After BCT
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burnerafter16
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After BCT I & II they are accepted to the cadet wing and they are no longer "basics". They earn their shoulder boards and start the semester carrying their backpacks on their left hand and can only use the white marble of the terrazo to walk/strut on. The next milestone would be recognition which is around spring and this is where they earn their prop and wings. Life gets much easier after. They can be called by their first names. Carry their back packs on their backs. Walk anywhere they want on the T-zo. This is what I remember from my DS's experience.
After Acceptance day parade they will be called 4th class cadets and will be able to travel about alone ( during BCT they always traveled by flight or squadron). They will get their computer and have access to email and internet. Some will get their phones back but most will have their phone by Thanksgiving. They will have knowledge test weekly and knowledge bowls. They will have to give minutes and/or chow calls daily. They will be required to run the marble strips and only use designated stairwells. They will remove trash for the entire squadron. They will get limited passes but can get more. They will have classes daily and will have to adjust to handling academics, military duties and physical training.
Hi
What is minutes and/or chow calls? Also who stands duty in the hall at the desk? I have seen this on-line. Also during the first year they can be stopped by upper class-men and quizzed correct? Also if incorrect on the spot exercises correct? How about after props and wings does this all go away?
Regards
John
What is minutes and/or chow calls? Also who stands duty in the hall at the desk? I have seen this on-line. Also during the first year they can be stopped by upper class-men and quizzed correct? Also if incorrect on the spot exercises correct? How about after props and wings does this all go away?
Regards
John
Last edited:
Chow calls are similar to minutes just announce meal for the day. 3rd class cadets sit CQ, Props and wings are given to 4th class cadets after recognition ( March of their first year).
Usafamom2016
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BCT is mostly about physical and military training. After BCT, they are C4Cs and can be called a 'cadet' rather than a 'basic'. At this point the focus is on academics. Although they still have some military and physical training, the main focus should be on academic classes. There is still many rules and they can't have any non-professional relationships wth upperclassmen or call them by first name, etc, until after recognition in march when life becomes much better.
Each C4C will have a sophomore 'coach' who will be their guide to help get them through.
Each C4C will have a sophomore 'coach' who will be their guide to help get them through.
What about meal times after BCT? Do the cadets get to enjoy their meal or does the same stuff as BCT go on at the table? Our 1st card arrived today and the biggest complaint after the first 3 days was not eating enough food and being hungry. (Note DS has not weight issues of any kind)
Regards
John
Regards
John
I think there is definitely a period of adjustment for most of the basics - they are adjusting not only to military life, but a military life that in some ways is more restrictive than even enlisted life for the first 9 months or so. It is a long haul until recognition and they will have many ups and downs during that time. They will grow a lot too. They figure it out as they go - it is comforting to know that thousands have before them.
meal time after BCT
John - your son will be a lot more relaxed at meals after BCT. Since he's an IC, he will eat meals at a team table rather than with his squadron. If he's losing too much weight during BCT, they'll generally provide him with a supplement (like Ensure or Boost). You might mention that in a letter - the coaches may be able to help facilitate it if it's a real issue.
Our son's first letter home indicated that his teeth hurt too much to eat due to spending the day (and probably night) with his jaw clenched. However, he drank a ton of Boost or Ensure and actually ended up gaining weight during BCT.
As for your original question - my son says that going from BCT to the first school year was like attending a different place; after recognition, the changes were again so great, it was again like attending a different school; second year, same, etc.
John - your son will be a lot more relaxed at meals after BCT. Since he's an IC, he will eat meals at a team table rather than with his squadron. If he's losing too much weight during BCT, they'll generally provide him with a supplement (like Ensure or Boost). You might mention that in a letter - the coaches may be able to help facilitate it if it's a real issue.
Our son's first letter home indicated that his teeth hurt too much to eat due to spending the day (and probably night) with his jaw clenched. However, he drank a ton of Boost or Ensure and actually ended up gaining weight during BCT.
As for your original question - my son says that going from BCT to the first school year was like attending a different place; after recognition, the changes were again so great, it was again like attending a different school; second year, same, etc.
burnerafter16
5-Year Member
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T-zo gap
Life after BCT
Hi
Thanks for the information and support. As a lot of parents must get the same early responses. His first card (after only 3 days) was along the lines of what have you done to me...this sucks!) After another three days the smiles were on WebGuy and he was giving the high sign with his baseball coach. Just part of the growing up process I am sure. Still it seems as if my boot camp was much harder than the academy resort program...Ha Ha.
Regards
John
Hi
Thanks for the information and support. As a lot of parents must get the same early responses. His first card (after only 3 days) was along the lines of what have you done to me...this sucks!) After another three days the smiles were on WebGuy and he was giving the high sign with his baseball coach. Just part of the growing up process I am sure. Still it seems as if my boot camp was much harder than the academy resort program...Ha Ha.
Regards
John