Hi,
I was wondering what kind of activities I can expect to face at BCT. I would like to start training for them. Also, may I ask why some people do not make it, other than injuries?
Thank you
The biggest thing you can do to prepare for BCT, especially if you're not accustomed to high altitude, is running. Lots of running. Also, anything cardio. Swimming, hiking, etc... If you can throw in any upper body strength exercises, that would be good to. Also, practice trying to stand at attention for 5 minutes without moving a muscle. "Hint: Slightly bend your knees ever so slightly. If you don't, and you lock your knees, you will pass out".
As to why people drop out of BCT other than for physical injuries.... That's simple. It isn't what they thought it would be, and mentally, they give up. They don't want it. They realize it isn't for them. There is no amount of knowledge that anyone can give you here that can tell you what it's "Really Like". Reason being: One person's hell is another person's heaven. For some people, it's great. For others, they don't want to have anything more to do with it. Those who believe that because they were in JrROTC, Civil Air Patrol, or Scout, they have an understanding of BCT and the academy, and therefor will do better at it..... Those usually have an even more difficult time adjusting. The closest I've seen anyone deal immediately with BCT and the academy, are Brats. (Children of military families). Not because of any particular training, but usually because of a level of discipline and being accustomed for 17 years of a certain mannerism. But even that isn't a guarantee. We've seen Brats, JrROTC, CAP, Jocks, etc... all fail. And, we've seen them all make it.
It's all mental and all a matter of perspective. If you have a firm grip on reality and your goals, then you can understand WHY things are the way they are. If you can associate the lifestyle with reaching your goals, then you will make it. If you can't, you might quit. It's all about perspective. If the air force academy is your "Goal", then you'll have a very difficult time. If you realize that the air force academy is simply one means of reaching your goal(s), then you'll be able to handle it. Just like all the hard work you did academically in high school. Did you do it all because that was your goal, or did you do it because it would lead to reaching further goals like a good college, excellent career, financial, etc... Does a football player go through 2-a-day practices because they love practicing, or because the hard work might help him to possibly be a starter on the team some day; become a better athlete; and win games??? Keep in perspective WHY you do things, and everything will work out just right. "Assuming what you're doing during BCT and the academy in fact does lead to your goals.
If your goal was a free college education, whereby you figure you'll give the air force 5 years of your life for that education, you may find that it isn't worth it for you. If you really want to be part of something that is BIGGER than you; bigger than the individual; requires teamwork; and you are part of such a team... Then you'll be able to understand WHY you do certain things in BCT and at the academy. It's not to teach you HOW to do something. You can teach a monkey how to do half the stuff you're taught. It's to teach you how to do it as a team. Even if you don't think you need anyone else's help, eventually you will. You'll need to know how to be part of a team. If you remember that, then everything else can make sense. But that's why people drop out. Their goals had nothing to do with teamwork. It had nothing to do with being part of something bigger than themselves. It had nothing to do with service before self. Therefor, nothing during BCT or at the academy, made any real sense. It didn't seem worth it. So, they quit. Keep things in perspective and you'll do fine. Best of luck... Mike.....