The transition from cadet life to active duty is a significant one, particularly for cadets from the military academies. While cadets from civilian colleges have lived “real” lives for the past few years, most Academy cadets are straight out of high school. The only life they have known has been the enforced structure of a military school, dorms and meals provided. The Academy has changed significantly, in part due to progress, in part due to scandal. Still, the fishbowl life of the Academy remains unique in its structure and rigidity. The first time that most cadets experience “freedom” is immediately after graduation when they are given 60 days of leave before reporting to their first assignments. Some take the opportunity to travel, others get married, some spend time with their families, and some do nothing at all. Unbeknownst to them, that leave is a quiet transition between the “too much homework” of the Academy and the “too many things to do” of the “real” Air Force.
Many Christian Academy cadets graduate with high aspirations of the things they’ll do when they’re finally free and clear, whether it’s going to church regularly, finding a Bible study, starting a personal daily Bible study, or beginning to tithe. Read more