What to expect the first few days at the academy

Actually, the physical "screening" may or may not happen the first day. Depending on your class schedule, it may not happen until day 2 or 3, but it will happen before you hit the actual PT sessions.

The 'screening' is usually done in street clothes, and consists of having 1 to 3 contract nurses take your height, weight, blood pressure, and a quick interview on medical history since your Physical. Current meds, etc.

Otherwise, Day 1 is class and room assignments, some equipment issue, and filling out a PT gear card (what sizes for yoru sweats, t shirts, shorts, and other FLETC issue PT gear).

You will meet all of your instructors (Law, Spanish, PT, Firearms) and be cajoled, threatened, and encouraged based on their particular personalities.

You will learn that you will NOT eat or drink in the classroom, or chew Skol or Copenhagen, unless you are willing to A) supply everyone else and b) swallow your wad.

You will get a general orientation & tour of the base, and a list of "do's and don'ts." Don't try and date instructors, staff, or other trainees in other programs. Don't mess with FLETC 50. Do be in class, or at the bus stop for the range, 5 to 15 minutes early, every class, every day. DO bring your assigned equipment to every class, every day. DONT take stuff that isn't yours.

Etc, etc... stuff you heard before in the 1st, 3rd, and 12th grades, and stuff you never heard before.

Bring a pen or pencil, and a spare (or two) for your classmate who didn't. Bring a small notebook, for TAKING NOTES, and have the heart to pass a few pages to those who forgot.

Bring a roll of quarters, for the coke machine, etc.

Bring your address book, so that you can write your mother, sister, grandma, or spouse, and re-assure them that you are alive and well in the lonely desert. He who sends no mail, gets no mail.