Ask Us (current cadets) Anything

What exactly is the Jump program and how does it work? I've heard that most cadets go through it but some choose another option.
 
FutureFalcon2 said:
What exactly is the Jump program and how does it work? I've heard that most cadets go through it but some choose another option.
Click to expand...

Jump is an airmanship program that takes place after your four-degree year in which cadets are given the opportunity to earn their jump wings by completing five solo free-fall jumps at USAFA. In essence you request it and are then placed into it based on numbers and how you did over the past year. It and soaring are the two most popular airmanship programs during that summer, but I'm not sure how the numbers are split between those two.
 
jwest182 said:
Jump is an airmanship program that takes place after your four-degree year in which cadets are given the opportunity to earn their jump wings by completing five solo free-fall jumps at USAFA. In essence you request it and are then placed into it based on numbers and how you did over the past year. It and soaring are the two most popular airmanship programs during that summer, but I'm not sure how the numbers are split between those two.
Click to expand...

I understand that it is possible to be in the soaring program during the academic year while you are a four degree. How do you get placed in it? Is it considered an academic course, an athletic activity, an extracurricular activity, or none of the above? How does it affect your schedule as far as added workload and time commitment?
 
16maybt said:
I understand that it is possible to be in the soaring program during the academic year while you are a four degree. How do you get placed in it? Is it considered an academic course, an athletic activity, an extracurricular activity, or none of the above? How does it affect your schedule as far as added workload and time commitment?
Click to expand...

All 4*s take Airmanship 250, which is Intro to Soaring. It consists of five flights for each student, and is a pass/fail airmanship class. Not too much extra work. You will just have to go down to the airfield a few times, which can cause you to have to get up earlier, or get back to the hill later in the day. Generally though, it is just placed into some of your free periods, and is similar to a PE class.
 
What are cadets allowed to have in dorm rooms and when are you allowed to get more stuff? Such as when can I have civilian cloths, snowboard, my own sheets etc. in my dorm room?
 
Miller12 said:
What are cadets allowed to have in dorm rooms and when are you allowed to get more stuff? Such as when can I have civilian cloths, snowboard, my own sheets etc. in my dorm room?
Click to expand...
On your way into BCT, you are not going to want to bring much other than what is on the packing list. After Acceptance Day and as a four degree, you will still not be able to have very many things, but you'll be able to have some stuff. You can have a snowboard and some blankets or a sleeping bag, but sheets are not as realistic, as your bed will be inspection ready until recognition. You will not be able to have civilian clothes; if you need clothes for snowboarding, they go to your three degree mentor unless you need them. Hope this helps.
 
I remember hearing something about cadets taking IFS before graduating so that they don't have to do it before UPT. Is this a thing or am I making stuff up?
 
Sneak said:
I remember hearing something about cadets taking IFS before graduating so that they don't have to do it before UPT. Is this a thing or am I making stuff up?
Click to expand...
IFS is not available to cadets. However, there is now a required Powered Flight Program here (very different from IFS) that cadets must take if they are interested in pursuing a rated position. You log about 13 hours in the T-53A, and it's a fun time!
 
I could be wrong about this, but I thought I remembered hearing that Soaring IP's are often eligible to skip IFS and go straight to UPT? Someone please correct me if necessary, but this may be what Sneak was referring to.
 
Soaring ip's cannot skip ifs. If you have a ppl you can skip it, or at least you could three years ago. There is no reason to skip ifs. It's free flying and if you cannot pass ifs you couldn't pass upt so you might as well go and enjoy it. Besides who can complain about free food?
 
USAFA12 is correct. My ’16 son is a soaring IP and starts IFS August 18. Goes all the way to Laughlin only to turn around 2 weeks later and drive back to Colorado.
 
Hi! I'm potentially interested in joining AFA, and have a few questions. First of all, here's my stuff so far:
ACT: 34
SAT Math I Subject Test: 800
SAT Math II Subject Test: 800
9 (or was it 8?) years of soccer and basketball combined, sadly don't think I have proof for this anymore though. Probably going to try to participate in more sports soon.
Plan on getting a job soon, so that will give me work experience. Also probably going to do volunteer work at the local library.
GPA: I'm homeschooled so this could be an issue. Another problem is I haven't documented every single thing I've done during homeschooling, which the AFA seems to be intent about...
Is there any chance I could possibly get in someday? I'm 14 ATM if that helps.
 
