2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

what is the purpose of basic cadet training (bct)?
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 becoming a leader of character—
which is why you’re here.
what type of training does bct include?
BCT consists of two phases, both administered by upper-class cadets with commissioned and noncommissioned officers
serving as advisors. The Commandant of Cadets, an Air Force brigadier general, supervises the program. 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 Jacks Valley encampment site,
five miles north of the cadet area. You’ll march to the campsite, erect a tent city, and live there for eignteen days while you’re in
training. The activities expand your military orientation, teach you skills of weapons use, 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 is contained in the brochure “The Academy Experience,” which the Academy provides to
candidates selected for admission. You should read this brochure thoroughly.
how can i feel assured that i am physically prepared for bct?
The cadet appointee kit includes specific instructions on physical preparation. 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 1 hour daily workout, including running at least two miles and
performing the other aerobics, 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 fitted to provide proper support. You might want to purchase a pair of combat boots during your orientation and
break them in before you arrive for Basic Cadet Training. Through a regular running program you can build up your leg and
ankle strength and general foot toughness before arriving. You should also be able to do pull-ups, standing long jump, push-ups,
and crunches, and run six hundred meters one after the other within cadet Physical Fitness Test (PFT) standards. You’ll also be
required to run 1.5 miles within the Cadet Aerobic Fitness Test (AFT) standards.
do new cadets enter the bct program immediately upon entering the
academy?
Yes. The first day is devoted to inprocessing 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 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.
174 United States Air Force Academy Catalog