My DS was selected for SFT. We were all surprised and elated. He is a Computer Science major, and to keep up with his academic plan, he will need to take a summer class. He finds out this week which Max he has been assigned to. I have two questions......how hard is it to request a change in your assigned Max d/t class schedules? And.....what is the best advice on preparation. (Something the manual doesn't cover) I have read through some old posts and found a few good tips, (ie. Febreeze!). I thought I'd throw that out there for anyone else who is wondering. Thanks in advance!
AFROTC Field Training Preparation
- Thread starter MicheleRN
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Pima
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Has he talked to his CC about the need to attend summer classes?
The problem I see is the breakdown of dates, and coinciding with his schedule.
For ex: Let's say his classes start May 24th and go to July 9th (6 week course), but his school goes back in Aug 15th.
That means he has a logistical issue.
Is it possible he can take the class in the fall and double up on credits?
As far as the febreeze issue. They will do what is called a bag drag in the next few weeks. It will count for a portion of their grade. They will be given a list of items, and must have all of them in the bag.
You would never want to send a bottle of febreeze with them. The bottle can crack and break all over everything while in transit.
The things DS did after the bag drag were:
1. Take the blouses and t-shirts, fold them and place them in gallon size bags. This somehow magically stops them from getting incredibly wrinkled.
2. Place all liquids in ziploc bags....soaps,toothpaste, shampoos, shaving cream and sun block, etc. If it can ooze, than put it in a baggie. You want to make sure if the airline throws that bag around nothing will break and get on their uniforms or books. Same with pens, place them in baggies...ink is not a good thing.
Their list is incredibly detailed, down to how many razors. Do not think that just because you know you only need 1 razor, they will give you a pass when they ask for multiple razors.
Just because they asked for a blue 1" binder, that because you only found a blue 1 1/2" or a black 1" binder will be OKAY. Search for what they specifically ask.
One thing not to scrimp on is the quality of moleskin. They will be marching, so you want to buy the more expensive quality. It can be the difference between no blisters and feet torn up.
Stamps and envelopes. Send a lot. These kids tell all of their friends to write them. Their cell phones are confiscated within hours upon arriving. They get to make their last calls to say I am here, but from there on out until almost the night before they come home it is snail mail.
If I recall correctly, you will get the mailing address right before he leaves. I think it was as simple as the Cadets Last Name and his last 4 SS. The 4 is because there could be 8 Cadet Smiths. We started sending cards the day he left. Mail call is an emotional boost...they know it and that is why they tell everyone of their friends on FB their address.
One thing to think about is the airport issue. For some you may have multiple airports. They will ask the cadet to give them options of airports to fly out of, make sure you discuss this with them if you have multiple airports, especially if they are equi-distant. Sometimes cadets do not think about traffic, and just place mileage in their mind.
As far as other things. DS did not study while he was at home. He did train a lot from a physical position. He would run longer distances in the height of the heat day at the AF pace. Thought process was it would help him because the humidity is so high in AL that since the runs would be shorter he could push it out. He also would run very early in the day, 5 a.m. with little sleep. Purposely stayed up late to adjust to sleep issues.
He followed their regiment exactly regarding PF.
Finally, don't let him be stupid. An injury can be an issue. I am not saying bubble wrap, I am saying taking risks from a physical POV is not worth it. Friends want to go water skiing, go, just don't do aerial! Friends are playing intramural soccer on campus, play, just don't feel the need to be the star, instead be the supporting player. Twist that knee, break a toe and it can be the difference of passing the PFA and not passing.
The problem I see is the breakdown of dates, and coinciding with his schedule.
For ex: Let's say his classes start May 24th and go to July 9th (6 week course), but his school goes back in Aug 15th.
That means he has a logistical issue.
Is it possible he can take the class in the fall and double up on credits?
As far as the febreeze issue. They will do what is called a bag drag in the next few weeks. It will count for a portion of their grade. They will be given a list of items, and must have all of them in the bag.
You would never want to send a bottle of febreeze with them. The bottle can crack and break all over everything while in transit.
