Physical Aspects of BCT

[KiwiBird]

I am a bit worried about the physical aspects of BCT, specifically the effort portion. Should I give every activity 100%, knowing that it will hinder my performance in following activities? I want to do my best at everything, but I also know that sprinting the first mile of a marathon won't do me any favors either. Any tips or advice? I just really want to do the best that I can to enable myself to grow as a person and as a teammate. Thank you!

 

[shiner]

Valid question. You will be in a flight of ~25 basic cadets and will easily be able to gauge the top and the bottom of output performance. My suggestion would be to rise to the middle. The bottom performers will always stand out and receive extra attention. The top performers will be obvious and set the bar the bottom performers are expected to meet.

The result will be that top performers downshift their effort to make it easier for the bottom performers, and the bottom will rise over time.

Those in the middle will catch occasional grief, but not really be a focus for the cadre.

I would advise against being the standout - good or bad. Neither is a good spot to be in. Up until now, your goal has been to be the positive standout. I would say at USAFA, the goal will need to shift in the name of teamwork and seek to blend into the middle.

 

[FMHS-79]

My son indicated that the basics that struggled the most in BCT were those who focused on their own performance and tried to be in the top 5% of everything and those that were in the bottom 10%. He added that he felt that effort it required to move above the 70th percentile was much, much better spent on overall flight performance and helping those who were struggling.

That philosophy changed somewhat when the academic year started, as it was important to do well in classes - but the need to support the rest of the flight never goes away.

 

[raimius]

It depends on the event. Individual PT--do your best. We don't like mediocrity.
Team based events are about the team (DUH!), so lapping everyone else is not useful...so do your best to help the team.

 

[BUFF-Driver]

It's pretty hard to flunk basic. You'll find it to be a better experience if you focus on your classmates' well-being and be a team player.

That and running. Keep up your distance running before you get there. The running will kick your booty if you're out of shape.

 

[Skipper07]

Even if you’re a top performer, your effort is probably better used to motivate and help others unless you’re in an individual graded evolution.

 

[BUFF-Driver]

Even if you’re a top performer, your effort is probably better used to motivate and help others unless you’re in an individual graded evolution.

^^^