Being others are getting into the topic, let me just give my $0.029549839 (Inflation).
Not one appointee has any idea exactly what they are getting into, by going to the academy. You might think you do; but you don't. You can tell me how you've wanted this your entire life; but that still doesn't mean you know what you're getting into. You can rationalize that because you were in JrROTC, CAP, Boy Scouts, Star QB on the football team, class Valedictorian, etc... that you were born for this; but none of that is going to prepare you to know exactly what you're getting into. Not even the Brat, "Child of a military member", knows completely what they're getting into.
What you think today, will change the minute you hit the AOG and get on the bus to the cadet area. Your thoughts will change almost every day during BCT and your 4 degree year. It will continue to change your entire time at the academy. In order to receive an appointment to a military academy, you need to be one of the "Best of the Best". Well guess what? So were the other 1100+/- who are going to join you on that special day. In other words, you're no longer the "Big Fish in a Little Pond". You're now the "Little Fish in a Big Pond". So, where am I going with all of this?
Each new appointee; turn basic; turn cadet, is going to have opportunities to demonstrate their leadership and potential. Everyone of you will be given numerous opportunities to become informal leaders of those that you go through basic with, as well as those in your academic classes. Those who become Flight Commanders, Squadron Commanders, Group Commanders, and the Wing Commander, will float to the top of the milk. It will be because of 3-4 years of consistent teamwork and leadership demonstration. From helping the individual who is being challenged in BCT, to the person you helped get through Mechanical Engineering. And it's not because you filled some squares which were politically correct, or "Kissed Butt"; but because it was in your nature, and it flourished. Does every cadet have the potential to become Cadet Wing Commander? Yes. But most don't want that responsibility. They either aren't ready for it, or they simply prefer to concentrate on other things. Some will be group, squadron, and flight commanders. Some will choose to have staff positions and not be in command yet. All of that is OK. Each person goes at their own pace.
Just like we tell applicants to do the sports, extra curricular, clubs, etc... that they are passionate about, and not because they are filling a square in the application process; the same applies once you get to the academy. You'll have academic, military, and physical training throughout your time there. All of this combined, along with your interaction with fellow cadets; above and below your class; will determine your reputation. This system has existed for more than 50 years. Those with the leadership qualities to become Flight, Squadron, Group, and Wing commands, will become known. They will rise to the Top. And usually, they will be approached by upper class, their classmates, and/or their peers with interest on whether or not they/you will be applying for such command positions. The true leader most times doesn't see themselves as leaders. Usually it takes someone else to point out and question: "Why are all those people following you".
So; get through basic, become part of the team, learn and teach, and assist those around you. If you're going to be a cadet flight, squadron, group, or wing commander, it will become obvious. And it will happen. But I can honestly say, that if you try to "Set a Course" for such leadership responsibilities....... "Then you're NOT READY for such responsibilities". Now; do some people set these courses and achieve such rank/responsibilities? Yes, some do. And every one here who has been a cadet or has been in the military can tell you what they think of many of those individuals. Good luck.... Mike.....