What are my chances as Active Duty?

[itznico]

Hi. I'm Active Duty Air Force and I recently applied for the LEAD Program to get into USAFA or Preparatory School. I applied directly to the USAFA Preparatory School since my SAT scores are a little weak (520V 620M) and my 1 year at a community college I got all Cs. However I am now an Active Duty and I have excellent High School Record. Here's an overview:

High School:
Academics- GPA 3.37 (non-weighted) / 3.60 (weighted), Top 23% in class (63 of 268)
JROTC - Top Cadet in Unit (Distinguished Badge), Cadet Group Commander (unit top 20% worldwide), Officer (with various leadership position)since 11th Grade, Rifle Drill Team (Varsity Letter), Over 2000 Hours of Community Service, Designed our Unit Patch.
Clubs/Memberships - Robotics Team (Pit Admin)
Civil Air Patrol - (only 1 year) (attended summer camp), NCO Academy, 48 Hours of Community Service
Church - 144 Hours of Community Service
Athletics - JV Soccer (10th Grade), Varsity Track (11th and 12th Grade)

On top of all that add 16-20 hours a week as part time job.


The things I'm worried about:
DoDMERB - I had hives at one point after getting stationed at my base. Specialist saw me and diagnosed with Allergy rhinitis. My lips swelled up at one point during in the midst of all that. Now everything is gone. It's pretty much just seasonal and they are controlled by Allegra even when I had hives it was still controllable by medication. One of the disqualification I am worried about is Chronic Urticaria, which is recurring hives (which by the way I do not know what type of urticaria they diagnose me with). Hopefully my Flight Surgeon can give me advice on it and write me a letter saying I'm fine, supported by my blood test, skin test, and breath/airway test.

Criminal Record - I have an arrest record almost two years ago (just before graduation of senor year)(I also already had an 4-year AFROTC Scholarship). It was lessen from felony to misdemeanor, then dismissed by court. My liaison officer pretty much gave me an advice on it. If I make a statement about Lesson Learned and How I came down then bounced back to my feet to a better person, then I should be alright. And that is why my 1st year in college I got all Cs. I was pretty depress and bummed out from the whole thing. I was suppose to go to University of Portland with 4-year AFROTC Scholarship but I declined it. I thought with the arrest record it would delay my Naturalization Process, and thats why I declined. Turns out my Naturalization did not delay at all and I could have went.

Anyways now I'm AF Active Duty. I am loved by my Commanders and Supervisors. Arrest record did not hinder my enlistment and processing at all:

Active Duty
Awards - Trainee of the quarter
Academics - attending civilian college while in training
Community Service - over 50 hours
I have more accomplishment as Active Duty but too long to list and explain.

What do you think are my chances getting into USAFA Preparatory School?

I will update what my outcome will be.....

 

[Bullet]

A1C Nico,

I admire your drive and dedication, but I have to say right up front you have a very steep hill to climb. There are several issues that the Academy will have to look at closely, which is never a help.

First off, does your cain of command know about your interest in attending the AFA? Start talking to your supervising NCO now about getting a sit-down with your squadron commander. They will be a big part of this process. I had to help a young airman through a similar situation years ago, as he was looking to go to OTS (already had his degree). Extremely sharp troop. Overcame some "growing up" issues as well. All I can say, if you're makin up for some past "indiscretions" now, and proving it to your chain of command, having your boss on your side is a huge bonus!

Continue to take advantage of your spare time right now to work on your degree. One of the most troubling things I see are young men and women like you in our enlisted forces who don't apply themselves in this area. Can't tell you the number of times I've pulled a young, sharp troop aside and asked if they were working on thier degree. The number of excuses I hear are staggering. You've seen it yourself, most likely. I know it's tough, the job takes up a 12 hour day, you're deployed often, you just feel you don't have the time. MAKE THE TIME! You have a great opportunity in theenlisted ranks to get financial aid towards this, plus usually a support system that understands your situation. Take advantage of them. Who knows, OTS may be the answer....

As to the AFA: again, you've got some obstacles. Research what makes a competitive applicant. I've also read here that the Academies are actively looking for competitive enlisted persons like yoruself to fill some slots (there seems to be a shortage of prior enlisted at the academies right now (anyone else there, can you back this statement up?). The academies value your experiences, they want you (and the cadre ) there to show these kids fresh out of high school what is what in the military!


So, in summary, talk to your chain of command, research your options, continue to get your degree for now (it will open up some other opportunites in case), and KEEP DOING YOUR BEST!

Best of luck to you.

Bullet

 

[itznico]

A1C Nico,



First off, does your cain of command know about your interest in attending the AFA?

Bullet

Yeah, my squadron commander, my flight commander are both very supportive. My squadron commander actually endorsed me and wrote me a Letter of Recommendation to the Academy so that took care of my Airman Nomination. I had my interview with my Liaison Officer last week and he was equally impress in what my resume says. So I'm in the midst of the application process.

This was all a surprise to me. I should have done my research first but I only found out about this LEAD program (Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development) Jan 7th. I could have made my resume or package a little stronger.

For all I know is that if I don't get medically disqualified and I if don't get selected to get into the USAFA Preparatory School then I ill be applying again next year directly to the USAFA with a stronger package. In the end if I don't get selected (if not medically disqualified) it will just make me to a better stronger person. I will attempt to retake SATs as much as possible, take some classes if I have to. As far as Leadership goes, I will make it stronger by holding more leadership positions such as the Dorm president, I will probably even join the base honor guard, big brother/sister, more community service.

I couldn't see myself doing anything else but to be in the Air Force. I always like helping out and making changes around me. As an Airmen, I like to make that impact at the Officer level. I know what I got myself into after taking the Oath of Enlistment. We are a Nation at war. If only USAFA Admissions could see this about me...

 

[Antoinette]

Good luck, A1C Nico! Motivated prior service airmen like you would be a real asset at USAFA. I am glad you found this forum. Keep in touch!

 

[Poyner]

A1C Nico,
I've been in a similar situation this year because of my hs backround. West Point saw past that and looked at my military career. The AFA has had a few more questions. haha. But I'm going to see that theyre answered in case there is any problem with my seperation before attending WP. The way I see it and the way I had explained it in my interview is that every officer must know failure and how to overcome it. You have obviously done that. Use your past to your advantage and deffinatly keep working on your degree. Did you look into any of the ROTC programs offered to airmen?

A1C Poyner


P.S. Whats your AFSC?

 

[itznico]

A1C Nico,
I've been in a similar situation this year because of my hs backround. West Point saw past that and looked at my military career. The AFA has had a few more questions. haha. But I'm going to see that theyre answered in case there is any problem with my seperation before attending WP. The way I see it and the way I had explained it in my interview is that every officer must know failure and how to overcome it. You have obviously done that. Use your past to your advantage and deffinatly keep working on your degree. Did you look into any of the ROTC programs offered to airmen?

A1C Poyner


P.S. Whats your AFSC?

I am 1C7X1. So Are you already accepted to a Service Academy?

 

[Poyner]

Yes I've been accepted to USMA. I should separate this May and then I'll report in for R-day on June 30th. I'm still applying to USAFA but I intend on going to USMA.