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
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!
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.