Looking for some insight...

[ArmyDiver]

Hello,
I recently ETS'd from the Army after 8 years and will be moving to Florida in about 2 weeks. I am headed to Brevard Community College and plan to self sponsor myself through the academy while getting my CJ degree. I've heard it's pretty much the only way to go these days in Florida. I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge or suggestions they could pass on about the academy and specific things that may be of use to me throughout the process. I understand that the BCC academy is a good one because they do a very large part of the testing and hiring process right there as part of the academy. Is this still the case? I read some info on the BCC site and tried to do a search but couldn't really come up with any solid information. So, if anyone would be willing to tell me about the academy and anything else about the area and the agencies involved with the academy I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks for your time!

[ArmyDiver]

I'm here and moved in. Still looking for any information you might have.

Thanks.

[Delta_V]

I don't know anything about Brevard in particular, but if you enter the academy with the same mindset you had when you showed up at basic training, you won't have any problems. Treat the instructors and any LEOs you see at the academy with nothing but the utmost respect. Keep your uniform squared away. STUDY STUDY STUDY and do well on the tests. If you do those things, you will impress your instructors and they will think highly of you. There's a good chance some of them carry a good amount of weight with their agencies when it comes to who to hire.

[ArmyDiver]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not sure if this academy is militaristic in nature or not. I'm going into it with my eyes and ears open and my mouth shut. I'm hoping that my military background and self sponsoring will give me the edge I need to stand out and get on with an agency quickly after the academy. Thanks again for your time.

[Delta_V]

Some academies are more militaristic and others are run more like college classes. I can't speak for Brevard's. We had a whopping two inspections the entire time I was in the academy, but I still kept my shoes shined and had military creases in my shirts even though it wasn't required. I still would call my instructors "Sir" or "Officer____" even if they told us we could call them by their first names.

You could also consider running for a position as one of your class officers if they have them in Brevard. That shows you have some responsibility (as long as you do a good job).