Crewdad:
1. Approximately 12,000 people apply to the air force academy each year. I doubt very much there are 1,200 NEW PEOPLE each year participating on this forum. Obviously, we can't count non-registered lurkers, but I think the number of participating members NEW EACH YEAR is closer to the 120 than the 1200.
2. Prior to the Class of 2015, the academy gave out appointments in much larger blocks and earlier; instead of the slower trickle method. The NORM each year was to OFFER 1700+ appointments, because approximately 500+/- would Turn Down the appointment each year. I stand by only about 50% have the academy that they get an appointment to, as their #1 choice of schools. I've seen way too many appointees who PREFERRED a different academy; or didn't get the acceptance or financial aid they applied for to their #1 university. Add those to all the ones who turn down the appointments; and I stand by my 50%
3. I believe JrROTC and Scouts are excellent programs. I was involved in both. As well as band and sports. I am not saying one or the other will make you a better cadet or leader. Simply saying that JrROTC, CAP, and Scouts doesn't prepare you any more for the academy than does band, athletics, etc. You're not expected to enter the academy "Knowing anything". The only experiences they like when it comes to the appointee having leadership, team building, etc. are experiences that make the individual predisposed to learning. Someone "Familiar" with the concept of being a team member, being a follower, being a leader, being part of something bigger than yourself and working towards common goals. Simply saying that a Brat or High Level Athlete has literally been doing this their entire life. Not just a couple of years in high school. They are accustomed to the discipline; being coached; being expected to follow orders (Almost blindly). I'm simply saying; from my experiences; those who tend to have had the easiest time in academy BCT or active duty basic training, were Brats and high end athletes. It's a lifestyle of discipline that is no different than they've been accustomed to their whole life.
On a side note: For those who don't understand fully how impactful athletics (High level Organized) truly is; the NCAA sent this list of attributes to most universities in the country. In the hopes of dispelling many stereotypes of athletics. Especially the "Dumb Jock" stereotype. Most schools; once they read this list; realized that organized athletics was a lot more important than they realized. Here's the list of attributes that "Competitive Athletics" brings with the athlete. Not that other activities can't bring some of these attributes; just that high level athletics combine more of these attributes compared to most other activities.
"Attention to detail , Awareness of diversity, Challenging yourself , Commitment,Communication, Competition , Confidence , Cooperation , Coordination , Decision making , Dedication, Determination , Diligence, Discipline, Endurance, Fitness, Flexibility, Focus ,Following plans/directions, Give/take feedback and criticism ,Goal-directed ,Improvement , Integrity,Individual/group effort, Keeping records, Leadership, Learning from failure ,Management, Multi-tasking , Organization ,Overcome obstacles , Pain/fatigue management, Patience,Performance, Persistence , Positive attitude, Prioritizing , Problem solving,Punctuality , Pursuit of excellence , Respect , Responsibility, Scheduling, Self-directed ,Self-esteem, Set goals , Strategies , Stress management, Supervision ,Tactics (offense/defense), Teaching , Teamwork , Thinking on your feet, Time management, Training motivation, Work ethic ."
For what it's worth, I believe a lot of the "Me Generation" has lost out on a lot because of the change in social norms. Many schools/society discouraging any type of competition. No class rank. Don't keep score. Everyone gets a trophy. etc. Many young people aren't prepared for the "REAL WORLD". In the real world, you aren't guaranteed a job. Many employers are going to tell you that they chose someone else. That you weren't "THE BEST CHOICE". That you weren't "GOOD ENOUGH". Same with promotions and advancement in the real world. It's great to think you're the best and have a high level of confidence. But you MUST learn how to fail and how to handle failure. Until you learn that, you'll never be the best leader you potentially could be. And the more society rejects the concept of winning/losing, best/worst, rankings, etc. the more some people will never be able to to learn how to be the best they are capable of.