What to expect at the AFA.

gatorade is great, I love it when I do long bike rides. Do they allow you to water it down (it is actually more healthy that way)
Also, pushups are FUN!!!!

WATER IT DOWN!!! how can you water gatorade down anymore yuk! only time i ever really drank gatorade was the one day my friend and i went on a bike ride in 109 degree weather. I drank a lot of gatorade but all that did was turn it from bile to bile mixed with gatorade and i dont know wether i was puking from dehydration or from the disgustuing watery drink they call gatorade. nah just give me a nice slightly colder than room temp (easier on your system) water.
 
Three. The other two I consider little sisters. No offense to them, you just can't compare MA, AFA, or NA to CGA or MMA.

You are either clueless, ignorant, extremely arrogant, or perhaps all three. :thumbdown:

In what way are you "not comparing" them?

"Little sisters"? You got a lot of explaining to do.
 
This is ALWAYS and will ALWAYS be one of the most debatable topics on military forums. 1) 1 branch of the military comparing itself to another branch of the military. 2) Active duty military (Any branch) comparing itself to the guard and/or reserve. AKA "Week-end Warriors".

The truth is; each branch of the military has it's purpose. As does the guard and reserve. I have had the benefit of working with numerous branches of military. I've worked with the Navy near Puerto Rico. The Coast Guard in the Gulf of Mexico. Army in the desert of Saudi Arabia. And guard and reserve in other middle east engagements. The point is; each branch is BETTER at doing certain things and WORSE at doing other things. Because of the size of our country; we aren't capable of having 1 branch called "The Military". We need specialized branches; both active and reserve. The guard also serve certain functions that the active military is forbidden to do based on the constitution of the United States. Same with the Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. They handle situation that the acitve/guard/reserve Army/Navy/Air Force usually aren't allowed to engage in. So, comparing any of these entities with each other is a waste of time. You might as well be comparing the Air Force Falcon football team with the University of Wyoming Girl's Soccer team. 2 totally different entities. Neither one better or worse than the other.

On a side note: It is quite natural for the competitive spirit of all our military personnel to have the "We are better than you" attitude. This is part of the "American Competitive" nature. And actually, it is a very "Healthy" thing. Especially when on your "HOME FIELD". (This forum is obviously the HOME FIELD for air force personnel/cadets/fans/candidates/etc...) Such attitudes makes individuals strive harder to WIN. Especially against the others they are trying to "PROVE" themselves to. Don't believe me; go check out an Army/Navy/Air Force Football game.

However; deep down inside, all people know the importance of the other branches of the military. And deep down inside they respect them. Those who aren't actually in the military might not actually understand or believe that; but it's true. And you will realize it once you start serving. And for what it's worth; the same attitudes permeate with the Academy comparing themselves to ROTC; "Real" military referring to CAP/JROTC as "PLAYING" military; etc... It's all natural. it's the competitive nature of our citizens and military personnel. Personally; I'd rather have that rivalry than trying to have some "Political Correctness" "Can't we all just get along" attitude. That isn't healthy at all. Nor is it natural. Anyway; have fun. later... mike...
 
Ah, that's true. It's probably better to leave those kinds of conversations to the cadets/midshipmen who are currently attending any of the five service academies, or for the alumni of the academies.

Based on UnitedstatesAFA's comments, I'm not sure how easy his time will be at "summer camp." The "I know all" or "Well I consider" will not go very far with your cadre.

I could rattle off "Chair Force" or talk about hair cuts or rape cases but I won't.
I have worked with a few officers in the Air Force, have some friends that graduated from AFA, and have spent enough time in various joint programs with the United States Air Force to understand that a senior in high schools opinion about the various services and service academies don't amount to a hill of beans.

Having been accepted to more than one academy, including the "little sisters", I won't give much weight to the opinions of unitedstatesAFA...but that's from experience (something he doesn't have.)

Just my 2 cents.


I typed this while "Perfect Storm" is playing....something tells me the Air National Guard helo crew didn't have that kind of opinion, nor did the F-15 pilot that bailed in the Gulf last year.



Chrristcorps, that's at least a field goal for the away team. :wink:
 
From what I've heard, it isn't too bad...

The male cadets complain it's more like a prison than anything, that it gets "lonely", the workload is impossible, and it's physically strenuous.
 
The fencers are definitely NOT enamoured with the fare in Mitchell Hall. Of course, that is in part because they are 4-digs, and partly because Mama isn't the cook. :biggrin: One fencer has been known to carry *7* styro containers of food back to his dorm at dinner time, though, so it can't be THAT bad.

They are really busy, these cadets at AFA, but many still find the time for spirit missions, mountain climbing, some side sports, movies, and the internet (no media allowed yet).

Looking in as a parent, I would say an incoming cadet should expect to be (much) busier than a freshman at a normal college, though the load isn't crushing - even if it feels that way sometimes.
 
