Orientation Parent Report

[Mikeandcris]

It's the first day of Orientation for the 2014 class and I'm at the Academy Hotel after a long and interesting day. Here's some tips in a nutshell for those of you coming in the next couple weeks: Go to the dinner set up by bsaeagle on Sunday afternoon. That was a great start. Many of the parents later hung out in the hotel lobby while 15-20 orientees chatted around the jacuzzi. Get to breakfast early. At the Academy Hotel, there is a good sized crowd for breakfast by 6:45. Be ready to leave by 7:25. Our bus left the parking lot at 7:32am. There's no such thing as aloha time at the Academy. It goes without saying, but be ready to meet dozens of people from every corner of the US.
The first day is largely lectures and powerpoint presentations or "briefings" in the auditorium which cover many aspects of the Academy. All were interesting, but it does make for a long day. The students were split from the parents at 4:00pm. We returned to our hotel by bus around 5:00pm. Right now, it feels like the life has been sucked out of the hotel. Parents are tired and all those students are gone. By the way, there were about 213 orientees and 324 parents and a few grandparents and siblings (I may be off by a few.) About 80 orientees have not accepted yet.
Everyone is extremely friendly and there is a strong sense of community for cadets, parents, alums and sponsor families. Overall, this is a great experience. My son is now shadowing a cadet overnight and we'll meet sometime after lunch.

[Seamonkeydo]

Mike, all good information and all true. A long tiring day for sure. It was enjoyable meeting you and several others. The Class of 2014 have some wonderful parents, excluding myself of course.:smile:

[pos2013falcon]

Thanks to you for posting orientation info. We are going to orientation next weekend. We are also from California. Are you taking the tour on Tuesday? Keep any info coming!!

[ElSib]

Thanx for the post. We're coming to the third session and all hints & tips are welcome! :thumb:

[packermatt7]

Appointees: This will be your least tiring day at the Academy :wink:

[RPT1981]

Son really enjoyed night and day with the cadets -- classes were interesting and he saw a bball and football player he recognized from the season past -- he also enjoyed meeting his future classmates from around the country

[laxfan17]

thanks for the info, looking forward to going in two weeks!!!

[laxfan17]

packermatt7, you are too funny!!!

[tandre87]

I am just now getting on this after meeting the wonderful parents and future cadets of class of 2014 at the orientation dinner. I won't be able to be a "prolific" as my son, bsa07eagle, but will keep up with what is going on. I hope everyone really enjoyed the time, even with the crazy wind on Tuesday. Just think, we could have had a snowstorm. Hopefully the other orientation groups will miss the traditional April snowstorm we often get. Parents, let me know if you need any info or connections from Colorado Springs. I'm retired (Class of 87) and also used to teach at the AF Academy for 7 years (up until a couple years ago). So, know a little bit about the academic side of the Academy.

[CadCandMateus]

if you are going to wear AF stuff, please do it at Inprocessing :)

[btown13]

if you are going to wear AF stuff, please do it at Inprocessing :)

or a "train this" shirt. or superman. or NASA. they'll make sure that you get the respect you deserve. haha. really though, don't wear anything that stick out. polo with khaki shorts is perfect. :thumb:

[xTxMANx]

haha, what about a Hawaiian shirt?

[tallbutshort]

Hey CadCandMateus, what does HAP stand for?
Sorry to go off topic...

[wingrider]

It's true. The orientation was very nice, if a bit long in the afternoon. There were numerous representatives from the Academy available - the AOG, the bank, folks for B&B assistance for cadets for night before in-processing ... but ...best of all was the opportunity to meet many appointees and their parents from all over the country ... and to realize that we're all in good company.

Suggest staying at the Best Western Academy Hotel ... nice hotel, nice pool, good restaurant with good breakfast ... as another poster mentioned, plan to get there early for breakfast because it's very busy. Thanks to all ... looking forward to Parent's weekend already!

[CadCandMateus]

Hap is our exemplar ;)

[flieger83]

Hap is our exemplar ;)

As in "Gen'l of the AF Henry Harley Arnold?"

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

[marciemi]

Back as well after Delta opted to strand us overnight in Minneapolis. :unhappy:

We had a good time overall! My son ended up staying with a cadet from our city, who he then found out was in the same squadron as the cadet he stayed with last year on his candidate visit - also from our city and the brother of one of his soccer teammates. He had a lot of fun on the overnight part, and we had fun skiing beforehand and meeting up with a lot of the people from the boards.

