BCT advice/questions

Thank you guys for your insight. I definitely wouldn't want to come across like I was thinking I was better than anyone else there. I have so much to learn, and I really hope I get the opportunity to be a cadet at USAFA and learn it there! Besides, I know CAP drill varies a bit from squadron to squadron, as we all mix up regs and whatnot, so there are most likely things I am doing wrong. It would be so embarrassing to say I knew all the drill and then do it wrong! So I am going in (IF I get accepted) with the attitude of "let's see what I can learn and how I can improve". But going in, I know now that I won't mention any previous CAP experience, especially not during BCT!
 
Any advice for a sophomore in high school that is trying to receive appointment? Also did you have anything specifically on your applications that really helped you stand out? I am in AFJROTC and CAP and have good grades (they're going up dramatically too). I am willing to do whatever I can to stand out. In multiple clubs (trying to get leadership positions within), getting a job over the summer, competing in 2 school sports this year (3 next two years though), and will be doing a load of community service over the summer along with leadership seminars through JROTC. Any way I can stand out more or improve resume to increase my chances? Everything is appreciated, thanks for your time.
 
JChaulklin said:
Any advice for a sophomore in high school that is trying to receive appointment? Also did you have anything specifically on your applications that really helped you stand out? I am in AFJROTC and CAP and have good grades (they're going up dramatically too). I am willing to do whatever I can to stand out. In multiple clubs (trying to get leadership positions within), getting a job over the summer, competing in 2 school sports this year (3 next two years though), and will be doing a load of community service over the summer along with leadership seminars through JROTC. Any way I can stand out more or improve resume to increase my chances? Everything is appreciated, thanks for your time.
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You sound like you're on the right track. Everyone has a few things that makes them stand out, so mine won't be the same as yours. Keep your grades up, stay involved, try to get some leadership slots and, above all, stay out of trouble.

Best advice I can give you is to apply fully and early. DO THE WHOLE APPLICATION and doing it before the deadline never hurt anyone. Be sure you know what is required way ahead of time and make a checklist for yourself with deadlines (Microsoft Excel can do wonders). Be sure you say everything that makes you competitive. I think my "resume" was 2 pages long, probably with some USAFA didn't care about; but I put it just in case they did care!

Also, break the application up into parts. I took Sundays as my "review" day and would see what items I needed to work on, what items I had already submitted (and I called to verify those items had been received a day or two later), etc. If you're not sure about something in the application process, just ask! Better to know for sure than guess and be wrong.
 
USAFA: 2016! said:
JChaulklin said:
Any advice for a sophomore in high school that is trying to receive appointment? Also did you have anything specifically on your applications that really helped you stand out? I am in AFJROTC and CAP and have good grades (they're going up dramatically too). I am willing to do whatever I can to stand out. In multiple clubs (trying to get leadership positions within), getting a job over the summer, competing in 2 school sports this year (3 next two years though), and will be doing a load of community service over the summer along with leadership seminars through JROTC. Any way I can stand out more or improve resume to increase my chances? Everything is appreciated, thanks for your time.
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You sound like you're on the right track. Everyone has a few things that makes them stand out, so mine won't be the same as yours. Keep your grades up, stay involved, try to get some leadership slots and, above all, stay out of trouble.

Best advice I can give you is to apply fully and early. DO THE WHOLE APPLICATION and doing it before the deadline never hurt anyone. Be sure you know what is required way ahead of time and make a checklist for yourself with deadlines (Microsoft Excel can do wonders). Be sure you say everything that makes you competitive. I think my "resume" was 2 pages long, probably with some USAFA didn't care about; but I put it just in case they did care!

Also, break the application up into parts. I took Sundays as my "review" day and would see what items I needed to work on, what items I had already submitted (and I called to verify those items had been received a day or two later), etc. If you're not sure about something in the application process, just ask! Better to know for sure than guess and be wrong.
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That is the best advice ever! I had a hard time completing the application and I wish I had done it earlier! It is a lot of work, and it is imperative that you are organized about the process. It helps a lot to know all of the deadlines ahead of time. I am really impressed with all of the kids who filled out their apps back in August; and I think it probably helped at least a bit in the admissions process. Also, as a senior you'll have a million college and scholarship applications to fill out so it's a good idea to get the most important one done early.
 
