I graduated from one of the academies. Showed up at my first duty station with nothing but my uniforms and not knowing where to go or what to do. Within 1 day I found an apartment, set up my utilities and had basic furniture. Somehow I knew how to be a “normal’ person without somebody holding my hand.
That's what I was thinking. I mean...setting up rent and insurance and a phone are not difficult things. It's all mostly automated as well...they had bank draft mechanics when he graduated. I know b/c I'm older than him and had an apartment at my first duty station. The apartment office people take care of setting that stuff up for you with a form. This guy was some "super" spy in the CIA, but has some issue/apprehension with finding and setting up an apartment monthly payment?! C'mon bruh.
@@Keil2590 Maybe the same "brain makeup" that made him a valuable CIA operative also was a stumbling block when it came to "normal" life stuff? I mean, I'd say that I'm a good attorney but not a master, by any means. OTOH, I've seen attorneys who are simply Jedi in trial & in front of a jury but they have no ability to understand why their expenses > their income.
I'm pretty sure NO ONE coming out of college these days know anything about how to live on their own - except for part time students working full time to afford tuition.
When people use ask me did you enjoy USAFA, my reply was almost always, it is not a place to enjoy. I would answer, I am where I am supposed to be! Classmates and fellow cadets are by far my fondest memories. I met and still call friend to some outstanding men and women. I don't want to debate Mr. Bustamante point by point. His experience was his experience, but I simply don't share his views. '86 RTB
I spent over seven years of my childhood preparing for the military academies and a military career. I even joined the US Air Force Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol, and earned my Mitchell award. I narrowed it down to either Air Force or Naval Academy. Would've been thrilled with either one but got my Congressional nomination to go to the Air Force Academy. But the vacancies for appointments is very limited and I was not selected for one of those openings. At first, I was crushed but as the years went by I began to realize that the country I knew and loved was gone and the military I wanted to serve it in was gone. I see the direction this country and it's military have taken and see what it's becoming and wonder if not going into the military was a blessing in disguise.
The GPA grades do not mean how "good" you are, all those numbers combination show to the other "guys" what kind of soldier you are. If you hate something and still do it, it means you really love it thats why they picked you. You are perfect instructor for airforce academy. Military deliberately keep you out of civilian skills so people would fear to leave it.
90 West Point grad here. Don’t agree with this guy at all. I have friends I still talk to regularly I’ve known for nearly 40 years. Yes the academies spoon feed you and train you to be a leader in the most basic sense. You have to fill in the blanks as anyone does.
As others have noted below...while West Point never taught me how to pay bills or set up anything that you do in your ordinary civilian life...I wouldn't expect to learn those things at a regular college as well. Kids going to regular college may have just been faced to have to deal with those issues at an earlier point in their lives than those of us coming out of the academies but it doesn't mean that we are incapable of handling them. Coming from a non-military background myself...I never excelled in the military bearing side of things (growing up in laid back Hawai'i didn't help either) but I was still able to excel in all of the military skills that being a soldier & leader of soldiers required. I went in to the experience knowing that it wasn't going to be a typical college experience with parties, alcohol & sex but at the same time I didn't need those things to enjoy my time in college. I didn't go in to college expecting it to be 4 years of partying...more so fours or more years of training for my next step in life. As most know...the process of breaking down everyone during the initial parts of the academies is to teach most of us off our pedestals in life that we may have came in to the academies with as sports captains, valedictorians, etc. that may have made us feel better than the average person so that we would be prepared to take orders from those of a higher rank. They don't' teach us to follow the orders blindly or to never question things. We are taught that there are bad leaders & good leaders...and throughout your life time you will likely experience both...and you can learn from both leaders. When we are broken down after enjoying several years of success in high school...it really breaks down an individual to their cores and you get to see how they perform "under fire" so to speak. While I'm sure I could have had more "fun" at other schools, I would not hesitate to endorse going to the academies for anyone who was interested in going to them. For those who are afraid of going in to the military because of what you may see it becoming now...that's the very reason to go...to be a part of the wave of change that our country needs to bring us back to our core founding values.
