Acceptance Day 2016

Acceptance Day Parade is not worth the effort unless you live in C Springs

I have to respectfully disagree with Cerebra on this one. I made the last minute call to show up for A-Day and really glad I did. I have never seen my DD so emotional, or so happy, as when I snuck up behind her and said "prepare to lock it up cadet when you see your father." Neither of us are big criers -- we were right then. Neither of us could lock it up for about 10 minutes.

After completing Basic, your cadet will have a sense of 1) exhaustion; 2) pride and accomplishment; 3) exhaustion; and 4) some longing for some "normalcy" of home. Having dad there was a biggie, at least for my DD.

We only got two hours together, but they were a couple of the best hours we ever shared. I also think it was an important thing to help her to get to the next milestone - parents' weekend.

For what it is worth, I would personally rank the events as follows:

1) A-Day - but again realize that you will only have two hours.
2) PW - must if you can make it. You will get a solid long weekend with a much changed young man or woman who will be exhausted and probably a lot more grateful and appreciative of parents, family and home life than when you sent them away.
3) I-Day. Again, depending on your cadet, this might be the least interactive or "bang for the buck." I know a lot of Basics did not want their parents there at all. Ours was more glad than not to have us there -- but she would have been fine either way.

If you can only afford one trip, then make it PW. A-day is well worth it for both you and your cadet if you can make it. If I had to choose (and I know DD would say the same), between A-Day and I-Day, A-Day all the way.

What else to expect:

On A-day, although you will only get a couple of hours directly with DD/DS, you have the whole night before to load up on stuff for their rooms at Walmart / home depot -- this is as close to regular college as it gets, when you have the few minutes to transport stuff and help them get moved in (note: Leave the TV, stereo, etc at home and check the list of what is still contraband until recognition). Most parents' clubs and squads/flights organize a picnic and there is always a ton of "non-Mitch's" food. You will get to meet the new best -friends your DD/DS makes in Basic, and it is a very encouraging feeling when you get to meet a group of remarkable young adults who will be our next leaders.

You will also see a lot of cadets passing out on the parade field. Do not freak out if your's is one of them. The Cadre and staff are well trained at identifying and handling these issues. Basics are instructed to 1) Hydrate; and 2) not lock knees while standing in formation. Many do not listen to these instructions -- but take heed by the next parade.

As stated, be there early and get a seat in bleachers opposite your Cadets's squad (1 is the furtherest from campus, 40 closest to the wall). Web guy usually posts good instructions on where to go and sit. Higher in the bleachers is a good thing as you will be able to see everything.

As soon as the parade ends, follow your Cadets's squad flag as they go all over for pinning shoulder boards. Have a pre-arranged meeting place it possible. If you want to surprise your DD/DS, follow the squad flag carefully and get on the field quickly so you do not lose your cadet in the mayhem. Being up close when the get their shoulder boards and salute their cadre is well worth the price of admission.
 
I have to respectfully disagree with Cerebra on this one. I made the last minute call to show up for A-Day and really glad I did. I have never seen my DD so emotional, or so happy, as when I snuck up behind her and said "prepare to lock it up cadet when you see your father." Neither of us are big criers -- we were right then. Neither of us could lock it up for about 10 minutes.

After completing Basic, your cadet will have a sense of 1) exhaustion; 2) pride and accomplishment; 3) exhaustion; and 4) some longing for some "normalcy" of home. Having dad there was a biggie, at least for my DD.

We only got two hours together, but they were a couple of the best hours we ever shared. I also think it was an important thing to help her to get to the next milestone - parents' weekend.

For what it is worth, I would personally rank the events as follows:

1) A-Day - but again realize that you will only have two hours.
2) PW - must if you can make it. You will get a solid long weekend with a much changed young man or woman who will be exhausted and probably a lot more grateful and appreciative of parents, family and home life than when you sent them away.
3) I-Day. Again, depending on your cadet, this might be the least interactive or "bang for the buck." I know a lot of Basics did not want their parents there at all. Ours was more glad than not to have us there -- but she would have been fine either way.

If you can only afford one trip, then make it PW. A-day is well worth it for both you and your cadet if you can make it. If I had to choose (and I know DD would say the same), between A-Day and I-Day, A-Day all the way.

What else to expect:

On A-day, although you will only get a couple of hours directly with DD/DS, you have the whole night before to load up on stuff for their rooms at Walmart / home depot -- this is as close to regular college as it gets, when you have the few minutes to transport stuff and help them get moved in (note: Leave the TV, stereo, etc at home and check the list of what is still contraband until recognition). Most parents' clubs and squads/flights organize a picnic and there is always a ton of "non-Mitch's" food. You will get to meet the new best -friends your DD/DS makes in Basic, and it is a very encouraging feeling when you get to meet a group of remarkable young adults who will be our next leaders.

You will also see a lot of cadets passing out on the parade field. Do not freak out if your's is one of them. The Cadre and staff are well trained at identifying and handling these issues. Basics are instructed to 1) Hydrate; and 2) not lock knees while standing in formation. Many do not listen to these instructions -- but take heed by the next parade.

As stated, be there early and get a seat in bleachers opposite your Cadets's squad (1 is the furtherest from campus, 40 closest to the wall). Web guy usually posts good instructions on where to go and sit. Higher in the bleachers is a good thing as you will be able to see everything.

As soon as the parade ends, follow your Cadets's squad flag as they go all over for pinning shoulder boards. Have a pre-arranged meeting place it possible. If you want to surprise your DD/DS, follow the squad flag carefully and get on the field quickly so you do not lose your cadet in the mayhem. Being up close when the get their shoulder boards and salute their cadre is well worth the price of admission.

Most cadets are unaccompanied on I day and don't have visitors Acceptance Day. It was a long time ago, but I don't think anyone let alone the locals came to the Acceptance Parade

On IDay and the day before those who are unaccompanied will find their peers at the airport, hotel, dinner etc - just read a bunch of great stories of how people met up and started lifelong friendships

Parents Weekend - virtually everyone has someone come visit. And not only is it the first weekend the 4th class can sign out it is also after the first round of exams.

If you have the time energy and $, by all means attend all 3, but for my $ Parents Weekend is the only time worth the expense based on the time available

Of course, I was one of 5 with 59 first cousins and my parents may not have even noticed I was gone until Labor Day
 
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