I actually didn't see much of a change with my son. He became more responsible for himself. He's always been courteous. He has learned how to take care of himself. He has become more prepared. When he's planning for a ski trip, trip overseas, to another base, etc... he is a lot more organized. He makes sure he has everything he needs. Without anyone reminding him. Like mikeandcris, when my son is home, his room is a disaster area. However; when he leaves to go back to the academy, he leaves it spotless. So in that respect, it's a major improvement.
Personality wise, the first year was unique. When he came home for a weekend or holiday, he'd try and hang out with his friends. I warned him that by the 2nd or 3rd time home, his "Best Friends" from high school would gradually grow further apart from him. It did. But he also realized that by seeing his friends from high school, that he has a much better future ahead of him than most of them. Besides having a guaranteed job; for at least the first 5 years of commitment; his education is far superior than most of his friends. Even those who went off to some very prestigious schools.
I will admit that coming from a military family, where there is no other family living in town except for his mom/dad/sister, he's always had to be closer to us. That has made the academy an easier adventure than for many new cadets. But all in all, the academy, and later the military, is only what you want it to be. There are a lot of cadets who say they really want the academy and the military, but they don't. They have no idea what they're getting into. Even many who come from military families have no idea what they're getting into. But if they truly want to serve their country; if they truly want to take this great education and better themselves; and if they truly want to become independent and part of a "new family", then they will do fine. Unfortunately, there's a lot who really don't want any of that. They just say/think they do. Could my daughter make it at the academy? No Way in Hell!!! Wouldn't happen. Yet, she was able to graduate college in 4 years, with a 3.85 gpa and now has a very successful job and career ahead of her. Yet, she grew up in the same exact military family. Then again; she was accepted to some of the best colleges in the country, but she chose state university. She wanted to be close to home. She was tired of moving around in the military. Each kid is different.