Dorms and the Air Force Academy

CadetX

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May 11, 2016
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Are you required to live on campus at the Air Force Academy? If not, are there nice, affordable apartments near by? If so, what are the dorms like? And is Colorado Springs is nice part of Colorado? I am beginning to seriously consider attending the academy. However, the location scares me as its far away in state I've never visted. I understand that living in new places is something I'll have to get used to I plan to partake in military life. However, I would like to learn as much as I can before making my decision. Any insight helps. Thanks.
 
Are you required to live on campus at the Air Force Academy? If not, are there nice, affordable apartments near by? If so, what are the dorms like? And is Colorado Springs is nice part of Colorado? I am beginning to seriously consider attending the academy. However, the location scares me as its far away in state I've never visted. I understand that living in new places is something I'll have to get used to I plan to partake in military life. However, I would like to learn as much as I can before making my decision. Any insight helps. Thanks.

All Cadets live in the dorms while attending USAFA. No option to live off base while a Cadet.
 
Thanks for the reply! I checked their website but couldn't find anything about it.
Did you attend the academy? Would you mind if I asked you some questions about it? It's kind of difficult to find information online.
 
Thanks for the reply! I checked their website but couldn't find anything about it.
Did you attend the academy? Would you mind if I asked you some questions about it? It's kind of difficult to find information online.

I did not attend the Academy but our DS (aka son) is attending, but ask away. There are many more qualified folks on this forum who can answer probably any question.
 
I did not attend the Academy but our DS (aka son) is attending, but ask away. There are many more qualified folks on this forum who can answer probably any question.
CadetX, I've lived in Colorado and it is a beautiful place to live. I lived about 1 hr north of the Academy and if you're an outdoors type of person there are alot to do off base, ie. hiking the fourteeners, skiing, snowboarding, white river rafting, etc... We would visit the Academy during the summer just so my son can enjoy the scenery there. My son is gearing up to apply to the academy and hopeful be appointed to the Class of 2022. You will definately enjoy Colorado. Just be prepared for the winter storms and April afternoon thunderstorms.
 
Funny you should choose that name. It used to be that cadets found in violation of the honor code would write an open letter to the wing and that letter was signed "- CadetX".

Don't worry, I'm sure it won't be indicative of anything should you receive and appointment.

If you have any questions for cadets, then you can PM one of the members who has "Cadet" beneath their avatar or in their signature block.

Or you can post your question here:
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/ask-us-current-cadets-anything.48629/page-6
 
Do they have a lot of Marijuana related issues now that it is legal in Colorado? I heard they put the stuff in candies and muffins.
 
Remember, it's not legal for service members to consumer, and it's still illegal federally.
 
The beauty of legal marijuana is that the state of CO has to mark any edibles that have marijuana. I wouldn't say it's any more of a problem than before.
 
Agree with Bull, this place is terrible, California, Texas, Florida.. you want to be there if at all possible. Anyplace is better than Colorado. We are way overpopulated... plus people can't drive worth a damn... and the weather sucks. PLEASE stay away!
 
Funny you should choose that name. It used to be that cadets found in violation of the honor code would write an open letter to the wing and that letter was signed "- CadetX".

Don't worry, I'm sure it won't be indicative of anything should you receive and appointment.

If you have any questions for cadets, then you can PM one of the members who has "Cadet" beneath their avatar or in their signature block.

Or you can post your question here:
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/ask-us-current-cadets-anything.48629/page-6
Thank you!
I had no idea about the "CadetX thing," it was just the most generic name I think of. I guess that's why it hadn't been taken yet haha.
 
Do they have a lot of Marijuana related issues now that it is legal in Colorado? I heard they put the stuff in candies and muffins.

I was wondering about this too.

Does anyone know if they preform random drug tests on cadets?
 
All in the military are subject to random urinalysis, which can be a unit sweep (everyone in an organizational unit) or random individuals chosen using an approved random choice program or method. Known as: Whiz Quiz, Operation Golden Flow, etc. If there is probable cause, a service member can also be directed to provide a sample.
 
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I was wondering about this too.

Does anyone know if they preform random drug tests on cadets?
At USAFA they consist of wonderful 5 am wake up calls courtesy of the AMTs. I can tell you nothing gets your day started better than operation golden flow the morning of a GR (big test).
 
Dear Cadet X,

The academy is not somewhere you can just decide to attend. It involves an arduous application process, medical exams, congressional nominations, and intense scrutiny.

The competition will be against the cream of the crop. The Internet has an incredible amount of information, so dig in.

If you don't know, academy life is much more restrictive, especially the first year. Imagine walking only straight lines, carrying a backpack in your hand instead of on your back, limited free time, eating on the edge of your chair, and getting up before most roosters. It's a tough, rewarding experience.

There are lots of hoops you'll have to jump through to have a chance of joining this elite institution.

And... why would you even ask about random drug tests? A non user wouldn't care would they?
 
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