Three. The other two I consider little sisters. No offense to them, you just can't compare MA, AFA, or NA to CGA or MMA.

Lulz, if you have nothing nice to say, dont say it all. Didnt your mom teach you that? Need to learn when to bite your tounge.

Two Questions:

1. Could you live on a large ship for 200 days traveling the world, and go through nasty storms on the ocean?

2. Could you jump out of a helicopter 30 feet above the ocean into 20 degree water to board a ship on fire to save a handful of people?

One example of USMMA and of USGCA. The men and women who graduate these academies are propbably saddneed by your post. Do not take away something that they have striven for.


P.S. I heard USCGA was the most selective of all the academies
 
Really?? Four whole years of total crap? I know the first year has gotta be crap, but even then there has to be some good parts right?

When I was down at AFA a couple months ago, I was talking to a some 1/C's and 2/C's and they all said that it sucks ass. They all hate it there, and most simply described it as "a means to an end." This is huge reason I will probably choose USNA. Even just from being there for a day, the atmosphere felt depressing. I think it is worse for the lower classes there. The 4/C's I saw looked completely depressed, and this was Oct. 2. The school year had just started!

I don't mean to take a dump on the AFA. It's still a great institution, but the overall morale just seems quite low.



Just to add to the girls conversation, AFA does have the best looking girls, and if I'm not mistaken (you'll have to check me on the class profile) the most girls.
 
Jan 2008 Acceptance rates:
http://admissionsync.com/2008/01/30/best-colleges-acceptance-rate/

Navy: 14%
Army: 15%
AFA: 19%
CGA: 24%
MMA: 28%

As of 2006 Graduation Rate:
http://www.collegeresults.org/search_basic.aspx

Navy: 87.2%
Army: 84.1%
AFA: 77.2%
CGA: 69.1%
MMA: 70.6%

So; depending on how you read stats; "God I hated stats in College". You can deduce different possibilities. One possibility it that: Even though the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine accept a higher percentage of cadets into their respective academies; their programs may be more difficult academically, physically, and militarily; and therefor it is more difficult to graduate. Therefor that is why they accept a HIGHER percentage of applicants. Because they know that not as many will graduate.

On the other hand; I guess you could also conclude that maybe the Navy and Army academies are older; more structured; more historical; etc.... and as such; these academies communicate better and the cadets are more prepared for what they are going to encounter; and there is less ambiguity with the cadets. Therefor they tend to have a higher retention rate.

Who knows. You gotta love stats. later.... mike....
 
In fact, USMA, USNA, USCGA and USMMA (in that order) are all older.

Those are some interesting stats. When I was accepted the quoted acceptance rates were all lower than that. Something like 9% CGA, 13% USMA, 15% USNA, 17% USAFA and 20% USMMA.
 
wow you are all getting hostile lol. Luigi uses mathat and numbers to support his. that is pritty solid facts.
 
When I was down at AFA a couple months ago, I was talking to a some 1/C's and 2/C's and they all said that it sucks ass. They all hate it there, and most simply described it as "a means to an end." This is huge reason I will probably choose USNA. Even just from being there for a day, the atmosphere felt depressing. I think it is worse for the lower classes there. The 4/C's I saw looked completely depressed, and this was Oct. 2. The school year had just started!

I don't mean to take a dump on the AFA. It's still a great institution, but the overall morale just seems quite low.

So it's that bad huh? :frown: I didn't think it was that bad. Of course the school won't say that, but I've talked to some cadets who didn't complain too much about it. Maybe it depends on who you talk to....
 
Let me explain 1 quick thing about the stats. (Besides they SUCK). ACCEPTANCE: Is how many appointments are OFFERED. Last year, there was approximately 1,700 appointments offered out of approximately 9,400 applications. Hence, +/- 19% acceptance. However; only approximately 1300-1400 will actually accept the appoint. Hence; walking in the door for air force is approximately 14-15%.

As to gdesena saying that many of the C1C and C2C said that the academy sucked. And that basically it was just a means to an end. Real quick story: Yea, right. Me be brief? LOL!!! I'll try.

When I was on active duty, the most difficult person I had working for me was another supervisor (Enlisted) who came into the military later in life. She was 24 when she entered active duty. She use to say that many of the Airmen were nothing but complainers and this "NEW GENERATION" was more selfish than past. I had to basically tell her that the Airmen WEREN'T the problem; but rather that she was. Of course after being dumbfounded, I explained.

