All,
5 years ago I stumbled across this forum as a college junior beginning to consider the service academies. In less than a week I will graduate USMA and commission into the Air Defense Artillery. It has been a long, challenging, and rewarding adventure. If anyone has any questions regarding my experiences at the academy, I would be glad to return the favors that so many users here gave to me.
I have only one piece of advice to any applicants, incoming New Cadets, or current cadets: there is no standard. To explain, there are no imaginary thresholds that measure your ability to be a good cadet or a good officer. There is a minimum for everything: that minimum may be your best or worst. The key is that you keep trying to improve. Don't measure yourself by others' successes and failures. If you are trying your best, your peers will respect you, plain and simple. The only "bad" cadet is one who tries to "sham" out of his/her responsibilities to themselves and others. There is no staying under the radar. The tell you going into CBT to lay low. Bull****. Try your best, motivate everyone around you to be their best, and you'll do well. Never try and purposefully under-perform or change who you are.
At your service,
Vampsoul
5 years ago I stumbled across this forum as a college junior beginning to consider the service academies. In less than a week I will graduate USMA and commission into the Air Defense Artillery. It has been a long, challenging, and rewarding adventure. If anyone has any questions regarding my experiences at the academy, I would be glad to return the favors that so many users here gave to me.
I have only one piece of advice to any applicants, incoming New Cadets, or current cadets: there is no standard. To explain, there are no imaginary thresholds that measure your ability to be a good cadet or a good officer. There is a minimum for everything: that minimum may be your best or worst. The key is that you keep trying to improve. Don't measure yourself by others' successes and failures. If you are trying your best, your peers will respect you, plain and simple. The only "bad" cadet is one who tries to "sham" out of his/her responsibilities to themselves and others. There is no staying under the radar. The tell you going into CBT to lay low. Bull****. Try your best, motivate everyone around you to be their best, and you'll do well. Never try and purposefully under-perform or change who you are.
At your service,
Vampsoul