Life at & after the Academy

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Mangito

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Sep 3, 2020
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If there are any current or past cadets, how is life REALLY like at the academy? I’ve been going through the application process ... just to finish it. I have gotten an LOA, somehow, and passed everything and have a nomination. It’s all getting incredibly real. I wouldn’t say I have doubts, but I am starting to wonder, and I know choosing a military life is much much different than what I could have ever imagined growing up. I have done research and read a ton of articles online, but have nobody to reach out to firsthand to hear about life at the academy, and after the academy. I want to be happy at the academy and after in my job. With that being said, does anyone know someone I can talk to about the academy other than my ALO, who actually didn’t attend the academy?

College applications are becoming due for civilian colleges and a reason, I’m gonna be honest, that I’m applying to the academy is because of the free tuition. I don’t want to burden my parents with the cost of a public in state school. I just would want to hear peoples thoughts about the academy or military life in general. Nobody in my family is military and being a female is even more daunting.
 
Mangito said:
, how is life REALLY like at the academy?
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Mangito said:
does anyone know someone I can talk to about the academy other than my ALO, who actually didn’t attend the academy?
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I attended USNA long ago. USAFA is a bit different, and times have changed, but I am willing to bet that we all have a few fundamental things in common. First, there are times that attending a Service Academy absolutely sucks... when you are overloaded with balancing academics and military duties, when your Battalion Officer makes your company do extra drill the weekend your girlfriend (or boyfriend) visits, all sorts of situation which you can't control and have given up the freedoms you would have a "real" college., On the other hand, the good times , the camradery , the quality of education , etc. far outweigh the bad, and 35 years later its hard to remember the bad. If you are serious about going to USAFA, search out Cadets from all classes (you will see a big difference between Plebes and First Classmen), as well as graduates.

Mangito said:
I’m gonna be honest, that I’m applying to the academy is because of the free tuition. I don’t want to burden my parents with the cost of a public in state school
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There is no such thing as "free tuition" , and "free tuition" is never a good reason to attend a Service Academy. If you aren't committed to atttending a Service Academy, and serving in your chosen branch of the military, you will not be happy at a Service Academy.
 
I am a female Academy grad and current officer from a completely non-military family. I stumbled across the academy fairly late (summer before Junior year) but fell in love with everything it had to offer - mainly the opportunity to play tennis at a high level while still getting a great (paid for) education. The Air Force was a complete unknown for me, but I loved everything I read and heard.

I can speak to what it was like at USAFA for me - but that experience varies widely. Same for my Air Force career. It's been about 8.5 years for me and I have only done two different things - school and work for different directorates of the Air Force Research Lab. That is because I am a 61D - one of the smallest career fields in the Air Force.

I recommend you do a couple things -
1. Search this forum for threads like this one - https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/year-to-year-life.77510/ or this one https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/answers-from-a-doolie.77438/ that give some general info
2. Provide us a little more information. What kind of major would you be interested in? What Air Force job interests you? Your experience at USAFA and after depends on what you choose to do

On a more general note - I LOVED my time at USAFA. Sure it was challenging and I was exhausted all the time, but it was an incredible experience and I never doubted my choice to go. I also love my Air Force job. A 61D is an acquisitions officer, but coded as a physicist. This means I work extremely technical Air Force acquisitions, like future satellites and different kinds of new imaging/remote sensing systems. It's amazing and I couldn't be happier, but I don't have a "normal" Air Force job. I lead mostly civilian scientists - not enlisted Airmen.

There are many other cadets and grads on here with more recent experience than mine, but feel free to PM me, since it sounds like I have a similar background (I also received an LOA and got my nomination and appointment around mid-November my senior year).
 
I think your motive to spare your parents the burden of paying tuition is both laudable, and even noble. I also think in this instance it is misguided and to some even offensive. You really should not be pursuing the military academies solely for the "free tuition." By the way, did you cite this motive in your essays and ALO and MOC interviews? Kudos if you did. But my guess is you were less than forthright on that point. Sorry, I don't mean to sound so harsh. But I (and hundreds of other applicants) want to serve desperately, motivated by love of country and a sense of service. I for one would feel bad if someone with such pure intentions is deprived of an Academy slot by someone who is motivated solely by the money aspect.

I apologize for the harshness of the post. The fact that you have an LOA and care so deeply about your parents suggests you must be extraordinary in many ways. To get back to your original post, OP, I think if you search through these forums you will find quite a bit of first-hand accounts of life at the academies. I also think that USAFA could put you in touch with current students, probably even from your area, for more info. There's some decent content on YouTube as well. Lastly, I would not be surprised given the generosity of the senior posters if you received some pm reach outs. Good luck and take care.
 
