Ex-USAFA Cadet, Now UC Berkeley Junior

calbear627
Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:29:45 +0000

Hey let me start things off by introducing myself.
My father was in the AF for about 29 years, reaching some high brass ranks and having a successful military career in the force. During my high school years I aspired to join the AF and my first notion was to do just that, apply to the USAFA and also various ROTC programs. I entered as a aeronautical E. major and received a Type I scholarship from AFROTC and also got an appointment from USAFA. I was pumped to say the least. Now as you all know there is a little something called BCT, commonly known as basic cadet training or beast. About 40 days at the Academy, divided into two phases.

Phase one being at the Academy-learning to drill, march, morning/afternoon/dinner formations, uniform etc.
Phase two- Jacks valley; this was madness. A remote area in the cuts of the Academy grounds. every freshman is required to go and live in a tent with about 12 other cadets. Not the most fun i’ve ever had but you gotta do what you gotta do.
many stories/memories

But let me get to the point. After going through the various training excercises and phases of BCT, I decided that USAFA was just not for me. Being completely immersed in the gung ho military atmosphere was something that I really wasnt used to. I wanted a real college atmosphere, with freedom and the ability to do what I want when I want.

Not being able to have girls in your room, not being able to have a beer and watch the Steelers play the Cards, not being able to GO OFF CAMPUS unless you have the blessings of you squadron commander. It got to the point where I felt my freedoms had been stripped away from me as a student, let alone a person.

The school year started on the 8th, I was on a plane ride home on the 7th. Leaving my squadron was tough, especially after the newfound friends I’d made there. It wasnt an easy choice, but it definitely was the right one for me. Upon my arrival at home, it was tough at first. Leaving a $350,000 scholarship was tough, but letting my parents know…you get the picture.

The next phase in my life began where I enrolled in a community college, yes i know, a community college!!! It was a shock to me, knowing I’d be staying at home for another two years. But over time, I got used to it and I decided to make the best of the situation at hand. The years passed, slowly, and I ended up getting accepted to UC Berkeley (i know i know, extreme left compared to moderate right) for the coming semester. It was time to leave home…again haha But this time it was for good.

I’m just letting you guys know that even if you dont make it through BCT or are thinking about the leaving or applying to the Academy, give it another thought or two. I’m so happy with my decision to be at Cal, but at this point 3 years ago, I felt like a failure for letting the people down around me. But in the end it was my choice and what I really felt was right. O ya, I’m doin AFROTC up here too, got a scholarship and everything, trying to get that Pilot Slot!!
If you have any questions about USAFA, Berkeley, ROTC, BCT or anything, just post below or pm me.
Thanks