Landon Interview Prep Air Force

In today's compressed, dynamic operational environment, an Airman does not have the luxury of examining each issue at leisure. What must he or she fully internalize to be able to expeditiously act in all situations while maintaining professional Air Force standards?

Air Force Core Values

What represents the commitment each Airman makes when joining the Air Force and provides a foundation for leadership, decision-making, and success in every level of assignment, regardless of difficulty or dangers presented by the mission?

Air Force Core Values

What are the AIR FORCE CORE MISSIONS?

Air Superiority Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Rapid Global Mobility Global Strike Command & Control

The maximum score of Leadership is defined by a candidate who...

Demonstrates outstanding initiative and influence; eagerly seeks out responsibilities; advice is followed by others;

Analytical Thinking Influence. Creative Thinking Fostering Innovation The above are all examples of competencies that focus on what foundational aspect of airmen?

Developing Ideas (one of the four Foundational Competencies)

Resource Management Change Management Strategic Thinking (Planning) The above are all examples of competencies that focus on what foundational aspect of airmen?

Developing Organizations (one of the four Foundational Competencies)

Teamwork. Develops People Perseverance Service Mindset. Leadership Flexibility Precision The above are all examples of competencies that focus on what foundational aspect of airmen?

Developing Others (one of the four Foundational Competencies)

Accountability Communication Decision Making Results Focused Self Control. Information Seeking Initiative Resilience The above are all examples of competencies that focus on what foundational aspect of airmen?

Developing Self (one of the four Foundational Competencies)

What are the four major groups of Foundational Competencies for the development of Airmen?

Developing Self, Developing Others, Developing Ideas and Developing Organizations

What is an individual commitment to uphold the highest of personal and professional standards? We demonstrate it in attitude, work ethic, and effort directed at continuous improvement, whether pursuing professional military education or nurturing ourselves physically, intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually.

Discipline

What virtues are included in Service Before Self?

Duty, loyalty, and respect

Why is Self-confidence so important and evaluated during the interview?

It is a trait necessary to excel, it is easy to assess during the interview. Eye contact, tone and inflection of voice, mannerisms, and eagerness to tell about oneself all contribute to overall impressions of the applicant's self-confidence.

*What are the priorities in your life?

Family is a winning answer, friends are so important. Team is a good answer as well. Also, the practical side of choosing to become an officer and how you will apply your college experience or previous experiences to being a better cadet and officer.

What do you think you'd like to do in the Air Force? (If the answer is "fly" ask what they would do if they weren't physically qualified.)

First, since the core missions of the Air Force support air superiority, I would always like to have the option of becoming a pilot. However, I understand that some of that decision will be beyond my control (medical qualification, size of force, etc). Honestly, I am hoping to explore many different opportunities in the AF. I have some basic ideas of what I think I might like to do, but I am hopeful that my exposure to different possibilities will sharpen my direction. Based on my past experience of learning and then teaching ( explain NYLT/Columbia University), I know that having that opportunity to give back directly to a program you completed can make you even better at understanding the principles of the course. I know it make me a better leader and communicator. I can see myself applying through OI&RSD (Officer Instructor and Recruiting Special Duty) to work in recruiting and instruction. I have always liked stem classes (particularly mathematics) as well as psychology, and it seems that those combine nicely in Industrial or Systems Engineering type major. Using that background, I could help the AF manage research to determine the most effective ways to use its people and equipment. If I am unable to pursue the pilot option, I researched that 75% of Intelligence Officers have backgrounds that may include engineering, mathematics, statistics, I'm hoping my undergraduate studies will be beneficial to honing my analytical and critical thinking capabilities toward that area of operations.

Who is the Secretary of the Air Force?

Frank Kendall

How would your best friend describe you? Your teacher or coaches?

Friends: I think most of my friends would say, "He's someone that always volunteers to help others, and is optimistic regardless of the situation. He keeps a positive attitude and likes making his friends happy. He's always good for quick wit to de-escalate tense situations. (Tell a story if you have one to highlight one of those characteristics) Coaches: There are a lot of people who complain about not getting time on the field, but it does not reflect the effort put in at practice. Instead, Landon shows that he deserves to be on the field through the effort he puts in at practice.

Who is the Chief of the Air Force?

General Charles Q. Brown, Jr, a four-star general, is the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

Who is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?

General Mark A. Milley The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest ranking military leader (all branches) in the United States.

*Do you prefer to work as an individual or in groups?

Groups is the best answer here. Working in teams. Tell a story about how the combined/diverse talents of the team solved a problem.

What is a typical day like for you? How do you stay organized and prioritize your time?

In the past, I've used vision boards to help establish broad goals, and then use that as a framework to help prioritize where my efforts need to focused. For example, when I was a freshman, some of my vision board images served to remind me of my goal to achieve the lead role in our high school's spring drama production. When I'd see those images, it always helped me visualize where I wanted to be and helped me focus on what skills I needed to develop to achieve that goal. On a daily basis, I keep a handwritten organizer that I use to consolidate my tasks and develop action items to complete towards my objectives. For example, each night before I go to bed, I fill out a page in that book to reflect on what I accomplished and what needs to be done in the future. I use this in combination with Google Calendar to establish a longer term view of my calendar and commitments. I tend to stay pretty busy, and on more than one occasion, I needed to make some decisions where I had to take a pause on my personal growth and goals to be able to meet the time demands of a group or team that I was involved with at the time. I know for certain that I would have done better on a few tests over the years, but I had to sacrifice some personal study time to meet the demands of my team. That said, I am very aware of the impact my grades can have on my options for the future, and I have healthy respect for trying to find that balance between academics and extra-curricular activities.