Years past I was in field artillery school with a Marine fresh out of 4 years at Annapolis. He marveled that university cadets pulled 16 credit hours, had to put up with ROTC bravo sierra as MSIIIs and MSIVs, worked part time jobs, had to arrange financing of college, and actually had some weeks where the food budget got tight.
But that what makes a person a good leader, having to struggle and figure things out yourself, so when you get people under your command you can effectively guide them through the everyday challenges
Bitching about his car loan. Zero education loans to repay. He bitches about going back to the academy to be an instructor. Did it ever occur that the decent guys went off to real jobs in the AF, and the low end guys got a BS job back at the academy? I think it is best for the AF that this guy is no longer a member.
You’re right. Plus, he’s wrong about many of the things he says about people who graduated from other universities. Simply put, the AF Academy was not a good fit for him.
One of the best leaders I worked for during my 20 yrs in the USAF was a VMI graduate. He used to mess with a Lt (VMI grad was a Capt at the time) about how cush the academy was compared to VMI. After some conversations you could feel the pride and the accomplishment he felt for forging through that crucible and coming out the other side better. I think about it like this...that time is like a really long basic training. I didn't like basic when I was there, but afterward I felt great for doing it and think fondly back on a lot of it. (I did basic in the Army...before I woke up and went blue. haha That's a bit of a story there.)
I've heard of the USAFA that, "it's a nice place to be from and not a nice place to be at" it'd be nice to list that on a CV. I know I wouldn't have made it into even the prep school so hats off to the people that made it into and out of USAFA, it was enlisted life for me in the USAF.
I'd pay good money if this privileged guy would stop whining incessantly! I did my time as a military officer and the one thing I learnt that stood me in excellent stead for the rest of my life was self discipline. It set the scene for all aspects of my life and career as an airline pilot. If they could only teach that in schools! By the way, most of my classmates had street smarts and would teach each other lessons learnt from buying a car, or myself who purchased a condo in my first year. I worked several part time jobs growing up and had savings. Thank God my family taught me the value of a dollar and how to earn it responsibly.
I lived in CO Springs for over 14 years. An acquaintance(active duty officer)was an instructor there and caught a cadet cheating(15+ years ago). Brought said kid up on whatever it’s called formally, and went through Hell because of it. Turns out kid was the son of a VIP in DC. Never got the name, but said instructor was stressed. A few weeks later, got transfered to another assignment out of state. Not sure if it was related.
WOW.... Some of our nations greatest and most successful leaders are former military academy graduates... Maybe it was not for you, or you for it, but I'll bet you'd not be where you are today with out the FREE - USAFA education.
The statement about lying and cheating around the honor code is very telling, unfortunately. I turned down an appointment to the USAFA as an enlisted guy, but it was because I was going to get married and start a family (not allowed for cadets, even prior enlisted). I have kids who may want to apply, but I've also told them to consider ROTC (with or without scholarships) so they can make an informed decision about military life. It's not for everyone, and it's almost kind of backwards in a way. Getting told what to do and having a regimented life is OK when you're really young. It doesn't work in your 30s and 40s when you're raising a family though. But, of course, in your 50s and 60s, it might work again before retirement. Perhaps we should make it possible to have a gap in service of 10-15-20 years or so.
Yo Andy- my dad was a fighter pilot/ USAF; do you know what separated his pilot skills from others? THE ACADEMY. In fact today…just about impossible to fly anything…without the Academy pedigree. I don’t agree with that, dad doesn’t either…but that’s the games of the game.
Where are you coming up with that BS?!! USAF is so short on pilots they’ve set up an ROTC detachment with Embry Riddle! No requirement to be an academy grad to fly whatsoever!
I graduated from the a service academy. I was kind of a fuck up there with messed up priorities like him. While he is correct that we were in many ways "protected" his failings at being a "real person" at the end of it were 100% on him. Would have failed out of any other institution, but the academy kept me in line and I was able to meet my responsibilities when I graduated. I know he's a highly trained agent, but on this particular topic he's a myopic, arrogant prick lambasting a system he just didn't like. Are the academies the only and best way to train military officers, of course not, but them coupled with the experiences from people from other backgrounds and disciplines make for a well-rounded officer corps.
