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Ha! I'm the Basic in your thumbnail picture. Crazy that people are still using that photo. Keep up the great work with the videos!

I would prabably cry at the graduation ceremony lol. All that hard work and it's like "Yes!! I finally did it". Especially if you were a person who had to prove people wrong about you never amounting to anything in life.

when I was in High School I wanted to go to the Academy, but summer before entering my Jr. year I got a medical condition and just like that my hopes for bing in the Air Force just went out the window. My Father was 23 years in Air Force and retired as a Lt. Bird ( Lt. Col.)

This looks like summer camp versus Air Force Enlisted BMT

I’ve never been interested in the military but dang this is basic training! Wow that’s a lot of work. Respect.

I did BMT in 2014 and OTS in 2019. BMT had a lot more yelling and controlled chaos made by the MTIs. OTS was just as chaotic but the trainees were in charge with managing that chaos, along with the added stress of academic tests, speeches, and leadership exercises.

this was literally my basic why tf am I watching this😂 giving me flashbacks

Definitely not your typical college experience! Im curious... how many of you would be up for attending the Air Force Academy?

You and my grandfather have inspired me to join the USAF, my grandpa honorably served for 30 years,1965-1995, he was a aircraft mechanic, he worked on aircraft such as sr-71c"Frankenstein" Douglas C-133, hawker harrier, Lockheed C-5, F-4 phantom 2 ,Lockheed YF-12, Boeing B-47, Boeing b-52. was in a experimental, airlift, reconnaissance, and Bombardment squadron

Your videos have been very helpful for our family. My daughter just got an appointment several days ago. Your videos have answered a lot of questions and calmed some nerves! Thanks for the good information. And thanks for your service too.

I’m reapplying in 2023! I’m very excited to apply again I got rejected once but it didn’t shoot my plane down just yet. I want this more than anything

These videos are definately a trip. Minor differences (I went to Annapolis, Class of 2001, served 20 years, seven months, six days as a commissioned officer) and regardless of which Service Academy I went to (ultimately was accepted to Annapolis and New London), it was a great expeience. I thank God every day for how life took me. All who enter a Service Academy will make the best friends they've ever had. And when you run into Academy friends on operational tours, it gets even better. And excellent social networking for when you leave the military (we all leave the Service some day) pays dividends for post-military employment opportunities.

I actually Live on the Air Force academy, see them all the time, my mom was the superintendent of the Prep School which is one step lower. Super cool to see!

First time watching your channel and I’m impressed. Thanks for sharing the overall experience y’all go through while in basic training. Congrats and thanks for your service. Much respect.

Enlisted here “👋🏻” however I grew up in Colorado Springs. My fathers friend was the head coach for the Falcons hockey team. I went most every summer to the hockey camp there at AFA. Always regret not attending AFA and not using my degree to become and officer but have thoroughly enjoyed my enlisted career. Great videos! Thank you for sharing.

Wish I had known about the oppportunity back in 78. I went the enlisted route and retired as a SWO ( Staff Weather Officer) out of Ft. Bragg. Thanks for these Videos. I am encouraging my son Josh to go. He will be a senior in HS this year. He is a top student and varsity Basketball player too.

Cool! I’m definitely going to try to get into the academy!

As an applicant for the US Air Force Academy, this makes me feel excited and anxious at the same time.

Just heard you answer my question. Because you use your right hand to salute. Sam, thanks for this video. Your awesome.

I could never find an Air Force academy video, so 5is was my only hope!

Great video Sir. My Sam is entering 7th grade this fall and we have just returned from his 2nd visit to the Academy. This is his goal and your videos will help. Thanks for your service!

I was an Army Cadet at the University in Colorado Springs there and the Air Force Academy let us into Jacks Valley quite a bit, its a neat place. Learned how to land navigate there and did some FTXs there too. Cool place, we did the O course and assault there too. We'd be out there pretty much every Thursday.

My 12 year old grandson Korben is highly interested. Your videos have inspired him. He found you himself and has much respect for you. Thank you, sir.

I love seeing your usafa videos! I love how in depth it goes and I am now highly considering attending usafa!