I was so excited to show up for I Day I couldn't sleep on June 24th. I show up and I remember sitting down for lunch and looking out the window and thinking what am I doing here, this was a mistake. At that time 6 weeks felt like forever away and the reality of my new life set in. There are going to be a lot of times like that in the beginning.

The saying goes this is a good place to be from, not to be at. Not gonna lie there are some times where I wake up and regret coming here (looking at social media posts from civie friends), but there are other times where I am proud to be where I am. This place has so many opportunities that you can't get anywhere else. At the end of the day, you should only attend if you truly want to serve your country because those who don't usually end up leaving anyway.
 
superbison007 said:
The saying goes this is a good place to be from, not to be at. Not gonna lie there are some times where I wake up and regret coming here (looking at social media posts from civie friends), but there are other times where I am proud to be where I am.
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> Those thoughts are 100% normal. I doubt there is any Service Academy grad who can say they woke up every morning saying "I love this place..." I think it was in the book "Return of Philo McGiffin" that described USNA "as being like a Turkish steam bath, its not so hot once you get in." Many a Midshipman has said their favorite view of USNA is in the rear view mirror. That said, looking back -- I woudn't trade my time at USNA or active duty in the Navy for any thing. It is a part of who I am.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
> Those thoughts are 100% normal. I doubt there is any Service Academy grad who can say they woke up every morning saying "I love this place..." I think it was in the book "Return of Philo McGiffin" that described USNA "as being like a Turkish steam bath, its not so hot once you get in." Many a Midshipman has said their favorite view of USNA is in the rear view mirror. That said, looking back -- I woudn't trade my time at USNA or active duty in the Navy for any thing. It is a part of who I am.
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This reminds me of the classic farewell gift after a tour in the Pentagon when you came to work in the dark and went home in the dark, a framed photo of the building in a rear view mirror.
 
DeepWaters said:
I think your motive to spare your parents the burden of paying tuition is both laudable, and even noble. I also think in this instance it is misguided and to some even offensive. You really should not be pursuing the military academies solely for the "free tuition." By the way, did you cite this motive in your essays and ALO and MOC interviews? Kudos if you did. But my guess is you were less than forthright on that point. Sorry, I don't mean to sound so harsh. But I (and hundreds of other applicants) want to serve desperately, motivated by love of country and a sense of service. I for one would feel bad if someone with such pure intentions is deprived of an Academy slot by someone who is motivated solely by the money aspect.
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To the OP, I would disregard this comment. You are most likely a 17y or 18y kid making a decision that affects the rest of your life. There is nothing about your motivations that are ignoble or dishonorable in anyway. Gauging "pure intentions" is beyond our current science. Some kids go because they want to fly, some because a coach recruited them and it is their only chance to play Division I, some kids go because they just want to serve, some come from a different background and it is the only way to go to college without burdening their family. I am not going to judge anyone else's motivations nor should others.

I took an AFROTC 4y scholarship because I could do it for one year and quit and not owe anything. I was going to get a free year of school out of it. Turned out I really liked it so much I stayed, learned what it meant to be an officer and was commissioned. According to the above quote, my intentions were not "pure" but the USAF got what they wanted in the end.

If you have an LOA, USAFA wants you. They know not everyone stays and they plan for it. Do what you have to do to keep your options open. Maybe another school offers you a package that gives you what you want and you'll have a choice to make. It is a significant decision early in your life, you want to keep your options open and make your ability to control your path for as long as possible.
 
Your questions. . . are just too general. Anyone's experience, both at and after the Academy, will feel very different. Especially when it comes from a particular perspective. Within the Academy, every year will be/feel different as you obtain new privileges and responsibilities. Every semester will be/feel different with a new set of courses, activities, professors, and classmates. Describing the "whole ordeal" would take considerable time and effort.

Here is a "Day in the life" articles from the AF Academy website: https://www.usafa.edu/cadet-life/day-in-the-life/

It is probably mostly accurate. You'd be surprised just how much policy and procedure change from superintendent to superintendent, commandant to commandant, dean to dean. For example, one year the first mandatory formation of the day could be a family-style breakfast in Mitchell Hall at 0700 followed immediately by classes. Another year you might have a 0630 morning formation in your squadron's hallway followed by an optional buffet-style breakfast and classes. I imagine the routine today is very different than it has ever been in the past and will continue to change in the coming years. What I think you can count on: Expect to take 5-6 courses every semester. Expect to live in a dorm with a roommate for the full 4 years. Expect to take fitness tests every six-months to a year. Expect to be without a car until you are a junior. Expect all but three weeks of your summer to be spent on activities (survival training, airmanship programs, BCT cadre, AF base visits, etc).

