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Are you allowed to have a printer in your room after BCT? If so, could my parents bring it on Parent's weekend? Thank you
 
Thank you for your reply. Kind of going off of that idea, what are some common items that parents may bring for their kids on parents weekend? Like contact lenses, printer ... etc?
 
Thank you for your reply. Kind of going off of that idea, what are some common items that parents may bring for their kids on parents weekend? Like contact lenses, printer ... etc?

A monitor that's 24" or under and pictures. Honestly though the monitor and printer is something you can just buy off the internet. I did that and just shipped it to the academy. I had my mom bring copies of family pictures with to hang up and helped get me through my day when things got hard all year long.
 
Thank you for your reply. Kind of going off of that idea, what are some common items that parents may bring for their kids on parents weekend? Like contact lenses, printer ... etc?

When we were there for PW our DS's doolie year, we just took him shopping and bought what he needed. If I remember correctly we bought a nice printer, clear bins and lots of snacks for his room, school supplies etc. He had a list of things he wanted/needed by then and knew what he was allowed. That was much better than us trying to figure out what he needed and then lug them with us on a plane.

Oddly enough he enjoyed shopping with us that weekend! Oh the changes they go through.... ;)
 
What is the cadet pay like? I know that the first two years cadets must pay back the advance of pay for their uniforms, computers, ect., but what is the breakdown of it through the four years? Thanks!
Please read pages 31 thru 33 of the appointee's handbook. The pay is explained there with a break down of expenses.
 
How would starting a club work at USAFA? Would bringing items that would be within the club (Speedcubing/Competitive Rubik's Cube) go against our personal items? Or would there be some form of exception for club members?

Also, for D&B Corps, how does everything work? What performances are there other than football games?
 
How would starting a club work at USAFA? Would bringing items that would be within the club (Speedcubing/Competitive Rubik's Cube) go against our personal items? Or would there be some form of exception for club members?

Also, for D&B Corps, how does everything work? What performances are there other than football games?

It depends on what you mean by "club". Whether or not a club activity falls under Cadet Clubs is a realm I am unfamiliar with. But what you describe, this Speedcubing, probably would not be an official club. You are welcome to get together and do whatever you want (within limits obviously) with other cadets. A rubiks cube would not count against personal items.

As for D&B, I have little information regarding them. I know that they play during football games and during noon meal formation on most days. They practice relatively often, possibly daily. I also know that many who were in D&B as freshman quit because they ultimately dislike the program.
 
Two questions please...

Is it OK to bring an electric toothbrush on I-day or will it get confiscated? Should my DS pack a regular toothbrush as a backup? He'll probably get yelled at for bringing both but is electric acceptable?

Also, at a meeting yesterday for Class of 2020 appointees, a class of 2016 graduate was on hand and said that C4C's will be allowed to wear watches for BCT this year. Can anyone confirm if this is true? If so, is there a particular type of waterproof (non-smart) watch that most cadets prefer wearing?

Thanks!
I bought a cheaper g-shock Casio watch for DS
 
It depends on what you mean by "club". Whether or not a club activity falls under Cadet Clubs is a realm I am unfamiliar with. But what you describe, this Speedcubing, probably would not be an official club. You are welcome to get together and do whatever you want (within limits obviously) with other cadets. A rubiks cube would not count against personal items.

As for D&B, I have little information regarding them. I know that they play during football games and during noon meal formation on most days. They practice relatively often, possibly daily. I also know that many who were in D&B as freshman quit because they ultimately dislike the program.

Thanks! I know Navy had a club for that and participated in the Inter-University Cube Relay. I was hoping AF would do that this year if I could find a couple of cadets. If a puzzle doesn't count against personal items (two for 4C), how many would I be able to bring?
 
Thanks! I know Navy had a club for that and participated in the Inter-University Cube Relay. I was hoping AF would do that this year if I could find a couple of cadets. If a puzzle doesn't count against personal items (two for 4C), how many would I be able to bring?

Don't bring personal items to basic training. I recommend getting those either mailed to you or brought out by your parents during parents weekend. Also, sent you a PM.
 
While I am not 100% sure, I have generally understood the CSP rule to mean that 4*'s can only display two personal items on their desks/shelves. You can have as many personal items as you want in your storage drawers (as long as they aren't prohibited objects such as speakers, TV's, gaming systems, etc.).
 
