Things to Know Before
Going to the Academy
I know there have been a few questions/posts about going to academy and what to expect when you get there, so I thought I'd post my 2 cents on the matter with as many things I can think of that will help new trainees who are coming here:
Spanish: Its 3 hours a day starting in week 2. Get the vocabulary and verb lists and learn them or as much as you can BEFORE you get here. If you're a non-speaker, it'll make your life easier if you can get a few easy 100's on your vocabs early on. DON'T bring cassette tapes! I brought a bunch and they're useless. All the recordings are on MP3 now, so bring blank CD-R's and an MP3 compatible player.
PT: It's tough! They will test you physically and mentally and push you to your limits. You cannot expect to show up here and succeed if you haven't been running and exercising several times a week. We have lost 6 from our class already and almost all were due to PT.
Attitude and Mentality: If you are not coming here with the most serious attitude and commitment to do your best and finish this training no matter what, putting aside(temporarily) family, friends, and all other distractions, you might rethink coming to academy and taking this job. Much of your free time is spent studying, shining boots, washing, drying, ironing clothes, polishing brass and doing paperwork on the computer. During the week there is little time for TV and other entertainment. There are people in my class who are struggling academically and physically due to poor mental preparation/discipline; amazingly they are often found in the recliner with a remote in one hand and a soda in the other. Self discipline and professionalism is expected at all times by the instructors.
Sorry if I got on a bit of a soap box. Hope this helps or encourages somebody who might be coming to C-ton.
Kevin