As an enlisted airman in security forces tech school right now I can say that I think bmt is harder for enlisted

Thanks for doing videos like this, man. Content like this will hopefully inspire folks who consider the military and might also help some worried parents get prepared as well.

Well shit, I should've gone the officer route. Lackland looks like a prison compared to the academy.

9:29 TF is that salute

In 1994, my daughter was 13. She was a brilliant student, and ended up being Valedictorian of her high school class, Francis Howell North HS, St. Charles, Missouri, class of 1999. So, in 1994, I was a Master Sergeant, stationed at Elmendorf AFB, outside of Anchorage, Alaska. I called Senator Murkowski's office, to inquire about an appointment to the USAFA (the Air Force Academy), and I was told $20,000.00 was the going rate. Yep. Straight up bribery..and I am MORE than willing to take a polygraph on this. Happens everywhere.

You made me laugh at the uniform remark. I was in when we wore the heavy starched woodland BDU's down is Lackland in the summer and also black polished boots. I was in from 15 April 1997 through 15 April 2001. I went from Lackland to Sheppard to Luke then home station at Hill AFB, UT. I was 2A3X3B an F-16 crew chief with the 4th FS 388th FW 12th AF we were the Fighting Fujins. But it is lots of fun watching cadates that came from the lower altitudes and come up to to between 6 and 7 thousand ft up. They lock their knees and down they go.

I find it hilarious that the officers start during the day time. For BMT, all of the newly enlisted members showed up at night. I arrived at like 10 at night and it was well after midnight before we got to bed, and then up at 6am. We didn't have rooms we had an open bay, ever have to clean a bay room floor with a toothbrush on a Sunday for inspection Monday morning? Retired MSgt USAF 1985-2006.

Thanks Sam (and all other military folks) for your service. The world is much safer thanks to you and your sacrifices 😄👮🇺🇲 👍👍

Sam, it's great that you're making these videos. Looking back as someone who doesn't feel young anymore, I wish I had these kind of resources when I was looking at college. Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty happy with where I've ended up in life, but I think I would have liked trying out the Air Force Academy if I had known better.

7:20, I am in Civil air patrol, and we do our drill practices at an airport. Planes could be taking off/taxiing around us but can't look. Eyes forward. Eventually, however, they do let us look around. I highly reccomend joining Civil air patrol to anyone who wants to get in the airforce. It's a good start.

Certainly a fascinating insight. I'm an airman in the Royal Air Force and currently staff (more on holding until my next phase of training starts) at the RAF College Cranwell, so seen a bit of the training for the officers on this side of the pond.

i remember playing "Pick 'em up, Put 'em down" on 0 night a BMT

Airforce BCT looks like a stroll in the park than the Marines and Army.

My buddy just finished basic at air force! This was such a great video to understand what he went through lol!

I loved giving cadets S at the Chapel Hills mall during “parents week”, it was fun!! 🤪

My brother graduated from USAFA in 1979. The last all-male class of cadets. BEAST basic training in Jack’s Valley is 100% easier today than what my brother had to go through. My brother also had to do tons of Tours (punishment and marching around the Academy with has rifle) for things like having cookies in his dorm room, and getting caught writing a letter home after lights out. He is now a retired Colonel. 😋🇺🇸

I am a freshman in high school, this is my dream school thanks to you

Hey Sam! I’m so glad I randomly came across this video, I’m a sophomore in high school and it’s my dream to be a fighter pilot one day, and I am definitely planning on going to USAFA. This video helped we take a closer look at what’s gonna go down, so thank you!

My dad was a part of the beginning of the academy back in 1956

I did field training while in the infantry at Jack's Valley. Cold as hell.

It looks pretty challenging imo. But mad respect to all those who go to the academy

As a mom of a cadet who graduates in 15 days, I love this. Dang, that was a fast 4 yrs. Such a culture shock - but a needed one.

Good reaction. Usafa class of '03

It’s amazing seeing the difference between Air Force Academy and Marine Corps Boot Camp. Crazy.

In my country, it is our parents who help to put our shoulder pads after basic cadet training.

Today I found your channel. Being a defence brat it made my day. Thank you for bringing the KZfaq community close to the defence fraternity (especially, US Air Force).