The SAF dinner was awesome and a huge thanks from everyone to Brian for putting it all together. It was great to meet people - just wish they'd let us mingle a bit more and socialize - it seemed they wanted you to stay in your seats. Got to know the few people at my table but would have like to wander around some more.

I was surprised that my son had 2 candidates in the room he stayed in and not a lot of space. Other candidate got a cot, he got a mattress on the floor. Be prepared with a sleeping bag or whatever for either. Also, he did get the boot issue, but I was expecting them to fit and measure him and make sure what he got was right. Instead, they asked what size he wore and gave him those. Apparently it took a lot longer to get the boots than they'd anticipated and his cadet was in a hurry to get to class so he threw them on fast (said the cadet was :rolleyes: at him as he had trouble lacing them "correctly"), said they were fine and left. Guess we could have just ordered them online.

I agree that the afternoon went a bit long - especially the whole "counseling" part which I was totally losing focus during. Thought the MSGT in charge of Beast was the best speaker and enjoyed that whole segment. Also loved the video at the end of the day about I day - thought it was cool seeing the cadets/basics from I day and then seeing them later talking about it and how they'd felt.

I was surprised by all the new construction at USAFA - no one I talked to had been aware of that before orientation. Sounds like all kinds of cool stuff coming over the next few years! Questions were about what I expected - a few good ones, a lot of clueless ones - somewhat because a lot of the candidates had not yet accepted their appointments and thus didn't have the next appointee packet to answer all of them (things like "What immunizations will they need?"), and some pretty bad ones (yeah, I know, there's no such thing as a stupid question, but at least a couple were in my opinion).

One thing I was really hoping to find out was the day for Doolie Day Out (not DDI, which is July 10) and if it was possible for parents to come to that instead of (or in addition to) A day. They just really glossed over that and said the specific dates would be available later.

Glad to answer any specific questions!

[CranoOrden]

Hap is our exemplar ;)

Ugggghhhhhhh.....kill me. I can only take so much Hap in a year. Its like radiation. Too much is fatal.

[kirbinator]

Slightly off-topic question, but do any of you cadets know anything about Squadron 2 (Deuce)? I stayed with a couple cadets in that squadron during orientation this week and they said that every squadron is a little bit different. I was just wondering how other squadrons in the wing were different-- if at all.

[PDub]

Yes, every cadet squadron is a little different, some a lot different. The biggest disparity you guys will see next year is the training styles. Some, like my squadron did, will have swimming pool training sessions where people have fainted under water and getting concussions and a broken hand, while others simply expect you to go to the gym. Then there are some that have basic wakeups every week but never train that hard.

Regarding Doolie Day Out, parents will not be able to interact with basics. I believe only sponsor families are allowed.

[CadCandMateus]

Doolie day in*

[marciemi]

No, my point was that they told us Doolie Day IN would be July 10. For sure. And that no parents would be allowed, etc. I know that. But they also keep saying (in official emails, on the boards, and when the Comm spoke) that AFTER basic ended on July 31, there would be a full day Doolie Day OUT then so they would be with their permanent sponsor families and get a chance to know them. I guess my question is if he knows his sponsors already (and I stayed with them during orientation), why couldn't we just come out and visit them that weekend and have the full day to spend with him instead of the 2 hours at A day? :confused: Most likely it would just be my husband, who could tie it in with a business trip, but it seems like a lot more time to have with him in a more relaxed atmosphere. And as far as the date, we were all guessing Aug 1 since basic ends July 31, then classes start Aug 5 and I'm guessing it would have to be on a weekend (not sure all the sponsors would be willing to take a day off). Does that make any sense? Obviously not going to book/plan anything now, but hoping it may work out!

[2014JEZZMOM]

My daughter felt one of the best things about the oreintation trip was meeting her future classmates from this forum. Go to the dinner if at all possible, you will be glad to see those familiar faces during the rest of orientation.

We liked the Academy hotel, good to stay there w/ so many other appointees and families, and they make some good omelets!!

I agree the briefings seemed almost endless by afternoon. Didn't learn a whole lot new but it was good to see and hear from those who will soon be influencing our kids lives. Also exciting to hear about the new construction our kids will get to enjoy. Unless you are a dad and son, don't sit in the front during the briefings, or you will be at the back of the women's bathroom line each time theres a break! You can turn in some of the forms from your BFE if you haven't mailed them yet.


