Extracirriculars at the AFA

ima-gina-tion

USAFA 2015
5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2011
Messages
42
So I hear a lot about how they have clubs at the AFA, but nothing about how they work into the schedule or anything. Do cadets realistically have time to maintain good grades AND join other clubs? And do freshmen have to wait until after recognition to join these clubs, how does it work?


Also I've been told that USAFA did have a swing club, but I haven't been able to find anything about it in recent years. Does anyone know if it's still around? And does anyone from Colorado Springs have anything to say about the swing scene in CS? I'm an avid lindy hopper, and I'd hate to give that up (if anyone here actually knows what I'm talking about--is it mostly lindy or west coast swing? just wondering).

And does anyone know anything about the 'dance team' or whatever it is USAFA has? I found an article about it, but does anyone have more info--are they separate from cheerleading? Because I've done dance for a while, but never cheerleading...just curious thanks!

and wowwww. Sure this isn't your typical USAFA thread. :thumb: oh well, it doesn't hurt to try!

and if you can't answer any of my questions: people who have gone/are there now, what are some 'good' things about USAFA? I feel like I keep hearing about how difficult and stressful it is, and little/nothing about why they enjoyed their experience there.
 
My son is just finishing up his freshman year. He was on the JV cheer stunt squad. (He had never cheered either, he was a football player in HS. From what I understand many on the squad come from differing backgrounds such as gymnastics, dance, volleyball, you name it. Some do have cheer experience. You just show up for tryouts, and take it from there. (The dance squad is part of the cheer team.)
Now my son is playing rugby, which is a club sport. I'm sure others will share their experience, but everyone who gets in is used to balancing a busy schedule, and its possible to do so at the academy too. If your grades slip and you go on academic probation, you will have to cut out your extra activities.
As for fun, my son just got back from Hawaii where he went for spring break with his squadron...sounded pretty fun to me! Go on youtube and check out 100s night decorations, academy life, there's plenty on there. You will find fun at the academy, it may be different from the fun your friends at "Normal U" have, but its there.
 
Yes you can realistically get good grades and join clubs. It comes down to balancing time, but is definitely doable. As for freshman and clubs, it depends. Some clubs have restrictions for freshman based on traveling and other restrictions, but for the most part it doesn't matter. Yes USAFA has a swing club. In fact, they have blues, swing, and a couple others. Its basically just a group of cadets who meet in the ballroom on given nights from 7 or 8 until 10 and dance. Those who do it often put together a dance and compete sometimes. Freshmen there cannot always attend because it takes place during the Academic Call to Quarters. I don't remember which type they do mainly. From friends who did swing, I think there are some good ones up in Denver (again not sure on west vs east coast style). Dance team is separate from cheerleading. Not sure on details, but they are two different groups.

as for the last part, where else can you get paid to get a degree, travel the world, jump out of and fly planes, meet other driven and outstanding individuals, get prepared to serve your country, and develop yourself as a great citizen of the US? Yes, at times it gets rough, but I wouldn't trade my four years at the academy. I got to do so many amazing things that my other friends (non-Academy) can only dream of. And not to mention, I am now employed (well, ignoring the shutdown) and am getting paid to get a master's degree before getting to fly planes. Many of my friends are living at home searching for jobs. So yes, there are plenty of good things about USAFA.
 
Yes, you can balance clubs and your normal duties. Sometimes it will be a massive balancing act, but many cadets do it. Just make sure you know what your priorities are and how much work it takes to meet your goals.

For example, as a freshman, I failed my PFT and was put on Recondo. That sucked up most of my free time on weekdays. I was part of the airsoft club, because they played on Saturdays. Later on, I got off Recondo and eventually became part of the Combat Shooting Team. That took most of my free time during the week and on Saturdays. You will find out how much time you need to devote to certain things in order to succeed. It's different for each person. My roommate had to spend most of his time doing academics, whereas I managed to be create a little more time for clubs.
 
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