Health Concerns- Leaving On My Own. (Form 34 Help)

[Juliet-Fox JF]

Hello,
I am a current member of the Class of 2024. When I arrived on the 25th of June to report for Basic, I was eager and exited. A lot of hard work and mental visualization had paid off, and I was ready to begin training. Though I struggled just as anyone does in the early phase of basic, I was determined to keep going, just as I had in all phases of my life before this one. However, one random morning during BCT I woke up with shortness of breath and wheezing. I was not feeling sick in any other way other than my ability to push air in and out was suddenly greatly impeded. Upon arrival to the cadet clinic, my files were reviewed and it was seen that I had a "history of asthma." (Waiver received during admissions for childhood allergic asthma.) Therefore, they began treating me for asthma, prescribing inhaled medication and oral steroids to reduce inflammation. I was still sent to Isolation due to concerns regarding COVID. I spent around ten days there while my symptoms gradually but eventually subsided.

Upon my release back to my flight, I was immediately turned around and sent to Jack's Valley to complete the entirety of that training. The first few days were completed with no significant issues. However, It seemed that when the dose of Prednisone I had taken had maybe worn off, my chest tightness came back with much more force than it ever has. This cycle repeated, even after being given more prednisone. I have since seen the specialist, but it seems that the course of action taken is not fully taking care of the issue. The adverse effects of all the medication I am currently on have just created more issues and have only made me feel a lot worse.

It is not just the health issues, but it is also the rather disappointing structure of classes in this COVID world, the social struggles that I personally have been experiencing, and the overwhelming sense of division I have felt since the end of basic. I also had my heart set on flying. I was introduced to aviation when I was twelve, and gained my Private Pilot's Certificate at seventeen. Now it seems my health issues have put my military aviation career in jeopardy. I do not mean for this to be a debate about my decision, I have already gone through plenty of soul-searching, exit interviews, and counseling; my form is awaiting the Commandant's signature. For the purpose of this thread, I just wanted to provide a little background in order to avoid being bombarded by the "why are you leaving" question. I have taken the fact that since absolutely every aspect of life has gone south, it's just a sign that my higher power is pushing me in a direction away from USAFA. I have made my own peace with my decision to depart.

I was wondering if anyone has any insight on how long I should expect to be waiting to receive my "checklist." My completely signed form began working its way up my chain of command on September 2, 2020 and was told it should be relatively "speedy" from there. Does anyone who has experience in this process know how long it will take to get the Commandant's signature? From then, how long would it take to outprocess? Why is this part of the process so long? Is there anything I could do to expedite?

I would greatly appreciate any insight and help.

 

[OfficerToBe750]

Thank you for sharing your story. I can only imagine how difficult your time, and ultimately your decision to leave has been, but I'm sure good things await you after USAFA. While I can't respond to your question, I would ask if you could share more about the social struggles and sense of division you reference. I'm just curious what that looks like given the culture of USAFA, and current circumstances (from your perspective of course.) If not, I understand and wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors - I'm sure other adventures await.

 

[Juliet-Fox JF]

Thank you for sharing your story. I can only imagine how difficult your time, and ultimately your decision to leave has been, but I'm sure good things await you after USAFA. While I can't respond to your question, I would ask if you could share more about the social struggles and sense of division you reference. I'm just curious what that looks like given the culture of USAFA, and current circumstances (from your perspective of course.) If not, I understand and wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors - I'm sure other adventures await.

Thank you for your response, I will do my best:
I'm sure a lot of what I am about to explain has something to do with current restrictions.

Firstly, I've been very withdrawn due to my situation with my breathing. I'm sure it's made me seem more cut off and reserved from my peers than normal. I understand that I'm generally a more "introverted" individual, and I've just learned that it is a part of me I cannot change. It does not seem as if that type of personality is embraced. Instead it is viewed as "destructive." Given the nature of the Academy, I understand that teamwork and cohesion is absolutely critical, and it is not something I am opposed to in any way. I never desired to be cut off and reserved from my wingmen, nor am I saying it is anyone's fault but mine. I just wish people on all levels including my leadership would have taken the time to speak to me more in-depth and listened to me when I explained that thought process to them, instead of just jumping to the conclusion that I am an individual who excludes others for no reason. I think a short conversation with me would have resolved a lot of the stigma associated with my type of personality. My health situation has amplified this issue, I'm sure. In turn, It has only amplified my issue as I have been left on my own to work through my situation.
Secondly, being told in a briefing with my higher-ups that USAFA "does not believe in the American Melting Pot culture" seemed to me personally like a very divisive training point. I understand that we want to embrace everyone's background and acknowledge their individuality, but I believe a very helpful supplement to the previous statement should have touched on the idea that in order to succeed, we must all realize that we are all wearing the same "U.S. Air Force" patch. That ideology is something that seemed to disappear after BCT. Please note that this is a very personal opinion, and I could potentially be missing the point completely. I have not been here for a very long period of time, and these reasons are not foremost in my decision to leave.

 

[cadet15]

JF, when I was outprocessing (Form 34 also), I found that it really depended on chain of command as to how quick. For example, I was outprocessing at the same time as a few other of my classmates. I was able to get through the process and out in less than 2 weeks because my chain was pushing for me to get through the process to enable me to start school at another college. I had everything lined up, obviously had a path to follow, and they wanted to support that. A concern they always have is where are the cadets going after they leave. I know you mentioned you have gone through the counseling appointments, but they are just as much counseling appointments for you as they are check in points for leadership to make sure you have a place to go and have a vector. Some of the classmates that started at the same time outprocessing were there weeks longer than I was. Another factor in the timeline to consider is that there are sometimes meetings that are needed as a part of the process and if those officers are out of the office and an acceptable replacement can't be found to complete the task, you wait until that officer gets back from their absence. There are a lot of moving parts, so there isn't usually a standard timeline unfortunately. The best advice I can give is work with your chain of command and ensure that there is clear communication. For the most part, they have your best in mind and because the Air Force has invested in you, they work to be thorough but judicious.