My daughter got to try on boots without feeling rushed, and even got to jog up and down the hall in them before choosing a size. She decided to get men's boots because the are wider and felt more comfortable. What she didnt have while there was the money to get boot socks, but one of the cadets was nice enough to buy her a pair.

Daughter stayed with 3 cadets and another appointee, five total in one room. Cadets gave up their beds for them, they were very sweet. (The other appointee was a girl she met at the orientatain dinner, she was happy about that.) Although she didnt say it was exciting to follow a cadet around, (someone else's room, someone elses classes, no place to sit for meals) she did get alot of helpful advice and insight as they were happy to share with the appointees. The experience helped her to feel that she will fit in there.

If you are not use to the altitude it might affect you with the slightest physical activity. I felt dizzy most of the time we were there. They will tell you to drink lots of water.

It was a long drive there for us but it was reassuring to have the chance to see where our daughter is going soon and to get a feel for the people there. You will want to bring $ to get your appointee a t-shirt to wear to school. My daugher got one along w/ sweats and flip flops...and her proud dad stocked up on mugs and things to take to work, first time I ever saw him interested in sourvenirs, lol. You can't help but feel proud of ALL the kids, your own appointee, the other appointees you meet, and the cadets.

I'm thankful for this forum and enjoyed meeting the other parents very much.

[SAFJRider]

recommend going to the dinner for the appointees to meet others and of course the parents to met as well.

it was a long day - death by powerpooint!!! some info was great and some I could have done without.
I think the best part for my undecided daughter was the Colonel's came to the school for different reasons but all dreaded BCT but looking back on it - it was the best decision they made....
She also enjoyed the time with the cadets and their insider info. I wish they would do O day BEFORE recognition as my daughter felt it would have been a more "realistic" look for freshman year.

[PDub]

Yes, life of a fourthclassman before Recognition is definitely a huge difference to that of after Recognition. I actually escorted a candidate for a visit of the Academy on the 40th day of 40 Days, and the scene was much gloomier.

[sandydandy]

Jezzmom,

Funny to hear about your purchases at the gift shop. You will need to join the AOG, one of the best benefits of that is the 15% discount you get for being a member. We always spend lots of money everytime we go there.

I was hoping my daughter could purchase a pair of socks as well to wear the boots some at home. Do you know how much the socks were?

That altitude is a killer, I find that if I take a couple of advils the first day it helps and definitely drink lots of water. I was worrying that I would also need the little girls room but it seems to evaporate right out of your body it's so dry. We sometimes have nose bleeds too.

Any comments about the bathrooms down the hall. I can't wait to hear about that.

We are looking forward to the dinner on the 25th.

[marciemi]

Sandy - the boot socks were right around $10 ($9 something high). My son got a pair and said they strongly recommended it because something like 40 percent of 2013 had an allergic reaction to the dye in it. Said it was better to find that out at home than on I day or shortly after. He doesn't seem to have had a problem yet, but he hasn't worn them much either. But my son didn't get to try on the boots with the socks either for fit (did I mention his cadet was impatient!?).

I was surprised that I didn't seem to have any trouble with (or even notice of) the altitude. We skied for two days first and I was really careful with water, etc. and never felt anything other than maybe being a little lightheaded once or twice when I stood up quickly. I do agree that I drank a lot of water yet didn't seem to need the restrooms as often as I would at home while skiing, but when we were at USAFA, I was one of those near the back beating the crowd to the ladies' room each time!

My son went out for a visit in January of his junior year and trailed a cadet for a day and definitely said it was a different experience before recognition! For all future candidates, I'd recommend doing that too if you can swing it.

[Seamonkeydo]

9 dollars, I believe.

(Death by Power Point) The information covered on the first day was not always direct at all appointees, but for those 80 or so appointees that had yet to decide. IMO

[falcongirl]

After attending the first orientation, I agree that it was a valuable experience. The dinner at Olive Garden was a fun way to meet the other appointees on the forum and get some useful advice from cadets. After the dinner we had an appointee party around the hot tub, and our group even managed to attract a lot of non-forum appointees to join in.

The Academy Hotel and the free breakfast buffet were excellent, just leave extra time to stand in the *long* line and eat before boarding the busses to the academy.

