<p>Definitely try to stay in touch with high-school friends. We have great times, when we can get back together! I will tell you that (except for other friends in the military) there will be an awkward gap between you and your friends that did not exist before you left. For example, my best friends go to an art college near their homes. They have a very hard time understanding what the academy is like (even down to day-to-day stuff), and I honestly don’t understand their school either. Some of that commonality between you and your friends will be lost. Granted, that would likely happen anywhere you go, but the gap seems larger because of the “academy experience.”…but you do get some REALLY great stories to tell!</p>
<p>Some fear and nervousness is absolutely normal. If he is losing copious amounts of sleep, he is worrying too much. The only way to fail BCT is to quit or get injured…seriously.<br>
You have to keep your goals in mind, and realize that all that training is to prepare you for those goals. </p>
<p>(ex. You want to be a fighter pilot?–there WILL be times where multiple people are trying to convey important information to you at the same time–sometimes by yelling. You need to be able to handle that…and you get used to it during BCT!)</p>