The same applies for the "big" Air Force. I am in a small career field similar to USAFA10s. Apart from wearing the uniform, my work is practically identical to my field's civilian equivalent. 8-4ish hours. Standard office work flying a desk. Overall, I'd say I lead a very "normal" life apart from possible deployments or moving every 3ish (there are a lot of unique situations) years as I change assignments.
 
Take a look at this movie "A Year in Blue". It is on Amazon Prime and YouTube and you will have to rent it ($3.99) but it does a pretty good job of detailing your Doolie year at USAFA. Things haven't changed that much since this film was made. As AFtpaso says, new Sup's are always changing some things, but the core of what is in this movie is accurate.

 
Mangito said:
I’m gonna be honest, that I’m applying to the academy is because of the free tuition. I don’t want to burden my parents with the cost of a public in state school.
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Is this the only reason you are applying? If so then you will be in a world of pain because USAFA is much more than just “free” admission. I will apply to USNA for c/o 29 because I want to challenge myself, and graduate as an officer in the Marine Corps.
 
Swimmerwannabeplebe2029 said:
Is this the only reason you are applying? If so then you will be in a world of pain because USAFA is much more than just “free” admission. I will apply to USNA for c/o 29 because I want to challenge myself, and graduate as an officer in the Marine Corps.
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You will not be in a world of pain. If you have an LOA this early, you are either really smart or really athletic or both. USAFA is challenging for different people for different reasons. Being really smart or really athletic/fit make that part of USAFA much easier. I know a lot of people want to make it out like life at an academy is similar to Seal training or something and that is simply not the case. There is pressure and there are challenges. But guess what, as an AFROTC engineering major with a part time job - there were pressures and there were challenges too. And if you are a civilian in a tough program at a good school working part time or engaged in activities, you will have challenges too. Don't let people pysch you out. Keep researching and talk to as many cadets as you can to learn about life there and then make your decision next Spring.
 
@Mangito
People enter military service, officer and enlisted, through a variety of portals, for a mixed bag of reasons, including economic. That is perfectly okay, expected and planned for by the military, including the Service Academies. They know that military service is not precisely like the recruiting videos (Marine Corps ones are the best!) with uplifting music, heart-lifting images and patriotic themes, though there are those moments that are.

The absolute key, though, is if you commit to a military path, for whatever reason, you then serve honorably and willingly for your period of obligated service or beyond. That is the deal.

You are honest about your motivations. Should you succeed at getting into USAFA, you will be guaranteed to meet classmates who have various reasons for being there, not all of which are of the “brave and glorious” type. Allow too, for your mind and expectations to change as you mature, and you might find yourself soaking up and seeking those higher ideals.

I entered the Navy with a general idea to serve and knew I had to be near/on the water, that was about the sum total of my analysis. I planned to do my initial service, gain some skills and get out to go to grad school. Twenty-six years later, I retired from my beloved Navy, proud beyond words I’d had the privilege of wearing that uniform. Peers who had been all gung-ho with stars in their eyes planning a full career often found themselves seeking other paths at the end of their obligated service, and those who swore “five and dive” stayed full careers.

All I ask is that if you go this route, serve honorably as a cadet and an officer and with a committed heart while you wear the uniform.
 
Swimmerwannabeplebe2029 said:
Is this the only reason you are applying? If so then you will be in a world of pain because USAFA is much more than just “free” admission. I will apply to USNA for c/o 29 because I want to challenge myself, and graduate as an officer in the Marine Corps.
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No, it’s not the only reason I am applying. USAFA is a wonderful school with so many opportunities and connections that I would love to take part in. I want to feel the sense of community with my peers. The free tuition is just part of the reason, and a good one too.
 
Something that one of my interviewers who was an Air Force Fighter Pilot said that once you sign saying you want to go to the academy you should intend on finishing your commitment because it is not fair for you to take away an opportunity for someone who wants to go and it is not fair on yourself to say I just wanna give it a try. I would just think it over because you have a lot of time. I believe once you receive an appointment you have until May 1st. His advice spoke volumes to me because you sign away a lot of your life. It is at least 12 years if not more. I would be in my 30s which is kinda crazy.
 
