Can anyone shed some more light on the priors roles in BCT at the prep school?
My big worry is that non-priors will not like us for our roles in BCT.
You assumptions could be correct. The priors role during basic was to teach drill, proper uniform wear, proper room set-up and details. This was to be accomplished mostly in the dorms with the exception of time set aside to teach drill.
Keep in mind that the staff has barely 18 days to expose the non-priors to the military culture and training environment. Just remember not to be an a**hole about correcting or teaching people. Explain that you only want to help them succeed.
YOU ARE NOT MILITARY TRAINING INSTRUCTORS OR CADRE. If you act like one, expect some harsh words from the Prep School Training staff.
Peer leadership is the most difficult kind of leadership. At the AFA the four class system helps allifiate some of the issues with cadet leadership. At the Prep School there is only one class, no one is better than anyone else.
My advice to you is to build friendships, work alongside the non-priors, don't talk about "when I was enlisted/deployed. . ." or "at lackland. . ." unless they specifically ask. Once you gain their respect then you can impact them in a positive way. Don't forget to recognize their value as leaders as well! Placing trust and responsibility in the directs will help greatly!
And finally, you must also realize that there will be some that simply will not accept the military way of life. You will see people blatantly disrespecting the uniform, NCOs, and even officers. I urge you not to give up on them, because once they realize that people stop caring about their advancement, they will check out completely. I've seen many turn it around, though!
You assumptions could be correct. The priors role during basic was to teach drill, proper uniform wear, proper room set-up and details. This was to be accomplished mostly in the dorms with the exception of time set aside to teach drill.
Keep in mind that the staff has barely 18 days to expose the non-priors to the military culture and training environment. Just remember not to be an a**hole about correcting or teaching people. Explain that you only want to help them succeed.
YOU ARE NOT MILITARY TRAINING INSTRUCTORS OR CADRE. If you act like one, expect some harsh words from the Prep School Training staff.
Peer leadership is the most difficult kind of leadership. At the AFA the four class system helps allifiate some of the issues with cadet leadership. At the Prep School there is only one class, no one is better than anyone else.
My advice to you is to build friendships, work alongside the non-priors, don't talk about "when I was enlisted/deployed. . ." or "at lackland. . ." unless they specifically ask. Once you gain their respect then you can impact them in a positive way. Don't forget to recognize their value as leaders as well! Placing trust and responsibility in the directs will help greatly!
And finally, you must also realize that there will be some that simply will not accept the military way of life. You will see people blatantly disrespecting the uniform, NCOs, and even officers. I urge you not to give up on them, because once they realize that people stop caring about their advancement, they will check out completely. I've seen many turn it around, though!
So another question on this. According to this is sounds like we are not either Cadre (understandable) or 'trainees' (for a lack of a better word and again understandable), so are we (as in priors) function as a sperate thing in the middle? Do we even do BCT like the directs do?
I'm assuming you are referring to BMT? The priors do everything exactly like the directs do. The priors just get element leader/flight commander positions and help out with inprocessing day. At no point will you correct a direct like cadre/staff does. You're primary goal during basic is to teach the directs military standards (uniforms, making beds, etc.) and customs and courtesies.
Thanks Lfry. Do you have any tidbits or advice for preppies?
Thats great advice and from my experience so so true.It is designed to be a leadership lab. The staff will sometimes pick the most unsuspecting c/c for a position. They might do a terrible job, but that's the whole point. The staff intend for us to learn just as much through mistakes. Don't become frustrated with bad student leadership decisions. It's better that they make those while in a training environment instead of big blue.
Would it be possible to leave USAFAPS for a day or two in order to compete in the ISIS World Drill Championships down in Daytona, Florida. It's in early May every year.
I can recall seeing someone in an USAFA shirt in a montage video a long time ago.
Yes, it is "possible." What it really depends on is whether or not your leadership approves it. You will apply for an ESSS (a request to leave for a short time), and depending on how good your military, athletic, and academic performance has been, they have the option to approve or deny it. However, remember that May is the busiest month at the prep school as you prepare for graduation, so that potentially has the chance to decrease your chances of getting it approved.
So another question, I keep reading that academics and self discipline is what most people are having trouble with. What about PT? I understand they can't just 'knife hand' you and tell you to get smarter, but they can tell you to do more push-ups lol. Any advice?
V/R,
Not the most upper body fit guy
I doubt it. During most chemistry tests, they will provide the calculator. you are allowed the TI86 for some math tests. check with the head of the math department, and now the new Dean of academics, Dr. Schoof, to see what is allowed.