I agree that the hours of briefings on Monday were a bit lengthy and a few redundant questions were asked, but I did have time to meet other appointees and my admissions counselor. A lot of the presentations did seem geared to convince indecisive appointees to accept their appointments. I really enjoyed the second half of orientation (aka shadowing a cadet). I had the privilege of shadowing J.NordicSkier7, and she did an amazing job of showing me around and filling me in. Monday night I got to attend Blue Bards theater practice, plus a SPIRE group. Tuesday I attended a variety of classes, met some of the cadets (and the coach) of the academy's amazing nordic ski team, and bought a pair of boots before I met back up with my parents. While it was great to see more of cadet life, it would have been nice to shadow a cadet pre-recognition and get a more realistic view of 4th class year.

Appointees: Ask if your cadet can bring an extra pair of socks to boot issue so you can try on boots with them...you can't buy your own pair of boot socks until AFTER you try on boots and pay for them. I agree with Jezzie, the women's boots were a bit too narrow for me. I ended up buying a women's wide size plus a pair of boot socks.

Sandydandy: The total for the boots plus socks was $98.09. I just brought cash and purchased a money order from the cadet bank before buying my boots.

[marciemi]

Oh, a bit more advice for parents. The buses will take you to the Field House first, where the candidates drop off their luggage, get name tags, look around, pay for meals, and then get on another bus to Arnold Hall. I'd forgotten my water bottle and spent $3 on one at the Field House. We also brought several snacks with us to get through the day. Don't bother - they had snacks/drinks when you arrived, then at lunch, then a mid-afternoon snack break. Coffee, iced tea, sodas, juices, and water, in addition to the food.

Also, when we got to A Hall, there were "booths" set up pretty much everywhere - near the entrance to the auditorium, in the hallways, and above the cafeteria. Everyone from AOG to Dodmerb and gift baskets. Incidentally, as we passed the gift baskets my son's immediate reply was "If you send me one of those I will KILL you!" For the same price I can probably send him a box of what he'd really want instead (yes, I know, after basic) instead of a pretty sampling of things he probably wouldn't use most of. Anyway, we, like everyone else, tried to rush to each of them in the half hour before the briefings started. Just FYI - they will be there ALL day. If you go during the late afternoon breaks, you won't have to wait 10 people to ask a question. Everyone picks up all the cool stuff they have (pens, flashlights, chip clips, frisbees), but we got a lot of useful information too and a lot of questions answered by finance, Dodmerb, AOG, etc. But definitely easier to talk to them later in the day.

[2014JEZZMOM]

SandyDandy

Thanks for the tips on altitude! We are planning to join AOG one of these days before beast, when we can afford to, lol.

The number for the boot people is 719-333-3017. We called a couple days before we left for orientation and they were very helpful. It's good to have your appointee prepared because they buy the boots w/ their cadet, not with parents.

[USAFretired1996]

Just curious about the boot discussion - are boots not provided as part of the cadet clothing issue?

[CadCandMateus]

they are

[USAFretired1996]

Thanks CadCandMateus.

Are the boots that are being purchased the same optional boots you would find in the BX versus the clothing sales store?

[Gasdoc]

On Monday I would recommend that you skip whatever is scheduled at noon and head instead to the Chapel wall for noon meal formation, especially if you have never seen it. It was at that moment I realized that "this is no ordinary college."

[PDub]

Are the boots that are being purchased the same optional boots you would find in the BX versus the clothing sales store?The boots purchased at USAFA are Wellco boots, which are okay, but not the best. I'm not sure what the "optional" boots are sold at the BX or clothing sales store, but they are probably not the Wellcos. Bellevilles are the other most common type, and are likely sold at the BX and clothing store.

[btown13]

On Monday I would recommend that you skip whatever is scheduled at noon and head instead to the Chapel wall for noon meal formation, especially if you have never seen it. It was at that moment I realized that "this is no ordinary college."

actually mondays are full-blown parades now...yay:bleh2:

[buffalo]

On Monday I would recommend that you skip whatever is scheduled at noon and head instead to the Chapel wall for noon meal formation, especially if you have never seen it. It was at that moment I realized that "this is no ordinary college."

actually mondays are full-blown parades now...yay:bleh2:

They might be neat to watch but they get old very quickly. Do come watch though!

[PDub]

From what they tell me it is actually pretty interesting to watch...although it is a bit of a hassle to do.