BWMa said:
Something that one of my interviewers who was an Air Force Fighter Pilot said that once you sign saying you want to go to the academy you should intend on finishing your commitment because it is not fair for you to take away an opportunity for someone who wants to go and it is not fair on yourself to say I just wanna give it a try. I would just think it over because you have a lot of time. I believe once you receive an appointment you have until May 1st. His advice spoke volumes to me because you sign away a lot of your life. It is at least 12 years if not more. I would be in my 30s which is kinda crazy.
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Post graduation, a "12 year" commitment is only for pilots. Many people will serve different commitments in other rated career fields (Air Battle Manager, Combat Systems Officer, or RPA Pilot). Most others will be on the hook for 5 years.

I agree that one should be prepared to do more than just "give it a try", but no one is expected to make a full commitment decision up front. There is a reason why cadets aren't obligated to military service AT ALL until they start their junior year.
 
AFrpaso said:
Post graduation, a "12 year" commitment is only for pilots. Many people will serve different commitments in other rated career fields (Air Battle Manager, Combat Systems Officer, or RPA Pilot). Most others will be on the hook for 5 years.

I agree that one should be prepared to do more than just "give it a try", but no one is expected to make a full commitment decision up front. There is a reason why cadets aren't obligated to military service AT ALL until they start their junior year.
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I included the 4 years at USAFA because you are there and you really don't have the freedom like you would at a normal university. I added 5 years AD and 3 years Reserve
 
Your question is difficult to answer for several reasons.
First, it presents as "is the academy what I think it is?" Well, we don't know your expectations of how you think it will be. If you watched Annapolis, Top Gun, or Officer and a Gentleman and think that's how it will be---NOPE!

USAFA is a university that also develops officers (and does some projects for the AF). This makes it both like other universities and very different from most of them. Academic learning is the largest focus, but military development and leadership is incorporated into almost everything. What you wear, what you eat, where you live, who you meet, when you do things, etc. are all influenced by this.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? (Yes..?)

The "Year in the Blue" movie is one of the better ones out there. The posts linked in my signature line are my thoughts, although some small details are starting to get out of date (10-15yrs old now). The big picture hasn't changed much.

Second, on the motivation aspect, yes people have varied reasons. Some are better than others. I would recommend students whose primary reason for attending is financial or NCAA sporting opportunities reconsider. Service Academies required commitment to the military to succeed. That bit about the military influencing the whole academy experience is true. Can you succeed in using the military as a stepping stone to some other goal? It is possible, but is likely to be tougher, less efficient, and less pleasant than other routes. If you don't want to be an AF officer, it's not the best path. If you do want to be an AF officer (and other goals), then it works! Just don't expect it to be easy, always fun, or something that will take less than real dedication.
I graduated around the top third of my class, but also almost washed out. I was also two flights away from failing pilot training, at one point.


As for active duty, it really depends on your career field and assignment. As a Huey pilot, my weekly schedule varies almost every week. Some days are 0730-1630 office days. Some days have daytime flights. Some days might be night flights or sitting the desk, monitoring flight ops. So, an easy flight day might be as short at 6hrs at work, or a little over 12hrs. I've also had one night training flight that turned into a search for a missing person that went until 0730 the next morning. I've also stayed at work for alert shifts, where I lived at the squadron for 4 days. Usually, the alerts were scheduled. It keeps things interesting, but also hard to make recurring schedules outside of work.


If you can narrow your questions down a bit, we could probably give you more specific answers.
 
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Mangito said:
If there are any current or past cadets, how is life REALLY like at the academy? I’ve been going through the application process ... just to finish it. I have gotten an LOA, somehow, and passed everything and have a nomination. It’s all getting incredibly real. I wouldn’t say I have doubts, but I am starting to wonder, and I know choosing a military life is much much different than what I could have ever imagined growing up. I have done research and read a ton of articles online, but have nobody to reach out to firsthand to hear about life at the academy, and after the academy. I want to be happy at the academy and after in my job. With that being said, does anyone know someone I can talk to about the academy other than my ALO, who actually didn’t attend the academy?

College applications are becoming due for civilian colleges and a reason, I’m gonna be honest, that I’m applying to the academy is because of the free tuition. I don’t want to burden my parents with the cost of a public in state school. I just would want to hear peoples thoughts about the academy or military life in general. Nobody in my family is military and being a female is even more daunting.
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Our DD is a Doolie this year. Just PM'ed you. Happy to put you in touch with her. She's loving it there - sure it's challenging but it really is a special place.
 
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