This is so coincidental. Because, if you search hard enough, you will find posts where people say that if you are in Civil Air Patrol you are practically guaranteed to get into the academy. You will also hear the same thing said if you are in JRotc. Then of course, you will hear those in band that believe that their activity is just as strenuous and requires just as much dedication and hard work as athletes and sports do. And those who spent much of their high school years working 2 part time jobs and going to school and involved in clubs. They didn't have time for sports, band, scouting, CAP, etc... But they think that their "Real Life" experiences working are just as important at showing leadership and team work as is band, sports, etc....
Everyone of these arguments are valid. And with passion to attend the air force academy being so strong, some tend to forget that part of being in the military is trusting those above you and the system. For those who have never read the oath of office; here is a link to it. I like this copy because it is edited by a Colonel to EXPLAIN each and every part that you are saying and agreeing to.
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/au-24/sampson.pdf
The point is; the air force academy has been doing this for more than 50 years. They know that it's not possible for every applicant to have done every possible activity, class, sport, etc... Nor do they want them to. They also want diversity. They want cadets with all different backgrounds, hobbies, passions, interests, personalities, etc... They don't want or expect every applicant to be in CAP or an Eagle Scout or ROTC or anything. They want a well rounded individual who welcomes challenges; seeks leadership opportunities; has compassion for those less fortunate or in need; who are team players; who excel in all they do; and so on. With the exception of quantifiable measurable areas such as academics and sports; all other traits the academy is looking for can be accomplished in almost an endless amount of ways. So while a person should be extremely proud of such an accomplishment as Eagle Scout (You definitely should be proud); realize that others are just as proud of their accomplishments in the band, football, ROTC, CAP, etc... And they too SHOULD be proud of their accomplishments. The academy understands this. None is more important or carries more weight than another. Because honestly; they don't even look at such accomplishments individually. When they are looking at such things, they are looking at the entire person. That is who they are giving an appointment to. later.. mike....
