Questions for a Freshman Cadet

xeonv2 : I have many friends who are in clubs like Show choir, sports clubs and chorale. I personally am waiting until I"m recognized before joining any clubs. Being a 4 dig is a huge change and is a lot to handle by itself. There's tons of sports clubs and if there's not one that you like, then you can create a club! All you need is interested cadets! =) On weekends, most people escape to their sponsor family's house and occasionally drive out to Denver or C-Springs (borrowing an upperclassman's car). If you're on any kind of probation... you're not leaving the base. Training staff in your squad can also restrict you for low knowledge test scores (yeay). Even if you're restricted, you can still access the chapel, library, on-base burger king, bowling alley and BX. Many cadets hole up in their rooms and work on homework or watch movies.... not that a fourth classman would watch movies.... lol ;) it changes year to year but every semester you're given a certain number of passes. You can also earn additional passes for excellent performance (positive form 10's). Sign out on a pass, borrow an upper class man's car, and you're good to go!

djms19: I was in the same spot as you. And the only way to get better at them is doing them. Many of us girls want less frustrating ways to work these muscles and improve, but the best way is just to try. They say after you get one pull up down, then the rest will come easier. During 2nd beast in Jack's valley, you get more pull up practice in. In training sessions during the freshman school year, pull ups are almost always included. Additionally, you can get a pull-up assistance band and that will help you but allow you to get stronger. Each stairwell in the dorms has a pull up bar, so maybe you could just crank out a pull up or a flexed arm hang any time you are going in or out of the squadron.

aglages: thank you for your comment. This thread wasn't meant for debates or anything.. just one freshman's perspective. I'm sure that person asked many questions, as we all did, before coming to the academy. Please don't let that comment discourage future questions.

asko847: Yes the workouts or "beatings" during basic were difficult, but it's a gradual process. Never was it easy, but they didn't beat you to death the first time. The cadre know that every one is at different fitness levels at the beginning and strive to bring everyone up to a higher standard of physical fitness. The workouts consisted of the usual: push ups, pull ups, flutter kicks, planks (forward leaning rest), etc. The key to making these beating less painful is to take your mind out of it and on something else. Completely ignore any pain you're feeling and have no self-pity. Think about the person right next to you, sweating just as much and just as miserable as you are. Think about trying to do your absolute best and break the cadre before they can break you!! (eye contact is important.. stare them down. they don't like it either, and it shows confidence!!) You get about 7-8 hours of sleep a night so you're able to perform your best. (doesn't feel like 7 hours though!) Also, a lot of us went into "shock" if you will.. I wasn't sore at all during basic. You have so much adrenaline and your body isn't used to the new levels of activity and doesn't know how to respond.. so it doesn't.But that's not the case for every person.

Don't worry about it - they'll take care of it. That's the thing about the military - if they want you to do something, they will train you to do it. If they want you to run for hours, they'll condition you. If they want you do a certain job, they'll train you, etc. In a nutshell - be prepared for a TON of push ups, cramped in the hallway. (or in the dirt at Jack's)
 
Freshman Classes

Jezzie, what is your freshman course load? Would you describe it as a typical one?
 
Depends on alot of things.

Your first semester you will only have 5 academic classes. They raise the bar second semester to 6. Depending on how you place into classes, you may get classes out of the way earlier so you have an easier class load later. For example I took Chemistry 110 which is basically Chem 100 and 200 in one. You kill two birds with one stone, getting your base classes done earlier.

Expect alot of more math and science related courses. My first semester,my only non science/math subject was German. This semester is a little better, with English and Behavioral Science on top of German.
 
On pull-ups (and just about everything else physically and even academically), just remember, the upperclassmen really are there to help you and even in basic they will chill out for a couple minutes and give you some advice to do better. They are definitely going to push you, but if you want to get better at something, they will be happy to help. I don't think I have ever been turned down by an upperclassmen when I have asked physical or academic questions. Yes, they will be tough, but they want you to get better by pushing you to your limits.

Later,

Brian
 
I completely agree with Brian. They'r tough but they're also there to help you succeed.

the academic courses are pretty generic for the first year - political science, behavioral science, calc, chemistry, Engineering 101, Computer Science, physics, Self defense for females, Boxing for guys (would have has swimming/water haze but the pool is not open - yeay!), physical education, possibly Military Theory, a foreign language (ex: Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, German, Chinese, Japanese) You declare your major by sophomore year and get into more majors classes after freshman year.
 
