Cadet of the Year and USAFA

[kwe1009]

First off: Anyone who receives an award should earn that award in the eyes of their peers/superiors. It's not something you are out to obtain. You don't compete for recognition.

Not until on active duty anyways...

+10000000000000

Well thanks for the info. I was unaware of those requirements. Personally I feel that it should be based on a cadets merits over a said year. c/SSGT can save 20 lives but couldn't be Cadet of the Year. But that's just me. Someone way about my pay grade decided those were the requirements and so be it.

There are so many flaws in the entire CAP annual awards program for sure.  Some "of the year" award are actually "lifetime achievement" and other issues.

While your C/SSgt wouldn't be eligible for COY, they would be eligible for the CNCOOY.  If it was a C/1st Lt who saved all of those lives then there is no annual award for them.

[Storm Chaser]

Florida Wing has a Wing Cadet of the Year selection for cadets in each Phase of the Cadet Programs. If selected, those who meet the criteria for the National award, go to compete at the Region level. The other selections are recognized at the Wing level only. The deadline was extended (I don't remember the new date) for the local awards and selection process.

[XxJake114xX]

Okay, I understand what all of you are saying, I greatly appreciate the tips and advice you all have given me. I will definitely keep what you have said in mind for the future, TheSkyHornet. I am doing everything I can to push myself to be the best that i can be, and I know exactly what you mean by saying "If you think you deserve to get into the Academy, earn it through the application process for the Academy, not through 'winning awards.'"

Again, thank you for the guidance, I really appreciate it

[Starbux]

Really I do not think it will make a huge dent in your application process to be honest.  I mean it doesn't hurt. Really the fact you are in CAP is a plus, especially since you were able to make it to the 2nd milestone.  Really, what they look for is the academic record and test scores as the primary factor, then they look at all extra curricular stuff.   They highly look at the courses you take.  Like if you have a 4.0 in all basic courses you probably will be weighted lower than a kid with a 3.8 in advanced course work like Calculus, Physics and other AP level courses.  If you think about the selection board, they are looking to ensure that you have the ability to make it through.  What you want to enter into, is four years of rigorous academic work that goes beyond your normal college student.  The one thing that separates the academy from other colleges is that even you major in Basket Weaving you still have to have a technical course load.  I believe you have to have a tech minor in some sort of Math, Physical Science or Engineering.  In addition while you have your rigorous course work you are also a cadet in the corps with all the hoopla that goes with that.  At some point you have a cadet staff position, belong to an extra curricular club which I believe CAP counts, plus an intramural sport.  Your days are full of stuff for four whole years.

Everyone that I personally knew who got appointments in the 90's, never earned the wing cadet of the year award or higher.  I personally opted not to pursue it and enjoyed the normal college life as a ROTC guy.  If you don't make the Academy the first time, they do highly look at ROTC students who are doing well in their first year.  I knew about a handful of people out of AFROTC who got appointments.  You have a lot options.