Are you employed? What do you do and how many hours per week do you spend working? How do you spend your summers?

In the summer, I have worked for the Richmond-Burton building maintenance department and during the school year I have been a self-employed math tutor. At it's peak during the school year I have met with students three times a week for 30-minutes to an hour depending on the needs of each student. I'm pretty proud of my accomplishments with students in this area. In one case, I took a student who was failing in math and brought her up to receiving A-/B+ tests at the end. That's pretty neat. I've also been a substitute teacher for the Laura Cote School of Dance. The studio wanted to bring my on as the primary instructor for tap, but I could not make it work with my prior commitments. I still expect to be used during the school year in that substitute teaching capacity, especially after soccer season ends this year.

What is an internal commitment to the Nation, to the values and commitments of our Air Force, and to the men and women with whom we serve?

Loyalty

Who is the superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy?

Lt. General Richard M. Clark

What consists of three fundamental and enduring values (core values) of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do? Success hinges on the incorporation of these values into the character of every Airman.

Professional Air Force ethics

The acts of being honest, responsible, accountable and humble represent this, the Air Force's first core value.

Integrity

What is the ability to hold together and properly regulate all the elements of one's personality? It is the moral compass, the inner voice that keeps us on the right path when we are confronted with ethical challenges and personal temptations.

Integrity

What provides the bedrock for our military endeavors and is fortified by service to country?

Integrity (This, in turn, fuels the drive for excellence.)

Which core value is a character trait and the willingness to do what is right even when no one is looking?

Integrity First

What are the core values of the Air Force?

Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do

Teamwork is essential at every level. What do Airmen recognize as they strive for organizational excellence as a team?

Interdependency of every member's contribution toward the mission

When evaluating Core values and Character, the interviewer will be seeking to evaluate a candidate based on what type of questions?

Interview questions should get the candidate to elaborate about who has influenced his/her ethical make-up, what level he/she would be able to support the Air Force Core Values and examples of his/her personal experiences/actions that display his or her character.

*Provide an example of when you had too much to do.

Interviewer is trying to ascertain how you prioritize your tasks and goals and what was the outcome. Did you have to cut back on something so that you can achieve "Excellence in all that we do"

*Describe a frustrating experience you faced.

Interviewer is trying to determine resilience. Will this person give up when the going gets tough? Examples: Sports injury, failure of a test, leadership failure, etc. You will be leading Airmen and can never give up. Officers set the tone and must be resilient.

Why and how does the interviewer evaluate Communicative Skills?

The ability to express oneself effectively in individual or group situations and includes gestures and other forms of nonverbal communication. Focus evaluations on the clarity and delivery of communication, as well as the content. Observe oral communication throughout the interview. Does the candidate speak clearly and use proper grammar? Is he or she able to present ideas in a logical, engaging manner? Does the candidate understand basic customs and courtesies?

True or False? Respect is treating others with dignity and valuing them as individuals.

True

True or False? We must ALWAYS act knowing that all Airmen possess a fundamental worth as human beings and treat others with the utmost dignity and respect, understanding that our diversity is a powerful source of strength.

True

True or False? the Air Force's core values firm convictions about the nature of our personal character, our commitment to each other and our Nation, and the manner in which we perform our service.

True

What is the Cadet Honor Code?

We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.

*Do you have and questions for me?

What can I do between between now and June in fall to be prepared for either BCT or the upcoming academic year? Ask about something extra that you can do for the USAFA during the school year. What could I have done better in this interview? Considering your background with automated vehicles, how do you think that will change the Air Force in coming years? What inspired you to become an ALO/to conduct these interviews? Do you have any advice for me based on what you know about me?

When does an individual realize integrity?

When thoughts and actions align with what he or she knows to be right

What is your greatest weakness?

With all of my activities, I've found it difficult at times to stay on top of all of the different types of communication platforms being used. At school, I've used everything from Schoology, to Snapchat to communicate with my teachers and friends. At JEC we use Slack. Talent Forum uses Band. Ironically, email is actually a new part of my daily routine. Generally, I don't really get much information to my personal email address that affects me day to day, however, during the college admissions process, I've noticed it has some negative impacts. At times I went for several days without checking my regular email, and it caused me to be slow in addressing items that needed faster attention. My mom and dad have said the response on an email should be no longer than 24hrs, and I've definitely exceeded that in the last 6 months. It's a strange thing, because I personally get frustrated when I do not receive a response on an email so I am not sure why I am having such a difficult time incorporating it into my daily routine. I think a large portion of the issue is that I generally respond to my school email from my issued Chromebook, but my personal emails do not go to that device... they only go to my phone. Unfortunately, using my phone for emails just doesn't fall into my flow during the day. My latest solution is to address emails during a triggered time of the day. In my case, I am trying to use study hall as the point to look on my phone for emails to my personal account.