Do you know anything about the boxing team? Do they have try outs or how does it work? Can anyone potentially join?
 
i'm pretty sure they have walk-on opportunities like a lot of the teams. I'm not sure about the try out process. If you're interested, contact the boxing coach and let him know, and ask him about the process. If none of that works out, you still have to take a 8 lesson boxing class =)
 
more stuff to ponder...

This thread is the most entertaining one yet. Keep it up! Here's some random questions - feel free to answer some tangential ones along the same vein:

can you explain the pics I've seen of people standing instead of sitting around the dinner tables? freshmen eat standing during the summer or what?

thought i saw pictures of everyone maybe wearing the same tennis shoes during BCT. Is that right, you can't wear your fav running shoes for BCT-1?

Does the gov pay/reimburse for any of your flights to/from home/USAFA such as when you have to report on day one? if so, which travel do they pay for and how does that work?

Is it common to go a day or two early just to scope out c-springs if you are totally unfamiliar with the area? What part of town/hotels do most parents stay when in town?

everyone says they lose a LOT of weight during BCT. maybe have something to do with standing while attempting to snag some food too? :biggrin: Well, what if you don't have any weight to lose! someone keeping a close eye on that and making sure a minimal set of proper cals is getting consumed?

is your life wrapped around your squadron bubble? what if you want to study or work on a project with someone outside your squadron bubble as a freshman, is that a problem?

What did you have to eat there today? Is it pretty repetitive? Are you still 'harassed' as you eat even this far into the year?

Upperclass chill and leave you alone a bit once school starts or are you still trying to avoid them during the day as much as possible?

I have more but you need to study and sleep. :rolleyes:

TIA!
 
Good questions luckymacy!

Standing at the table:
During basic, as a 4 Dig, AND as an upperclassman, you have to stand at the table until the wing is called to attention, then be seated when the person at the staff tower says "Wing take seats". Basics and 4 degrees have to stand at attention.

Tennies Shoes :
Yep! You're issued everything including tennis shoes. If you have some kind of special condition or something that requires special attention (ex: doctor-made insoles, special kind of shoe,etc) Then I believe they'll make an exception. Everything on you, down to your shoes and including the bag you bring, will be locked up in a room until the end of basic. They're all "civilian" items that are "contraband".

Reimbursement/Pay:
Good ole uncle sam WILL reimburse or purchase your flight/drive/train/boat to the academy. Either they can pay for it, and you get the cheapest way of travel and they pick everything, or you pick (ex:airline, location) and they pay you the cheapest amount, which might not cover full cost. For example: Poor Man Airline flight costs $150. I fly Fancy Feist Flight that's $200, and then as the AF to reimburse me.... they'll pay you the $150 because that's a cheaper choice you could have chosen. Any mode of travel - they'll pay for your gas if you drive.

C-Springs:
If you want to, you can "scope" out Colorado Springs. Some people went up there early to have a little more time to get used to the elevation. Parents can stay at the "academy hotel" in Colorado Springs. it's nice - indoor pool, and this awesome guy that makes omelets and flips them in the air! ;) They have this mini buffet/restaurant thing where meals are available. OH and a outdoor hot tub. If you go for orientation - that's where tons of people stay so get a room EARLY. The perk is that you meet a lot of future classmates there.

Weight:
Some people lose weight during basic. some gain. some stay the same. I personally stayed the same (much to my disappointment), but that's probably because I used basic as the one chance in my life where i can hog down as much food as I want (well, you can't really "hog" when you're sitting at attention and have to put your fork down between every bite.) and not gain weight because of all the exercise! You get plenty to eat during basic so that's never a worry. The nutritionist makes all the meal during basic PACKED with calories and stuff to keep ya going. You get weighed like once a week in basic so they can keep track of you. If you lose too much weight too fast, they'll put you on a program to gain weight and give you these "boost" drinks. (nasty)


Squad Bubble:
Nope, the library is the official 4 dig hang-out. (no ones crazy enough to go back to their squads). You meet tons of new people in your classes and at the library. You're NOT allowed in other squadrons though. If you meet with someone, it'll be in Fairchild (academic building) or the library.

