Regrets or Satisfactions?

KiwiBird

USAFA Cadet, Co 2025
Joined
Oct 8, 2020
Messages
286
For those of you that have attended USAFA (or one of the other service academies) or know someone that did, did any of them have any regrets about it? If so, what were they? On the other side, why were you or someone that you know super glad that you attended USAFA?
 
I'm probably one of the small number that never doubted my choice to go to USAFA or even remotely considered leaving at any point. My only regret is that the tennis experience wasn't better - but that's a longer story and not so much a problem with USAFA itself.

I am super glad I attended USAFA because it violently shoved me out of my comfort zone. I was extremely quiet, terrified of even answering a question in class in high school, public speaking was an absolute nightmare. USAFA left no time to be scared - it was figure it out ASAP or fail. I am fairly confident that had I gone anywhere else that allowed me to stay more in my comfort zone, I would not be half as successful as I am now, particularly when it comes to communication and interpersonal skills. There are many other things I loved - but that is definitely the one that stands out the most.
 
I am super glad I attended USAFA because it violently shoved me out of my comfort zone. I was extremely quiet, terrified of even answering a question in class in high school, public speaking was an absolute nightmare. USAFA left no time to be scared - it was figure it out ASAP or fail. I am fairly confident that had I gone anywhere else that allowed me to stay more in my comfort zone, I would not be half as successful as I am now, particularly when it comes to communication and interpersonal skills. There are many other things I loved - but that is definitely the one that stands out the most.
This sums it up for many of my classmates from USNA.

In my case, I was a little more self confident but what I didn't know was how hollow I was. I'd coasted through High School mostly by listening and taking notes with just about zero study. I thought myself to be tough as I'd survived a pretty rough and tumble high school and area and then made the mistake (pre-creation of workout programs for candidates) of partying hard for the three weeks prior to I day in an era of the 18 Y/O drinking age.

So I reported in out of shape and with no study skills. It took all that I had in me to get through the summer as I struggled with the physical stuff. Then Ac year came and I was well below where I needed to me. I ended the semester just a hair over 2.0 with a class rank in the 1200's but the great thing was that I'd IMPROVED so much to get to 2.0. Over the next three years I clawed my way up to the top half of the class (we graduated under a thousand) while also being a varsity athlete. My overall GPA was not great but I'd learned how to study and prosper academically and when I later went for an MBA, I was more than a full grade higher and was not far below a 4.0.
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I'd learned to really apply myself and now had a self confidence based on having DONE something and was then able to excel in a variety of Navy schools and then aboard ship where I rapidly qualified and otherwise learned my trade. When I went to civilian industry, my leadership skills and ability to make things happen while always learning served me throughout a career in the high tech/aerospace field.
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Going to USNA set the stage for a pretty great life and the fact that one of my children followed me there is a testament to that.
 
No regrets about attending, past or present. On the contrary, it is one of the decisions with which I am most satisfied.

I could certainly point to a handful of scenarios I wish I'd handled better while I was there, but that is true of life in general. I think I matured and learned a lot as a cadet (and am in fact still doing so). Some of the highlights of my experience include flying gliders, learning to jump, serving as cadre and training staff, and academic opportunities. All were incredibly rewarding and memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. I also learned that attitude is one of the most important determining factors of satisfaction.

In 10-20 years, perhaps I will have a more nuanced and astute answer to your question. :coo2l:
 
I find it hard to put into words. No regrets for attending. I was a last minute appointee and always felt grateful for the opportunity to go to that school. I never once thought of leaving, but often found myself focused on the opposite -- not screwing up and getting kicked out. I wanted to be there and knew that it would have positive life trajectory altering impacts on my future.

If I were given an opportunity to hop in a time machine and go do it again - I would jump at the chance in a heartbeat. Why again? To do it even better the second time around. The first time wasn't bad and I graduated in the top half of my class, but benefitting from what I know today, I know I could play the game even better the second time around. Like @OldRetSWO, I now know that I coasted in High School and did not have great study habits. These were learned at USAFA. I would sleep more and not try to do everything. The process taught me how to prioritize tasks and learn to accept that you cannot do everything, but to be smart in the things you chose to ignore.

I tell my kids that Disney World is not the most magical place on earth - USAFA is. As a competitive Type-A personality, there are no better places than Service Academies (IMO) to force you to grow into the best person you can be at the time. You are surrounded by thousands of other people that think and perform like you. You are surrounded by literally the best of the best and they push you to be better just to keep up. Everyone has a common goal. They hold you accountable to what you are capable of and not just what you are willing to accept. They are a true meritocracy where your rank order in the class is truly based on what you do individually and not because of the work of others on your team. As a competitor, this fueled me.