What do you consider your greatest strength?

Without question, one of my greatest strengths is my willingness to learn new things and adapt to my environment. My history of activities ranges from the cast of musical theatre in Oliver to the political theater associated with Boys' State. The broad engagement in different activities across many opportunities provided me room to develop how to be a good leader as well as a good follower. That adaptability allows me to work well in teams. Early in school, I was a part of Future Problem Solvers where we trained and competed in small teams. I also began soccer and still play to this day. Last year, I was selected as a Student Ambassador for Columbia University and worked with a small team promoting professional study programs. This summer I staffed NYLT as an group administrating that training. Through those experiences, I feel like I've learned the importance of diversity of thought and to manage resources with the goal of determining "What's right" instead of "Who's right."

*Tell me about a time when you led others in a project or goal.

You need three different complete examples of this type of question. It will be asked 2-3 times. Talk about the initial planning, organization, and then the development of the project; talk about the outcome. Have three projects/events and three detailed stories.

What are some of the key areas that you need to illustrate during your interview?

Your ability to lead, follow, handle workloads, working with others and work with people with diverse backgrounds

The maximum score of Human Relations is defined by a candidate who...

demonstrates a high level of concern and respect for others' perspectives and viewpoints.

What are your thoughts on diversity? How does it affect your working in teams?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfjZ1otkS3o

The maximum score of Planning and Organizing is defined by a candidate who...

is an outstanding manager and organizer; sets priorities and meets objectives consistently; corrects potential problems.

The maximum score of Self-Confidence is defined by a candidate who...

is extremely mature; fully at ease; fully aware of what is expected in an interview.

The maximum score of Motivation toward Air Force is defined by a candidate who...

is highly motivated toward service to the Nation and becoming an Air Force officer; understands the Air Force way of life;

Why do you want to attend USAFA?

Over the past 12 years, I've been repeatedly reciting the scout oath. "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." Ironically, it's only been it the past few years that I really began to fully appreciate the meanings behind that oath. When I began considering my service, the core values of the Air Force nearly matched the ideals I had already accepted. They just had a different way of presenting it. To me, when I state, "On my honor, tied with morally straight," I am living with the core value of "Integrity first." Similarly, "duty to God and country" reflect on "Service before self." And, of course, "do my best" mirrors "Excellence in all we do." My experience with National Youth Leadership Training, Boy's State, and the Summer Leaders Experience these past several months has reinforced to me that these are my people, and we all hold a reverence toward the principles of our nation as well as those who've defended it in the past. I know when I recite the Pledge of Allegiance or pay respects to our flag during the National Anthem, it has real meaning to me. I think of all of those that sacrificed to provide us the freedoms we live under today, and honestly, it is disillusioning to see so many at sporting events fidgeting around what they clearly see as a formality. I've always enjoyed history, and that, combined with my experience of having a foreign exchange student live with my family for a year, I know what's at stake. I know the United States is not perfect, but the constitution allows us to keep working towards a "more perfect union" and I want to be a part in that process. In my heart, I know that being in the Air Force will help me to become the best version of myself, and by becoming that, I can be of better service to others.

Explain the Cadet Honor Code. Do you think it's reasonable to expect an 18 year old to follow?

"A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do."

What actions help to maintain integrity and avoid conflicts of interest?

(a) Following principles (b) Acting with honor (c) Maintaining independent judgment (d) Performing duties with impartiality

What does adherence to excellence in all we do mean for Airmen?

(a) Seek out and complete developmental education (b) Constantly work hard to stay in physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and moral shape (c) Continue to enhance professional competencies (d) Diligent to maintain their job skills, knowledge, and personal readiness at the highest possible levels

The complex undertaking of the Air Force mission requires us to harness the ingenuity, expertise, and collective effort of all Airmen. With what mindset do we approach this?

(a) Stewardship (b) Initiative (c) Improvement (d) Pride (e) Continued commitment to anticipate and embrace change

What actions does courage empower Airmen to take? Having the courage to take these actions is crucial for the mission, the Air Force, and the Nation.

(a) Take necessary personal or professional risks (b) Make decisions that may be unpopular (c) Admit to their mistakes

What does loyalty to our leaders require us to do?

(a) Trust, follow, and execute their decisions (b) Offer alternative solutions and innovative ideas most effectively through the chain of command (c) Ultimately help each other to always act with honor

How do you solve a problem when there is not a known solution?

1. Identify the issue and its root cause 2. Understand every angle of the problem 3. List possible solutions 4. Evaluate the options 5. Choose an option 6. Act on it 7. Evaluate the results (then repeat the cycle if necessary)

What is the order of Presidential succession?

1.) President 2.) Vice-President 3.) Speaker of the House 4.) Senate President Pro-Tem 5.) Secretary of State

What instills our responsibility while maintaining transparency and ownership for our actions?

Accountability

What type of individuals maintain transparency, seek honest and constructive feedback, and take ownership of the outcomes of their actions and decisions? They are responsible to themselves and others, and refrain from actions which discredit themselves or our service.

Accountable

How does the interdependence of excellence and mutual respect dictate the Air Force way of life?

