The USAFA Question

[The Blue Baron]

I also want to say, everyone who'd commented, including trolls or pseudo-trolls..I've learned something from each one and it has helped me, one way or another. Heck, I learned and got a couple of ideas from that Tiff thread too(for example, 3 Clubs/Orgs of which I am a member will deal with said topic in the following days, one them being Model UN. Plus there's a open forum today in College with that being one of the topics).
In essence, this has provided me a diverse and wholesome experience.

 

[BlueStar]

Exchange of ideas is good.

But bantering excessively or trying to be a comic with current or retired AF officers or other adults who have worlds and lifetimes of firsthand, knowledgeable experience, and needing to have the "last word" with them is not a good skill to cultivate, especially if you hope someday to be a service academy appointee. The individuals who have provided thoughtful, specific advice are, for the most part, your superiors in rank...not your peers. My comment is meant to help you. If you do get to a service academy, this trait will not serve you well.

Learning mature restraint and discernment in what one shares aloud versus what one keeps to oneself is a valuable life skill, no matter where you wind up.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Exchange of ideas is good.

But bantering excessively or trying to be a comic with current or retired AF officers or other adults who have worlds and lifetimes of firsthand, knowledgeable experience, and needing to have the "last word" with them is not a good skill to cultivate, especially if you hope someday to be a service academy appointee. The individuals who have provided thoughtful, specific advice are, for the most part, your superiors in rank...not your peers. My comment is meant to help you. If you do get to a service academy, this trait will not serve you well.

Learning mature restraint and discernment in what one shares aloud versus what one keeps to oneself is a valuable life skill, no matter where you wind up.

"Even when there is a necessity of military power, within the land,...a wise and prudent people will always have a watchful & jealous eye over it."
-- Samuel Adams

 

[MidCakePa]

Learning mature restraint and discernment in what one shares aloud versus what one keeps to oneself is a valuable life skill, no matter where you wind up.

+1 to @BlueStar. Would this be a good place to mercifully end this thread?

 

[MJ2020]

I just want to add... Fl 8 DS has the best ALO. He called him in June for the first time. It was 2hrs phone call. Had been checking with my DS. I know via phone calls once a month since July. My DS is not planning to proceed with the application. It was originally created only for the summer leader. I am not sure why my DS is still finishing his application. It’s about 90% done.. has pres-nom and Dobmerb qualified. Again my DS has a great USAFA ALO! Very thankful n blessed here...,

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Exchange of ideas is good.

But bantering excessively or trying to be a comic with current or retired AF officers or other adults who have worlds and lifetimes of firsthand, knowledgeable experience, and needing to have the "last word" with them is not a good skill to cultivate, especially if you hope someday to be a service academy appointee. The individuals who have provided thoughtful, specific advice are, for the most part, your superiors in rank...not your peers. My comment is meant to help you. If you do get to a service academy, this trait will not serve you well.

Learning mature restraint and discernment in what one shares aloud versus what one keeps to oneself is a valuable life skill, no matter where you wind up.

Good advice, although I think you are making assumptions with the statement "your superiors in rank...not your peers". Also, the bantering, that many perceive as such, are, in some instances, statements of fact and some of the facts are not exactly what the forum majority expects or wants to here.

 

[raimius]

Good advice, although I think you are making assumptions with the statement "your superiors in rank...not your peers". Also, the bantering, that many perceive as such, are, in some instances, statements of fact and some of the facts are not exactly what the forum majority expects or wants to here.

Oh, so you are an O-6 with 30 years of military experience then? Or are you an O-3 with 8 years of experience?

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Exchange of ideas is good.

But bantering excessively or trying to be a comic with current or retired AF officers or other adults who have worlds and lifetimes of firsthand, knowledgeable experience, and needing to have the "last word" with them is not a good skill to cultivate, especially if you hope someday to be a service academy appointee. The individuals who have provided thoughtful, specific advice are, for the most part, your superiors in rank...not your peers. My comment is meant to help you. If you do get to a service academy, this trait will not serve you well.

Learning mature restraint and discernment in what one shares aloud versus what one keeps to oneself is a valuable life skill, no matter where you wind up.

Good advice, although I think you are making assumptions with the statement "your superiors in rank...not your peers". Also, the bantering, that many perceive as such, are, in some instances, statements of fact and some of the facts are not exactly what the forum majority expects or wants to here.

"expects or wants to here" correction "expects or wants to hear" that was driving me crazy had to fix that....I was positive someone with 1600 on the SAT would be correcting me later today

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Good advice, although I think you are making assumptions with the statement "your superiors in rank...not your peers". Also, the bantering, that many perceive as such, are, in some instances, statements of fact and some of the facts are not exactly what the forum majority expects or wants to here.

Oh, so you are an O-6 with 30 years of military experience then? Or are you an O-3 with 8 years of experience?

