Air Force Academy- Chris Culp-Cano

Being in the military may be a dream for some, but a nightmare to others. If you think high school is hard, try stepping a day in Chris Culp-Cano’s shoes.

After graduating from Tuscarora last year, Chris Culp-Cano began school at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Chris’ experience began in June with basic training, a 37 day experience. During this time, Chris woke up every day at 4:30 am, and went to sleep around 9:00 pm. These 17 hour days were separated into two parts: first and second beast. First beast consisted of implanting the core Air Force qualities into students, including marching, saluting, and wearing uniforms correctly. Second beast focused more on necessary skills such as firing an assault rifle, trusting your gear as you walk into a gas chamber, your confidence, and leadership. And yes, Chris did get gassed in a gas chamber. “It’s almost as if the gas replaces all the oxygen in your lungs and your throat swells up”. Chris describes these 37 days as “the best summer camp that [he] never wants to go to again”.

Now that basic training has ended, a typical day for Chris begins at 5:45 am, where he first showers and dresses in the Uniform of the Day. At 6:30 am, freshmen have to recite information to upperclassmen during what’s called “minutes”. Breakfast begins at 7 and usually ends around 8 or 9. Classes range throughout the day from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. From 3:45 to 5:30, there’s usually training, fitness testing, or stress sessions. The purpose of stress sessions is to prepare students for recognition later in March by beating them. They are screamed at and physically trained, and although there are different types of stress sessions, they all share the beating aspect of it.  After about 8 pm, freshmen students can close their doors and do homework, listen to music, relax, or do whatever else they want as long as their door is closed. Some nights students participate in knowledge bowls versus other squadrons. These bowls cover topics ranging from aircraft, to notable grads, to even full quotes they are required to know.

Chris says he wanted to join the Air Force Academy for three main reasons: “to be a part of something bigger than [himself], to help make a difference in the world through [his] service in the Air Force, and to hopefully be a fighter pilot upon graduation”. The downside to the Air Force Academy, according to Chris, is the fact that you barely sleep during the week. There’s little personal time, and there are many rules freshmen have to follow in order to teach them discipline. Some of these rules include having to be in uniform from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, having to carry all gear in their left hand, and being unable to talk anywhere except in the academic building, in the library, and in their room. However, there are many positives to this experience as well, such as “the people around you and opportunities”. During this experience, “you go through a bunch, and you definitely can’t make it by yourself. The people to the left and side of you are what push you to do better”.