Questions?

jwest182

USAFA Grad '19
5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
120
I know that in the past the "Ask new Doolies anything" threads have been beneficial to me, so feel free to ask me any questions you would like. I am sure some of the other new C4Cs hanging around will chime in some. Please know however, that once classes start, no promises on prompt responses. Also, I have only been here for a few weeks, and only in one squadron, so my knowledge will be limited. All I can do is provide one perspective, but hopefully I can give some helpful information! (As a side note, I will not ruin BCT for future classes... Sorry future classes)

Ask away!
 
I'll be happy to provide a second opinion/perspective if needed! Although I will add the disclaimer that at this point, I have NO idea what is going on during this transition week, so I'm pretty much only good to answer questions about Basic from the perspective of a Basic :)
 
I have a question for each of you, did you get a congressional nomination for your appointment?
If so, do you know how many from your congressional district got a nomination and how many actually got an offer?
 
I have a question for each of you, did you get a congressional nomination for your appointment?
If so, do you know how many from your congressional district got a nomination and how many actually got an offer?

For me, I got a presidential nomination and a congressional nomination for USAFA. My congresswoman used a competitive slate (10 nominations), and I believe I was the only one off of that slate to come, but I honestly have no real idea. Another person from my high school is here as well, but he was not on that slate, he received his nomination from a senator.

What was the hardest part of BCT in your opinions?

For me, first Beast was the hardest part. The "breaking you down" training style was hard to take at first, and it was difficult for my flight to begin to motivate each other. Second Beast was a lot better for my flight. However the answer for this question is different for everyone. Some people really struggle with the mental game, others with the physical demands. Essentially, if you have a weakness (which everyone does), that will be the hardest part for you.
 
What was the hardest part of BCT in your opinions?
The Assault Course, by far! Unlike jwest, my first BCT was pretty easy compared with 2nd BCT. And I found the A course to be the biggest challenge I have faced in my entire life. And we had to do it twice!

I have a question for each of you, did you get a congressional nomination for your appointment?
If so, do you know how many from your congressional district got a nomination and how many actually got an offer?
I received both a congressional and Presidential nomination. I don't know much about the other nominees from my district.
 
First of all, congrats to both of you! I'm apply for the class of 2021. I had two questions.
1) I know there's a ton of running but how hard was the altitude? I live right by the Naval Academy, so I'm at sea level and know the altitude change will probably be really rough.
2) I'm eligible for a presidential nomination, but should I try to get a congressional one as well? If so, why?
Thank you in advance and congrats again!
 
1) I am from Colorado, but I found that the running sucked a lot, mainly because we were in ABU's with camelbacks and rifles much of the time! You have a couple years to prepare for that aspect, which I HIGHLY recommend doing! As far as the altitude though, I can't answer that.
2) Yes, get a congressional nom as well as you can. It's like buying two lottery tickets instead of one. Shoot for as many nominations as you can get!
 
2) I'm eligible for a presidential nomination, but should I try to get a congressional one as well? If so, why?
Tbird, good for you starting your journey early, it will serve you well. Agree with bailey regarding the nominations. You should apply for both of your senators, your representative and the vice president. As you know, the MOC may nominate up to 10 but may only have 5 at a time at each academy. The presidential nominations are unlimited, but only 100 are be appointed each year. If you only apply for the presidential and all those appointments are given out, then you have nothing else to keep you in the running. It is in your best interest to pursue as many as you are eligible for. Search the Nominations forum for a lot more information about this very same question. There is a great amount of sage advice there. Good luck to you.
 
I came from about sea level, and added a little over a minute to my mile time (and it hurt more).
I'd recommend being able to run 4-5 miles at a time, and have a good mile time for speed (6:something or less for guys).
 
First of all, congrats to both of you! I'm apply for the class of 2021. I had two questions.
1) I know there's a ton of running but how hard was the altitude? I live right by the Naval Academy, so I'm at sea level and know the altitude change will probably be really rough.
2) I'm eligible for a presidential nomination, but should I try to get a congressional one as well? If so, why?
Thank you in advance and congrats again!

Answers have already been given, but I will throw my two cents in as well...

1) My flight did not actually do too much running during first Beast, which is when the altitude hits the hardest. You will notice it while walking around, stairs will wind you in ways that they shouldn't and so on. As for actually running, such as for the AFT, I struggled more than normal, but it was not debilitating for me. For perspective, between the AFT at the beginning of Basic, and the beginning of second Beast, I knocked off about thirty seconds, without really running between the two.
2) Definitely apply for as many as possible. You never know which one will get you in.
 
Hi Thunderbird,

1. I flew out 2 weeks early, so I was already partially acclimated by I-Day. When I first arrived in CO (coming from sea level), though, I was actually somewhat surprised that the altitude didn't bother me that much. The only time I really noticed the thinner air was on long-ish runs. Like Raimius said, I dropped about a minute per mile. At the Academy, I still felt winded after the AFT, but ended up with a respectable time. Overall, I wouldn't advise stressing out over the change in altitude--pretty much all the other basics will be struggling with it, too. The cadre know this, and while they might try to push you, they won't have unrealistic expectations of your performance.
This is not to say that you shouldn't fly out early, especially if you have family or friends in the area. Different people react differently to the elevation change, and it's a good idea to try to get any problems worked out by I-Day. Having said that, I don't feel arriving early is 100% necessary. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, your family, and your budget.

2. This is a really short answer. Apply to all nomination sources for which you are eligible. Each nomination represents another chance for an appointment.

Good luck! :thumb:
 
Back
Top