Difference

adrianaaz

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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Jun 12, 2009
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I was wondering what the difference between being in BCT and the actual academic year is like for a C4C. I went to SS and I think I have an idea about the BCT experience, but does that treatment just last for the 6 weeks or the whole year? Like running the strips, backpack in left hand, the yelling and whatnot.

Thanks,
Adriana
 
A joke that actually has a lot of truth in it is the only difference between a basic and a 4 degree is that 4 degrees are allowed to think. We still get beat (training sessions), have responsibilities and all, but we do have more freedom to do things on our own, which is nice. We don't need a buddy to go to the bathroom with us all the time, things like that. It's better, more hectic, but still very challenging and not a whole lot of fun most of the time.
 
We run the strips, walk on the right side of the hallway at attention, use flanking/facing movements, greet every upperclassman, carry our backpacks in our left hand, can't put our hats in our pockets/belt, doors have to be open, etc. Yelling has subsided quite a bit though. I've figured out that as long as you do the little things right, things tend to be a lot more relaxed.
 
We run the strips, walk on the right side of the hallway at attention, use flanking/facing movements, greet every upperclassman, carry our backpacks in our left hand, can't put our hats in our pockets/belt, doors have to be open, etc. Yelling has subsided quite a bit though. I've figured out that as long as you do the little things right, things tend to be a lot more relaxed.

Very true. If you do things right, things get a lot better. Especially on weekends :thumb:

Like they've said, the main difference between BCT and the Ac Year is that you're on your own, and you're allowed to think. Which actually can be even more challenging.

During Basic you're with your Cadre and flight all of the time. You depend on them for pretty much everything...when you eat, where you go, what you say, what you do. On A-day, you can now move about freely (on the strips), do and go where you want, think and say what you want (when not at attention/ease, of course). But with that freedom comes a lot more responsiblity. You are now in control of your own time, and must learn to juggle academics, athletics, knowledge, and military duties, plus take care of yourself and make sure you get enough sleep.

But, life really does get a lot better. You get to sit down! :biggrin: and sleep-in on Blue Weekends. You can smile and laugh more often, and meals, while still at attention, are much more relaxed. And from time to time in your busy schedule, you can stop, take deep breath, and realized that you really are at USAFA, and you really are living your dream.
 
The upperclassmen have lives that don't deal with us now. They have better things to do than yell at us all day.
 
You get a little more freedom, but that thrill only lasts so long. You see upperclassmen w/ prevs and you feel terrible, because everytime you get onto the Tzo, running the strips constantly remind how much it sucks to be a 4*.

But a nice prev for 4* is A-Hall on weekends. They have Subway and Godfather's. Our squadron also allows PC gear after retreat and on weekends (but you have to earn that). At ease dinners are nice, as is the usage of computers/internet (hint: get an external monitor! 24" preferable).
 
Agree with everything they said above. 4-dig year is better IMO, but... Better compared to BCT. It's still just as challenging, if not more.

But good news is, yesterday was the exact 2 month mark of being at USAFA! And my first time to get off base and go to Peterson for altitude chamber training! First time in 60 days! Can't wait to go for real off base on parents weekend.

Lets start a countdown to PW first :biggrin: I'm reminded every morning at minutes"...days until graduation for the class of 2013: Days approaching infinity plus 13"... Ya, if we're gonna countdown lets do it slowly. And ever since counting down to get here, I've been avoiding countdowns as much as possible :thumb:
 
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