u/FarIntroduction7228

Hey y’all, soldier here. My cousin shipped out to BMT this week and now I’ve become the primary point of contact for his parents and his girlfriend. They’re asking a lot of specific questions and I am not 100% sure on anything.

First and foremost, what’s the best way to find the recruit’s mailing address? Army-side we had Fort Sill friends and family pages, I haven’t had such luck yet on the AF side. He arrived at Lackland on Monday.

He called home in the frantic little scripted 30 seconds we had but the only information anyone caught was “AB” (airman basic?) and “Quadrant” (probably squadron). Where can I find info on TRS or FLT that picked up today?

Secondly, is phone time a thing? When’s the next time they might hear from him if not by mail?

Any other key info is greatly appreciated.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on Language day? Whether you’ve been here for another one or not.

Personally I think there wasn’t enough to do to keep that quantity of people busy for that long. It was cool, activities were cool, but it was just kinda tight. It was my first so I have no comparison point of “what could’ve been.” 🤷‍♂️

I have a couple questions about aviation, aviation officers, available jobs, and spaceflight. Like almost every kid ever, I’ve been into space for as long as I can remember. Other career opportunities and reality have smacked me in the face a few times, but now I have what I’d like to think is a real shot at this pathway.

TLDR: In order to be an astronaut, am I on the right path to major in Aerospace Engineering and then branch aviation? What do I do after that?

I’m currently enlisted, PFC slotted to attend West Point with Prep class of ‘27 and (hopefully) USMA class of ‘31. From my research, there have been 21 astronauts from West Point, and most astronauts are military pilots with a background in engineering, especially aerospace engineering. If I do my best to stick to this pathway, where do I aim to be after graduation? I’m assuming branch aviation, but I haven’t looked into that much if at all. I may not even be medically qualified, with very very slight color blindness.

Does the Army have many fixed-wing aircraft? Does NASA care? Which duty stations will be most beneficial for my goals? Are astronauts usually recruited or do they apply on their own?

I have a lot to look into, but the most pressing concern is my area of study at USMA. Am I on the right path with aerospace engineering? I am interested in engineering (even aerospace type) anyway so even if the big dreams don’t work out, it is a degree I’ll use.

Oh uh I’ll get just fries and a monster