I'll put my 2 cents in. I'll be going in this summer for the class of 2014 and I've already started considering different options and career pathways. I've been thinking something like space command or R&D, possibly becoming a pilot, and lately UAVs have gotten me interested. Anything I should know ahead of time? Any advice? Thanks
Wow, big question. Sort of on the scale of when all your adult relatives asked you a few years back, "So, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Some have the answer at that age, some get an inkling of what they want when they get closer to your age, and some are in their Junior year of college still trying to figure it out. I guess the best answer for you would be to get to the Academy, ask LOTS of questions, gain LOTS of knowledge on all the areas you are interested, participate in a LOT of opportunities you will have to see what each field does, and THEN find the one that best fits you. Just look for the career that makes you excited, thrilled, and "can't wait to be a part of it"-- THAT will be the key to your future success as an Air Forc officer.
As to what you should know NOW? Let me give you a list:
- Show up ready for BCT. Physically and mentally.
- Work your tuckas (Yiddish word, look it up
) off at BCT. Keep a good attitude. We all know sometimes it stinks, but let those down times roll off and press on. Be the "one" that sticks out not for bragging or "looking out for #1", but for being the one who never quits, gives it his every ounce of energy, and passes that enthusiasm to his classmates through encouragement and team focus. Be the loudest at yelling your support and praise for your team members, the quietest when you need to "re-focus" a team member who is displaying the incorrect attitude (i.e praise in public, critique in private). Demonstrate that you'll always be there for you team-mates, only because you realize they will always be there for you. Do that, and you'll do fine at BCT. Besides, keep it in the back of your mind that 1000 cadets make it through EVERY year--why shouldn't YOU?
- Work your hynnie (Kindergarten word, look it up) off EACH year at the academy. We, the taxpayers, are paying for no less. We EXPECT you to work hard, because in reward for our investment in you, we want the best keeping us safe at night.
- Learn to listen twice as much as you talk. Simple rule that works wonders for earning respect and authority.
- Learn to MAKE a decision rather than FEAR the consequences. We all make mistakes as leaders, but the worst mistake a leader can make is doing nothing. Corollary to this: we don't get to pick our challenges in life and leadership, we just get to pick how we react to them.
- Learn that there is more to a career than THE career. Work hard, always give your best at the job you're doing NOW, and the rest usually just seems to work out.
- Lastly, when you graduate, raise your right hand, and head out into the real AF, keep all those lessons you learned over the past 4 years a C. Springs in your frontal lobe. But most importantly, work your derriere off, everyday, at whatever job you decide.
As to specific career field advice? Let us know in 3 years if you still haven't narrowed it down. We'll gladly offer more advice than you could ever possibly use, but mostly well tell you you can't go wrong if you ulitmately follow your heart.
Bullet