Don't bring personal items to basic training. I recommend getting those either mailed to you or brought out by your parents during parents weekend. Also, sent you a PM.

If my parents sent a package to me during basic to have after A-Day, will Cadre single me out? I know that we won't have access to them until after basic
 
If my parents sent a package to me during basic to have after A-Day, will Cadre single me out? I know that we won't have access to them until after basic

Probably not the best idea, IMHO...I suppose you could just leave the package slip in your mailbox during mailroom visits, but it would probably be easier if your parents sent the package just in time to arrive on A-Day (or maybe a day before). That way, you don't run the risk of being the basic with the giant box of contraband. :)
 
What are the different leadership positions available for doolies, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st degrees?
It would take much too long to answer this question.

In general terms
your doolie year, you're learning how to follow.
In 3 deg - you're a cadet staff sergeant or unranked (you sit CQ and have other support jobs)
2 deg - cadet NCO
1 deg - cadet officer

For many of the jobs, you will be required to interview for the position. However, everyone gets a job.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Academy_Cadet_Insignia
 
Good answer above. I'll add a little bit more as far as job categories. Some of the major position types include:

1. Command--examples could be Chief Clerk (3*), Superintendent/Group Supt/1st Sgt/Command Chief (2*), Wing Commander/Group Commander/Squadron Commander (1*)

(The following categories have little variation as far as position titles go. Generally, 3*'s will be "XYZ Clerk", 2*'s will be "XYZ NCO", and 1*'s will be "XYZ Officer". These positions are also available at Group and Wing level for 2*'s and 1*'s.)

2. Training (in charge of 4* training and discipline)
3. Support/Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) (beautifies the squadron, plans and executes squadron events such as dining outs, tailgates, BBQ's, etc.)
4. Standardization and Evaluation (Stan/Eval, grades knowledge tests, grades other squadrons on inspections)
5. PEER (advisor to fellow cadets on personal or cadet issues, basically a counselor)
6. Major Training Events (MTE; assists in planning and executing "major" training activities such as Commandant's Weekend, Recognition, etc.)
7. IT (helps with technology in squad, primarily maintaining the squad printer from what I have seen)
8. Honor (advisors and experts on the Honor Code, assist and advise others who may be involved in honor issues)
9. Public Affairs (publishes squad newsletter/maintains bulletin boards/etc.)
10. Safety/Security (deliver safety/security briefings and advise their units on safety issues)
11. Athletic (help coordinate intramurals, inform others on AFT/PFT/Recondo or other athletic program information as needed)
12. Academic (deliver academic success briefings, work with those on Academic Probation)
13. Cadet Service Leadership (CSL; plans, coordinates, and announces community service opportunities)
14. Character (delivers briefings on character issues such as suicide prevention and [I think] sexual assault prevention, helps facilitate major character events such as NCLS [National Character and Leadership Symposium]--not 100% sure of all the things they do TBH)

There are other, more isolated jobs, such as Unit Colors or Guidon Bearer (3*), that don't fit into the above classifications. I won't mention these for time's sake. However, the bulk of cadet jobs fall within these categories.

Another thing--all 3*'s are assigned a 4* "coachee" who they mentor on the various aspects of cadet life. This is in addition to their other job.

4*'s have very limited leadership opportunities, but this past year, at least most squads had the 4* position of Class Representative/Flight Chief. This position involved serving as a liaison between upperclassmen (often training staff) and 4*'s.

(I know I am missing other various details about jobs, too--maybe some current cadets could help me out if needed. :biggrin:)

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about these job categories, and I will be happy to provide more details.
 
We bought our DD an electronic picture frame that displays downloaded family pictures, etc. as a slideshow. That way, it's only one item on display.
 
My DD bought and broke in the recommended boots for BCT. She was planning on wearing them to I-day so she did not have to carry them, but has been told she would be singled out for for doing so and that it would call too much attention to herself. She has also heard from other appointees that they were told it would be okay to wear them. What is the real scoop? In light of the weather report with 80% chance of rain, wouldn't it be best to wear waterproof boots? (Just a silly question from a 2020 parent). :)
 
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