When is the earliest i can ill out an application? Isnt it at end of first semester junior year?


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JChaulklin said:
When is the earliest i can ill out an application? Isnt it at end of first semester junior year?


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I want to say March of your Junior year, the PCQ opens up. A little while later, if you pass the initial qualifications, the rest of the application opens.
 
KTMDad said:
Just curios as to what color are the boots cadets wear (Sage)? Thank you.
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Yes, the issue boots are the Sage green color. Couple of tips that might help....

1) The popular lighter weight replacements are called the Nike SFBs (Special Field Boot). If you are considering replacement boots post-BCT, remember that a couple of squadrons may still have funny rules about them being a no-no. So you might want to wait till after academic year starts and they can ask if it's cool before you order.

2) Nike recently changed over from the "old" model to the new, so be careful of where you are shopping and what's really in stock. Some places show pricing for the older version, but don't have stock/sizes.

3) I don't believe women's sizes exist, so have your cadet try on someone else's if she's interested to see what men's size she will need.

4) Finally.... Finding Nike FSBs in a brick and mortar store can be next to impossible in some parts of the country. So this online outfit is a go-to solution for many.... http://uspatriottactical.com/tactical-military-boots/
 
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MedB said:
KTMDad said:
Just curios as to what color are the boots cadets wear (Sage)? Thank you.
Click to expand...

Yes, the issue boots are the Sage green color. Couple of tips that might help....

1) The popular lighter weight replacements are called the Nike SFBs (Special Field Boot). If you are considering replacement boots post-BCT, remember that a couple of squadrons may still have funny rules about them being a no-no. So you might want to wait till after academic year starts and they can ask if it's cool before you order.

2) Nike recently changed over from the "old" model to the new, so be careful of where you are shopping and what's really in stock. Some places show pricing for the older version, but don't have stock/sizes.

3) I don't believe women's sizes exist, so have your cadet try on someone else's if she's interested to see what men's size she will need.

4) Finally.... Finding Nike FSBs in a brick and mortar store can be next to impossible in some parts of the country. So this online outfit is a go-to solution for many.... http://uspatriottactical.com/tactical-military-boots/
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Thank you for the reply. Our DS was wondering if it would make a difference if he got a pair before BCT (not bring them to BCT) to workout/run in them to get used to running in boots? Seems like there are many discussions about shin splints during BCT. Or is this not really necessary? We could always ship the boots to him once it was okay to wear them?
 
MedB said:
KTMDad said:
Just curios as to what color are the boots cadets wear (Sage)? Thank you.
Click to expand...

Yes, the issue boots are the Sage green color. Couple of tips that might help....

1) The popular lighter weight replacements are called the Nike SFBs (Special Field Boot). If you are considering replacement boots post-BCT, remember that a couple of squadrons may still have funny rules about them being a no-no. So you might want to wait till after academic year starts and they can ask if it's cool before you order.

2) Nike recently changed over from the "old" model to the new, so be careful of where you are shopping and what's really in stock. Some places show pricing for the older version, but don't have stock/sizes.

3) I don't believe women's sizes exist, so have your cadet try on someone else's if she's interested to see what men's size she will need.

4) Finally.... Finding Nike FSBs in a brick and mortar store can be next to impossible in some parts of the country. So this online outfit is a go-to solution for many.... http://uspatriottactical.com/tactical-military-boots/
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My DD is in a squadron that didn't allow new boots until just a couple of weeks ago. She and her friends like the Rockys because of the stability. They are also very light weight and, she claims, are better constructed. To each his own. The appointee handbook will have specifics about the boots (i.e. 8", sage green, etc.) The ones that are supplied during BCT are pretty heavy, so I don't know how much running in the Nikes will help. Interestingly, my DD did NOT get shin splints and she used to get them all the time.
 
As far as breaking-in/blisters... They have to wear the issue boots regardless during BCT. So teach them how to take care of their feet and the little tricks to avoid blisters just as if they were going on an extended hike.