Much of the outside world is not like that.
 
I find it hard to put into words. No regrets for attending. I was a last minute appointee and always felt grateful for the opportunity to go to that school. I never once thought of leaving, but often found myself focused on the opposite -- not screwing up and getting kicked out. I wanted to be there and knew that it would have positive life trajectory altering impacts on my future.

If I were given an opportunity to hop in a time machine and go do it again - I would jump at the chance in a heartbeat. Why again? To do it even better the second time around. The first time wasn't bad and I graduated in the top half of my class, but benefitting from what I know today, I know I could play the game even better the second time around. Like @OldRetSWO, I now know that I coasted in High School and did not have great study habits. These were learned at USAFA. I would sleep more and not try to do everything. The process taught me how to prioritize tasks and learn to accept that you cannot do everything, but to be smart in the things you chose to ignore.

I tell my kids that Disney World is not the most magical place on earth - USAFA is. As a competitive Type-A personality, there are no better places than Service Academies (IMO) to force you to grow into the best person you can be at the time. You are surrounded by thousands of other people that think and perform like you. You are surrounded by literally the best of the best and they push you to be better just to keep up. Everyone has a common goal. They hold you accountable to what you are capable of and not just what you are willing to accept. They are a true meritocracy where your rank order in the class is truly based on what you do individually and not because of the work of others on your team. As a competitor, this fueled me.

Much of the outside world is not like that.
Can you please explain what you mean by last-minute appointee? Were you rejected then admitted last minute?
 
Can you please explain what you mean by last-minute appointee? Were you rejected then admitted last minute?
Correct. I received a med waiver, nomination, and appointment ~2 weeks prior to report date. With many receiving bad news yesterday and looking for signs that there is still a chance, understand that this is very very rare. I knew it then just like I do today - hence my gratitude for the opportunity.
 
Hey I'll be really honest with you. I am a doolie(freshman) going to USAFA right now. If you are ready for no parties alot of restrictions then you may enjoy it. However, I still have regrets and still think about leaving weekly. I know this might not be what you might want to hear but hey i'm telling you my side of the story. This place, imo, treats you like children. I honestly understand some rules like you can't have your door closed until 7:50, gotta run on the strips, etc. However, things like you can not own your own car until your a junior, you can not go sleep overnight, can not go to parties, can not own a fridge until your a junior, etc just does not make sense at all to me. For me, when I see my friends in normal colleges, have their own apartments, eat whatever they want/cook, go partying whenever they want, invite friends over and sleep in their dorms, it makes me feel very left out and I really want that. Just my 2 cents about this place.
 
Hey I'll be really honest with you. I am a doolie(freshman) going to USAFA right now. If you are ready for no parties alot of restrictions then you may enjoy it. However, I still have regrets and still think about leaving weekly. I know this might not be what you might want to hear but hey i'm telling you my side of the story. This place, imo, treats you like children. I honestly understand some rules like you can't have your door closed until 7:50, gotta run on the strips, etc. However, things like you can not own your own car until your a junior, you can not go sleep overnight, can not go to parties, can not own a fridge until your a junior, etc just does not make sense at all to me. For me, when I see my friends in normal colleges, have their own apartments, eat whatever they want/cook, go partying whenever they want, invite friends over and sleep in their dorms, it makes me feel very left out and I really want that. Just my 2 cents about this place.
In light of things that you miss, Is there anything that prevents you from leaving USAFA now as you have just about finished your first year?
 
Hey I'll be really honest with you. I am a doolie(freshman) going to USAFA right now. If you are ready for no parties alot of restrictions then you may enjoy it. However, I still have regrets and still think about leaving weekly. I know this might not be what you might want to hear but hey i'm telling you my side of the story. This place, imo, treats you like children. I honestly understand some rules like you can't have your door closed until 7:50, gotta run on the strips, etc. However, things like you can not own your own car until your a junior, you can not go sleep overnight, can not go to parties, can not own a fridge until your a junior, etc just does not make sense at all to me. For me, when I see my friends in normal colleges, have their own apartments, eat whatever they want/cook, go partying whenever they want, invite friends over and sleep in their dorms, it makes me feel very left out and I really want that. Just my 2 cents about this place.
Looking back and in complete honesty, were you 100% all-in when you showed up, or did you show up at 90-95% with 5-10% of your heart at a normal university, if that makes sense?
 
