Cadets encourage Airmen to take the LEAD

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Cadets from the United States Air Force Academy visited the First-Term Airmen's Center June 8, 2012, to advise Airmen on their options for following in their footsteps. Two cadets, Cadets 2nd Class Feyisade Adeoba and Chris Haley, were able to share a unique perspective, having entered USAFA from active-duty enlistment. They shared their story with the Airlifter:

Q: You already had a career as an enlisted Airman; you had finished your training phase; why elect to go to USAFA?

Haley: I entered the Academy after seeing changes that I wanted to make in my shop but not having the rank to affect them. I felt that, as an [enlisted] Airman, my concerns did not have enough impact. Once I graduate, I will have the opportunity to apply my vision in my workplace. The Academy reserves spots for Airmen through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development (LEAD) program, so I felt I had a good chance of joining.

Adeoba: For me, the educational opportunities were the compelling reason. Coming from Nigeria, I did not have many chances at a high-quality education while growing up. The Academy is comparable to an ivy-league school, and the things we learn there will be useful for the rest of our lives.

Q: What is the experience like compared to your experience as enlisted members?

Haley: The knowledge that priors have compared to the cadets coming straight from civilian life makes a big difference the first year or so; frankly, we were [revered] by the other cadets. Basic training was much easier for us because we knew the mind games, the expectations, and the routine. After a while, the field starts to even out - going into junior year, it's a fairly level playing-field.

Adeoba: I agree; while in basic training, the cadets would all look to me because I knew how to do facing movements and how to wear a uniform. There are some very smart people that join the Academy, though, so now we are pretty equal with the rest.

Q: You went to the USAFA Preparatory School, right?

Adeoba: Yes, going to prep school was probably one of the best decisions I have made. It made academics so much easier for me, which is probably the biggest stress at USAFA. I would recommend Airmen who are not strong in academics to pursue that option.

Q: Now that you are past the training phase, how is the life?

Haley: I love it. The opportunities are some of the best in the world. At USAFA, cadets can learn to skydive, study abroad, learn a foreign language in a foreign country; there are too many to list - basically, if you can think of it, it is probably offered at the academy. You will stay busy though, because there is no time for complacency at USAFA.

Adeoba: The sports and clubs are great too. You have to think: in a school of several thousand people, there are so many activities you can become involved with. It is challenging though; the academics are very tough.

Q: How would an Airman apply for USAFA?

Haley: The first step is to fill out an Air Force Form 1786 and submit a pre-candidate questionnaire online at www.academyadmissions.com. You will be sent a candidate package that you will then complete and mail back. At that point, you will have someone contact you to make sure all the appropriate forms, like SAT tests and transcripts, are submitted. You will be put on a code that prevents you from moving or deploying. Then, you just wait to be notified of your selection.

Q: Is it worth it?

Haley: It is if you are willing to make the sacrifice. It is four or five years of very hard work.

Adeoba: Absolutely. If you go for the right reasons and work as hard as you can, the experience will change your life. You just can't beat the experience.