The main perk is that you become an Air Force Officer. There are many other perks but none of those matter at this stage for your daughter. ... I am struck by your statement that you are "trying to put together a list for DD of the pros and cons." I would urge you to let her show the initiative and drive to make the USAFA decision. In my experience, the worst decision of all is for a kid to go to USAFA because mom and/or dad talked them into it. ...QUOTE]
Great advice for all of us parents. For students who don't have a family background in the military or service academy's, what avenues do you think are most useful for them to understand what they would be committing to with an SA and life afterward? Our kids have talked to folks in the military, but most are enlisted and tell them that their life as an officer will be different (true?). Our daughter's BGO is helpful, but more so in terms of USNA (understanably) and the SA route, not for instance NROTC. She tries to make time to read information and watch online vidoes, but that only gives so much information. She is going to USAFA ss (and USNA NASS) and hopes that will give her more information on everything from the admisisons process to life at the academy to life afterward.
Any recommendations on other things she should be doing or places she should be looking? The interest was prompted by folks at her boarding school and the idea has stuck, but she says herself that she is not sure how to narrow this all down, even in terms of the different SAs and which might suit her best...if any. On paper, she is preparing as advised (lots of leadership, sports, academic rigor and good performance with SATs, grades, etc.). But understanding SAs and life beyond in the service when you are starting at ground 0 is tough.
Thank you--
S