Finished my application so I’m praying I can get in or go to the Prep school! Super exciting time right now!!

Its funny seeing your cadre as basics. LOL I recognized so many faces and I'm like so that's what they looked like as a Doolie lmao

It’s amazing to see how different the American Airforce is compared to the RAF!

damn this is how officers live?... Took me to make E-6 to get close to this pad haha

Thanks for the video. My son is currently in the USAFA. He is part of class 2026.

I love this video bc it’s puts everything into perspective

You should definitely have more subscribers! Good luck.

17 and heavily considering joining the AirForce and your channel has been extremely helpful/motivating thanks man

I live in Colorado. so I won't need to look around while I'm up there because I'm around mountains all the time anyways.😄

Hey Sam my dad is a mechanic for the kc-135's in the Nebraska air national guard and my uncle was a mechanic for the thunderbirds.

Current AD Enlisted and I’m definitely going to try and apply for USAFA before my first contract is up.

Airforce seems so chill and awesome. I'd love to get in but dealing with the recruiters is a massive headache.

The airforce academy is only 2 hours away! I live up in Colorado and its really cool

The clip from Major Payne was classic!

I love that major Payne clip

This looks so hard. And I'm supposed to join in October

I went to a military camp where we lived in tents for 4 weeks and I just came back

Looking at that soft barber shop bro when I went to navy bootcamp I had the dragon lady and she was definitely collecting scalps and recruit ears

Reminds me of Swab Summer when I was at the CGA, so many similarities and even the difference serve the same purpose. I was wondering what are the chances you were there at the USAFA and maybe even in the video but didn't notice yourself?

The more I watch videos like this, the more I'm like "I gotta go here. This is where I belong." Trying to apply in 2025! Hopefully I get in.

I always laughed at, "tent building." In the operational Air Force, you just put in a work order with CE. DFP? CE! Barriers set? CE! Lightbulb change? CE! 🤣

Hey Sam, Aloha from Kaua’i 🌈😊 I’m a friend of your dad’s going way back to Jr High School! You are so much like him in his high school/college days. I hope to meet you one day. “Cruiser” Cragg my Nick name in the day. 👍😊 cheers

Awesome video. These really help with future cadets. Things are a little different now with the COVID restrictions, but hopefully 25ers will have less and it will be a little more of typical experience. 24 made a lot of adjustments through BCT and academic year. Good luck everyone!

I am now kinda scared. I want to get into the AFA when I am older. *chuckles* I'm in danger

I have huge respect for people who can do this. I can't. I don't know if in my country (The Netherlands) it is different, but huge respect. I visited the American cemetary in Normandie France 3 weeks ago. I am hugely gratefull for al those man and women (yes there are some, nurses etc) who liberated us because they believed in the causse.

In the army, they called that Intermural stuff mandatory fun

Ah, BCT. So many memories! 25 summers ago I got going on that journey. Of course it was way harder then. And it was way harder 50 years ago when my dad went through it.

I don't know what I'm doing here anyway I'm french but good luck doe u killing it guys:)

The only fun day of infantry boot camp was completeing the fuckin road march over 12 miles in a time limit with a 65 lb pack and gear and weapon

I'm in Cap and already do most of this stuff and have been to encampment

I was in the last year of enlistment in the Air Force. Sergeant, at the time. Appointed base airman of the year and the senior enlisted staff indicated that they would refer me to the Academy for the "Prep School", there. This, with full support of the Base Commander. I often wonder how would have turned out. Honestly, I was a little cynical on how previous enlisted, with 4 years of experience, would be treated by upperclassmen. I did, however, enjoy my career field as an Aircraft Loadmaster, during the Vietnam War.

I def should’ve went airforce academy enlisted basic training was lame compared to this officer training looks fun and not stressful

So many muzzles in the dirt! Watching these videos make me regret not going the Officer route... or even the Air Force in general!

Hey man I enjoy watching your content. Although I don't want to join the Air Force I do plan on joining the army.

Very thorough and encouraging!