Hey I'll be really honest with you. I am a doolie(freshman) going to USAFA right now. If you are ready for no parties alot of restrictions then you may enjoy it. However, I still have regrets and still think about leaving weekly. I know this might not be what you might want to hear but hey i'm telling you my side of the story. This place, imo, treats you like children. I honestly understand some rules like you can't have your door closed until 7:50, gotta run on the strips, etc. However, things like you can not own your own car until your a junior, you can not go sleep overnight, can not go to parties, can not own a fridge until your a junior, etc just does not make sense at all to me. For me, when I see my friends in normal colleges, have their own apartments, eat whatever they want/cook, go partying whenever they want, invite friends over and sleep in their dorms, it makes me feel very left out and I really want that. Just my 2 cents about this place.
I don’t mean to come off as argumentative, but did you not know what you signed up for? For me personally, the lack of parties and extremely strict schedules / requirements is one of the main reasons I’m going to USAFA. I knew when I was just in middle school that I thrive in environments in which myself and those around me are held to an extremely high standard. In high school kids around me partied their life away and will continue to do so in college, only in college they will rack up a massive amount of debt. USAFA not only allows you to be free of student debt, but it also allows you to be free of the college norms that I find toxic and repulsive. Again, I feel bad for you, but what did you expect at a service academy?
 
Hey I'll be really honest with you. I am a doolie(freshman) going to USAFA right now. If you are ready for no parties alot of restrictions then you may enjoy it. However, I still have regrets and still think about leaving weekly. I know this might not be what you might want to hear but hey i'm telling you my side of the story. This place, imo, treats you like children. I honestly understand some rules like you can't have your door closed until 7:50, gotta run on the strips, etc. However, things like you can not own your own car until your a junior, you can not go sleep overnight, can not go to parties, can not own a fridge until your a junior, etc just does not make sense at all to me. For me, when I see my friends in normal colleges, have their own apartments, eat whatever they want/cook, go partying whenever they want, invite friends over and sleep in their dorms, it makes me feel very left out and I really want that. Just my 2 cents about this place.
On that note... hang in there. I was appointed to USNA 23' and I had to leave because of some personal issues. Speaking from someone who knew that lifestyle and then had to pave their way into a college with good stats and decent tuition, you are not missing out on much. The 'regular' college experience is not all the hype, but that is just my opinion... and I like to have my fun too. Those parties you see your friends at on social media and such, your time will come. The difference is you have to wait for a little and you come out of college debt-free and with a guaranteed career. What @USAFA_86 said is blunt, but they make valid points. You are at the end of your doolie year and if you pay close attention, upperclassmen get away with a lot. I know quite a few cadets who did the bare minimum, lived their best lives and graduated. I also have friends who are youngsters (sophomores at USNA) and are having fun too.

I am not encouraging you to just get by, but focus on the present and take one day at a time. Find your people whether that is through a sport, club, etc., and by the end of your sophomore year, if you are still not feeling it you have a choice. You can continue for 2 more years and commission, or choose to move on to another university. For all you know 1-2 years from now, ROTC might be a better path to get you where you want to be and to get that normal college experience if you are still seeking one.
 
I know many graduates who rave about it. I know others that appreciated it, but wish they had taken their offer at a civilian school. I know one person who did not care for USAFA at all and regrets it. Its highly subjective and variable for everyone. Not just at USAFA, but what you go on to do in life will affect how you look back at that time. If you get the career field you wanted, enjoy it, have only one bad PCS, and spend 20+years in USAF, then you will likely have fond memories of USAFA and attribute a fair amount of your career to USAFA. If on the other hand, you do your five, exit, and then work in a totally different field, you may look back fondly or you may look back and think about what you missed. If you had a really tough time at USAFA, finished near the bottom of your class, get an AFSC that you never wanted and get stuck somewhere you hate, you will likely regret USAFA.

Initially, it comes down to your options. Then when you get to USAFA, its largely your attitude. When you graduate, it will be driven in large part by your assignments and the people at those assignments. There are things along the way that could spoil it for you regardless of your attitude, but in general, the cliche is accurate - it is what you make of it.

I was AFROTC, I have family members that attended USAFA and many friends. There is no difference among us attributable to our commissioning source or college experience. Some are great, kind people. Some are selfish or untrustworthy. Just because you attend USAFA doesn't mean you are a good person or that you will be a success in life.

