I enjoyed it. I came for the challenge, stayed for the people. Don't get me wrong though, there is a lot of stuff there that could be done better. My overall take on it is that if you show up with a humble attitude wanting to become a better person, there are a myriad of opportunities to do so. If you show up cocky and try to work your way into power positions just to be in power positions, you won't have a good time.How was your experience at the academy?
ALO is non-rated, and you have to go through a week long selection. Not everyone that requested pilot received a pilot slot from my class. There was actually a lot of contention about that, because we got a lot less slots than previous classes. The AFSC selection process now works off "quartiles." Basically, the entire graduating class is ranked and then divided into four groups. If you are at the top of your quartile, you will likely get your first choice. If you are at the bottom, there is a chance you won't. This means that if a class numbers one thousand, if you are number 250 you might not get your first choice, even though 250 is a relatively good class ranking. It also means that if you are 750 you likely will get your first choice. The purpose of this is to ensure undesired career fields (such as missiles) still get high performing cadets going into those career fields. I understand what they are trying to do, but it needs refinement. As far as RPAs, there are some that wanted that as their first choice, and many that had it as a second or third choice.Is ALO a rated position.? I saw that 368 from your class went pilot and 18-19 went RPA. Would you know if all that requested pilot received a slot ? And did the 18 RPAs request this assignment? Thank you....
In high school, I would have focused on sports such as wrestling, track, and swimming. All of those would put you in great physical shape for the academy. Your workouts in high school should focus on repeats of 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile and 1 mile distances, working to be quicker and quicker. They should also focus on calisthenics. You can get big and jacked once youre at the academy and in your freshman year. Also know that what you consider a good workout in high school, is not enough. Your workouts should last an hour to an hour and a half every day and should make you a little nervous. If those points are met, you'll be in very good shape for BCT. I had good grades in high school, but shoot for straight A's, and get used to sitting down after school and not doing anything until your homework is done.Any things you would do differently knowing what you know now?
Ok so several things here. If you know you are an academic stud, go all out and pick something like aeronautical engineering, minor in a foreign language, and do well. Just know that if that is the route you take, you are not going to have much of a life. I had several friends that graduated in the top ten of my class, and their lives varied massively based on what majors they chose. Those that graduated in the top ten with a major such as management or english still managed to get out and have fun. Those that graduated in the top ten (or even 100) and majored in things such as math, aero/astro engineering, etc. did very little other than homework. Everyone wants to be awesome at everything at the academy, but you have to be realistic. Pick a major you enjoy and for which you can get the work done in a reasonable amount of time, and then get out and have fun on the weekends. The things you will miss are not the GRs, but the nights out with your best buds in the world.Thank you! I was inquiring if in hindsight you would have done anything different at the academy. Study more - study less - that type of thing.
I do not know how much you know about the CRO AFSC, but your major would be irrelevant to whether or not you were accepted for CRO. You would need to attend a week long selection held by pararescue squadrons, where they would assess your leadership and physical aptitude. This selection is extremely difficult and the majority of people that attend are not selected. About 50% will quit before the week is over. To that end, the Academy, in my opinion, has the best opportunities of any commissioning source for preparing you for this selection (look into battlefield airman course, army programs, and phase zero).Hello Whiskey!
Currently a nursing student pursuing an appointment to the academy. I am interested in becoming a Combat Rescue Officer or do something health related in combat. I am aware that there is no nursing curriculum at the academy. If I were to get accepted, would I be better of with pursuing biology? Or does it matter.
I mean there's the typical response: get straight A's, be a leader in extracurricular activities and be in good shape. If you follow those three rules you have a very good chance of being accepted; it's honestly that simple based on the high school experiences of most of my friends from the academy.What tips/advice could you give to a high school junior preparing to apply to the Academy? What to expect?
What to expect freshman year?I mean there's the typical response: get straight A's, be a leader in extracurricular activities and be in good shape. If you follow those three rules you have a very good chance of being accepted; it's honestly that simple based on the high school experiences of most of my friends from the academy.
As far as what to expect, in what specific area? BCT, academics, freshman year?