At the core of our customs, courtesies and traditions lay the notions of excellence and mutual respect, an understanding of the interdependence required for anyone in the Air Force, regardless of specialty or rank, to successfully accomplish the mission. Our customs are grounded in teamwork, recognizing each and every Airman has a critical role to play. As such, we must all be experts in our role at all times. That is what it means to be an Airman.

Is being an Airman considered to be a job or a way of life?

Being an Airman is not just a job, it is a way of life. We have all been told we are not just in the Air Force when we are on duty, but we are in the Air Force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What is the Human Relations aspect of the interview that is being evaluated?

Closely related to both the character and leadership dimension as it highlights a candidate's respect for and ability to work with others. The interviewee must show concern for others' feelings, a willingness to help others, an openness and understanding of other cultures, and an ability to be effective working in diverse groups.

*If you would start your education all over again, what would you change?

Consider whether or not you've discussed all three areas of Scholar, Athlete, and Leadership sufficiently at this point, if one area has not been covered, answer by being reflective on that topic.

The maximum score of Core Values and Character is defined by a candidate who...

Consistently displays personal integrity in actions and words and is guided by an ethical framework that is consistent with our core values. A role model whose lifestyle is the foundation of their leadership.

What kind of government is the United States of America?

Constitutional Republic (a pure democracy does not necessarily protect the rights of the minority, but a republic with a constitution can.)

Who is your favorite leader? Why?

Evan Fiorina Explain that he was the SPL for National Youth Leadership Training Staff. What that means is that he was in was the individual in charge of the entirety of the event including staff selection, training, and program. Traits I observed: Constantly demonstrating servant leadership. Demonstrated extreme awareness of everything going on... He always had a plan, and had an uncanny ability to develop one even if there wasn't a plan beforehand. Really understood each of the staff positions of the program and lead the program effectively. Very good at workload management and division of duties. . Very understanding and adaptive.

Which core value directs us to develop a sustained passion for the continuous improvement and innovation that propels the Air Force, as well as ourselves, beyond the capabilities of our adversaries. It demands that Airmen constantly strive to perform at our best?

Excellence in All We Do

Duty is the obligation to perform what is required for the mission as determined by the law, the Department of Defense, and Air Force instructions, directives, and guidance. What else may it involve?

Having to make sacrifices in ways that no other profession has or will

Tell me about a famous airmen that you are familiar with?

He is not famous, worldwide, or even in United States Air Force history, but he's famous in our family. I guess in ancestry terms, he would be my Great-Granduncle (he's my grandfather's uncle). He was a tailgunner in a B17 flying missions over Germany during World War II. He was the first generation of my family to immigrate from Czechoslovakia to the United States moving with his mother and five brothers as a child. At the age of 21, he completed his 26th and final mission, successfully finishing his tour of duty and returning home in 1945. He kept a logbook with short descriptions of each mission. At one point, his B17 ran off an ice-covered runway with a full load of bombs on board. In our family, he epitomizes service before self. He went on to successfully run a small bar just outside of Detroit, MI. Then he purchased a hotel/bar combination in the suburbs where he regularly held polka festivals for the community. My dad said he always had a keen interest in me because we both shared a love of music, and through that, he saw a lot of himself in me. I know he always had a sense of honor about him. You couldn't miss it. I think he'd be proud to know I am following this path into service.

What is the hallmark of integrity?

Honesty

What means our words must be unquestionable so we preserve the trust that unites us through a common goal and purpose?

Honesty

What requires us to evaluate our performance against standards, and to conscientiously and accurately report findings? This is the only way to preserve the trust we hold so dear with each other and with the population we serve.

Honesty

What do the virtues of integrity include?

Honesty, courage, and accountability

Do you know anyone who has attended USAFA or ROTC? Been in the military? What have you learned from that person?

I am from a pretty small town in northern Illinois. There is not much; Actually, there is really no chatter about military recruitment, the academies, or ROTC. Last year, I believe we had only one graduating senior that was planning to enlist in the military. My interest has come primarily from my background in scouting and volunteering with veterans during Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and color guard presentations. In scouting, our committee chairman is a retired captain from the navy. Without question, he is one of the most impressive people I have ever met. He is highly personable and calm but definitely has an air of command and direction around him at all times. He is very collaborative with all levels of leadership. He is quick to thank volunteers and is undoubtedly the most significant behind-the-scenes influence on the success of our troop. At Eagle honor courts, there is the option to present a mentor pin to the person most influential in your journey to Eagle. I chose Captain Snider. Not surprisingly, I am reasonably sure he has collected as many if not more mentor pins from Eagle scouts than even the Scoutmaster of our troop. He is highly organized and presents servant leadership at every opportunity, taking on so many roles in and out of scouting that actually confuses people with how he can get it all done and done well. This past spring, I began seriously thinking about what direction I wanted to take after graduating high school. I kept returning to the ideals and structure of scouting that surrounded so much of my life. It became clear that I wanted more than the typical college experience, and I felt the need to continue growing in servant leadership as Captain Snider did. I imagine most people would look at his life and all of the influences and promotions he made to the lives and security of others. I would guess most would think he carries great pride in those accomplishments. But, I don't know that he does. To him, it seems as though it was never a choice. Instead, it was almost an ingrained obligation or duty to serve, and I cannot think of better footsteps to follow.