Yes you can, that's ridiculous. College, just like anything else in life, is a "get out what you put in" game. If you don't take advantage of the opportunities around you, then you can't blame the institution. Ie: join clubs, talk to people in your class and get study partners, join a sports team, fraternity/sorority, anything. If you went to college and didn't improve your social skills, take an honest look at what you did and what you didn't do. Your why will be there.
Seriously? Young people coming out of college are very unprepared to pay bills or finances, budget, don't know how to take care of themselves. There are exceptions.
I couldnt disagree more college was a giant rippff i learned way mlre in the army but i went the national guard route not the military academy so way different but still college is mostly worthless unless yoi get certain degrees and even then it costs way too much and you have to waste alot of time leading up to those core classes. Also no one knows everything starting out you just figure it out anyway as far as buying a car or apartment or whatever
Lie cheat and steal around the code of honor... epic. These are the true core values of the Air Force... Self before service Excellence only in the things I want to do. Integrity last.
I applied for the AFA when in High School back in the 70's. I did not make it in, but I did go on to have a successful AF career and knew many AFA graduates over the years. I can't remember one who was not an outstanding leader or who was not truly appreciative for the opportunity that education afforded for them.
He’s mostly wrong. They teach you how to think not what to think. I’m pretty sure no graduate is struggling to know how to pay bills beyond a week. Plus if you lied, cheated, and stole your way through West Point you’re pretty resourceful.
Bro get out of here with this. Literally every new college grad goes through something similar once they graduate. I guess I can kind of see the adjustment going from a very structured environment to a somewhat unstructured one in the “real world.” But there are lots of academy grads that make that transition well. Plus there are plenty of college grads who don’t have discipline and “float” through life. Throw a rock in NYC and you’ll probably hit a 28 year old NYU or Columbia grad that’s working odd jobs still trying to “find themselves.” 😂. This is a nonsense take
Oh my god, varsity fencer? Rich kid. Paying bills and such isn't hard to figure out just because there's math involved. Guy's a poser and working for the CIA just doesn't mean much anymore.
Andy, why are so whiney? If you didn't like what you were doing, quit; do something else. Step aside and let someone who actually appreciates the opportunities that you were given take their shot. Enough of this pathetic, fish - out - of - water moaning: "I hated it there. I didn't fit in. It was so bad for me ..." Just STFU and get out of the way!
I graduated from one of the academies. Showed up at my first duty station with nothing but my uniforms and not knowing where to go or what to do. Within 1 day I found an apartment, set up my utilities and had basic furniture. Somehow I knew how to be a “normal’ person without somebody holding my hand.
That's what I was thinking. I mean...setting up rent and insurance and a phone are not difficult things. It's all mostly automated as well...they had bank draft mechanics when he graduated. I know b/c I'm older than him and had an apartment at my first duty station. The apartment office people take care of setting that stuff up for you with a form. This guy was some "super" spy in the CIA, but has some issue/apprehension with finding and setting up an apartment monthly payment?! C'mon bruh.
@@Keil2590 Maybe the same "brain makeup" that made him a valuable CIA operative also was a stumbling block when it came to "normal" life stuff? I mean, I'd say that I'm a good attorney but not a master, by any means. OTOH, I've seen attorneys who are simply Jedi in trial & in front of a jury but they have no ability to understand why their expenses > their income.
I'm pretty sure NO ONE coming out of college these days know anything about how to live on their own - except for part time students working full time to afford tuition.
Certainly not anyone who needs a 'crying room' or coloring books to survive an election.
💯
They do think they know, though.
This guy is a complete joke. The best part is that he's only tearing down his own supposed credibility. Definitely a deep state plant.
I don't think anyone without kids knows this. Haha, I know I wasn't a real adult yet, even in my 30’s.
When people use ask me did you enjoy USAFA, my reply was almost always, it is not a place to enjoy. I would answer, I am where I am supposed to be! Classmates and fellow cadets are by far my fondest memories. I met and still call friend to some outstanding men and women. I don't want to debate Mr. Bustamante point by point. His experience was his experience, but I simply don't share his views. '86 RTB
I spent over seven years of my childhood preparing for the military academies and a military career. I even joined the US Air Force Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol, and earned my Mitchell award. I narrowed it down to either Air Force or Naval Academy. Would've been thrilled with either one but got my Congressional nomination to go to the Air Force Academy. But the vacancies for appointments is very limited and I was not selected for one of those openings. At first, I was crushed but as the years went by I began to realize that the country I knew and loved was gone and the military I wanted to serve it in was gone. I see the direction this country and it's military have taken and see what it's becoming and wonder if not going into the military was a blessing in disguise.
