It's been a busy last 6 months. I miss not being as involved in the forum as I usually am.
I will answer you and say "YES" is the answer to #1 and #3. As for #2, they are allowed to go to church on sundays, but I am pretty positive that they aren't going off base while in BCT. And that means not spending time with family either. Then again, the rules do change a little each new year, so I'll leave that to a current cadet/cadre to answer.
One thing you need to remember. Emotions FLY during your time at the academy. From day one on. It is not unusual for letters home to be depressing sounding at times. Sometimes they will sound exciting. This IS NOT SUMMER CAMP. This is basic training and the military. No matter how much an individual says they've WANTED the military and the academy their whole life; and that it's always been their dream; they have NO IDEA what they've gotten themselves into until they actually get there. That's the way it is. The key, is to keep the place in perspective. Every year, normally before BCT starts, I post the following that I've named "The Emotions At The Academy". While sounding humorous, it's quite true. Feel free to share it with your Doolie. And make sure they keep 3 things in perspective: 1) More than 50,000 others have gone before them and have done this. NOTHING happening to them is unique. Many others have done it before. 2) It DOES GET BETTER. Every day actually gets a little better than the day before. And 3) Keep their eye on the prize/goal/light. Remember why they wanted this. That hasn't changed. The ultimate goal is still there. BCT and the academy is SUPPOSE to be difficult. It's an opportunity to grow and mature. If it was "Summer Camp" it wouldn't mean anything. Anyway, here's the emotions of a cadet. Share it with your doolie if you think it will help. Best of luck. Mike.
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EMOTIONS AT THE ACADEMY:
1) Get accepted to the academy: EMOTION: HELL YEA!!!!!
2) I-Day: EMOTION: Why do I feel like I'm going to puke?
3) 1st half of BCT: EMOTION: Well, at least I'm not the only one who looks weird. Please look at someone else besides me. PLEASE!!!!
4) 2nd half of BCT (Jack's): EMOTION: This ain't so bad. This part is pretty fun. GOD, I'm so tired. What the hell did I get myself into???? Please let me sleep!!!!
5) Last week of BCT: EMOTION: I'm almost there. This is the hardest part. After this, the rest of the academy will be a breeze. (Delusional thoughts. Probably the lack of oxygen and sleep)
6. A-Day: EMOTION: YES! I'm really a cadet now. All the others will respect me now. (More lack of oxygen and definite lack of sleep)
7. Classes Start: EMOTION: What? Who? Where? When? ARGGGGG!!! MY HEAD HURTS.
8. Mid-term: EMOTION: Holy crap! What if I forget? What if I fail? What will my parents think? Can I get kicked out for this? ARGGGGG!!!! Head Still Hurts
9. Thanksgiving break: EMOTION: Yes!!! Out of this place! Do I really want to come back? State U looks really good right now. My friends at home seem pretty happy. What about me????
10. Back to school getting ready for finals: EMOTION: This sucks!!! I don't need this crap!!! I can transfer my credits and go to another school. God why am I doing this???
11. Finals Finished Christmas Break: EMOTION: PEACE and GOOD WILL TOWARDS MEN!!!! Yea, it sucks there, but that's 1 semester down and 7 more to go. Put this place out of my mind.
12. Return to academy: EMOTION: Take a deep breath. New Room Mates; Cool. Different classes. Cool. Still cold and dark a lot. That sucks. Well, I guess I can give it one more semester. See what happens.
13. R-DAY: EMOTION: I really AM a Cadet now. They actually DO RESPECT me. "At least a little bit". OK; it could be worse.
REPEAT STEPS 7-12; seven more times. Throw in a spring break before the end of #2,4,6,and 8. Throw a Summer break prior to 3,5, and 7. Stamina grows stronger each semester. See the light at the end of the tunnel. Every couple of days remember how much this place sucks. Every OTHER couple of days remember that this place ain't so bad. Every once in a while realize that this place is pretty cool. ALWAYS REMEMBER WHY YOU WANTED TO COME HERE AND WHAT YOUR GOAL IS.