Why do you want to be an Air Force officer?

I consider myself to have a healthy level of competitiveness. In that, I am fascinated by competitive and strategic games. The "healthy" part is that I don't steal money from the bank in Monopoly, and I don't skirt the rules while playing Catan. What it does mean is that I'll analyze the game play, learn from my mistakes and try to improve. Now admittedly, it frustrates my mom because I'll mentally work out the probability of acquiring the specific cards during a game in real-time and adjust. So, why does any of that matter to why I want to be an Air Force officer? Well, it's because I think character is reflected in everything that someone does, even at the smallest level, like a board game. In essence, it's who I am. The AF mission "To fly, fight, and win...airpower anytime, anywhere" is always surrounded by the core values of "Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do" I play those games with integrity, and strive for excellence. Yep, I get frustrated when if I lose, but I don't compromise who I am to win. Instead, I learn from mistakes, hope for better cards, and adjust when they don't come my way. I know I want to surround myself with people of the same character, striving toward the same goals with service before self.

Describe your personal leadership style.

I think like some people, I tend to adapt my leadership style to the situation I'm facing. Usually, one type of leadership works pretty effectively for a given circumstance. However, in preparing and executing my position as Crew Leader for my team's mountain trek at Philmont, I actually changed leadership styles three times during that role. Initially, when I was selected as Crew Leader, I looked across the team and saw that we had older scouts, nearly all holding the rank of Star or Life scout. It seemed initially appropriate to lead the organizing efforts through a participative style of leadership and I generally sought opinions of the crew to make a decision about our direction forward. Early on, however it became clear that some members of the group were not engaging in the physical training required for the expedition and I employed a degree of transactional leadership by creating a two-pronged incentive plan, consisting of weekly awards for leading in training objectives, and also entries into a lottery system for the potential of winning a large bonus at the end for meeting minimum training standards on a weekly basis. After we had an extremely disappointing shake-down hike, (explain what a shake-down hike is) I realized it would be necessary to take a more coach-style leadership approach and I set up training sessions and drills on multiple occasions each week at my house to ensure the individuals on the team could perform the skills necessary to complete tasks or lead specific units. In doing this, I employed the EDGE method of training (Explain, Demonstrate, Guiding, Enabling) to help them acquire and employ those skills. As a result of that effort, we improved our camp set up and strike efficiency by over 250% (from 2.5 hours to 54 minutes). Finally, when we were actively completing the trek, I returned to a participative style of leadership. At that point everyone was demonstrating their ability complete tasks, and seemed best to again engage opinions of group. I try to surround myself with team members that provide great input. I know I don't necessarily need to be the smartest one in the room, but I need to use the input of my team to make the smartest decision. In other words, I think it is important to recognize "What's right" versus "Who's right."

Tell me about any athletic programs you are involved in.

I've played soccer since I was about 6. Initially, I was a part of our local area rec league, but then I tried out for a travel team and began playing, to some degree, all year long. When I joined the high school team as a freshman, I discontinued playing travel soccer in the spring when I landed the lead role for our high school musical and the schedules conflicted. I've lettered for the past four years in high school, but I don't want to give the impression I was the star of the team. Even as a senior, I don't start every game. But, I do know I am always a part of the team. I don't miss practice, and I recognize my role, even if it is in support of first team players. At the same time, I have always been involved in dance. My sister was a competitive dancer and I was forced to attend her competitions when I was very young. I don't really remember saying it, but my mom and dad said I watched and said, "I want to be up there." Boiling it down to its essence, though, was that I wanted to perform on that stage. After about two years of lessons and working with the competition team, my opportunity to get on that stage finally came and I went on a tear of awards: Master of the Stage, Al Gilbert Tap, Die-Hard Dancer, Twice nominated to the U.S. Dance Team, and two national titles. In my freshman year, I began working with a Footprints a pre-professional tap group. In that group I grew to become a choreographer and led a group twice through choreography at Tap Jam. I auditioned for and made YTEC (Youth Tap Ensemble Conference) as a sophomore, and this past summer I was selected to join the advanced professional group at the Orange County Tap Festival. I am now a mentor in Footprints and a part-time instructor for the Laura Cote School of Dance. This past spring, when I knew I was planning to pursue the Air Force, I joined the track team, and expect to letter in it next spring.

What does the complex undertaking of the Air Force mission require us to harness?

Ingenuity, expertise, and collective effort of all Airmen

Why the Air Force Academy/ Why Air Force?

