completely the other way. I think that my mom is just nervous because I am the first one for at least a couple generations in my family to go into the military</p>