The GPA grades do not mean how "good" you are, all those numbers combination show to the other "guys" what kind of soldier you are.
If you hate something and still do it, it means you really love it thats why they picked you. You are perfect instructor for airforce academy.
Military deliberately keep you out of civilian skills so people would fear to leave it.
That's a good point!
90 West Point grad here. Don’t agree with this guy at all. I have friends I still talk to regularly I’ve known for nearly 40 years. Yes the academies spoon feed you and train you to be a leader in the most basic sense. You have to fill in the blanks as anyone does.
As others have noted below...while West Point never taught me how to pay bills or set up anything that you do in your ordinary civilian life...I wouldn't expect to learn those things at a regular college as well. Kids going to regular college may have just been faced to have to deal with those issues at an earlier point in their lives than those of us coming out of the academies but it doesn't mean that we are incapable of handling them. Coming from a non-military background myself...I never excelled in the military bearing side of things (growing up in laid back Hawai'i didn't help either) but I was still able to excel in all of the military skills that being a soldier & leader of soldiers required. I went in to the experience knowing that it wasn't going to be a typical college experience with parties, alcohol & sex but at the same time I didn't need those things to enjoy my time in college. I didn't go in to college expecting it to be 4 years of partying...more so fours or more years of training for my next step in life. As most know...the process of breaking down everyone during the initial parts of the academies is to teach most of us off our pedestals in life that we may have came in to the academies with as sports captains, valedictorians, etc. that may have made us feel better than the average person so that we would be prepared to take orders from those of a higher rank. They don't' teach us to follow the orders blindly or to never question things. We are taught that there are bad leaders & good leaders...and throughout your life time you will likely experience both...and you can learn from both leaders. When we are broken down after enjoying several years of success in high school...it really breaks down an individual to their cores and you get to see how they perform "under fire" so to speak. While I'm sure I could have had more "fun" at other schools, I would not hesitate to endorse going to the academies for anyone who was interested in going to them. For those who are afraid of going in to the military because of what you may see it becoming now...that's the very reason to go...to be a part of the wave of change that our country needs to bring us back to our core founding values.
Your parents failed you not the AF Academy lol.
👍
Years past I was in field artillery school with a Marine fresh out of 4 years at Annapolis. He marveled that university cadets pulled 16 credit hours, had to put up with ROTC bravo sierra as MSIIIs and MSIVs, worked part time jobs, had to arrange financing of college, and actually had some weeks where the food budget got tight.
glad you're out --they sure don't need you as a leader
But that what makes a person a good leader, having to struggle and figure things out yourself, so when you get people under your command you can effectively guide them through the everyday challenges
Bitching about his car loan. Zero education loans to repay. He bitches about going back to the academy to be an instructor. Did it ever occur that the decent guys went off to real jobs in the AF, and the low end guys got a BS job back at the academy? I think it is best for the AF that this guy is no longer a member.
How many times do I have to repeate myself, I am a lady, we can help you guys with memory capabilities
You’re right. Plus, he’s wrong about many of the things he says about people who graduated from other universities. Simply put, the AF Academy was not a good fit for him.
And then, of course, he ended up in the CIA.
I will say that he does deserve credit for hanging in at the UAAFA, and graduating.
@@bbmw9029And, then he quit that too.
One of the best leaders I worked for during my 20 yrs in the USAF was a VMI graduate. He used to mess with a Lt (VMI grad was a Capt at the time) about how cush the academy was compared to VMI. After some conversations you could feel the pride and the accomplishment he felt for forging through that crucible and coming out the other side better. I think about it like this...that time is like a really long basic training. I didn't like basic when I was there, but afterward I felt great for doing it and think fondly back on a lot of it. (I did basic in the Army...before I woke up and went blue. haha That's a bit of a story there.)
