Diversity at USAFA

cadethopeful, I have heard from several sources that Arabic is probably the most sought after language skill in the military right now. I am also applying to the AFA and I am considering specializing in Arabic while I'm there. Having that skill will help you serve in military missions in the Middle East and be a key member of many teams. While I agree there are some prejudices around your ethnic background at the moment (because of our wars in the Middle East), I don't think that factor will significantly hinder your acceptance/ experience at the AFA. Because the Academy is a government institution diversity is a very important standard for them to meet, I foresee your ethnicity being an asset to your application for this reason. Personally at BCT I will be more concerned about which people have my back and are contributing to the team than what they look like. I have heard that the Academy experience brings people together as a team more than any other normal college experience. I also think/hope that the people that are accepted to the Academy are of higher moral integrity than the normal 17-23 year olds, thus I think ethnic prejudice would be less of a problem there than anywhere else. :smile:
 
I don't disagree with you, I was just curious of your thought process. The only thing that struck me was this comment:

I ended up going to college instead. There it became clear to me that I am not doing what I always wanted to do and I was having a miserable time.

I am hoping you do not mean academically.
 
Definitely not academically. The Academy would not have been an option if I was academically deficient. By having a miserable time, I was referring to my not being happy with being a plain college student when I hoped to be a cadet coming out of high school. Even academic accomplishments are not enough for me. Military service is also on top of my list and since the Academy offers excellent education and a great military training to become an officer in one shot, I see it as the perfect place worthy of some sacrifice.

One of the Academy's core values is "excellence in all we do" and that's what motivates me to pursue the Academy.
 
Hey I'm a 4deg at the Academy right now. Don't worry about this whole age thing, there are plenty of freshmen over 21. A guy in my squad came in like a week before his 23rd bday. I know of one guy that went to Cornell for 2 years before coming here and a few others that did a couple years of college beforehand.

The biggest thing it that if the Academy is what you want to do, then give it all you have got. Yes, OTS and ROTC would be easier and take much less time, but you will not get the Academy experience. It all depends on what you want. But serously don't worry about the age thing. Good luck.
 
woodypower5 said:
......But serously don't worry about the age thing.....
Click to expand...

Unless you're going to be 23, then you're not allowed to attend. Or 22 for Prep-School. But you are correct. If you meet the standards for entrance, and you want the academy, you should definitely apply.
 
Thank you woodypower5 and Christcorp. My application is complete and I am waiting for the news. I am grateful that there are other options out there to become a United States Air Force Officer. Goodluck to all candidates and cadets.
 
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