Recruiting the Best of the Best for the Military Academies
by David Padilla ¢ Academic Advisor, Camarillo High School The BFS program we run at Camarillo High School is designed | took the BFS strength and conditioning program and added a to help young men and women achieve their goal of attending a leadership and character development component. Our program United States service academy. | was first influenced by the BFS not only stresses the importance of good physical qualities but program in high school, where it was used in our football program.
also encourages a high level of moral integrity and responsible Many years later, when | became a coach, | was invited to attend a citizenship.
BFS clinic at another high school, at which time | was inspired to design and implement our current program. 56 bright, then the consequence is five hundred push-ups. The punishment fits the crime! Some have commented that this consequence could be considered cruel, but it has been the best deterrent against obscene language | have ever used. I think twice before saying things I shouldn’t for fear that my squad leader will enforce my rule on me or, even worse, for not setting the best example for those under my charge. Our program runs much like any military unit.
As the coach, I am considered the commanding ofÏcer (CO); we have a squad leader (executive ofÏcer — XO) who oversees all candidate training; and we have two platoon leaders. The structure of the program helps the candidates to understand the importance of receiving and carrying out instruction while respecting those in authority, even those who may be underclassman who have been put into leadership positions. It is also designed to teach them respect for duty. One of the requirements of our program is community service. It’s important to understand that the integrity of the program starts and stops with me, the coach/mentor.
I am not above the rules of this organization, and believe me when I tell you that Each athlete/candidate in our program must participate in an activity that will better the community and those around him/ her. This event or task must be an unselfish display of the indi- I have been called out by my athletes on more occasions than I vidual’s willingness to serve humbly and with a servant’s heart. would like to admit. Something I have said or done has made it We have worked with local rescue missions serving food; we necessary to stand before them and apologize for not upholding have done beach cleanups, tutored elementary school kids and the values that we consider so precious.
One example is our rule conducted toy drives for Toys for Tots. One of our most rewarding against using inappropriate or foul language. privileges is our time with the Ventura County Special Olympics. We score events, give victory hugs and high-fives after events, If our candidates are caught using profanity or saying someand even hand out medals. The things that we learn from this thing that would cause people to believe that they are not overly opportunity are beyond words. These special athletes encourage all of us to be better people.
We've learned that it does not matter d s a e p e n i l a V r e h p o t s i r h C 4 * & David Padilla helped the athletes on the following two pages receive what position you finish in; all that matters is that when you fin- _ place your heart desires. The path that our kids have chosen ish, you know you gave it everything you had and you left it all __is not one of the easiest roads to travel. Unlike many colleges’ on the field.
procedures, the application process for service academies is arduous and time consuming, with many essay questions to answer; We have tried to carry that mentality over to our principle of academic and athletic background evaluations; and recomgoal setting, a high priority in our program. Shoot for the stars mendations from teachers, coaches and school administrators. and believe that you will never miss. We believe that dreams and The students also must take the Strong Interest Inventory, an goals make the best chauffeurs: they can and will take you any —_evaluation of likes and dislikes.
One of the final parts of the The ost offecthie Jit Rap Computer Systers ever created) Oh Athletes fil oo@ form fisting utent Core & auxin fis ae . weight for cach seftand creates the weekly workout based on the Set Rep Progadim Workout sheet as shown.
It then calles the.proper lifting simply pra out tho uthlete's BFS athlete's unique Zcores.
Enter the scores.intawthe computer. application process is the Physical Aptitude Exam. This is a fiveresponsibility they have to one another, to those currently in the category physical assessment of each candidate. This is where program and to those who have gone before them. There is an our strength and conditioning program is really put to the test. endless cycle of responsibility involved with being a member of We have been successful in passing all our candidates every year. this BFS program.
The second part of the application process is applying for a To conclude, this program was first designed as a strength and nomination from a US senator or congressman or the vice presiconditioning program to get these kids physically ready for life at dent of the United States. If the candidate is the son or daughter an academy. What it has evolved into is a program whose founof a retired military person, he or she may apply for a nominadation is the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. tion from the OfÏce of the President.
This process entails another Our group of young people learn to appreciate and uphold the academic, athletic and community involvement evaluation ideals of serving others before themselves and have the integrity along with more letters of recommendation and essay questions. to not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate anyone who does. Our pro- _ Throughout the history of our program every candidate we have gram is more than a strength program; it is one where character had has received one or more nomination sources to an acadis built and integrity is forged. The young men and women who emy, including several presidential nominations.
walk through our ranks will become the honorable citizens and ofÏcers that our military can be proud of, and our country as We have begun a fine tradition in helping these young people well. achieve their goals and live their dreams. Currently we are enjoying the success of two of our graduates who graduated in June We live by our honor treatise, discipline ourselves by our honor 2004 from the Air Force Academy, where each received a salute code, motivate by our core values, and encourage and mentor by and handshake from President George W. Bush. They are both our motto: currently in pilot training for the Air Force.
SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES The establishment of our honor code and core values has set the AETERNI: Often Tested — Always Faithful — tone for the excellence that each student achieves. Upon entering the program they are introduced to the honor system and are expected to abide by the honor code twenty-four hours a day. The Honor Treatise is designed to give them an understanding of the THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED ON THE BFS PROGRAM!
Now Includes the BFS Clinic Exercise Instruction DVD! 1. BES Clinic Exercise Instruction DVD.
From BFS Magazine — September/October 2005. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