For my son, who wants to be a pilot and likely stay 20+, USAFA presented more opportunities to explore aviation through its flying programs and mentorship from faculty and has a great aero program so USAFA seemed like the right choice. Think about what you want to do and why you want do it. USAFA may be the best option. It may be tied for best or it may not be for you. Then whatever choice you make, keep a positive attitude and make the most of it because regardless of your decision, there will be tough times and there will be moments when you wonder about the other option and what could have been. But, it really will be largely impacted by your attitude going into it.
 
Wonderful experiences and perspectives posted! What an inspiration!

@KiwiBird , my DD is steady-as-she-goes. While the day-to-day isn't all that "fun", we can tell she can find something funny about the circumstances and recognizes the opportunities both at USAFA and beyond. She does appreciate all the resources and fun things she gets to do, like this summer she got jump which was her #1 goal!

At our parents group meeting honoring the graduating seniors, one common piece of advice was to not be afraid to reinvent yourself, and to sign up/put your name in for different things even if you don't think you'll get it. That is because leadership may be looking at you in a way you didn't realize, and so don't limit yourself, and again, don't be afraid to reinvent yourself.

I hope that post #8 is a temporary mindset and "moment of despair". All of what is posted is well known and the same YOY. These are privileges you have to earn. In the meantime, you are developing the skills to reach out and figure out how to get from Point A to Point B when you cannot change the circumstances. If you think it's a "sacrifice", then add the word "more" to it - are you giving up something of more value? Do you value the civilian lifestyle more? There is nothing wrong if you do, but you need to make a conscious decision and what's right for you...is only right for you.
 
Wonderful experiences and perspectives posted! What an inspiration!

@KiwiBird , my DD is steady-as-she-goes. While the day-to-day isn't all that "fun", we can tell she can find something funny about the circumstances and recognizes the opportunities both at USAFA and beyond. She does appreciate all the resources and fun things she gets to do, like this summer she got jump which was her #1 goal!

At our parents group meeting honoring the graduating seniors, one common piece of advice was to not be afraid to reinvent yourself, and to sign up/put your name in for different things even if you don't think you'll get it. That is because leadership may be looking at you in a way you didn't realize, and so don't limit yourself, and again, don't be afraid to reinvent yourself.

I hope that post #8 is a temporary mindset and "moment of despair". All of what is posted is well known and the same YOY. These are privileges you have to earn. In the meantime, you are developing the skills to reach out and figure out how to get from Point A to Point B when you cannot change the circumstances. If you think it's a "sacrifice", then add the word "more" to it - are you giving up something of more value? Do you value the civilian lifestyle more? There is nothing wrong if you do, but you need to make a conscious decision and what's right for you...is only right for you.
How do you register for the jump program already?
 
DS says no regrets. Sure, some days the grass is greener elsewhere, but isn’t that the case anywhere? I asked my son point blank if he wanted to leave, and he said “I can’t see myself anywhere else.”
 
Mind explaining this a bit more?
Sure! I believe that if a person is simply seeking officership, then they should apply to all the academies. If they are absolutely not interested in a particular academy, then they should not bother at all. Now, that was not the case for me. My interests were in both USNA and USAFA, but I backed out of USAFA because of one con (that was pretty important to me at the time) which was the location. I live on the east coast.

To sum it all up, it is self-explanatory that each branch has its own culture. When choosing an academy it is important to consider your own personality and how you thrive. That includes location, which branch most supports your career goals, and if the culture of the branch appeals to you... the Air Force is very different from the Marines for example. Also, I'm a nature person, not so much a city.

Granted my situation definitely needed to be handled asap, but my (not so great) experience at USNA amplified what was going on... that is my take on it. I joined a sport that I absolutely loved and had plenty of supportive family/friends/coaches, but what I said above really makes or breaks whether or not you want to continue to attend a specific academy. I know there are individuals who committed to USNA and found that USAFA was a better fit for them after making the switch and vice versa.
 
How do you register for the jump program already?

DD's class put in for preferences for their summer programs. My DD's top choice in the airmanship programs is jump, and she was happy she got it. I hope the weather is good, and she gets in the full 5 jumps! She had Aviation 100 last semester. She also got space operations this summer, but I have no idea what that is. Hopefully not entirely online, but who knows. These are all great opportunities! These are a big plus for DD!

 
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