Advice from a C4C

[TrentL41]

Hi all,

After just making it through basic and a couple weeks of Academics. I'll be more than happy to help anyone if you want to send a PM or just respond. I can give you recent information. I know this forum helped me out a ton so I want to give back.

V/R

Trent
USAFA '21

 

[cama93]

Hello,
I'm currently a candidate for 2022. West Point has been my #1 choice for a few years now, but after going through USAFA summer seminar and talking to a few USAFA graduates, I'm not sure which one I would rather go to. I really am having trouble deciding between the two, and although I could only end up getting into one of them (or neither) I still need to make a decision soon for when my nomination sources make me indicate one. Did you experience something similar as a candidate, and if so, how did you decide?

 

[kinnem]

Figure out what it is you want to do after attending an academy? Want to fly fixed wing? Go AF. Want to fly rotary wing? Go WP. Looks at the career opportunities available after the academy and make your decision based on how you'd prefer to serve. Also keep in mind virtual sea level vs, mile high U.

 

[TrentL41]

Very true what @kinnem said. They're two totally different experiences. I have a good friend at West Point and he loves it, and I enjoy USAFA. Just do as much research as you can and if you get an opportunity to tour, jump on it. My USAFA tour sealed the deal post appointment.

 

[raimius]

(VERY broad generalizations) The Army is much more focused on leading people. The Air Force tends more toward technological solutions. As such, the primary function of an Army officer is to lead a large number of troops. The primary function of an Air Force officer is often leading smaller teams of technicians on complex systems.

Of note, you can be a pilot in either service. Both have rotary and fixed wing aircraft. That said, the Army has FAR more rotary wing and FAR fewer fixed wing than the AF. Also, AF pilots will be expected to be technical experts in their aircraft for a longer portion of their career than most Army officer pilots (Army has WOs for that).

 

[Hoodlum15]

To kind of emphasize what was said above, an Academy will only be a four year experience (hopefully), while your commissioned career will be anywhere from 5 to 20+ years. With that in mind, your choice should primarily depend on what you want to do after the Academy, like Kinnem said.

 

[cama93]

Figure out what it is you want to do after attending an academy? Want to fly fixed wing? Go AF. Want to fly rotary wing? Go WP. Looks at the career opportunities available after the academy and make your decision based on how you'd prefer to serve. Also keep in mind virtual sea level vs, mile high U.

Is the altitude so significant that I should consider it a factor? I would think one becomes accustomed to it after a few weeks. I am from sea level.

 

[KTMDad]

Figure out what it is you want to do after attending an academy? Want to fly fixed wing? Go AF. Want to fly rotary wing? Go WP. Looks at the career opportunities available after the academy and make your decision based on how you'd prefer to serve. Also keep in mind virtual sea level vs, mile high U.

Is the altitude so significant that I should consider it a factor? I would think one becomes accustomed to it after a few weeks. I am from sea level.

The training is designed to get Basic Cadets acclimated to the altitude as most come from low lands. Where you want to serve should be your primary factor. Many love the altitude as if afford the opportunity to go snowboarding/skiing in the winter or camping/fishing in the summer. A different experience than the other SA.

 

[kinnem]

Figure out what it is you want to do after attending an academy? Want to fly fixed wing? Go AF. Want to fly rotary wing? Go WP. Looks at the career opportunities available after the academy and make your decision based on how you'd prefer to serve. Also keep in mind virtual sea level vs, mile high U.

Is the altitude so significant that I should consider it a factor? I would think one becomes accustomed to it after a few weeks. I am from sea level.

It has it's pluses and minuses. You do adjust in a few weeks as your red blood cell count increases to compensate. Might have some headaches at first and running probably isn't fun. It does offer opportunities for hiking and winter sports. Everything is always pros and cons....