After going through all the selection panels of MOC and then the admission board, an appointment is a just a ticket into the academy. Straight from high school, a year of ROTC, preppie, or prior enlisted- getting in is the easy part
DS's squad have had 2 preppies, 1 prior enlisted, and 2 ICs out process after 1st semester. This is only a squad of 26 to begin with . I wonder what the numbers are for the entire wing?
burnerafter16; you have recognized something very important. The academy/air force knows that there are no magic pills that make one "TYPE" of applicant more successful or potentially more successful over another.
The same perception seems to come from applicants too. For some reason, it's assumed that an applicant that is in JrROTC, CAP, or Scouts has an edge over the applicant who is leader of the marching band. There are so many false perceptions when it comes to the academy and the application/appointment process.
As burnerafter16 has recognized, EVERY TYPE of applicant makes it to the academy..... and EVERY TYPE of CADET will quit or fail out of the academy. There is nothing special about any of the applicants/cadets. Most learn quickly that while they were "Special" in high school; once at the academy, they became LITTLE FISH in a BIG POND. Everyone else at the academy is JUST LIKE THEM.
If you look at ALL of the attributes of an applicant and cadet, and eventual graduate / military officer; the ONLY things you can find in common are:
1. The overwhelming majority were athletes in high school. This made them physically fit, but it also made them PART OF A TEAM!!! They learned how t be part of a team. Work towards a common goal. Learn how to win. Learn how to lose. Learn how to work hard. learn how to rely on others. (This is why athletics is so important in applying to the academy. NOT BECAUSE they want all their cadets to be IC athletes. Because the military is the ultimate example of a TEAM. Team Athletes KNOW what this means, MORE than non-athletes.) That's why cadets who were serious high school athletes, have a better chance of success than any other attribute. Including those who were in JrROTC, CAP, and Scouts.
2. The overwhelming majority have a high level of confidence in themselves as a follower and as a leader. Borderline arrogance and contempt.
I am so glad that burnerafter16 commented on this thread. Cadets, alumni, the academy, and the air force; knows that there is no special pill or "TYPE" of cadet who is going to succeed. OR FAIL. While there are definitely certain attributes of a graduate; there are plenty who had those attributes who will quit or be kicked out too. Excellent observation burnerafter16.