BCT

nick0094

10-Year Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2009
Messages
93
What is BCT? I mean, i know that it stands for basic cadet training ( I think...... ) but what exactly do you do there? How long is it?
 
Wow; definitely easier to ask the question that to answer. Here's the reader's digest version. "And I NEVER write short posts" LOL!!!!

This year, BCT was from 25 June to 5 August. It lasts a little shy of 6 weeks. Actually; 5 weeks and 1 day for "Normal" part of BCT, and then another 4 days of processing when you're done with the BCT and are moving into your "Real" rooms, getting books for school, etc...

Anyway; BCT is broken up into 2 parts. The first half is military life, uniforms, marching, PT, learning how to take direction, etc... Then, at the half way mark, you get a day off where you spend it with your sponsor family. (No, you aren't "Free" to see your parents or anything). Then the 2nd half of BCT is called Jack's Valley. Live in tents, confidence course, obstacle course, REAL TEAM BUILDING, etc...

Basically; they are taking 1350-1400 individuals from 50 states and a number of overseas locations; all with different opinions; all with different cultures; and they break them down. Then, they take the mush and teach them all to WORK TOGETHER as a team. They present certain tasks that are basically impossible to complete individually. They teach you how to give respect to those superior to you in experience and position. They teach you how to think and put the "Team" ahead of yourself and the individual. There's a lot discipline. A lot of yelling. A lot of "Don't think for yourself".

It HAS TO BE THIS WAY. It is NOT a democracy. There will come a time when you think for yourself; a time where your individual talents come into play; but BCT is NOT THAT TIME. They have to break EVERYONE down to the same "Common Denominator". Then, they can rebuild where you can look beyond yourself. It is emotionally and physically demanding. It is definitely not for everyone. And it's nothing like anything else you've experienced. (Unless you're prior enlisted and went through enlist BT). Hope this helps. It is a basic explanation. Later... Mike...
 
How long are parts I and II? Is part I like the basic stuff like you would learn in CAP or ROTC? Do a lot of people quit during this phase? How did you make it through? How much exercise do you have to do?
 
The 2 parts are 2 halves. Halves are equal. Here is an excellent link (It's on the academy web site) that answers a lot of questions.
http://www.academyadmissions.com/intro/faq/bct.php
Forget thinking that CAP or JrROTC is similar or that it's going to prepare you. It won't. CAP and JrROTC are good for teaching you the basic concept of how a military is structured, but that's about it. There's another thread where I wrote down this year's stats for the current BCT class of 2013. 9% did CAP and 11% did JrROTC (Or the other way around). Doesn't matter. What matters is that very few people in BCT did that in High School. So, whether you did it or not is irrelevant. If you did it; hopefully you did it because you really liked it and it was enjoyable. Same with football, boy scouts, or anything else you did. But don't think it's any form or pre-requisite or means of "Getting a Jump up on" the academy. It's not.

People quit on the first day, all the way up to 2 YEARS later. Last year's class only had about 40 +/- people out of 1385 +/- not finish BCT and quit. You will be doing a lot of running, pushups, situps, etc... It's not as much as you think, but it's more than most non-fulltime high school athletes will do in their normal day.
 
Oh. Thanks, I was about to go workout now :), also, how do I get an ALO if I need one? Do I need one?
 
Some things from CAP/JROTC/BSA/etc may come in handy. For example, when the device to tighten the tent lines broke, the Eagle Scouts tied the correct knot as a substitute. HOWEVER, DO NOT think for a moment that CAP/JROTC/BSA/etc puts you a step ahead...a quarter step, maybe...in other words donate your skills and talents to the team, but don't let your ego go anywhere!

BCT will push you to your mental and physical limits, form good team habits, prepare you (to a basic level) for further military duties, and build your flight into a team.

...you'll also find out you aren't quite as special, smart, and talented as you thought. The bar has been raised A LOT from your local HS.
 
Yes, you need an ALO. They help you out throughout the application process. I recently got in contact with mine. You should do the same :)
 
Yes, you need an ALO. They help you out throughout the application process. I recently got in contact with mine. You should do the same :)

This early? Whats the best way to get in contact with one? What do you think is the best way to make it through BCT?
 
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Well I would try atleast in the middle or twards the end of your sophmore year. That is what I did. I got in contact with one because this person on USAFA community was a former ALO and could get that information for me. Then I emailed my ALO and he wanted to meet me.
 
So, how would I get in contact with one? Would I Google it or ask my counselor when I go back to school?
 
You could do that. Some people I know their ALO actually came to their school. But not to mine. I just did research and someone gave me his name. Here is a link:"
http://www.usafacommunity.com/forum/pre-application-prep/745-liason-officer-contact-must.html
This is a Laison Officer (ALO) thread on this forum. Join it. It is really helpful and a great forum. But on that thread just say you need to know who your ALO is and someone will help you find it. That is what happend to me. But you don't need to stress too much right now.
 
You can also ask THIS ALO... :thumb:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
USAFA BCT

Hi Nick!
My son is C4C 2013. He is in part 1 of BCT. Yesterday I received a few letters from him stating how much harder it is than he expected it. Blake is strong academically and has played Varsity Football, Wrestling, and Volleyball for four years. He is a determined person. He is going through a lot of changes and expresses doubt. But he knows to take it "meal by meal" because this is what he wants, his words. He wrote in BCT that there are a lot of "greetings", memorization, and punishment. You must be broken down to get it right. He is looking forward to BCT part 2 because of the physical aspects of it. I'm sure it will be much harder than he knows. I read on one of these forums that BCT is also called BEAST - it’s like being devoured by a wild animal. If you really want to go to USAFA, then you will make it! Good luck to you! :thumb:
 
Hi Nick!
My son is C4C 2013. He is in part 1 of BCT. Yesterday I received a few letters from him stating how much harder it is than he expected it. Blake is strong academically and has played Varsity Football, Wrestling, and Volleyball for four years. He is a determined person. He is going through a lot of changes and expresses doubt. But he knows to take it "meal by meal" because this is what he wants, his words. He wrote in BCT that there are a lot of "greetings", memorization, and punishment. You must be broken down to get it right. He is looking forward to BCT part 2 because of the physical aspects of it. I'm sure it will be much harder than he knows. I read on one of these forums that BCT is also called BEAST - it’s like being devoured by a wild animal. If you really want to go to USAFA, then you will make it! Good luck to you! :thumb:
Thanks!
 
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