As far as getting used to running in boots... Both of my kids did a lot of endurance activities anyways which often included working out with light ankle weights as part of their routines. Not saying this is for everyone one and some may disagree, but anecdotally at least, after many years of working out this way both of my kids wound up being far less injury prone than their respective teenage teammates. Note: Never let them run on rough ground/trails with even super light ankle weights.
 
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So what is the best way to prevent shin splints and blisters during BCT?
 
baileydb said:
So what is the best way to prevent shin splints and blisters during BCT?
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DD said everyone gets blisters during BCT. I don't know if that's true, but everyone she knew did get them. They take care of you, though, and you get treatment and bandaids. As for shin splints -- gradually increase the distance you run until in-processing day. There are more important things to worry about - You'll be fine. :)
 
USAFA: 2016! said:
I thought I would start a thread for any new appointees or their parents who might have questions about Basic. Hopefully some other cadets will be around to chime in their responses as well!

Just to get it started, one question I remember having was: If the packet says bring 8 pairs of underwear (don't remember the real number) is that what I should bring?

Answer: YES. I think I brought one or two more sets than was recommended, but that was just more stuff to move on moving day. Bring the number they say and you'll be fine. It's that number for a reason!
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Bring more than 8. They don't have to be white.
 
During BCT (and as doolies) you will put all your underwear and such into a mesh bag. This bag is thrown into a large vat with all the other bags and boiled. Literally boiled. Expect to buy new underwear after Beast.
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
During BCT (and as doolies) you will put all your underwear and such into a mesh bag. This bag is thrown into a large vat with all the other bags and boiled. Literally boiled. Expect to buy new underwear after Beast.
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That's good to know. So nobody will actually touch the clothes?
 
baileydb said:
USAFA83GradWife said:
During BCT (and as doolies) you will put all your underwear and such into a mesh bag. This bag is thrown into a large vat with all the other bags and boiled. Literally boiled. Expect to buy new underwear after Beast.
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That's good to know. So nobody will actually touch the clothes?
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Would you? :) The mesh bag is thrown into the vat. No one opens it. So expect your white underwear, socks, etc to end up grey by the end of the 6 weeks. I also recommend getting white since that's what they tell you. Don't do anything that could potentially draw attention to yourself - especially during BCT. Some squadrons don't really care, others, like my DD's squadron are real sticklers about following orders and rules. BTW, just because a particular squadron is "the toughest" one year doesn't mean next year they will be. It's very much dependent upon the training staff.
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
baileydb said:
USAFA83GradWife said:
During BCT (and as doolies) you will put all your underwear and such into a mesh bag. This bag is thrown into a large vat with all the other bags and boiled. Literally boiled. Expect to buy new underwear after Beast.
Click to expand...
That's good to know. So nobody will actually touch the clothes?
Click to expand...

Would you? :) The mesh bag is thrown into the vat. No one opens it. So expect your white underwear, socks, etc to end up grey by the end of the 6 weeks. I also recommend getting white since that's what they tell you. Don't do anything that could potentially draw attention to yourself - especially during BCT. Some squadrons don't really care, others, like my DD's squadron are real sticklers about following orders and rules. BTW, just because a particular squadron is "the toughest" one year doesn't mean next year they will be. It's very much dependent upon the training staff.
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Haha, eew, no! Thanks for the advice. If I get admitted, I'll keep my head down and nose clean for those six weeks...It's gonna suck to go six weeks without laughing, smiling, or being my general bubbly self though, haha
 
Bailey,

No doubt it is crazy hard, but it's not without some lighthearted moments too. Both of my children took advice to find the fun where they could... More than once cadre had to turn away to keep from breaking out laughing, and the extra push-ups my kids earned were well worth it they say. Good luck!
 
Let's be honest, that doolie year is petty tough - emotionally, intellectually and physically. It's supposed to be. There will be times where you're going to think that you can't do anything right. The cadre will make sure of it (oh gosh, the letters I got from DD during that time!). You'll discover that you can overcome failure, push through pain and succeed when you think it's impossible. A lot of kids go into BCT never having failed at anything. It's a new experience. And all appointees will go through it.

MedB is right. Keep that sense of humor and pass the good humor on to your squadmates (when you're at rest, of course.)
 
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