Initially, I was drawn to the USAF Academy through curiosity. I come from a multigenerational familial history of aviation, so that path always seemed available to me. The USAF Academy's core competency is to produce pilots, so my interest in that regard was very clear. While piloting peaked my initial intrigue, as I have researched and explored more and more about the academy, the various opportunities and benefits unique to USAFA really made the decision for me about where I should go after high school. Becoming a pilot is the reason to become a USAFA cadet, and I definitely want to explore that path at the academy. I expect my interests in engineering, mathematics, creative problem-solving, and technological development allow for additional pathways if the pilot option is unattainable. I know the appeal for the Air Force and Space Force doesn't end at becoming a pilot. In particular, the field of space operations or nuclear and missile operations is pretty appealing. The Air Force is the reason that I became interested in the academy, but I would be incredibly fortunate to stand at the forefront of future technology saying "Sempre Supra". In the Air Force, I would love to be considered for a pilot career. I know that there are many factors that play into who can earn a pilot slot that may prevent that option. If that were the case, I would gladly work as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot or focus my academic studies towards behavioral sciences and psychology to become an intelligence operations officer. There are many routes that I am interested in pursuing as a cadet, but the most important reason why USAFA is the place where I want to pursue those careers is the values. When I began considering my service, the core values of the Air Force nearly matched the ideals I had already accepted through Scouts. They just had a different way of presenting it. To me, when I state, "On my honor, tied with morally straight," I am living with the core value of "Integrity first." Similarly, "duty to God and country" reflect on "Service before self." And, of course, "do my best" mirrors "Excellence in all we do." When I left my tour of the Academy, I knew in my heart that being in the Air Force will help me to become the best version of myself, and by becoming that, I can be of better service to others.

Tell me about a time when you succeeded at something that was challenging for you.

On the advice of judge at a dance competition, I started to pursue acting. I was really excited about the idea even though my parents kept giving me reality checks about the difficulty of being successful in acting. Long story short, I auditioned and was picked up by an agent in downtown Chicago. From my town in northern Illinois, it represented a nearly two hour drive each way to audition for parts. I landed a role in a commercial on my very first audition and assumed I was probably one of those anomalies stars that came from out of nowhere. Nope. After that initial spot, I must have auditioned for a dozen or more roles, each requiring a 4-hr round trip to Chicago and pulling me from school. The auditions typically lasted for about 10 minutes, and you received no feedback. After about a year, I became dissolutioned with the process. I missed the feedback of the crowd from being on stage. My dad suggested leaving my agent, and that he, instead would represent me. During that time I was taking classes ranging from improv, to on-camera training with a variety of different instructors. My dad at the same time began to look specfically at theater auditions. He knew it would significantly cut down on the auditions which were disrupting my schedule, and get me back where I enjoyed things the most, performing on stage in front of live audiences. In the summer of my freshman year, he found an audition for a professional production of Oliver! at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. There was one hitch... it was a musical and I didn't really sing. My dad convinced me to audition merely, as he described it, "To learn the audition process for theater so you know what to expect in the future." I practiced repeatedly for a couple of weeks on a song, and added that to my year of acting preparation and left for the audition. I could hear other hopefuls auditioning around me. Most were incredibly gifted singers, and I felt somewhat outclassed. But, I stuck to my pre-audition routine, handing my music to the accompanist. Before I left, my dad reminded me why I'd been pulled aside by that judge. "They didn't pull you aside because you could sing, they pulled you aside because you could perform." That's what I did, and I got the part. It marked the beginning of a significant upward trajectory for my acting. I immediately landed the lead role in my high school musical as a freshman, and I was cast in a professional production of Matilda before the COVID halted all performances for nearly a year and a half. I look back on that now, knowing that even after disappointment after disappointment with auditions, I never gave up. I kept working to improve myself until finally getting the part.

What virtues are included in excellence in all we do?

Mission, discipline, and teamwork

What do you value most in life?

My family. They are my greatest cheerleaders and advocates. I know I am fortunate to have that stability around me, and I know not everyone has that same support. More broadly, I did a values inventory that looked more specifically at a range beyond family. My top three ended up being Growth, respect, and community. Growth topped my list as my #1 value. It my definition, it is the need to see continuous improvement in myself, and to strive to help others, and work with others to improve. Personally, I watch game film for areas that I can improve my positioning, and find ways to improve my intuition or game IQ while I am off the field. Similarly, I take constructive feedback from my English teacher with the hopes of improving my writing. As a result of incorporating that feedback, I am seeing sustained growth in my writing. Respect to me means valuing the dignity of others. It may have been created by a slight that happened to me early in soccer on a travel team. I was a new member added to an existing team, but it was evident during practice and even during game play that I was not valued on the same level as everyone that had been together for several years. I'd be open, but often ignored in favor of what I felt like was a "team" within a "team." In a way, I felt like I lost almost a full season of growth because the team did not incorporate us into their system. At best, we were placeholders until they could engage their preferred teammates. As a reaction to that isolation, I take it upon myself, even as a senior, to make sure the freshman on our practice squad receive just as many looks from me for passing the ball as the oldest on the team. I know what it feels like to feel like you are less than fully a part of the team, and I don't want anyone around me to experience that. Community speaks to my value in seeing a group come together for a common cause, using their diversity to achieve more than they can as individuals. Even though my tap group is "pre-professional," there is still a relatively wide range of abilities within the group. Last year, there was a breakdown where I felt like the group was assigning blame to individuals for shortfalls rather than looking at how we were working as a team. I promoted working with struggling individuals rather than pointing fingers for failures within the group. As a result, this year we are a much more cohesive unit quickly willing to help for the betterment of our community.

Tell me about what you like to do outside of school. What are your hobbies?

