Time machine question for Current & past Cadets

MNDad1231

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
11
Knowing what you know now and based upon your experience at the academy and/or as an officer, if you could turn the clock back to March before your first year at the academy......would you do it again?
 
I definitely won't speak for any cadet or alumni; and I hope many will respond to your question. However, because a cadet has 2 full years, until they start classes on day 1 of their 3rd year, to change their mind and leave; without ANY commitment or liability; anyone who would have changed their mind, most probably left the academy in those first 2 years.

In other words, I doubt that you're going to find many on these forums who regretted their time at the academy. This isn't to say that some of them simply "Put up" with it, and wishes maybe that they had gone the ROTC route instead. And I guess there's a couple who chose the academy specifically for educational and financial reasons and serving their country wasn't really top of their list. But I think it will be rare to find these people. Anyway, I too am interested to see if there are any current 3rd-4th year cadets or alumni that regret their decision. I don't count 1st-2nd year cadets because they are 100% free to quit today without owing the air force anything. mike....
 
"2"

Not many places you get to do this (and maybe end up getting paid to do it!)

IMG_1901.jpg
 
so you are asking if we would go through these years all over again if we had to?...

I don't regret my decision (current 3 degree) and i love this place. Would I go through beast freshmen year and sophomore year again if i had to? Sure i guess... i just don't see the point in this question.
 
Oh, and in response to the original question?

OH HELL YES!!!!

(And I fought the Dean for 4 straight years, agonized over my GPA, and didn't know I'd graduate on time until my 12th period Physics 411 final grade was posted)

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
absolutely. as long as i could do it with the same group of folks. agree with raimus: not too many places (read: not any at ALL) do you get the opportunities that we get.
 
Yes. But I'd probably develop chronic depression if I was actually sent back in time a full year. Because that would be basic and 40 days over again.
 
Yes, would def. do it again. I'm surprised how many dreams I still have that I'm back there starting my 4 deg year all over and can't find any of my classes...somewhere in the back of my head I'm thinking, why am I here again, I've already done all this
 
Yes, would def. do it again. I'm surprised how many dreams I still have that I'm back there starting my 4 deg year all over and can't find any of my classes...somewhere in the back of my head I'm thinking, why am I here again, I've already done all this

WHEW!

I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one suffering from PTDTG syndrome.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
(Post Traumatic Doolie to Grad)
 
Well, I'll go with the PTPTG syndrome and substitute plebe in there! My most recurring dreams are of being not able to find either my epaulets or my brass (that WP cadets wear on the epaulets or your collars of class shirts). Not sure why since I don't recall ever having trouble with finding them while a plebe, but I frequently dream it's almost formation time and those darn epaulets are nowhere to be seen! :shake:
 
Hindsight is 20/20 and it is different for all. You should just live the moment for what is best for you, nobody else's experience will be similar to yours.
 
"PUDS"-Post Usafa Dream Syndrome.

I've heard quite a few grads mention it.
 
I ask mine whenever they are home: Do you want to transfer to XYZ University? We'll buy you a car.

NO WAY! is always the answer.
 
What about those who had difficulty deciding?

This may be better for a different thread, but it seems that cadets and grads fall into two camps: 1) Those that wanted USAFA (or a SA) from day one and nothing else would do and, 2) those that applied to the Academy and other "regular" colleges and faced a tough decision--Academy or regular college with ROTC. Of those cadets who decided on the Academy after such deliberation, what are your feelings? I recognize that most readers on this forum chose (or will choose) the Academy; nevertheless, I curious about those of you who went through that decision process before deciding on the Academy.
 
"PUDS"-Post Usafa Dream Syndrome.

I've heard quite a few grads mention it.
Maybe it's not what I'm thinking of but can that also be changed to refer to PRE USAFA Dream Syndrome? Dreams of getting accepted and nightmares of getting rejected and such are happening on a weekly basis ever since I started the application process. I know I'm not alone now...
 
I know there's a lot of interest in the academy by many here. And you'd like to know what current/past cadets think of the place and their experience. As well as if they'd do it all over again. Let me make an observation if you don't mind. What you're looking for is biased.

First, realize that I'm about as Pro-Air Force (Military) as they come. What you have to realize is that you're not asking these questions on a street corner, in a bar, at a neighborhood BBQ, etc... You're asking in a military academy forum.

Let me elaborate. If you were on a "Microsoft Windows" forum, would you agree that the overwhelming majority of people on that forum support Windows instead of MAC or Linux? If you were on a Ford forum, would you not agree that those contributing and visiting most likely like Ford more than Chevy or Honda?

Point is, this is an Air Force Academy forum. A subset of service academy forums. I really doubt that you're going to find too many people here that didn't want the academy. Got kicked out of the academy. Failed out of the academy. Changed their mind and decided to leave the academy.

Is it possible that some who attended the air force academy, had 2nd thoughts, put up with it, graduated, wasn't too thrilled about it, did a "5 and Dive", but yet felt compelled to still visit this forum and contribute? Yes, I guess it's possible. But I think it will be pretty rare.

I guess what I'm saying is: If you went to a "Ford Enthusiasts" forum and Asked: "Do any of you regret buying a ford?" You'll probably get the same percentage as those here who regretted the air force academy. If they regretted fords, they probably wouldn't be visiting the ford forum. If a person regretted the air force academy, I doubt they'd be here visiting this forum. Anyway, just an observation. mike....
 
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