The things DS did after the bag drag were:
1. Take the blouses and t-shirts, fold them and place them in gallon size bags. This somehow magically stops them from getting incredibly wrinkled.
2. Place all liquids in ziploc bags....soaps,toothpaste, shampoos, shaving cream and sun block, etc. If it can ooze, than put it in a baggie. You want to make sure if the airline throws that bag around nothing will break and get on their uniforms or books. Same with pens, place them in baggies...ink is not a good thing.
Their list is incredibly detailed, down to how many razors. Do not think that just because you know you only need 1 razor, they will give you a pass when they ask for multiple razors.
Just because they asked for a blue 1" binder, that because you only found a blue 1 1/2" or a black 1" binder will be OKAY. Search for what they specifically ask.
One thing not to scrimp on is the quality of moleskin. They will be marching, so you want to buy the more expensive quality. It can be the difference between no blisters and feet torn up.
Stamps and envelopes. Send a lot. These kids tell all of their friends to write them. Their cell phones are confiscated within hours upon arriving. They get to make their last calls to say I am here, but from there on out until almost the night before they come home it is snail mail.
If I recall correctly, you will get the mailing address right before he leaves. I think it was as simple as the Cadets Last Name and his last 4 SS. The 4 is because there could be 8 Cadet Smiths. We started sending cards the day he left. Mail call is an emotional boost...they know it and that is why they tell everyone of their friends on FB their address.
One thing to think about is the airport issue. For some you may have multiple airports. They will ask the cadet to give them options of airports to fly out of, make sure you discuss this with them if you have multiple airports, especially if they are equi-distant. Sometimes cadets do not think about traffic, and just place mileage in their mind.
As far as other things. DS did not study while he was at home. He did train a lot from a physical position. He would run longer distances in the height of the heat day at the AF pace. Thought process was it would help him because the humidity is so high in AL that since the runs would be shorter he could push it out. He also would run very early in the day, 5 a.m. with little sleep. Purposely stayed up late to adjust to sleep issues.
He followed their regiment exactly regarding PF.
Finally, don't let him be stupid. An injury can be an issue. I am not saying bubble wrap, I am saying taking risks from a physical POV is not worth it. Friends want to go water skiing, go, just don't do aerial! Friends are playing intramural soccer on campus, play, just don't feel the need to be the star, instead be the supporting player. Twist that knee, break a toe and it can be the difference of passing the PFA and not passing.
Thanks Pima.....yes he has talked w/ someone at his Det. He knows the dates for classes and as long as he is in Max 1 or 2, he will be OK. Whoever he talked with told him he could "fill out a form" requesting a change. I just didn't know how difficult that would be or what the chances were of that happening. Does the det pick the dates or is it assigned, do you know??
Pima
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AFROTC HQ does the final yeah or nay. I don't know if the det has a voice.
I wouldn't push it with your DS, but ask gently, did they give you an idea of chances?
You have to gauge your DS on how open with you he will be, and how aggressive he will be with the det.
He may know already the chances, and is trying to work out logistically before telling you.
If you don't mind me asking is it common for his college and major to do summer classes?
It could be a factor regarding support from AFROTC HQ and his det. It is one thing if every student has to do this during their academic career at the college, it is another if he elected to do it because he missed a class, or other academic reasons.
I wouldn't push it with your DS, but ask gently, did they give you an idea of chances?
You have to gauge your DS on how open with you he will be, and how aggressive he will be with the det.
He may know already the chances, and is trying to work out logistically before telling you.
If you don't mind me asking is it common for his college and major to do summer classes?
It could be a factor regarding support from AFROTC HQ and his det. It is one thing if every student has to do this during their academic career at the college, it is another if he elected to do it because he missed a class, or other academic reasons.
It is (in theory) possible to request that your max be changed if you have a good enough reason and the support of your Det CC.
My daughter has a HSSP scholarship for nursing. As part of the Air Force's requirements she needs 12 foreign language credits. Neither she nor her AFROTC Detachment CC could find "room" in her nursing schedule for her to fit those 12 credits prior to her senior year. Fortunately her school uses a "true" trimester academic calendar and her Detachment requested funding for her to take those credits during the Summer......which was approved...last Summer. She still needs 2 more credits (she took two 5 credit classes last Summer) and once she is advised of which max she has been assigned her Det CC is going to request a waiver for the last two credits. If that is denied then he will request max 1 so that she can take the final credits during the last 6 weeks of the Summer break.
