- Joined
- Mar 13, 2013
- Messages
- 81
I would agree with the two above. Your commander should know your name before you apply for programs such as the LEAD program. (I got carried away and typed my story below.)
I enlisted with no real knowledge about the USAFA or the opportunities that were available to commission. The opportunities that the USAF gave me were greatly appreciated, and I wouldn't change that I enlisted. I'm not knocking commissioning without enlisted experience, but I've enjoyed the unique opportunities and working under great SNCO's and NCO's not to mention all the great friends that I have made from BMT until now. When I first went to a recruiter (junior year), it was because since I can remember I have wanted to be a fighter pilot. I was told enlisted cannot be pilots, but that I could get a job around them to know more about how they work for when I try to cross over. I had always wanted to serve though and had other options in mind (Navy and Marine Corps). I took the ASVAB, EDPT, and DLAB.
The EDPT allowed me to take a programming job that I thought would be neat. I love it, but I don't live for it. Senior year, I thought about forgetting military to have a college life, but I knew I would always want to join. I spoke to the counselors having heard about USAF Academy, but the one that I talked to only knew of the Community College of the AF. I hadn't really known much more than hearing the name, and I thought that must be it. I believe my SAT scores might have been sent to CCAF. I signed for programming, and without much thought of commissioning I made it through BMT and tech school. While in tech school, I hated not being active. I became a white rope mainly to have something take up part of the free time which BMT was no longer taking from me. I guess enough people take notice when someone genuinely wants to be active and not just bullet chasing, because that mentality brought me to where I am today. Squadron participation in sports is how I realized commanders were people who also like to be active in their squadrons. Volunteer work was a great way to get out of the dorms and off base, and for many reasons I like to help people out. I feel that I have reaped more benefits from "helping others" than what I have given out. The friends that I made while stepping outside of my comfort zones are some of the best that I have.
Shortly after arriving at Scott AFB, there was a First Four meeting with an officer panel that spoke about different commissioning programs. One young captain then mentioned the USAFA and sparked my interest. I spent a few months researching and deciding if I wanted to cross over to the dark side. I then applied and received the recommendation from my SQ CC who also recommended my Group CC (a proir Academy grad) to write his endorsement. I felt confident that I would at least make the USAFAPS. However, I had no EPR, no enlisted awards, and little military experience. I received my rejection and was a bit disappointed, but I knew that I could make it. When BTZ time came around, it was what most, if not all airmen like to receive. Nearing the time to sew on, I had not been notified and assumed the worst. Two weeks prior to the date, I was informed that I received BTZ. It inconvenienced Honor Guard, because I had to have my rank sewn on their uniform as well. I had began my application again knowing much more than last year. My first attempt for Class of 17 lacked leadership, my ALO said that she had seen much improvement. This year I received my appointment and look forward to the rigorous training that is soon to come.
I enlisted with no real knowledge about the USAFA or the opportunities that were available to commission. The opportunities that the USAF gave me were greatly appreciated, and I wouldn't change that I enlisted. I'm not knocking commissioning without enlisted experience, but I've enjoyed the unique opportunities and working under great SNCO's and NCO's not to mention all the great friends that I have made from BMT until now. When I first went to a recruiter (junior year), it was because since I can remember I have wanted to be a fighter pilot. I was told enlisted cannot be pilots, but that I could get a job around them to know more about how they work for when I try to cross over. I had always wanted to serve though and had other options in mind (Navy and Marine Corps). I took the ASVAB, EDPT, and DLAB.
The EDPT allowed me to take a programming job that I thought would be neat. I love it, but I don't live for it. Senior year, I thought about forgetting military to have a college life, but I knew I would always want to join. I spoke to the counselors having heard about USAF Academy, but the one that I talked to only knew of the Community College of the AF. I hadn't really known much more than hearing the name, and I thought that must be it. I believe my SAT scores might have been sent to CCAF. I signed for programming, and without much thought of commissioning I made it through BMT and tech school. While in tech school, I hated not being active. I became a white rope mainly to have something take up part of the free time which BMT was no longer taking from me. I guess enough people take notice when someone genuinely wants to be active and not just bullet chasing, because that mentality brought me to where I am today. Squadron participation in sports is how I realized commanders were people who also like to be active in their squadrons. Volunteer work was a great way to get out of the dorms and off base, and for many reasons I like to help people out. I feel that I have reaped more benefits from "helping others" than what I have given out. The friends that I made while stepping outside of my comfort zones are some of the best that I have.
Shortly after arriving at Scott AFB, there was a First Four meeting with an officer panel that spoke about different commissioning programs. One young captain then mentioned the USAFA and sparked my interest. I spent a few months researching and deciding if I wanted to cross over to the dark side. I then applied and received the recommendation from my SQ CC who also recommended my Group CC (a proir Academy grad) to write his endorsement. I felt confident that I would at least make the USAFAPS. However, I had no EPR, no enlisted awards, and little military experience. I received my rejection and was a bit disappointed, but I knew that I could make it. When BTZ time came around, it was what most, if not all airmen like to receive. Nearing the time to sew on, I had not been notified and assumed the worst. Two weeks prior to the date, I was informed that I received BTZ. It inconvenienced Honor Guard, because I had to have my rank sewn on their uniform as well. I had began my application again knowing much more than last year. My first attempt for Class of 17 lacked leadership, my ALO said that she had seen much improvement. This year I received my appointment and look forward to the rigorous training that is soon to come.
Last edited:
because I suck. So I haven't been able to reply to you. Sorry!