It is the NATURE and DISPOSITION of all teen-agers in High School to basically "Hate" school; disagree with parents; think they know everything; can't wait to graduate and move out. When they come into the military at 17-19 years old; it is not much different. Their JOB IN LIFE is to ***** and complain. They KNOW that they could do it all BETTER. They are SUPPOSE to go back to the dorm each night and COMPLAIN to each other about their instructors, supervisors, co-workers, etc... THIS IS NATURAL. For this OLDER supervisor; I had to explain that because SHE came into the military later; she never really experienced this aspect. She had already "OUTGROWN" that phase of her life prior to enlisting. So she could not relate to other E1-E3 when she was that rank. And when she got older and promoted; "Faster than others because of her maturity in studying and not so much partying"; she could not relate to Airmen behaving as they did when working for her. WHY? Because she never experienced that herself in the military. In civilian life, you generally have 4 years after high school to "GROW UP". In the military, it is done in months, weeks, days, and even minutes.

So; not to dismiss a current cadet's opinion of the academy, but it needs to be looked at in perspective. There are a lot of freedoms that a cadet doesn't have being at the academy. Even as a C1C or C2C. They are still in that mode of; "If I WAS IN CHARGE, this is how I would do it". For many of them, because it's a MILITARY school, they still resent much of the discipline that goes on. But I can tell you this. A C1C or C2C easily had 2-3 years where they could have quit at any time without any obligation. So there must be some reason they are staying. Also; realize that there are basically 3 types of cadets who walk in that door.

1) Education is/was their prime reason. They are willing to give 5 years of service in return for that education. Nothing wrong with that. Just understand their motivation.
2) Truly wants to serve their country as a military officer. They just happen to be IMPATIENT. They want it NOW! Nothing wrong with this group either. They are learning patience which is a VALUABLE TOOL.
3) Those who have been military oriented most of their lives. BRATS, CAP, JROTC, SCOUTS, Large Team Athletes (football, soccer, etc...) These types of students have been around "This Environment" most of their lives. They either knew what to expect, or it is very similar to what they are use to. If these students keep things in perspective, they usually adjust the best.

Mind you; many of the students cross in and out of these groups. So there is no definitive personality trait among all the students. But basically you have 4,000 ALPHA Males/Females all in one place. All in the higher percentage of their high schools. All use to making decisions for themselves because their excellence in school/life was respected. All use to controlling their own destiny. And now, ALL trying to be in control again. Instead, you have 4,000 who are being taught that you have to be a follower before becoming a leader.

Anyway; the comments you heard from those individual cadets is not only COMMON but it's also NORMAL!!! You yourself have probably said the same things at times about your school and life. And you will say similar when you go to the academy. It's part of growing up. You will have good days and bad days. Once in a while you will have a GREAT day. But remember; getting an appointment to the academy should NOT be your goal. The academy should indeed be a means to REACHING YOUR GOAL. Best of luck. Mike....
 
I was talking to my friend who goes to west point and asked him what it was like, but he said west point and AFA might be apples and oranges so anyone that can agree with some of these i'd like to know:

- i actually heard that the food was good quality, but it got tiring after a while.
-air force girls were the best looking out of the three sister academies
-varsity sports are really really really hard to get into unless you've played some high qualifying state team in high school.
-they graded you on your intramural sport by how you win, not necessarily how you perform.
-other things i cant remember right now... haha

West Point and AFA are apples to oranges - very very different institutions.

1. Food - The academies are institutions people. After a while all the food gets tiring. Get over it. It is just food.
2. Girls - can't even begin to address this. This comment is sexist and offensive to female cadets at AFA and WP. How dare you insinuate that the AFA picks women to attend based on their looks? Hopefully, you gain more maturity before you report.

3. Varisty sports - yes difficult. USAFA, USNA and WP are all D-1 schools. However, if you are an athlete, don't rule out trying out for a competitive club sport. My WP cadet is on a club team and loves it. She gets to travel occassionally with her team but it isn't as demanding as a D-1 sport. best of both worlds.

4. Winning is everything. Everyone who goes to an SA needs to accept this. You are (hopefully) being prepared for war. There is no excuse for defeat.
 
When I was down at AFA a couple months ago, I was talking to a some 1/C's and 2/C's and they all said that it sucks ass. They all hate it there, and most simply described it as "a means to an end." This is huge reason I will probably choose USNA.
Wrong reason.
Go to any service academy and you can find cadets or mids in all classes who will say the same thing.
1C's and 2C's are cynical? Wow. Take what they say with a grain of salt. You haven't even gotten there yet and they have been living it for 2-3 years. They were probably right. If you don't like the answer then a service academy is not for you. Personally, I think all these kids have to have a masochistic side :wink:.

The fact is life at a SA is not fun and games. There are days - sometimes weeks where it is just awful. It isn't for everyone and for those who do like it and do fit in have bad days.

4C's looked depressed - haha. They probably were! You have to be able to look beyond the crap. The first semester won't be fun. At AFA the 4C's get some fun sooner than at WP and USNA since they get recognized so early.
 
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