Emotions of a Cadet

[Christcorp]

I post this every year right before Basic Training starts at the academy. Hopefully those fortunate appointees will realize that EVERY CADET will go through these; or similar emotions. Realize that there is NOTHING that you will go through at the academy that is "Unique to you". Everything you go through, is what cadets for more than 50 years have gone through. Whether you make it through and stay at the academy; or you decide to leave; it's 100% in YOUR HANDS. No one else gets the credit if you succeed and make it through 4 years; and no one gets the blame if you leave.

Once you put the academy into perspective; realize that the number 1 goal is to train you to be a military officer; and realize that in order to do that, the academy needs to break you down and build you back up AS A TEAM. They need to take 1200 +/- new cadets, from every state in the country, from many different territories and countries, with different religions, beliefs, morals, standards, background, gender, skin color, etc. and BREAK THOSE DIFFERENCES. Teach you to concentrate on what you ALL have in COMMON and not your DIFFERENCES. Then, and only THEN, can you learn to truly work as and become a TEAM.

So now that you know WHY the next couple of months are going to be miserable for the most part, you can keep it in perspective and do your best to become PART OF THE TEAM. "The Long Blue Line". BEST OF LUCK
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EMOTIONS OF A CADET:

1) Get accepted to the academy: EMOTION: HELL YEA!!!!!
2) I-Day: EMOTION: Why do I feel like I'm going to puke?
3) 1st half of BCT: EMOTION: Well, at least I'm not the only one who looks lost. Please look at someone else besides me. PLEASE!!!!
4) 2nd half of BCT (Jack's): EMOTION: This ain't so bad. This part is pretty fun. GOD, I'm so tired. What the hell did I get myself into???? Please let me sleep!!!!
5) Last week of BCT: EMOTION: I'm almost there. This is the hardest part. After this, the rest of the academy will be a breeze. (Delusional thoughts. Probably the lack of oxygen and sleep)
6. A-Day: EMOTION: YES! I'm really a cadet now. All the others will respect me now. (More lack of oxygen and definite lack of sleep)
7. Classes Start: EMOTION: What? Who? Where? When? ARGGGGG!!! MY HEAD HURTS.
8. Mid-term: EMOTION: Holy crap! What if I forget? What if I fail? What will my parents think? Can I get kicked out for this? ARGGGGG!!!! Head Still Hurts
9. Thanksgiving break: EMOTION: Yes!!! Out of this place! Do I really want to come back? State U looks really good right now. My friends at home seem pretty happy. What about me????
10. Back to school getting ready for finals: EMOTION: This sucks!!! I don't need this crap!!! I can transfer my credits and go to another school. God why am I doing this???
11. Finals Finished Christmas Break: EMOTION: PEACE and GOOD WILL TOWARDS MEN!!!! Yea, it sucks here, but that's 1 semester down and 7 more to go. Put this place out of my mind.
12. Return to academy: EMOTION: Take a deep breath. New Room Mates; Cool. Different classes. Cool. Still cold and dark a lot. That sucks. Well, I guess I can give it one more semester. See what happens.
13. R-DAY: EMOTION: I really AM a Cadet now. They actually DO RESPECT me. "At least a little bit". OK; it could be worse.

REPEAT STEPS 7-12; seven more times. Throw in a spring break before the end of semesters #2,4,6,and 8. Throw a Summer break prior to semester 3,5, and 7. Stamina grows stronger each semester. See the light at the end of the tunnel. Every couple of days remember how much this place sucks. Every OTHER couple of days remember that this place ain't so bad. Every once in a while realize that this place is pretty cool. ALWAYS REMEMBER WHY YOU WANTED TO COME HERE AND WHAT YOUR GOAL IS.

Good luck to all cadets and appointees. Congrats to the C4C who were just recognized. Mike....

 

[Merlinity]

For most cadets, what should that thought of why I wanted to come here be? When is it not worth it anymore? How does one determine if it's not worth it anymore?

 

[Falcon A]

For most cadets, what should that thought of why I wanted to come here be? When is it not worth it anymore? How does one determine if it's not worth it anymore?

Good questions. A very personal question.

Only you know why you wanted to attend USAFA. Hopefully it was for the right reasons.

This is why choosing USAFA because it is "an elite school" or "to please someone else" doesn't work for most people ... The price becomes too high.

If you choose to attend for the right reasons ... your reasons ... the price is high, but doesn't become too high. It doesn't become "not worth it anymore" ... unless your life goals change ... It happens and it is OK ... Not everyone is supposed to make it through ...

Going to USAFA is a winning lotto ticket ... It gives you an opportunity to become part of something ... A mission ... That is greater than yourself ... even if you have a small part to play ...

 

[4theFlag]

Everyone’s “why” is a little different. Most people’s reason for coming here is not the same as there reason for returning. Do not worry about what that why should be; you will find it, and if it is strong enough to keep you here then it’s good enough. People will ask you “why” but ultimately what is most important is being able to answer that question to yourself on a daily basis.

Quick story…

After Christmas break I decided I didn’t want to come back to USAFA. I just wanted out. If I’d had an “I quit” and a “keep going” button in front of me I’m not sure which I would have chosen. I didn’t think I had it in me to walk away from my parents and my home, board the plane, and come back to USAFA. But do you know what? I did it. I listened to all my doubts and fears but I came back anyway because it was my duty.

At the beginning of Basic I swore to give my life for my country. Giving your life for your country does not always take the form of dying for your country; and when I entered the Academy I pledged to give my life, whatever form that took. I came back after Christmas because I didn’t have any other choice – I had already made the choice seven months earlier. Once I made that commitment it was my duty to keep going no matter what my uncertainties tried to tell me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely glad I came back, and after two or three hectic and stressful days I settled down once more into “oh, I can do this.” But the why that has gotten me through the worst times is duty. When I took the oath, it became my duty to see this through.

That’s the foundation of my “why.” I’m sure yours will be somewhat different. Just realize that you don’t need everything figured out before you get here. The fact that you’re already thinking these things through shows that you have a good mindset for this place.

 

[raimius]

Everyone has a mix of internal and external motivations.
I'd say because you want to impress someone else is a bad reason. Same with trying to use the academy/military as a "stepping stone" for something else without a full commitment to the military.

Some potential good reasons: serve others, do good in the world, have a job that utilizes your skills, you really enjoy it, etc.

As for when to exit stage right, when your life goals or other commitments interfere or outweigh the utility/benefits of continuing. For example, if you decided you wanted to be a priest, USAFA really isn't a good way to get there. If you realize the military isn't what you want to do, you should leave. If your family obligations contradict your military ones, you might need to leave. etc. etc. Or, if wise and impartial advisers are telling you that you are not cut out for it/are failing, you might want to listen to them (this is for advisers who actually know a lot about the military, you, and your performance).