My schedule has always been pretty full, but I love water sports in the summer. I have a couple of friends that get together to waterski, and last year I started wake surfing (still working on mastering that). Year round, I love music. My original interest was playing drums, and I became a the lead drummer for the Lake Geneva House of Music Varsity Band. During the COVID lockdown, I turned towards guitar. I'd taken lessons in the past, but never really immersed myself in it. During the lockdown and online school, I began playing in between classes. It was five minutes here, five minutes there, you know, just enough to drive my older sister in the next room absolutely nuts. But... I saw real progress and that progress kind of fueled me to do even more. When six months had passed, I scheduled an online session with my guitar teacher. It was a little funny, because he called my mom and said, "Wow! What happened?! Six months ago he was a typical student, and now he's like... well... he's like a pro!" When in-person classes resumed at school, I met with some friends in guitar club and joined three seniors in creating a band. Being the only trained percussionist, I set aside the guitar to once again sit behind the drums. At that point, the pandemic derailed me for over a year, and I was determined to do whatever it took to get back on track. My basement became the rehearsal space. I scheduled months of practice, three times a week, preparing the 9-song spring show. We we took the stage that night, it might have been one of the most meaningful things that ever happened to me. Our band erupted on stage with the emotion and anticipation that came from a two-year fuse: perhaps not perfect vocals or perfect instrumentals, but somehow perfect together. The lights, sounds, chants and cheers froze the moment in time in my head. I think why it meant so much, especially to me, was that I knew how much work we had put into that show, and I also knew that none of it would have happened if I didn't organize it and keep our group moving toward that spring show goal. We went on to play at about half a dozen events over the summer until the seniors all began to leave for college.

How old is the Air Force?

Officially, 75 years (but the Army Air Corp existed before that)

What does a mission focus encompass?

Operation, product, and resource excellence

What type of person acts on conviction, demonstrating impeccable self-control without acting rashly?

Person of integrity

Who is the most senior enlisted member of the Air Force?

Ramón Colón-López (he is the SEAC or Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)

*What are your major interests/hobbies?

Seek to answer this question covering the following three different areas (cover all three): Scholar Athlete Leader Have balance in all three areas. Have significant accomplishments in all three areas. Well-rounded is key here.

What is the STAR method for answering interview questions?

S= Situation T= Task A= Action R= Response

Which core value represents an abiding dedication to the age-old military virtue of selfless dedication to duty, including putting one's life at risk if called to do so?

Service Before Self

Which core value tells Airmen that professional duties take precedence over personal desires?

Service Before Self

At the heart and soul of our professional airmen, what does the Air Force recognize as universal, consistent standards used to evaluate the ethical climate of all Air Force organizations?

The Core Values Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.

What represents enduring, guiding principles for which we stand?

The Core Values Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.

What should motivate attitudes and actions on and off-duty as essential moral principles or beliefs that are held in the highest regard?

The Core Values Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.

What are so fundamental that they define our very identity through a common bond among all professional Airmen--past, and present?

The Core values Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.

When needed in the cauldron of war, what are the beacons that light the path of professional conduct and the highest ideals?

The Core values Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.

Which book is the document containing and prescribing the Air Force core values?

The Little Blue Book (America's Air Force: A Profession of Arms)

Which document states, "First, we must understand that our chosen profession is that of a higher calling in which we hold ourselves to higher standards. To serve proudly and capably, our commitment to our cause must be unbreakable; it must be bonded in our mutual respect for each other. Throughout our service we are guided and reminded of this awesome responsibility. The oaths we take remind us that we serve freely in support and defense of our Constitution. We abide by a code of conduct that captures our resolve, while our Airman's creed highlights the strength of our diverse Airmen who fly, fight, and win as one Air Force. We are the world's greatest Air Force...powered by Airmen, fueled by innovation. We are surrounded by reminders on a daily basis of the meaning of service in our profession...the profession of arms."?

The Little Blue Book (America's Air Force: A Profession of Arms)

The book "America's Air Force: A Profession of Arms" has been historically called what?

The Little Blue Book It is this document that contains and prescribes the Air Force Core Values.

Who is the leader of armed forces in the United States?

The President is the commander-in-chief.

If the President is unable to serve, who is next in succession?

The Vice-President

What is the nickname for the Academy?

The Zoo

How will the interviewer evaluate the Leadership qualities of a potential candidate?

The ability to influence others to accomplish established goals. Leadership questions may relate to leadership initiative, leadership influence, or ethical decision making. Decide if the student demonstrates a willingness to lead by enthusiasm, assertiveness, and participation in activities

What is a competency?

The combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities that manifest in an observable, measurable, pattern of behaviors.

*Describe a situation where you had to work with others different than yourself.

The interviewer is trying to determine if you can you lead others that are not like you; talk about how working with diverse groups can increase the strength of the team; examples: summer camp; foreign country trip; national event

Airmen are practitioners of the profession of arms, entrusted with the security of the Nation, the protection of its citizens, and the preservation of their way of life. In this capacity, Airmen serve as guardians of America's future. What does this responsibility require?

The needs of service and country to be placed before our own--Service Before Self

How will the interviewer evaluate the Planning and Organizing component of the candidate?

