After 3 long years of applying, I have just received an appointment to USAFA. As truly humbled and thankful I am to receive this appointment after years of toil, I am really at a crossroads on whether or not I should accept the appointment. I'll explain my current standing.
I am a 2nd year AFROTC cadet slated to commission in 2026. I have done quite well for myself in my detachment with a good commanders ranking, flight scholarship, very high chances at selection to go to field training and good PCSM score. I love the culture, wingmen, and mentors I have here, and can see myself getting a Pilot slot if I continue.
The academy has been a longstanding dream of mine and something I feel the need to "see through". I am familiar with the differences between Academy and AFROTC, and have a great respect for both commissioning sources. Virtually everyone around me has said that leaving to go USAFA would be a very foolish choice. Arguments that I have heard are that going would "set me back" 2 years, add more to my plate than necessary, anything I want out of the academy can be done through afrotc, everyones a 2nd Lt. at the end of the day, you'd have to start from ground zero, and so on. With that being said, for some reason I still have a desire to go.
I would hate to make an emotional, impulsive decision that I end up regretting in the future. I would really appreciate insight from people who have been in a similar situation as I or just would like to share some thoughts. Thank you very much!
I am a 2nd year AFROTC cadet slated to commission in 2026. I have done quite well for myself in my detachment with a good commanders ranking, flight scholarship, very high chances at selection to go to field training and good PCSM score. I love the culture, wingmen, and mentors I have here, and can see myself getting a Pilot slot if I continue.
The academy has been a longstanding dream of mine and something I feel the need to "see through". I am familiar with the differences between Academy and AFROTC, and have a great respect for both commissioning sources. Virtually everyone around me has said that leaving to go USAFA would be a very foolish choice. Arguments that I have heard are that going would "set me back" 2 years, add more to my plate than necessary, anything I want out of the academy can be done through afrotc, everyones a 2nd Lt. at the end of the day, you'd have to start from ground zero, and so on. With that being said, for some reason I still have a desire to go.
I would hate to make an emotional, impulsive decision that I end up regretting in the future. I would really appreciate insight from people who have been in a similar situation as I or just would like to share some thoughts. Thank you very much!