 

[BuckeyeDad20]

Very sorry to hear about your experience. I unfortunately have no information for you. I just want to say two things. First, I hope USAFA respects that you are a thoughtful young man who likely has talked this through with his parents and/or mentors. The best thing they can do is respect your decision and move you through the process so that you can begin the next chapter as well as pursue the medical care that you and your family are satisfied with. I can't imagine the altitude is helping you at the moment either.

My second statement is that I think you sharing your experience is good for others to read and think about. The USAF and USAFA are great organizations. But they have flaws too - it is only natural. For good reason, on this forum, there is a lot of Hooah and high ideals about USAFA. I think tempering that enthusiasm with some realism can be helpful for people on their journey. During the application process, candidates feel the need to be almost perfect -max scores, etc (at least my son felt that way) and therefore might expect perfection in USAFA. In BCT, attention to detail, duty, honor, etc are the cornerstones of training. Then real life begins and it becomes clear that all of those platitudes are ideals to strive for, not ideals already attained by USAFA.

I wish you the best going forward. I know in these situations, it is common for some people to want to dismiss your thoughts and label it "quitting" of some type. You are a young man who has explored an avenue and has decided its not for you. Given your thoughtfulness, I assume you have discussed your decision with people you love and trust and thats all that matters. Finding what you want in life is not always easy, so keep exploring avenues in life until you find your passion and fit.

Good luck to you.

 

[OfficerToBe750]

Agree. We appreciate the reminder that USAFA is an organization like any other, and no organization is perfect. This prompted an important discussion with our DS about having realistic expectations in all things related to the military. Good luck and thank you again.

 

[Capt MJ]

That clear-eyed sense of reality the OP shared is a gift to all potential applicants. The service academies are not exactly like the shining videos and glossy websites. They are real organizations populated by flawed human beings, the same as anywhere else, with the redeeming factor they do have missions and ideals that many strive to live up to.

 

[Juliet-Fox JF]

Very sorry to hear about your experience. I unfortunately have no information for you. I just want to say two things. First, I hope USAFA respects that you are a thoughtful young man who likely has talked this through with his parents and/or mentors. The best thing they can do is respect your decision and move you through the process so that you can begin the next chapter as well as pursue the medical care that you and your family are satisfied with. I can't imagine the altitude is helping you at the moment either.

My second statement is that I think you sharing your experience is good for others to read and think about. The USAF and USAFA are great organizations. But they have flaws too - it is only natural. For good reason, on this forum, there is a lot of Hooah and high ideals about USAFA. I think tempering that enthusiasm with some realism can be helpful for people on their journey. During the application process, candidates feel the need to be almost perfect -max scores, etc (at least my son felt that way) and therefore might expect perfection in USAFA. In BCT, attention to detail, duty, honor, etc are the cornerstones of training. Then real life begins and it becomes clear that all of those platitudes are ideals to strive for, not ideals already attained by USAFA.

I wish you the best going forward. I know in these situations, it is common for some people to want to dismiss your thoughts and label it "quitting" of some type. You are a young man who has explored an avenue and has decided its not for you. Given your thoughtfulness, I assume you have discussed your decision with people you love and trust and thats all that matters. Finding what you want in life is not always easy, so keep exploring avenues in life until you find your passion and fit.

Good luck to you.

Thank you sir,

I'm not sure how much the altitude is playing into all of it, I was just fine for many years growing up at 5,600 ft MSL... sudden pulmonary issues after nearly twelve years of being dormant is puzzling. (Potentially not even asthma- just something that doctors here use as a generic diagnosis for breathing issues...) My parents and mentors are supporting me in a way I never expected. They have made all forms of my health their utmost priority. They're supporting me through having to turn away from not only the academy and everything that entails, but also an opportunity to play division I football.

You're spot on in everything in this reply, and I agree with all of your points fully. The Air Force Academy is a great institution, one of the most elite in the world. In my experience, the reputation has made it seem like it is run flawlessly. I know that's how I saw it when I began researching where to take my passion for flying. In that thinking I forgot that humans, even those that seem larger than life, are just humans. We all have flaws and weak areas, and the academy is indeed no exception. Furthermore, when I reached out to this site, I had and still have absolutely no intention to try to expose the Academy's weak spots and exploit them. Had I not been in the current health situation that I am, I would have been much more reluctant to leave. In fact, I don't think it would have crossed my mind for some time. My experiences to this point have taught me a lot about jumping through social and institutional hoops, though at the academy those hoops do make life unnecessarily harder in my opinion.

Lastly, I do not want my experience to discourage anyone else from applying and going should they get the chance. My experience is extremely unique, and I would urge others not to totally assume that mine will translate over to theirs. On the other hand, I don't think anyone should feel as if they're immune to a similar experience, and that not everything is as it seems from the outside looking in.

Thank you for your words, God bless you.

 

[wildblueyonder]

JF, I wish you all the absolute best and I am confident you will be successful wherever you go. I don't have any information to add unfortunately; I remember hearing of F34's taking varying amounts of time depending on the circumstances. Hopefully yours will be one of the quicker ones.

I also wanted to add that I really admire your humility and lack of bitterness about your situation. It is easy for someone who has worked toward a goal for a long time to become bitter upon realizing he/she will not achieve it in the way originally planned, or when the goal itself fails to satisfy expectations. You strike me as an individual with no resentment, who does not make excuses and tries earnestly to learn from your experiences (both good and bad). I have no doubt that your attitude will bring you far. Best wishes to you and your awesome family as you navigate this process.