FWIW - in my daughter's Det they have upped the PT schedule for 200s and are testing them on the military knowledge portion of the FT handbook. Similar to Pima's son, many of the 200s are upping their personal workouts to include more running during the hottest part of the day. In addition the POCs are being very critical of their "form" when completing their push-ups and sit-ups.
I'd echo Pima's recommendations: don't let your son take any ridiculous physical risks, but he should try to stay active and build up his tolerance to exercising/running in the heat and humidity.
Good Luck!
My daughter has a HSSP scholarship for nursing. As part of the Air Force's requirements she needs 12 foreign language credits. Neither she nor her AFROTC Detachment CC could find "room" in her nursing schedule for her to fit those 12 credits prior to her senior year. Fortunately her school uses a "true" trimester academic calendar and her Detachment requested funding for her to take those credits during the Summer......which was approved...last Summer. She still needs 2 more credits (she took two 5 credit classes last Summer) and once she is advised of which max she has been assigned her Det CC is going to request a waiver for the last two credits. If that is denied then he will request max 1 so that she can take the final credits during the last 6 weeks of the Summer break.
FWIW - in my daughter's Det they have upped the PT schedule for 200s and are testing them on the military knowledge portion of the FT handbook. Similar to Pima's son, many of the 200s are upping their personal workouts to include more running during the hottest part of the day. In addition the POCs are being very critical of their "form" when completing their push-ups and sit-ups.
I'd echo Pima's recommendations: don't let your son take any ridiculous physical risks, but he should try to stay active and build up his tolerance to exercising/running in the heat and humidity.
Good Luck!
a little humor
at least you won't need to do this:
http://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/beetlebailey/s-1117304?print
at least you won't need to do this:
http://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/beetlebailey/s-1117304?print
Pima
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
- Messages
- 13,900
Agagles, your DD's situation was exactly what I was thinking about when I asked if this is a must have for college or what like to do. Two different things.
There are several majors, like nursing, that require pre-reqs and those classes are only offered 1x a yr., which is why it becomes academically critical for them to graduate on time that they get it done over the summer.
There are other majors that can afford to place it to the fall, and will require them to take more credits to get back on track.
Two different things and the AF will place that into the equation. Had DS taken a couple of summer classes he could have graduated in 3 yrs., but during the rising jr. yr would have been when he had to get it done, and it was not a must do issue. Instead he is graduation with a dual major, (scholars citation), a minor and a core concentration. The joke in our house with all of his credits had he converted them into the 5 undergrad/grad combo he would have had his grad too.
Hindsight is 20/20 vision. Learned from him and now our DD is trying to determine if she graduates in 3 yrs and starts life, or sticks around for 4 and gets her grad too. Seeing as she adores VT, and we think it would be foolish in her field not too, plus we always said we will pay for 4 yrs., 4 yrs and a day the rest is on your dime. She is leaning to take us up on our offer! Shocker I know
There are several majors, like nursing, that require pre-reqs and those classes are only offered 1x a yr., which is why it becomes academically critical for them to graduate on time that they get it done over the summer.
There are other majors that can afford to place it to the fall, and will require them to take more credits to get back on track.
Two different things and the AF will place that into the equation. Had DS taken a couple of summer classes he could have graduated in 3 yrs., but during the rising jr. yr would have been when he had to get it done, and it was not a must do issue. Instead he is graduation with a dual major, (scholars citation), a minor and a core concentration. The joke in our house with all of his credits had he converted them into the 5 undergrad/grad combo he would have had his grad too.
Hindsight is 20/20 vision. Learned from him and now our DD is trying to determine if she graduates in 3 yrs and starts life, or sticks around for 4 and gets her grad too. Seeing as she adores VT, and we think it would be foolish in her field not too, plus we always said we will pay for 4 yrs., 4 yrs and a day the rest is on your dime. She is leaning to take us up on our offer! Shocker I know