The interviewer will learn a candidate's means in establishing a course of action to accomplish a specific goal. Good planning/organizing and time management skills are required of everyone, but particularly of those in leadership roles. Take a look at how well the candidate returned phone calls, completed his or her application, and how prepared he or she was for meetings/interviews. Ask how the candidate organizes themselves in order to meet their goals.

Have you ever felt that you had too much to do and you would not be able to accomplish it all? What did you do?

This has actually been happening more often then normal in the past few months due to the college application process. Between USAFA, nominations, AFROTC, and regular college applications, I'd be willing to bet I've written over 30 essays. During that same time I was playing varsity soccer, choreographing for Tap Jam, writing for JEC, and taking a full load of AP courses. It was the addition of the application process that required much more than I anticipated in terms of time required but without the ability to avoid taking on that additional work. It forced me to prioritize what had the greatest impact and where could I flex my time to complete what needed to be done. It compelled me to be doing homework on bus rides to soccer games. I had to miss social events with friends to stay on top of my obligations. Even then, it was not enough. As a result, I had to really begin making some tough choices, and analyze exactly where my time needed to be spent and how much I could give. My priorities generally shifted to what was better for the teams or organizations where they needed my participation. Basically, if it was impacting a team or someone else, that came first. Unfortunately, it meant I was unable to study as long as I'd like for tests. So far, it has worked out okay, but it's an uncomfortable feeling, and in the short term I've definitely sacrificed my attention to coursework in order to complete these other obligations. Looking back, I'm not sure I would have ever anticipated the amount of work of required to apply to a service academy, while maintaining Plan B, and Plan C. It was essential, however, and unavoidable. If is wasn't short term, it'd also be unsustainable and I'd actually have to discontinue some extra-curricular activities to handle the workload.

How is Motivation Toward the Air Force evaluated by the interviewer?

This is one of the most important dimensions in evaluations because it indicates whether or not applicants are likely to complete the Academy and fulfill their active duty service commitments. Persistence and consistency are two ingredients to look for when assessing motivation. Motivation is the inner drive that propels a leader. Ensuring the candidate has personal goals consistent to USAFA.

*Why do you want to be an Air Force officer?

This is the most important question, and usually the last one asked. Research about what makes a good officer? Talk to other officers about what you hope to do in the Air Force. Research the internet.

Have you ever visited USAFA or an AFROTC Detachment?

This past April, I flew with my dad out to the Air Force Academy to attend the "Discover USAFA" tour. The tour began at 3pm on a Friday, so most of the campus was pretty quiet as we took the tour. Seeing the AFA was interesting, but I really wanted to hear about the impression of students and visualize being a part of the AF. What stood out to me initially, was that neither of the tour guides were pilots. In fact, they were both majoring in management. It reinforced to me that there are many parts of the team that make up the Air Force, and my interests in mathematics and industrial engineering had a place. Sitting in the classroom, hearing the schedules, and getting a better understanding of the demands, I think my parents expected me to lose interest. In reality, it inspired me more. I truly felt that a military service would allow me to become the best version of myself, and allow me to make a real contribution with my own service. When I left my week-long immersion with SLE, I was convinced without reservation that the challenge, structure, and camaraderie associated with the military lifestyle was exactly where I needed to be. I'll admit, the week was exhausting, but I've never been so excited about the opportunity to do anything. When I left my squad behind to return home, I knew these were my people. Watching the active cadets interact and the fast teamwork we developed as a squad. I loved it.

True or False? Accountability is responsibility with an audience.

True

True or False? Being faithful to one's convictions is part of integrity.

True

True or False? Courage is not the absence of fear but doing the right thing despite the fear.

True

True or False? Military professionals gain satisfaction from doing something purposeful, gain pride in significantly contributing to an organization that lives by high standards, and gain a sense of accomplishment from defending the Nation and its people.

True

*Why is it important for Air Force officers to have integrity?

example: not cheating on a test during pandemic; did you prevent bullying in school; You set the example for the unit. It is important to uphold the integrity of the unit. For me, integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody else is watching. It means adhering to a core group of principles, and making the reasoned decisions. Integrity means following the just path and leading in a manner you would like to be led. It is about quality and purity of character. Integrity doesn't need to be defended, rationalized or justified because it is what is right. I can't imagine anyone being an effective or inspirational leader without having integrity. That, I imagine, is why "Integrity first" leads the core values of the Air Force. In the words of former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson, "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity ... nothing else matters." The meaning, of course, is that integrity needs to be at core of your being, and if you act with integrity, your intention will never be in question. Conversely, if nobody in your unit believes you will act with integrity, it means you stand for nothing or your values are continuously suspect. It's something I am working on every day, in fact, just during soccer this season, some of my teammates began blaming a couple of players for our loss on Saturday. It was easy to do, because their one mistake was glaring, and easy to point at as the reason our opponent scored a goal. I had to remind myself and my friends that we win as a team and lose as a team. That one error was the last in a chain of events that allowed for that score. Anyone could have broken that chain before the goal ultimately happened. As a teammate, I know I need to take responsibility

The maximum score of Communicative Skills is defined by a candidate who is...

very articulate; perfect grammar; outstanding eye contact and gestures; expressive and convincing