What to Expect

The life of a student in the ROTC program is very different from the life of a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

There are many flying careers with the Air Force, but most members are not pilots. There are over 100 careers available in the Air Force, and just as many ways to train.

Private Iain Cleaton is doing an apprenticeship to become an aviation systems technician. First he had to complete medical, physical, criminal and credit checks and an aptitude test. Next he had to do 13 weeks of basic training. Then his specialty training will take a year.

"For the first four weeks, you're pretty much at their whim," he says. During an inspection day, he would be up at 5 a.m. for a 45-minute run. Then back to shower and dress, eat breakfast (it's mandatory), dust, sweep and mop the room. That's all before 7 a.m. inspection.

"It's a very high-paced day that they set up for you," he says.

"Always be positive with what's happening. There will be a lot of negativity thrown at you, but use it to your advantage and keep a positive attitude. Look ahead and know you'll have good pay, a good rank and you'll get to be working on aircraft. It can't be a good day everyday," he advises.

Once you make it through basic training, it's time to train for a specific job. "The actual schooling isn't daunting. As long as you pay attention you can follow along well," says Cleaton. He says it's not like going to a typical college. "There's no playing hooky or being late for class -- the timing is very strict."

Even when he's at school he must abide by the rules. He does physical training twice a week. His room is inspected once a week, as is his uniform. One of the benefits of getting educated with the Forces is that you get paid to go to school.

Salary begins as soon as basic training starts. It's important to learn how to be responsible for your own money.

Timothy Truong is a military history major at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He wants to be a public affairs officer or work in intelligence.

"The school life here is different from most colleges but the opportunities and choices that are presented to you are limitless. It is a sacrifice to come here, but knowing that so many people have your interests at heart and are willing to help you achieve your dreams makes it all worth it," says Truong.

Joining the Academy was a huge change for Truong. He was a laid-back guy and the switch to military life was a shock.

"I remember many times I wanted to quit, but it's the team concept that is grounded into you from day one -- that feeling that there's people backing you up and making sure you're okay -- that is what saved me," Truong says.

Another difficult aspect has been the rigorous academics. "Being a history major I am still required to take all the core classes to include engineering, mechanics, physics, electrical engineering and chemistry."

He spends about four or five hours studying nightly. His expenses are paid and he gets a monthly salary. "However after graduation you are required to serve five years as a commissioned officer in Air force and three year in the reserve," says Truong.

How to Prepare

Being in good physical condition will help. "You get run pretty hard in basic training and for some people it's a big shock to do a [two- to three-mile] run at 5 a.m.," says Cleaton.

Since the Forces have many careers that are equal to a career in the civilian world, you can do the same preparation. "With my trade, math, science and electrical are a big part of it," says Cleaton.

In high school, Truong participated in student government and was senior class president. He was an Eagle Scout and did community service at the park and local library. He fenced and was in a training program to help students get into the academies.

"But really there's no equation to get into the academy," says Truong. "They're looking for well-rounded people; if you have something you're passionate about and work hard at, keep your grades up and are in good physical shape, you'll be prepared for the academy."