Is there a Basic Airman/Military Handbook?

TitoRocket

5-Year Member
Joined
May 3, 2012
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38
Hello everyone!

I was wondering if there is a basic handbook of some sort that one can read in order to get some very rudimentary knowledge of military terms, protocol, etc, maybe even specifically made for AF cadets?

I don't really have any military heritage or experience, and I think it would be a beneficial thing to not be too lost if/when attending the Academy. There's nothing quite like smiling and nodding when you don't know what someone is talking about.
 
Don't worry, they will teach you everything you need to know.

Kudos for wanting to be prepared.
 
TitoRocket, you can try these; Air Force Academy Candidate Book : How to Prepare, How to Get In, How to Survive (Paperback) William L. Smallwood. Also Skies to Conquer by Diane Schemo (hardcover). These are 2 books that I have found mentioned here on the forum. DS's copies will arrive tomorrow.
 
The fact that you know that you don't have any military knowledge or background, can actually be a benefit. There's a lot of cadets or enlisted basics who think they are prepared and have a leg up on others because they were in JrROTC, CAP, Scouts, or their parent was in the military. They go in with preconceived ideas. The cadres (Upper classmen who are teaching you basic training), pick up on this immediately.

If you go in with an open mind; no preconceived opinions; and willing to learn and do as you're told, you will do fine. Better than many who think they have it figured out. Don't buy any books. There are NO SHORTCUTS. Not for what you're trying to be taught. Anyone can march. Anyone can fold their clothes a certain way. Anyone can memorize facts. You can teach a monkey to do most of that. Now; understand WHY you're doing all those things, and then you're ready. Believe in why you're doing those things, and you'll succeed. Have your flight/squadron understand them too....... And you win!!!
 
Piggybacking on what Mike said, I spoke with some upperclass cadets last weekend when I was visiting and they advised not to memorize Contrails early, just do it when you get there along with most everyone else. The reason being that they'll be able to tell when you start spouting off the Discipline Quote etc and will ream you for thinking you are better than your classmates. No, you can't win, lol. Showing up in excellent physical shape, with an open mind and a willingness to do what you're told is truly the best advice.
 
AF handbook

I did some research and found this; I didn't find anything about the AF, but AFA:

-The Air Force Academy Candidate Book: How to Get In, How to Prepare, How to Survive.

-http://www.amazon.com/Air-Force-Academy-Candidate-Book/dp/0929311078

(In my opinion, just learn as you go and don't buy any books. Listen to ChristCorp, he's a wealth of great knowledge!)

Since I am tying to get into the USAFA and Air Force and want to be a "heavy" pilot (fly large jets), I am sure they will teach you everything you need to know when you go to the AF. I don't think they will give out confidential protocol to the public, so just wait till you get in. Good luck!
 
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The fact that you know that you don't have any military knowledge or background, can actually be a benefit. There's a lot of cadets or enlisted basics who think they are prepared and have a leg up on others because they were in JrROTC, CAP, Scouts, or their parent was in the military. They go in with preconceived ideas. The cadres (Upper classmen who are teaching you basic training), pick up on this immediately.

If you go in with an open mind; no preconceived opinions; and willing to learn and do as you're told, you will do fine. Better than many who think they have it figured out. Don't buy any books. There are NO SHORTCUTS. Not for what you're trying to be taught. Anyone can march. Anyone can fold their clothes a certain way. Anyone can memorize facts. You can teach a monkey to do most of that. Now; understand WHY you're doing all those things, and then you're ready. Believe in why you're doing those things, and you'll succeed. Have your flight/squadron understand them too....... And you win!!!


Ahh I see, and I guess its more of a challenge then, but all the more welcome, too.

Thanks everyone!
 
Ahh I see, and I guess its more of a challenge then, but all the more welcome, too.

Thanks everyone!

Not so much "More Challenge". More like trying to not out guess the cadre. To answer the 1st question I posed. "WHY are we learning what we're learning"? Like I said, you can teach a monkey to stand, salute, march, fold clothes, etc... The answer is 2-fold.

1) Discipline: The object is to train future leaders. But no one can become or learn to be an effective leader, if they don't know how to "Follow". You need to be able to trust those giving you orders and trust those that you give orders to. This is a time where trust and respect is developed. If you come across as someone trying to beat the system because you think you already know what you need to do, and don't understand why you're doing it; concentrating mainly on the physical act; then you defeat the purpose of what they are trying to teach you.

2) Realizing that you have 1000 individuals from every possible state, background, economics, values, religion, etc... The objective is to bring out not the differences in these individuals, but rather what they have in common. And while doing this, emphasize that they must work as a team. They even design some tasks to be almost impossible without help from other team members.

You also have to realize the "Human Factor". These cadre we in your shoes 2-3 years ago. They had to go through it. Do you think they'd actually respect someone who is trying to game the system?

Like I said; there isn't one thing that they are going to teach you that you either don't already know or couldn't learn immediately. The objective isn't to see if you can fold your clothes, memorize facts, march, salute, etc.... The objective is for you to realize first hand how important teamwork, leadership, discipline, and following orders is. And that is something you can't learn in a book; on a forum; or someone telling you. You have to learn that first hand. Best of luck to you. Mike....
 
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