Right around an O-10 on the civilian equivalent scale.....but I don't want to get off subject with the thread.

 

[The Blue Baron]

Speaking of, I have a Question:
This one is to be mock interviewed for MOC by non related people who offered to help.
Problemo is, they're Company Oriented.
When my resume was being reviewed, such thing was mentioned to me.

I'm thinking of giving them the attachment and a printed list of questions I've compiled from the forum but the issue still lies. What do you guys suggest I also give them as to get the nearest to the real thing? What if one of them may has Enlisted or ROTC Background?

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Speaking of, I have a Question:
This one is to be mock interviewed for MOC by non related people who offered to help.
Problemo is, they're Company Oriented.
When my resume was being reviewed, such thing was mentioned to me.

I'm thinking of giving them the attachment and a printed list of questions I've compiled from the forum but the issue still lies. What do you guys suggest I also give them as to get the nearest to the real thing? What if one of them may has Enlisted or ROTC Background?

Probably best to have surprise questions versus ones you have seen. Gives a better feel for thinking on ones feet. Here's a popular ALO question....Name someone you consider to be a hero, and give your reasons why.

 

[The Blue Baron]

Thanks.
As for a resource, article, pdf I can show them so they can get a better grip and gauge me better in the sense of what the Academies are looking for (That they can see through the eyes of the Academies)?

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Thanks.
As for a resource, article, pdf I can show them so they can get a better grip and gauge me better (That they can see through the eyes of the Academy)?

True that!

 

[The Blue Baron]

To clarify, I'm looking mainly for a concise summary of what the Academies are looking for. I can answer all those Questions in a great way as a kind-hearted lady who helped me yesterday commented, but context is key.
This was also told to me when my resume was being reviewed.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

I'm looking mainly for a concise summary of what the Academies are looking for.

The starting point is that you should answer any questions truthfully, and in your own words. No one here is going to you how YOU should answer the questions, as every Candidate is different. Be yourself, and avoid cliche' responses.

 

[The Blue Baron]

Context: I want to provide them with context for the Academies. What are they supposed to be looking for; Their mindset during the interview.
All in an article or short page that won't take them much time like say, surf the USAFA portal and read the Experience Section and Sub-Sections.
Yesterday 2 different people told me the same in regards to corporate vs academic context. Hence my question.

 

[The Blue Baron]

I'm looking mainly for a concise summary of what the Academies are looking for.

The starting point is that you should answer any questions truthfully, and in your own words. No one here is going to you how YOU should answer the questions, as every Candidate is different. Be yourself, and avoid cliche' responses.

Nonetheless, Thanks.

 

[The Blue Baron]

And I only ask this due all the comments on how the Academy is changing, "same it used to be" etc

 

[fencersmother]

Here's a popular ALO question....Name someone you consider to be a hero, and give your reasons why.

How do you know this is a popular question? I have known probably 200 USAFA applicants personally and have never heard of that one. Yes, you are expected to think on your feet - but I don't know about the "who's your hero" question. Typically, no one can anticipate the "surprise" questions board members at the Nomination interview, nor at the ALO interview. I don't say they won't ask the above, just that I haven't heard of it, so wonder where BBBRRRIT came up with the adjective "popular."

I think you are making assumptions with the statement "your superiors in rank...not your peers"

Please tell me this is one of those "I say it to get a response" tactics. I assure you: I am not your peer. And, as everyone knows, mothers are always superior in rank.

 

[The Blue Baron]

Anyhow, here's the Plan(I'll include @BBBRRRTT 's question too):

I'll give the Questionnaire and a page with the following:

" Overview: The Service Academies are looking for cadets with great Academic, Athletic and Leadership traits who are in essence well-rounded individuals that will make great officers.

List of attributes:

Attention to detail :
Awareness of diversity:
Challenging yourself:
Commitment:
Communication:
Competition:
Confidence:
Cooperation:
Coordination:
Decision making:
Dedication:
Determination :
Diligence:
Discipline:
Endurance:
Fitness:
Flexibility:
Focus:
Following plans/directions:
Give/take feedback and criticism :
Goal-directed:
Improvement :
Integrity:
Individual/group effort:
Keeping records:
Leadership:
Learning from failure:
Management:
Multi-tasking:
Organization :
Overcome obstacles :
Pain/fatigue management:
Patience:
Performance:
Persistence:
Positive attitude:
Prioritizing:
Problem solving:
Punctuality :
Pursuit of excellence :
Respect: I try..
, Responsibility:
Scheduling:
Self-directed:
Self-esteem:
Set goals:
Strategies :
Stress management:
Supervision:
Tactics:
Teaching:
Teamwork:
Thinking on your feet:
Time management:
Training motivation:
Work ethic:
"

I will also provide them with my Resume and ask on the above + work with "what did I project?" both in resume and during Interview and how it shows or not such traits.

Should anyone wish to share their opinion on the plan, you are more than welcome.