PH99: FYI. For what it's worth; just about every single BCT trainee, sometime during the 6 weeks of bct, will question themselves about being there. They will think about all the other options they had. They will think about the family, girl/boy friends left behind, etc... 90+% of all BCT cadets were the TOP of their class. They ran the show. They had friends and respect. Now; they are being treated like KRAP. But there's a reason for that. I'd rather not get into the "WHY" BCT/Academy/Military is the way it is. Point is; the hardest mental thing for a new BCT trainee, is realizing that they are no longer "In Charge". That they are no longer the "Big fish in a little pond". But if you prepare for this, and realize you aren't alone, and truly do want the goals you started with, then everything will be fine.
The goals are the biggest thing here. Believe it or not, there are 2 really big perceptions about the military academies.
1. Just about everyone who applied and received an appointment REALLY WANTS THE ACADEMY, and they've wanted it for a long time. That is so false. Those who always wanted it, and want it as their first choice, usually find forums like this one. Many like minded individuals on this forum. Bad perception on people's part. There are a LOT of applicants/appointees whereby the Academy was their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th college choice. They wanted that Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Brown, or even University of Texas as their first choice. If they had "OTHER-BETTER" options, they most likely would have taken them.
2. That everyone who applied and received an appointment, really truly want to serve their country. And they are motivated through patriotism by attending the academy. Again; quite far from the truth. A large percentage of individuals who go to the academy may be patriotic, but that wasn't their primary reason for applying and accepting an appointment. Many; it was the "Free Education". Some it was job security, travel, medical benefits, etc... There are as many different reasons, as there are cadets. And a very large portion of the academy class of 2006 will be doing a "5-and-Dive" this year.
But what is in common with just about every applicant/appointee/BCT trainee; is that the academy is NOTHING like they thought it would be. Doesn't matter if they've never known a military person in the past, or if their parents are active/retired military. Doesn't matter if they are JrROTC, CAP, or Boy scouts. Most of them get to the academy and realize that it's totally different than they thought it was going to be. There are some that are much more prepared than others. Usually dependent children of active/retired military with a very strong military involvement in their day to day family life. Plus a very active and involved ALO. But even these individuals aren't 100% prepared for what they're about to encounter.
So, as already said, simply concentrate on all the physical training you can do prior; and realize that no matter what happens personally, mentally, or emotionally once you get there....... It's not personal; and you're NOT the only one going through it. Every one of the 1100-1300 trainees are in the same boat. Good luck. Mike....