Sooner Julie
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2014
- Messages
- 10
Is it possible for a Basic Cadet to fail BCT if they can't pass the knowledge test?
BCT
- Thread starter Sooner Julie
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2008
- Messages
- 6,181
I have never heard of such a thing.
Knowledge tests are a pain until the individual "learns" the material. Trust me, you spend plenty of time with the material; you'll learn it.
You learn it SOOOO well that you (if you were me and it was 35 years since BCT
) might still remember something like...
"Sir, the discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment; on the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army..."
(It goes on...the quote is Major General John M. Schofield's graduation address to the graduating class of 1879 at West Point and is referred to as "The Discipline Quote"...it's 151 words long and after 35 years, I can still recite it.)
Worry NOT about the knowledge tests/challenges..they are mastered.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Knowledge tests are a pain until the individual "learns" the material. Trust me, you spend plenty of time with the material; you'll learn it.
You learn it SOOOO well that you (if you were me and it was 35 years since BCT
) might still remember something like..."Sir, the discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment; on the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army..."
(It goes on...the quote is Major General John M. Schofield's graduation address to the graduating class of 1879 at West Point and is referred to as "The Discipline Quote"...it's 151 words long and after 35 years, I can still recite it.)
Worry NOT about the knowledge tests/challenges..they are mastered.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Dad
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2010
- Messages
- 1,132
I think you're missing the point. Don't sweat the knowledge tests. Flieger said you will master it. If you are still worried about it, you could get a copy of Contrails (available through the AOG gift shop and at the USAFA Visitor's Center) and start reading it now. However, I would encourage you to make a plan to maximize your academic schedule, get in top physical shape, find and excell in leadership opportunities, get your Mitchell, Eaker, and/or Spaatz award, prior to applying to USAFA. Best wishes.
In-the-Know
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2013
- Messages
- 191
It is possible to fail BCT, but there has to be a very good reason. One knowledge test, however, does not make a failure. Everyone who may possibly fail BCT is throughly reviewed by the officers in charge with input from the cadet leadership.
Don't make too much of disappointing letters home. BCT is designed to teach teamwork. To get there, an individual must realize they can't go it alone. Make sure your letters back are encouraging and supportive.
Doolie Day out is just around the corner. Your cadet will have the opportunity to call home.
Knowledge is just a small part of a very large spectrum on which cadre judge the basics. Failing one or two tests doesn't lead to dismissal; it leads to extended opportunities to get it right. Part of BCT is failure, the cadre are expecting the basics to fail, and put them into situations where they most certainly will. But it is how they rebound and rebuild themselves that prove whether or not they will be a successful member of the Cadet Wing.