Lessons learned from the CHP Academy

When R started the CHP academy 12 weeks ago (!!), I was obsessive about gathering as much info about the academy that I could. One of the things that helped me greatly was finding a few other cadet wives' blogs from years past. While this blog doesn't go into as much detail as some of those blogs have (R is cautious about what he'd like me to share), I knew that I wanted to pepper in some blog posts about what we've learned in our time so far.

Since CTC IV-14 is set to arrive in December, I figured I'd start sharing some of those tidbits. So for R's friends and family, these posts aren't necessarily for you, I apologize! 

5 quick tips to incoming cadets: (In addition to the information you receive at orientation)

1. Don't show up to the academy without a suit. Without fail nearly every class has 1 guy show up without a jacket on the first day. You don't want to be that guy. (That being said, this is probably the only day you will need a suit at the academy. So if you don't have a suit, I recommend not buying an expensive suit. In fact, you'll probably be a few sizes different when you graduate.)
2. Also no facial hair is allowed whatsoever. None. No matter what is said in orientation.
3. Black swim trunks only. ONLY black, no stripe down the side, no colored accents.
4. If you are historically a Target shopper, you will likely visit Target every weekend for the first 3 months of the academy. I recommend getting their Target Debit Red card that gives you 5% off purchases. You will buy supplies for the academy weekly. 
5. Study your 10 codes and be as familiar with them as you can, prior to the academy. 

5 thoughts for the girlfriends/wives:

1. Prior to entering the academy, we were warned not to publicly post too much about joining law enforcement. As an over sharer myself, this was difficult but as we all know, everything on the internet can be found.
2. If you're reading this and you don't know me or R, there's a good chance you're already reading blogs from other cadet wives. If the blogs are quelling your fears, then continue on! If the blogs are only perpetuating your anxiety, please remember everyone's academy experience is a little different, because every cadet is different. DON'T let the blogs scare you, because chances are you will not have the exact same experience as the wife's blog you are reading.
3. Look for a facebook group for the wives by searching your CTC number. It might take a few weeks for one to pop up but our CTC's facebook group is WONDERFUL and it's the support group we all needed. It's been vital for me to connect with other wives who understand what we are going through.
4. It will be a big adjustment not getting to talk to your cadet until the end of his day (which is usually after 7:30-8:30 pm). Don't expect too much for the first few weeks. Know other people you can call in case you need them.
5. Prior to the academy, I sent all our friends and family an e-mail that gave them a heads up about what we were getting into. This included the disclaimer that weekends will be R's only time of rest (as well as our only time together as a couple) so for them not to be upset if we decline future invitations for activities. It took about a month before R and I did anything besides academy-related things on the weekend, which was a BIG change for us. Prep your loved ones.

Phew, okay that's it for now. Hope that provides some insight for any prospective cadets and their significant others. Look for more of these posts in the coming weeks!

Sincerely,
E

Day 77 of 186 (Week 12)

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated, I'm not sure where the time has gone! I think that the weeks following the death of two local LEO's, I had to take a break from thinking about the academy. Plus R hasn't had much to share so I'll catch you up to speed now.

Week 12 has started and I'm happy to say that R is still hanging in there. Here's a few tidbits over the last few weeks:

• They were issued their handgun and have started spending time at the range.
• He likes the shooting so far but since he had no experience shooting guns prior to being in the academy, he admits he was awkward at first. 
• He became certified in Spanish PMA (Physical Methods of Arrest). 
• They've lost a few cadets in the last few weeks, due to failing the driving portion (both skidpan and high speed.
• R had his first training for high speed and the instructor told him he did well. Crossing our fingers on passing ASAP.  

We had R's roommate over for dinner 2 Wednesdays ago, which was really nice. He's really funny and they had some great stories to share so we spent a lot of time laughing. The best/worst part about the academy is how close the cadets get and worrying about whether they'll be there at the end together. I have no doubt R and his roommates will make it to the end but I know R would be devastated if either of his roommates left so I'm just praying they make it too. 

R had restriction this Wednesday which is funny because of course it falls on the day of our 9 year anniversary! Well technically it's our dating anniversary and now we have a wedding anniversary but I digress. It was just funny how he's had every Wednesday for nearly 10 weeks except this one. I already expected it and it wasn't a big deal to me, but I think it felt like a big deal to him. He has high standards for himself, especially when it comes to Christmas, Anniversaries and Birthdays. He did have his dad drop off roses for me though, which is thoughtful as R often is. :)

I can't believe by the end of this week, we'll be on to Week 13!