Can you please make a video “Academy vs ROTC”

I was enlisted way back in 1976 to 1982 and never gave a thought of promoting to officer grades. My Dad was a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and was a Staff Sergeant when I was born. My goal before discharging after 6 years service was to promote to Staff Sergeant just as my Dad was. I was given my line number if I remember correctly was 235 or so, and put on my chevrons 1 October 1981 and discharged 21 June 1982, I was pleased that I was able to wear Staff Sergeant. I was taught to groom my airmen to take my position later and took this serious. One such Airman was due to promote to E-4 Sergeant, due to letters he received he was not favorable for this promotion. The airman had a big mouth and I told him that he needed to control his mouth. The Colonel looked at me again, asking if I still supported this airman to be promoted. I said Yes Sir! The Colonel threatened to have my new Chevrons if this man screwed up, I told the airman I will have your star in the chevron before the Colonel gets my rocker. Later the Sergeant told me because I supported him as I did it changed his career. He had a line number for Staff Sergeant when I discharged. I do not know how far he went in rank, but got his first leadership training in front of the Commander's desk. Both the Airmen/NCO's and Officer corps have different jobs to do, but it takes each person to get that job carried out. I personally had excellent Officer's leading our Squadron and Flights. We were in Strategic Air Command at the time and the command demanded excellence in everything we did. We had the mission of winning the cold war by being ready 24/7, 365 days a year to retaliate if it were necessary. We won the cold war because all of us, Airmen, NCO's and Officers were dedicated to the mission and we collectively since 1946 to 1991 won the cold war. I am proud to have been a part of the Air Force as an enlisted man, but several Officers that went on to promote to General rank were a part of how I turned out while serving. This long but please, If you see anyone in uniform of any of our 7 service branches, thank them for standing watch so our nation can still be Free, remember Freedom is Not free, many have given their all so you and I can be free. Personally I think enlisted basic training is more aggressive, but I never till now with your video witnessed the officer trainee's being yelled and screamed at. Thank You for sharing your experiences being an officer in the best United States Air Force on the planet and thank you Sam for serving. Hand Salute!

Lol. I knew I recognized you. This is Dan from Mitches A.K.A. Dirty D. Still working at Mitches with some added responsibility as a SQ EM Rep. There has been a bit of change here regarding construction/ restoration at the fountains and the Chapel is still being cacooned for renovation.

Video quality is amazing.

I had other plans for college so I didn’t go to the academy but now that I transferred to join AFROTC I wish I would’ve gone

Holy moly, I remembered when I got my congressional nomination was for class of 2010 (Honorable Brad Miller of NC district 13). I think its alright when someone like a tech sergeant yells at you. But kids yelling at kids, I just find it hilarious. Those POC slot kids are only about 1-3 years older than the fresh recruits. Same stuff with my AFROTC at USF detachment 158 class of 2012. Where I enjoyed my time the most out of these young's man game military pre/prep entry programs/courses was my ArmyJROTC at Wake Forest Rolesville high school class of 2006. Building small leadership ability, enhance character, and instill some discipline to young adults are all good. Police academy mirrors this, but in a more chill and violent ways. Taser, pepper spray, scuffles, putting hands on combative instructors. Speaking from experience, Ybor City HCC Law Enforcement Academy Class 1303 in 2013.

Awesome man!

Please react to space force basic training. It’s super easy. Wanna see your reaction 😂

Lol. Can’t be serious. I wish Army BCT was like this.

Spent all my growing up years as an Air Force brat. I joined the Navy and went Naval Aviation. VF-32, a Tomcat squadron aboard the JFK. Chair Force jocks got nothing on Naval Aviators.

I did Army ROTC out of CU Boulder, and we would have a play day for our FTX's at Jack's Valley

This guy’s living space is so Air Force... it’s definitely off base, but this is so AF. ☠️☠️☠️

I'm sorry Sam.... I love your content but if I were doing that course and I looked up and saw you screaming at me I wouldnt be that intimidated 🤣🤣

2nd lieutenant Sam Eckholm I truly do thank you for your service my dream is to be a pilot in the Air Force and the amount of disrespect you guys get takes a chunk out of my heart I truly do appreciate you so thank you for being all that you are.