<p>SD, I admire your determination on congratulate you on your dedication to your dream. But please allow me to offer some perspective. What should your dream be? Is your ultimate goal just the Academy, or is your dream to one day become an Air Force officer. Please remember, if your dream is just to go to the Academy, the end result of your dream will be your commision and years of service in the Air Force. IMHO, the Academy is just the stepping stone, a start in your journey into becoming an Air Force officer. </p>
<p>Is the AFA a great way to start that career? Oh boy, is it ever! It is a great place to learn to become an outstanding officer and invaluable contribution to our service and the defense of this country (and this is coming from a former 20+ career officer who DIDN’T go there). </p>
<p>But, there are other ways to get there. ROTC and OTS are also outstnading ways to get you to that butter bar. And quite frankly, after the first few years in your career, your squadron mates will care little about your commissioning source (outside of some friendly rivalry when the Academy might play THIER Alma Mater, or when you and some classmates plan to get togeher for a reunion.) </p>
<p>I’m not trying to tell you to give up the dream of the Academy. Strive with all your strength, heart, and soul to ean that slot! But, in the event that THAT dream is unreachable, NEVER forget that it was only one of several ways to get you to what should be YOUR TRUE GOAL, an appointment as a Lt in this great service of ours…</p>