As the sun sinks in the West toward Colorado Springs, I sit down to share what I think I've learned through this whole wonderful, crazy adventure. What is it they really want in the candidates they select for all the SA's. It finally dawned on me late last night as I, for the first time, went to look at some of the Forums other than the Air Force Forum. I read about stories of heartbreak and triumph as the verdicts came in. How could this incredible candidate with these incredible measured qualities and great background not be offered appointment? How could this seemingly lesser candidate be accepted?
I've read everything from all the great veterans of this Forum and can't express enough to each of them how much we all appreciate your thoughtful contributions. Christcorp, especially, has provided invaluable information concerning the intricacies of Federal law concerning Nominations, Charging, Federally Mandated Diversity percentages, etc,etc,etc. You helped us more than we will ever be able to fully express. But with all your shared wisdom there is still so much mystery surrounding the process. The minimum standards re academics, physical fitness, leadership,service, and work speak for themselves. If you have made it this far in the process you are an exceptional young man or woman
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I read on and then I started to detect a pattern in the stories. Many appointees had been rejected out of high school, but they made a plan and kept coming and were rewarded . Many of the TWE's explained their Plan B's and said they were through with the SAs and accepted their fate, their defeat. Then one poster struck a more defiant tone and said they weren't done and they weren't beaten. As a matter of fact they were more determined than ever to improve their shortcomings and succeed next year. Then another TWE posted a similar post, and then came another. That's when the lightbulb came on for me. A young person had just possibly received the most devastating news of their life, and yet immediately announced to everyone that they refused to accept defeat and others soon followed. That is LEADERSHIP personified. Everything in this entire process is designed to identify, train, and harden true leaders that will not accept defeat. From this crazy application process, to BCT, to Doolie to Acceptance, through the incredible academic load,through Division 1 athletic competition, through fierce intramural competition, and on and on to Commission; the mission is to find cadets weaknesses and test to see if they will continue to push forward toward their goal. It is designed to identify those that will not accept defeat and teach them to lead. Christcorp likes to remind everyone that this isn't college it's the MILITARY and these are the wisest words he has offered to all of us. At the end of four years this won't be about GPA, Class Rank, SAT scores, how many points you scored in the big game. This is about life and death. For the officers,the airman they lead, and for our country we cannot afford to lose that fight.
Fly, Fight and Win!!!
PS to Bailey
I think you are too nice to say the word hate, but everyone likes to win. The greatest Air Force in the history of the World refuses to lose.
Godspeed to you and all the candidates.