Food:
Sigh.. good ole Mitch's.. bless their hearts they try but mass produced food... well...
the eggs are fake and they're obsessed with potatoes (cheap and starchy) but other than that, it's really not bad. they have these comment cards on the tables is if something is horrible, believe me, cadets will let them know lol. that's one thing you never get between - a cadet and his food! oh- and a lot of chicken. you still eat at attention but you're not stared down, or screamed at. more chill.

Uppers:
Upperclassmen chill a LOT during the school year. but they're still strict and will yell at you if you do anything wrong. don't step on their toes but if you just wanna sit down and talk to someone, they're there for you.
 
any tips for the pugle stick battles in big bad basic? :) that sounds wicked fun...

whats I-Day like? all the lines, the yelling and gear issue...

if I am traveling to the academy on the government's expense (issued ticket), it says i get there the day before inprocessing... what do you do for that night and the next morning before reporting in?

this question might seem silly, but how many uniforms do you get issued and whats the maintenance time for them? i am asking because im sure we'll have to fit this into an already busy schedule, just trying to get an idea of what to expect for the stresses on time management.

thanks
 
I can help you out with a couple of those, but remember, it will be different when you get here no matter what we tell about how good or bad it is. We can't prepare you for the way you will react for the shock of the new lifestyle you have chosen.

Big Bad Basic: Well, personally I was terrible at the pugle stick fight, but you will start out fighting everyone in your squad for the best male and female. Then move to squad and then you fill fight it out for the title of "Big Bad of Basic" in front of your whole class. There are a lot of other events as well, I personally did the obstacle course, which was a blast when you get to just go through as fast as you possible can, and got 2nd.

I-Day: Depends on how you react to yelling. They can't do PT for a couple days so they will make up for it with yelling. I personally got to do the footprints twice because of a stupid mistake I made (PM me if you really want to know), but everyone's experience there is different. You will spend most of your time in line getting uniforms and filling out paperwork with cadre standing around and correcting you in line. Get used to it, you will always be too slow and will be reminded of it, but don't let it get to you (you really do get used to it, It no longer "scares" me like it did, just have to get past that initial shock).

The day before: The Academy has a Bed and Breakfast program that my family has done a couple times (we also took in a couple extra last year so I could go in with a couple buddies). Families in town will take you in for a night, feed you, and get you there the next day to in-process. It is a great program, especially if you get to hang with a couple of your classmates the night before. You may not see them for a long time (everyone gets separated into their flights), but it is good to talk about it the night before with a classmate just to calm the nerves.

Uniforms: During basic all you will need to worry about is PC gear and ABU's. Two pair of PC shorts and about 8 shirts. A total of 4 pair of ABU's. Laundry once a week. The maintenance for these uniforms is little to none. Just keep the unused pairs looking nice in your closet. Your cadre will introduce you to blues, ours were pretty patient with us with blues so that we would look good.

Hope that answers most of your questions, feel free to ask more or PM any 4 deg on here, we are all pretty open to questions.

Later,

Brian
 
hmm... be quick with the pugle sticks. be like a ninja and hit them when/where they don't expect it. Be aggressive and have fun with it =)

I day.... at first its fine, going through lines at dolittle hall, getting papers and a bag, and barcodes (your new name lol) then you get on the bus and the screaming starts. Sit up right, back off the back of the seat, eyes "caged" forward, not talking, hands "cupped" (fists) on your knees. The rest of the day is line after line after line. I got bored. And they constantly cram snacks down your throat that day. In case you hadn't eaten and also b/c the elevation. Lots of "hurry up!!!" and lots of stuff to carry. not really any need to buy boots before you come.

that night that you'll be in CO, you can stay at a sponsor's house. Its the "bed and breakfast" program. Make sure you sign up for it. that way someone will come pick you up, you stay the night, then they'll drop you off. that's what i did and it was so much better than traveling early and being tired when i got there. What do you do that night? sleeeeeep.

Uniforms - you'll get about 3 sets of ABU's, and some PC gear at first. No maintenance for the PC (physical conditioning gear - tshirt and bball shorts) - oh ladies - the PC shirts are kinda fitted and run small.. fyi. they'll constantly yell at you for "cables" which are strings hangnig off your uniform. these things leave strings everywhere for the longest time. you just cut them off with nail clippers. shining your shoes will come later in basic and that's a pain in the rear. they'll show you or get a preppy or prior service person in your flight to so you.


