Graduation and Security

AHS74

10-Year Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2010
Messages
111
I hope some resolution or adjustment is made with the security issues for graduation occur or it may be a nightmare getting onto the Academy grounds for grad week. Since the threat is nebulous and non-specific I don't know how likely security will be adjusted.
 
It's been "Arrive at 7 a.m. or you'll miss it" for several years now. Just make time, have your credentials at the ready, go to the bathroom before (now do I sound like a mother?).
 
I also was referring to events throughout the week, not just the graduation. Do not want to be late for awards, parades, receptions, commissioning, etc.
 
There was an elevated level of security when my son's class graduated, also. They do not make any exceptions because it is grad week. Get there early. The gates open plenty early enough to get everyone through, so if you don't get to something on time it is because you didn't allow enough time. If the gates open at 0630 then be at the gate at 0615. It's much better to wait in the parade stands on base after you're through the gate than to wait in your car on the off ramp from I-25.

This also goes for commissioning venues that are past the usual areas for visitors. Son's was at the high school, so we had to have special documentation to get past the secondary checkpoints. The information will be provided, but you need to read it and do everything that they say and coordinate with your cadet.

Stealth_81
 
Very much agree with what Stealth_81 said. CYA and get yourself to places as early as possible.

Please remember that during grad week you are an invited guest to an operational military base. It’s their way, or the highway.
 
Went to graduation last year so I have one data point...

It seems at times that there were two entry points (south and north?) and if I remember correctly, the south point was less busy. I am sure the frequent posters here can confirm but that might give a slight edge.

But have to agree with everyone else. Build a lot of time into your schedule and plan on delays. If you are lucky and get in early, take time to enjoy the scenery.
 
Unless grad week is an exception, which I don't think it is, South Gate is not used for visitors. It is much faster for DOD ID holders during times like these though.
 
AHS74 – What do you expect the response to be when you start an entitlement thread? Would you send your original message directly to the supe? I’m sure she’ll just open up the gates for the free flow of traffic to ensure no one is late for anything. Grad week is always crowded, traffic is a mess, and security is an issue on a military base/post any day of the week that ends in a ‘y’.
 
I don't know why some of y'all are jumping on AHS74 for expressing concern about the recent security increases. It's always a mess for graduation and it's fair to have concerns that it'll be even worse this year, especially because non DoD ID card holders can't even get on base right now...
 
Thank you, BlahuKuna. I have no sense of "Entitlement", just wondering what to expect and what to tell friends and family, for DD's graduation. Sorry for the sarcasm LITS.
 
They will tell you what gate to use. Don't be fumbling for your and your family's IDs, or the parking pass. And for goodness sake, it's NOT hunting season. Leave the rifle at home (in other words, make sure you have nothing offensive in your car, your rental car, your kids' car, etc.).

Bring those fold-up chairs if permitted, bring a hat, bring sunscreen, bring a poncho (NOT an umbrella unless they tell you they're allowed), bring water, bring your camera!
 
I second the hat and sunscreen. I got cooked sitting in that stadium.
Oh, Lordy. Seems like this happens to me every time I have attended an event at USAFA, whether it be a football game or graduation....why does the sun seem so much more brutal in the Springs than elsewhere in CO?!?!?
 
Oh, Lordy. Seems like this happens to me every time I have attended an event at USAFA, whether it be a football game or graduation....why does the sun seem so much more brutal in the Springs than elsewhere in CO?!?!?

Too easy but I'll take the shot anyway! That's because everything shines brighter at the AFA! Especially Graduation DAY! To bad we don't have a cheese emoji!
 
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