I disagree. He admits he's not compatible with military service...he didn't know how to balance a check book? He was clueless
I've heard of the USAFA that, "it's a nice place to be from and not a nice place to be at" it'd be nice to list that on a CV. I know I wouldn't have made it into even the prep school so hats off to the people that made it into and out of USAFA, it was enlisted life for me in the USAF.
I'd pay good money if this privileged guy would stop whining incessantly!
I did my time as a military officer and the one thing I learnt that stood me in excellent stead for the rest of my life was self discipline.
It set the scene for all aspects of my life and career as an airline pilot.
If they could only teach that in schools!
By the way, most of my classmates had street smarts and would teach each other lessons learnt from buying a car, or myself who purchased a condo in my first year.
I worked several part time jobs growing up and had savings. Thank God my family taught me the value of a dollar and how to earn it responsibly.
This guy is just too smart for us all. Too smart for the Academy too. Standards? No. Discipline? No. Chase tail! A towering intellect. 🤣
Rude, I am a lady and I definitely have discipline and I don't chase tails. That's reserved for you guys ❤
I lived in CO Springs for over 14 years. An acquaintance(active duty officer)was an instructor there and caught a cadet cheating(15+ years ago). Brought said kid up on whatever it’s called formally, and went through Hell because of it. Turns out kid was the son of a VIP in DC. Never got the name, but said instructor was stressed. A few weeks later, got transfered to another assignment out of state. Not sure if it was related.
I mean, it’s not that hard to figure out how to find an apartment, balance a check book, etc. West Point didn’t teach us that shit either.
WOW....
Some of our nations greatest and most successful leaders are former military academy graduates...
Maybe it was not for you, or you for it, but I'll bet you'd not be where you are today with out the FREE - USAFA education.
Anyone else notice the “leaders” 0:40
Why didn’t you just leave? You took up a slot that someone less self-absorbed could have filled. No one made you stay…
andrew sounds like a nitwit here. Maybe he was/is the problem?
There were soo many buttheads who used to start the sentence with "When I was at the Academy."
This guy has gigantic mirrors in every room of his house…he doesn’t want to risk missing a glimpse of himself…
What were you expecting? and why didn't you transfer out?
It was free to him...
USAFA always had a good fencing teams, shitty grades, chasing tail & partying, you had to be a really good saber fencer!
The statement about lying and cheating around the honor code is very telling, unfortunately. I turned down an appointment to the USAFA as an enlisted guy, but it was because I was going to get married and start a family (not allowed for cadets, even prior enlisted). I have kids who may want to apply, but I've also told them to consider ROTC (with or without scholarships) so they can make an informed decision about military life. It's not for everyone, and it's almost kind of backwards in a way. Getting told what to do and having a regimented life is OK when you're really young. It doesn't work in your 30s and 40s when you're raising a family though. But, of course, in your 50s and 60s, it might work again before retirement. Perhaps we should make it possible to have a gap in service of 10-15-20 years or so.
Yo Andy- my dad was a fighter pilot/ USAF; do you know what separated his pilot skills from others? THE ACADEMY. In fact today…just about impossible to fly anything…without the Academy pedigree. I don’t agree with that, dad doesn’t either…but that’s the games of the game.
Where are you coming up with that BS?!! USAF is so short on pilots they’ve set up an ROTC detachment with Embry Riddle! No requirement to be an academy grad to fly whatsoever!
I graduated from the a service academy. I was kind of a fuck up there with messed up priorities like him. While he is correct that we were in many ways "protected" his failings at being a "real person" at the end of it were 100% on him. Would have failed out of any other institution, but the academy kept me in line and I was able to meet my responsibilities when I graduated. I know he's a highly trained agent, but on this particular topic he's a myopic, arrogant prick lambasting a system he just didn't like. Are the academies the only and best way to train military officers, of course not, but them coupled with the experiences from people from other backgrounds and disciplines make for a well-rounded officer corps.
You do not get societal skills from attending a regular college these days.
Yes you can, that's ridiculous. College, just like anything else in life, is a "get out what you put in" game. If you don't take advantage of the opportunities around you, then you can't blame the institution. Ie: join clubs, talk to people in your class and get study partners, join a sports team, fraternity/sorority, anything. If you went to college and didn't improve your social skills, take an honest look at what you did and what you didn't do. Your why will be there.
