14000 ----> 6000 ------> 4000 ------> 3000 -----> 1200 ------> 1
Started....... Completed... Nominated..... Qualified...... Offered ...... C/DS/DD
Once the BFE arrives the fun's just starting:
- bubble wrap phase (anxiety & nagging).....
- R-day (anxiety, then relief, then pride at the parade, then sadness as you drive away)
- the first letters
- the phone call
- Marchback (pride, excitement, and stench of unwashed cadets)
- A-day anticipation, then pride at the acceptance, then family fun with your cadet
- Stress of that first reorgy week (usually very tough for plebes the first couple of days)
- That first long weekend leave (or Thanksgiving)
- The decompression over Christmas
- Grades & rank (anticipation, excitement, pride/concern)
Spring semester is far simpler!
Summer training & leave (yeah!)
Then they enter the cynical yearling phase!
It's a roller coaster!!!