TIP: attach yourself to a Prep School or Prior Service person asap. If not, you'll have no idea how to make beds (preppies know) and no idea how to wear some parts of the uniform (priors know). I remember holding up this long elastic black thing with clips and asking "what the heck is this?!?" oh this things you don't see under a uniform lolol...


FYI:

Good Stuff to Know:
Airman's Creed
High Flight
Major General John M. Scofield's quote "the discipline which makes these soldiers.."
USAFA honor code
USAFA core values
AF rank, enlisted and officer
AF song - all verses


Girls - put your hair up at night and don't do it in the morning. don't get it cut short - gets in your way and hangs in your face. Bring make up if you want - it'll go in your "civillian bag" and locked up in a room but the day basic is over, you have make up and all the other girls have to wait for mom and dad to send it, or buy more. Also, all you need is soap, razor, shampoo. conditioner if you have time. loofas are okay too. don't fancy.

guys - learn to shave fast and effecient.

LINGO:
AOC - Air Officer Commanding (AF officer in charge of each squad)
AMT - Academy Military Trainer (enlisted guys. dont make them mad)
SMO - saftey medical officer
 
Do you have to bring your own razors, shaving cream, shampoo, etc? Or is virtually everything given to you?
 
Bring money. They'll issue you basic medicine, sunblock,cheap hair comb,chapstick,etc. but bring your own shampoo/conditioner/soap/razors/toothbrush/toothpaste/deodorant.

I say bring money because a few times during basic (maybe 3?) you get to go to the Cadet Store. There you'll buy lots of cleaning supplies, including little vacuums, irons, ironing boards, paper towels, cleaners,etc. It's good to bring around $200. If you have some left over, great, but it's better than having to brave the hallway to borrow your neighbor's iron.

and guys- don't even bring underware, lol.

girls - bring white sports bras and white underware. On this forum in the past, and i think in the information you're sent, it says to get the nasty, tall, up-to-your-ribs kind of underware- heck no. just get what ever is comfortable and you can to a lot of PT in.
 
I brought along the basics, razor, shaving cream, shampoo, toothbrush, whatever you need to survive a week. We didn't go to the store for almost a week.

Also, good advice from Jezzie, bring money. This is kind of silly, but if you guys go to the rodeo is is awesome to have some money to buy some food there, it feels great to just chill out with some ice cream, a burger, and fries, or whatever you want.

Later,

Brian
 
How is the military training there? Like what kind of stuff do you do, and how much do you do during the school year? Is it mostly flying stuff, and do you do skydiving/gliding during basic? I heard that wasn't until second year, but I'm not sure. I'm not exactly eager to do skydiving :eek:
 
physical training? We do normal stuff like push ups, crunches, pull ups, runs, flutter kicks,etc. You get the opportunity to fly a glider, and be in an otter plane, and one person per flight gets to jump during basic on "airmanship day" during BCT 2. You don't have to sky dive if you don't want to. (I'm not!) You do all that starting the summer after your freshman year and can take those programs during the academic year after that.
 
I am the mom of a C4C and I wanted to stress one thing about bringing money to Basic training.
The armed forces bank will send you information and encourage you to deposit money in the account the morning of I day. DO NOT DEPOSIT money in bank --keep the cash with you. My ds deposited his money and then could not get any of it out until after acceptance day. In order to start using your atm card you have to do things on a phone or on a computer, and you will have neither with you during basic training.
Every letter we got from our ds during basic was "please send me cash". He had to borrow money from others for cleaning supplies and toiletries and it was stressful.
 
Excellent point. Just bring cash.

For I-day, don't wear a hawiian shirt! They'll single you out. Or cowboy boots. Just wear tennis shoes, shorts (it can get kinda hot). Some guys got screamed at for their buzzed hair, "you think you're already in the military?!?!" Girls - practice putting your hair up in a bun quickly. They'll make you take it down then time/watch you put it back up. Also - get all the shots you can, while at home!!
 
Jezzie said:
and guys- don't even bring underware, lol.
Click to expand...

False! Bring as many pairs of compression shorts as you can stuff in your bag. The USAFA issued underwear is horrible. By the second week of BCT, half of the guys in my flight had to duck waddling everywhere they went due to extremely painful chaffing.
 
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