It’s O’hearn for you Bustamante 💪🏾😎🧟♀️
Its the hair! 😂
Nah college grads have no clue on real world either. Their income expectations, understating, getting along etc., etc. they are clueless.
Great video.
Seriously? Young people coming out of college are very unprepared to pay bills or finances, budget, don't know how to take care of themselves. There are exceptions.
That first assignment was punishment.
the air force acadeny is about 3 miles north of my house i have done a lot of work on there
Will you be visiting 🎃
Air Force, we’re always standing high
Air Force, we’re flying do or die
Air Force, the kickass Air Force
So join the Air Force and kick ass today!
The chair force
The air farce
a bit dramatic 22 years old is still wet behind the ears. The AF Academy is elite.
F*ing Villanova?!?! Nice one zombie!
Yeap, just sub'd.
Agree.
Most cadets have a better idea of what they're getting into than this gentleman.
Can't speak for the military academy grads, but I think he's VASTLY overestimating the capabilities of graduates of "normal" colleges.
I couldnt disagree more college was a giant rippff i learned way mlre in the army but i went the national guard route not the military academy so way different but still college is mostly worthless unless yoi get certain degrees and even then it costs way too much and you have to waste alot of time leading up to those core classes. Also no one knows everything starting out you just figure it out anyway as far as buying a car or apartment or whatever
Lie cheat and steal around the code of honor... epic.
These are the true core values of the Air Force...
Self before service
Excellence only in the things I want to do.
Integrity last.
So you wasted a space that someone else wanted. J3rk
Are there any military academy graduates in the comments? If so, what do you think about what Andrew said?
I applied for the AFA when in High School back in the 70's. I did not make it in, but I did go on to have a successful AF career and knew many AFA graduates over the years. I can't remember one who was not an outstanding leader or who was not truly appreciative for the opportunity that education afforded for them.
He’s mostly wrong. They teach you how to think not what to think. I’m pretty sure no graduate is struggling to know how to pay bills beyond a week. Plus if you lied, cheated, and stole your way through West Point you’re pretty resourceful.
I never joined military because I don't like ppl telling me how to live. 😂😂😂
Thank you for sharing
You would be more at home at Berkeley…
This guy should go into politics !
I heard you were a snitch in the academy.
All day everyday, call it performance reveal ❤
I believe he admitted that he ratted somebody out for a honor violation..
The snack-trade mafia, Basic Training, between recruits when their hungry? 🤨😂
Not snitching on my daughter. 😎🧟♀️🇺🇸
Bro get out of here with this. Literally every new college grad goes through something similar once they graduate. I guess I can kind of see the adjustment going from a very structured environment to a somewhat unstructured one in the “real world.” But there are lots of academy grads that make that transition well. Plus there are plenty of college grads who don’t have discipline and “float” through life. Throw a rock in NYC and you’ll probably hit a 28 year old NYU or Columbia grad that’s working odd jobs still trying to “find themselves.” 😂. This is a nonsense take
Oh my god, varsity fencer? Rich kid. Paying bills and such isn't hard to figure out just because there's math involved. Guy's a poser and working for the CIA just doesn't mean much anymore.
Wow great point!
My two daughters have so much more intellect and intelligence than this guy. He should be embarrassed at himself.
Then again, my wife and I tried to raise them right and loved them.
It's crazy what a prima donna this guy is. The way he corrects and lectures some podcasters that he believes he is superior to. A real narcissist.
Your institutionalized
Wonder who his daddy knew to get him the appointment to the USAF academy.
I got an appointment there and West Point and my dad was a machinist making $28k a year. Wonder who your daddy was??
Andrew is swearing a lot....
Dude, your parents are supposed to sit you down and teach you all this stuff. I'm guessing you didn't have any jobs growing up.
That was the idea. It's not supposed to be fun. Ingrate .
Andy, why are so whiney? If you didn't like what you were doing, quit; do something else. Step aside and let someone who actually appreciates the opportunities that you were given take their shot. Enough of this pathetic, fish - out - of - water moaning: "I hated it there. I didn't fit in. It was so bad for me ..." Just STFU and get out of the way!
This guy is as beta as one can get.
DEI