EchoAviator said:
Hi! I'm potentially interested in joining AFA, and have a few questions. First of all, here's my stuff so far:
ACT: 34
SAT Math I Subject Test: 800
SAT Math II Subject Test: 800
9 (or was it 8?) years of soccer and basketball combined, sadly don't think I have proof for this anymore though. Probably going to try to participate in more sports soon.
Plan on getting a job soon, so that will give me work experience. Also probably going to do volunteer work at the local library.
GPA: I'm homeschooled so this could be an issue. Another problem is I haven't documented every single thing I've done during homeschooling, which the AFA seems to be intent about...
Is there any chance I could possibly get in someday? I'm 14 ATM if that helps.
Click to expand...

As many people will likely tell you, the only thing that is for certain is that if you don't apply, you won't get in. Beyond that, anything is just speculation. I know people without varsity sports who got in (myself), and people who had low gpas/scores and got in. Your ACT looks good, so that will help, I would say just do the things you enjoy, and try to take a leadership role. Someone with more experience may have more insight than me.
 
Also, have you encountered any cadets that applied for the first time after high school be it college/working/etc that were not prior service applicants, or is that a fairly uncommon occurrence?
 
EchoAviator said:
Hi! I'm potentially interested in joining AFA, and have a few questions. First of all, here's my stuff so far:
ACT: 34
SAT Math I Subject Test: 800
SAT Math II Subject Test: 800
9 (or was it 8?) years of soccer and basketball combined, sadly don't think I have proof for this anymore though. Probably going to try to participate in more sports soon.
Plan on getting a job soon, so that will give me work experience. Also probably going to do volunteer work at the local library.
GPA: I'm homeschooled so this could be an issue. Another problem is I haven't documented every single thing I've done during homeschooling, which the AFA seems to be intent about...
Is there any chance I could possibly get in someday? I'm 14 ATM if that helps.
Click to expand...
My DD was homeschooled, so not as much an issue as you would think.
Search the forums - there are a ton of threads that talk about what you should do to improve your chances.
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
My DD was homeschooled, so not as much an issue as you would think.
Search the forums - there are a ton of threads that talk about what you should do to improve your chances.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! A glimmer of hope if I decide to go AFA instead of ROTC someday.
 
USCGA2020Candidate said:
What is one thing you wish someone told you before you left for the academy/became a cadet
Click to expand...

Some of these things I had heard before I left, but they still bear repeating. Some, I have learned here:

1. You will get out of BCT and the Academy what you put into it. If you work hard, there are countless unique opportunities available for the taking. If you don't give it your all, don't be surprised if you don't see as many.

2. Work as a team. This principle is really obvious during BCT, but not quite as much so during the academic year. Don't be fooled. Teamwork and friendships are still just as important during the ac year. Think you might need help with physics/calc/chem/comp sci? Bet you someone else in squad will be really good at it. If you make an effort to get to know your classmates, you will have great support and form some of the best friendships you've ever had.

3. Follow the rules, even when those around you aren't. It is true that no one is perfect, but if you put forth a consistent effort to uphold standards, upperclassmen will notice and things will go well with you. This will also really come in handy toward the end of your 4* year, if you apply for 3* jobs that need squadron commander/AOC recommendations.

4. Be optimistic. Especially during certain times of the year, so many people suffer from cynicism, low morale, etc. If you can keep an upbeat attitude and encourage those around you, you will be doing your team a huge favor, and they will remember it when you are in need yourself.

5. Never, ever forget why you are here. Never forget that thousands of others wanted to be a cadet just as much as you did, but ended up being rejected instead. Remember what a privilege it is to be a cadet, even when you are feeling depressed or demotivated. And remember that by coming here, you have taken on a responsibility to your country and fellow Americans. Take it seriously.

Just my $0.19 as someone who has received a lot of wise advice and learned a little. Good luck to you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top