.... People who see this as a theoretical excersize need to understand that it all becomes very real when you show up for I/R-Day, and that your decisions will impact others.
Not to sound cold blooded, but the academy doesn't care about your feelings or how your decision will/can impact others. It's a "NUMBERS GAME". Before the change in recent years because of the economy, it was very simple.
1. 12,000+ apply to the academy
2. 6,000+ are eligible
3. 2,500-3,000 are 100% qualified
4. 1700 are OFFERED APPOINTMENTS
5. 400-500 WILL TURN DOWN APPOINTMENT
6. 1200-1300 WILL Start BCT
7. 50-100 WILL Drop out of BCT
8. 100-200 MORE will drop out or be kicked out over the next 4 years
9. 950-1050 will graduate and be commissioned. (Too many in recent years, thus one of the reasons for cutbacks)
The academy already know that a percentage will change their mind. The academy isn't concerned with the "1000's" who have a strong desire to serve. There are NO EMOTIONS in the appointment process. They can't have any. Why? Because you all see it an an "INDIVIDUAL" thing. A person WANTS TO SERVE vs the individual who doesn't. Well...... that isn't how it works.
I, Flieger, Bullet, Bruno, and just about everyone else who's been involved with this for a while can tell you about the "Individual" who wanted to serve THEIR WHOLE LIFE!!! Within a few weeks or months at the academy, the individual QUIT and went home to a civilian college. We're talking about someone who supposedly has wanted this their WHOLE LIFE. And we've seen the individual who accepted the academy 100% for the education and benefits and accepted PAYING BACK the military with 5 years of service after graduation;......... wind up serving 20+ years because of NEW level of commitment, service, and appreciation for the military.
So, when it comes time to make your decision...... make YOUR DECISION!!! Don't make it for mom or dad. Don't make it for your community. Definitely don't make it based on others who are WAITING to find out. This is YOUR LIFE!!! YOUR decision!!! YOUR Future!!! Not to be cold hearted, but your scores, which were HIGHER than those who didn't receive an appointment and/or are on the WAIT LIST, gives you the RIGHT to make the decision that's best for YOU. Don't worry or even think about anyone else.
This is the way it IS and the way it SHOULD BE. Exactly 20 minutes after an individual enters Basic Cadet Training, ALL past beliefs, goals, desires, etc... go OUT THE WINDOW. Everyone during BCT will 2nd guess themselves at least once about being there. And while the majority of individuals will have their beliefs enhances over the next 4 years, there will be MANY that think totally different. Why do you think 80-85% of all individuals talking about going to the air force academy mention being a pilot.... yet, after 2 years at the academy, only about 50% still want to be a pilot??? Many have changed their perspective and don't want to commit another 10 years. Anyway; decide for yourself. NOT for anyone else and definitely not for someone you don't even know, who might be waiting for someone to drop out.