<p>first, have you hit up this thread? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/air-force-academy-colorado-springs/609828-realism-candidates.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/air-force-academy-colorado-springs/609828-realism-candidates.html</a></p>
<p>There are a ton of things we have to do as a 4 degree. Every morning before mandatory breakfast, we have to get up and take out all our squad’s trash/recycling. Then, starting with 1/2 an hour before breakfast, we all stand out in the hall and shout out how many minutes are left until breakfast and what the menu is (this is called “minutes”). Frequently at minutes, we do some sort of exercise (wall sits, push-ups, etc. while in blues, 3/5 days, they can only make us do push-ups)</p>
<p>We can’t wear our backpacks, but must carry them in our left hands.</p>
<p>We are almost always at attention, the exceptions being in Fairchild, the academic building, and in our rooms. Depending on your squad, people may call you out of your room to do some pushups or something if their mood compells them.</p>
<p>We call minutes at lunch.</p>
<p>We are not allowed anywhere but the outer perimeter of terrazzo, on which we must run, weather permitting (“running the strips”).</p>
<p>Every time we see an upperclassman we know, we “greet” them by rank and name. If we don’t know them, we greet by “sir” or “ma’am.” (greeting entails of, “good morning/afternoon/evening, sir/ma’am/cadet SSgt so-and-so” followed by your squad greeting. mine is “hardcore two-four.” the more obnoxious ones are “tiger ten! huzzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!” held for as long as possible, “huge, wild weasels,” and “king rats rule the cellar”)</p>
<p>Whenever an upperclassman enters our room, we must call the room to attention.</p>
<p>If we enter a firstie’s room, we must report in.</p>
<p>Every Thursday and Friday, we get “beat” (aka “trained” - they make us do exercises) all through minutes (at least in my squad, and I imagine it’s similar in others) because we are in combat uniform.</p>
<p>We have knowledge tests and must memorize a page of Air Force facts every week. If you get below 80% on the test…you could be in big trouble.</p>
<p>Okay, that’s what I can think of right now. How do we deal with them? It’s life, and you just do. Attitude is everything.</p>
<p>Recognition is very mysterious. It’s supposed to be. It is three days of intense training that is the culmination of 4 degree year.</p>
<p>Academics are tough. I’m like you-smart but definitely have had to work hard. It’s okay, if you do the work, you’ll be fine. Our teachers are absolutely amazing about letting you come in practically whenever and sitting there with you until you understand. My compsci teacher was in the library one night 'til 10:30 PM helping kids out (taps is at 10:45). These people really care.</p>
<p>Being away from family…hmm. That’s the hardest for me. You’ve just gotta think-no matter where you go to college, you’ll still be dealing with that. Email’s great, and I call my family ever so often, too. It’s not so bad, and they keep us really busy here. I was talking to a 2 deg yesterday, and she said it wasn’t until her sophomore year that the homesickness really kicked in because she didn’t have her entire life dictated out for her anymore ;)</p>