<p>
[quote]
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
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Have you discussed your reasons for wanting to join the AF? I know a lot of parents are much more accepting of their children's decisions if they know why their kids made the decision. Why do they think you won't like the military? Why do you think you will?</p>
<p>Also, remember that BCT is only 6 weeks of a 9 year or more journey.</p>
<p>You may want to check out Wings of Honor on Youtube - it'll give you some insight into Induction Day. The primary determinant as to whether a Service Academy is the right choice is you - it largely comes down to self-detemination and ideally passion. As someone who spent 13 years after high school training under some very challenging circumstances before I had my first " real job" the time didn't matter because it was clearly something I wanted to do. Would I want someone else or my kids to do the same thing if their heart wasn't into it - absolutely not because it just wouldn't work. What everyone sees when they first go to college is how many potential engineering and premed med majors there are but they drop rather quickly because it's simply too hard. The same applies to Service Academy grads given the unique road taken by a select few. Most people admire them but few would have the metal to actually do it. We see a mix of great people and "duds" fom the Ivies but we always hire Service Academy grads...and a woman Service Academy grad is worth her weight in gold. It really trumps any other female candidate from any university.</p>
<p>the major did NOT die here. he died at another base when him and some others went on the courses without certified people and without permission and then fell. don't know who told you it was here, but it wasn't true.</p>
<p>all courses AF wide were closed, and some still are. USAFA worked hard to get as much open for BCT as they could, but some (like Tilton' Hilton and The Big One still could not get approved)</p>
<p>Its probly going to sound wierd but I don't think anybody that I know (2011) can remember a whole continuous day of basic, bits and pieces but not a whole day. The worst part of basic was was not being able to call home, writing letters took time away from sleep and i didn't get to check my mail that often. With the time crunch I would end up with about 4 letters from home because the schedule couldn't afford to let us check the mail more often. The best part of basic was the acceptance day parade and getting through the whole thing with my squad. Basic doesn't seem so bad looking back on it, the biggest thing is living from minute to minute in the begining and then meal to meal when you finally get the whole table decorum stuff down. First beast is alot of waiting arround to get your issued stuff and learning how to march, clean your room, and eat. Second beast is the physical challenge that will bring your squad together. Oh and don't stand out in a bad way, one kid got his own flight and it wasn't pretty. He was all by himself and he got yelled at by every cadre in his flight, every cadre in the squadron, and then even most of the permanent party. He is still here though so even if you think things are going bad you can get through it.</p>
<p>yup. And even though I'm not at the Academy yet, my recommendation would be to watch the Military Channel (if possible) on the days that have the episodes on "Inside Americas Service Academies". I watched it last night and it goes through a whole hour on just the first year, most of the time going to Beast and such. It really helps me every time I see it. just a thought. :)</p>
<p>I'll add my two cents to the "worst part of BCT" question. Last year, I wondered the same thing. The truth is that Basic isn't all that bad. One of the worst parts, in my opinion at least, was getting up in the morning. There is absolutely nothing worse than scrambling out of bed at 0430 with reveille going off and cadre screaming and banging on the doors - not exactly a great way to start your day. But don't worry about it too much, you'll all do just fine in BCT. Until then, enjoy your senior year!</p>
<p>My son entered BCT with the class of 2011. He received a medical turnback because he was unable to complete 30 of 38 days of BCT. He was devastated to have worked so hard and then to have it all postponed for another year. However, this year has been a blessing in that we get to have our son one more year and he has grown up. He did much soul searching and now knows more than ever that he wants the USAFA and a military career (the next 15 years of his life). That said, he is not looking forward to going back to BCT. He saw only the worst in the worst condition possible. He knows that he will have to go through it and the best part (or maybe the worst) is that he will know what to expect. He spent the better part of the first month back home, waking up by jumping to attention. He has visited his friends at other universities and realizes that they do not even begin to compare to USAFA. BCT is tough, but then again, anything worth while is. Congrats to all 2012 appointees and we look forward to the start of a wonderful journey (again!!) Proud parent of class of 2012 basic cadet.</p>
<p>Wow. That's pretty tough. When I was at Summer Seminar, I saw cadet there who had been through Basic three times, I think. When he enlisted, the prep school, and usafa.</p>
<p>Certain parts are, as long as you keep a sense of humor and a strong desire to want to get through. Looking back, Jack's valley was actually a pretty good time (well, most of it at least)</p>
<p>Ya i agree, the one thing that really gets to you though is the lack of sleep. So be prepared mentally for that. Other then that most of the other stuff isn't really that bad. I can't believe but looking back I have tons of fond memories from BCT. Zman, have u gotten your Yearbook yet? Their not bad.</p>
<p>I've definitely got some fond memories of Basic too. You'll be tired a lot, but there are some good times to be had.</p>
<p>Looking back, another nice thing about BCT is that once you're done for the day, that's pretty much it. Not having to worry about any academics was, in retrospect, amazing.</p>
<p>Lol, I can remember so many times having a dream, then having that dream go into me being awake and not even realizing it was a dream. One time i yelled at my roommate to get his crap on cause they were yelling at us to hurry up, next thing u know i realize it is the middle of the night. lol.
Another time, i woke up and starting freakin out cause i wasnt in BDUs, I was so confused. lol.
GOOD stuff. :)
OH yea, Reveville will never be the same 2 u again. ;)</p>