1.
What is the purpose of basic cadet training?
2. What type of training does BCT include?
3. How can I feel assured that I am physically prepared
for BCT?
4. Do new cadets enter the BCT program immediately
upon entering the Academy?
5. Will I be tested on my physical condition when
I enter the Academy?
6. Why is it necessary for basic cadets to have
their hair cut short?
7. I’ve heard basic cadets referred to as
"Doolies." What does this mean?
8. Do basic cadets have any free time?
9. If I have problems adjusting to cadet life, can
I seek help?
10. What happens after basic cadet training is completed?
1. What is the purpose
of basic cadet training?
The five-week BCT program tests your mental and physical abilities
and helps you make the transition from civilian to military life.
You’ll develop alertness, physical endurance, emotional stability,
self-reliance and individual initiative. You’ll be subjected
to rigorous discipline, attention to detail and punctuality. This
training lays the foundation for leadership – which is what
you’re here for.
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2. What type of
training does BCT include?
BCT consists of two phases, both administered by upper-class cadets
with commissioned officers and sergeants serving as advisors. The
program is supervised by the Commandant of Cadets, who is an Air
Force Brigadier General.
The first phase of BCT (1st BCT) takes place in the cadet area
and is devoted to military orientation programs. Emphasis is placed
on learning basic military skills and responsibilities, improving
physical conditioning and adapting to teamwork through competitive
sports.
The second phase of BCT (2nd BCT) consists primarily of Field-Training
activities conducted at the Jack’s Valley encampment site,
five miles north of the cadet area. You’ll march to the campsite,
erect a tent city and live there for 18 days while you’re
in training. The activities expand your military orientation, teach
you weapons skills and develop your physical and mental confidence
through challenging obstacles. This training demands the utmost
in stamina, determination and resourcefulness. More specific information
on BCT can be found in the brochure "The Academy Experience,"
which the Academy provides to candidates selected for admission.
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3. How can I feel
assured that I am physically prepared for BCT?
The cadet appointee kit includes specific instructions on physical
preparation by the Academy’s Director of Athletics. You should
follow the instructions by establishing a daily aerobic workout
of 30 minutes, without overtaxing or straining yourself. The Cadet
Fourth-Class Council has also prepared the following advice:
"Looking back on how we could have better prepared ourselves
for entrance to the Academy, physical conditioning stands out first
of all. The everyday strenuous conditioning activities can become
discouraging and tiring if you’re not in shape. If you can
accomplish the 30-minute daily workout, which includes running at
least two miles and performing the other aerobic activities, you
should be prepared for the physical demands that will be placed
upon you. However, if you have not met all of the recommended standards
before arrival, you will have the opportunity to increase your physical
abilities in order to keep pace with your classmates."
Blisters and tendonitis are problems experienced frequently by
basic cadets. It is very important that your shoes and combat boots
are properly fitted to provide comfort. You might want to purchase
a pair of combat boots during your orientation and break them in
before you arrive for BCT. You should also build up your leg and
ankle strength and general foot toughness before arriving.
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4. Do new cadets
enter the BCT program immediately upon entering the Academy?
Yes. The first day is devoted to processing, which includes clothing
issue, room and squadron assignments, completing forms, a medical
review and a swearing-in ceremony. You will be asked to take the
Oath of Allegiance to support and defend the Constitution of the
United States and to faithfully discharge your duties as a cadet.
If your parents come with you, they may want to stay for the public
swearing-in ceremony on the second day.
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5. Will I be tested
on my physical condition when I enter the Academy?
Yes. Two tests will be given during the third week of BCT to measure
your physical fitness and endurance. The physical fitness test areas
are pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, standing long jump and a 600-yard
run. The aerobics test is a one and one-half mile run.
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6. Why is it necessary
for basic cadets to have their hair cut short?
BCT is the transition from civilian to military life. Part of that
transition is the uniformity of hair standards for the basic cadets.
The rigors of BCT put great demands on personal hygiene. The time
allocated for personal hygiene needs to be maximized and short hair
helps. During the fall and spring semesters, hair is cut and styled
in the cadet barbershops for men and the cadet beauty shop for women.
Since the typical female in-processing haircut takes more than 15
minutes to accomplish, you should consider having your hair cut
short and styled prior to your arrival at the Academy. After BCT
female cadets are allowed to wear hair a little longer.
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7. I’ve heard
basic cadets referred to as "Doolies." What does this
mean?
This is a term adopted by the Academy’s first cadet class,
the Class of 1959, when they were in BCT. Doolie is a derivative
of the Greek word duolos, which means subject. The colloquial term
is used to refer to cadets in their freshman year by most graduates
and outsiders, although the cadets themselves do not typically use
it.
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8. Do basic cadets
have any free time?
Yes, but very little. You’ll get up at 5:30 in the morning
and go to bed at 10:30 at night; however, sufficient time for relaxation
is built into the daily schedule. Each evening there is time to
shower and attend to personal hygiene. In addition, time is available,
just before taps (the last bugle call before lights out), to study,
write letters or rest. Adequate time is also allowed for sleep,
meals, breaks and religious worship.
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9. If I have problems
adjusting to cadet life, can I seek help?
If you experience adjustment problems, you’ll be encouraged
to seek assistance from counseling sources. Professionally trained
officers are always available, as well as upper-class cadets designated
for this purpose in each squadron.
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10. What happens
after basic cadet training is completed?
The Acceptance Parade, with the entire cadet wing participating,
marks the completion of BCT. You receive your cadet shoulder boards
and become a member of the cadet wing. You can truthfully say to
yourself "Well done. The challenges stimulated me to achieve
a goal and perform beyond my own expectations." Now you enter
the fourth-class academic year, which extends through May. But even
though the stringent BCT program has ended, you must take a rigorous
schedule of classes and live under the fourth-class system.
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