1. Basic Training

At a military insititution, we are required to go through basic training. It is a way to bring us together as a unit. We are bonded with boys with shaved heads and too many rules for us even to remember.

2. Freshman Year

At a civilian college you go out and drink and party, all while trying to find out who you are. At USAFA, you have to lose who you are in order to build yourself back up in the eyes of the military. Our freshman year involves being stuck at school regularly, carrying your backpack in your left hand, and running along the marble strips.

3. Where To Live

Students at a civilian college are able to live in the dorms, on campus, or off campus. They get some choice in where they want to live and who they want to live with. Cadets, on the other hand, are required to live in the dorms all four years. We get little choice in this matter.

4. Rules

The Academy has so many rules that are supposed to be followed. If you get caught breaking any of these rules, punishments are given out. At a civilian university rules get handled much, much differently.

5. Graduation

We all go through graduation if we make it through college. It is exciting for all of us to make it through this long process of school. I may be biased...but USAFA's graduation is probably one of the most exciting graduation ceremonies. I mean, how many other people get to have the Thunderbirds fly over?