Parent planning questions

For the question about cell phones--it will be up to the squadron. That will be the answer to many questions. Every squadron is different. Some 4 degrees will have their phones often and alot and some will not. My DS (2014) had his cell phone only starting at PW and only on weekends until recognition I believe.

As for the cell carrier-it depends again on the squadron-as in where are they located. We have verizon--My DS was in Vandy as a 4 degree and the service there was great. Now he is in Sijan Tower and verizon gets poor service- so we have to text or google chat instead of call.
 
Son has AT&T with iPhone and he had great reception in both Vandy and Sijan. The data plan was great for him, too, since he could still access internet even when USAFA's network was down.

Stealth_81
 
YorkieMom75 said:
Does anyone know if cadets can have cell phones during the academic year? Do they bring their own? How is the reception at USAFA? Any cell carrier better than another?

I know they can't have one during BCT, but I haven't seen anything about cell phone restrictions yet in the packets my DS received.

Thanks!
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My son brought his cell phone (and charger) for InProcessing. Sometime during that day, all phones were collected by an upper in the squadron and were stored until Doolie Day In (half way through BCT, this year it will be a Doolie Day out looking at the schedule). On Doolie Day In, cadets could use their phones to call home, friends, etc. or borrow a phone from a sympathetic upper or another doolie, so my son was glad he had his and didn't have to wait. The phones got turned back in at the end of that day. My son's squadron was allowed to have them on Acceptance Day until 2 pm, then they had to be turned back in, then again on Doolie Day out (a Saturday about 2 weeks or so after classes started--schedule is dift this year so not sure if this will occur again). His squadron was one of the tougher ones, so they didn't get them again until maybe a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. Even if squads had phones during the fall, many pulled them in the weeks leading up to Recognition. Like many many things at the Academy, it is very squadron dependent--they make their own rules about things like phones, printers, external monitors, webcams etc. and when doolies are allowed to have them.

Concerning service, my son has AT&T as a carrier and lives in Vandy--no problems now. Hopefully that continues wherever he lives next year!
 
DS is in Sijan and has a cheap Tracfone. It has worked well so far, but their Customer Service is what you would expect for pre-paid phone company.

My DS's squadron was one of the more lax regarding phones. He got his phone back for Doolie Day In and then got it for weekends after Acceptance Day. He had the phone full time prior to Recognition. It all depends on the squadron and how well the training is going.
 
My sons didn't even have phones until Nov of their 4* year, so it wasn't an issue for us.

Have been on a Verizon plan and in both Sijan and Vandy, we've been able to talk with no problems.

Now, them finding the time to talk (as much as their saintly mother would like) is a different issue!
 
usaffanatic said:
What is sijan and Vandy?
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They are the names of the dorms at USAFA. Sijan is the dorm between Mitchell Hall and the Chapel. Vandenberg (Vandy) is the dorm on the north side of the terrazzo.
 
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Thank you everyone for the thorough answers. I'll have DS bring his iPhone and charger with him for in processing, and see what's allowed from there. We have AT&T, so he should be OK. One less thing to be concerned about. Thanks!:smile:
 
AOG Bed & Breakfast

For those who want to get a head start and know that their apointee (like myself) wants to travel alone, you (or they) can go ahead and sign up for the Bed & Breakfast Program or the Breakfast Host thing.
http://www.usafa.org/Connect/Bed_and_Breakfast
Once you get your flight information!!!!
 
I know that was a real help to some ppl - the b&b program. My kids met and stayed with their sponsor family.

Don't hesitate to get to know your sponsor parents! My kids' are still in their lives and wonderful people!
 
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BCT photos

Changing the subject a bit. Found some pictures of past classes going through BCT on the Academy website. Helped us to actually see what was being described in the material our DS has been receiving. Here's the link:
www.usafa.edu/cadetFocus/cadetPhotos/index.cfm. If link doesn't work it's under the 'Commandant' tab.
 
For photographs and descriptions, you will also want to check out (and probably join) the web site run by the Association of Graduates (AOG) and staffed by "Webguy." Search "Webguy Air Force" and you should be able to find the website. Webguy (an Academy graduate) and his group of photographers are given significant access to the Basics and cadet area during Basic (and throughout your cadet's career). You, like many other parents, will probably be riveted to his website during Basic searching for daily photos of your Basic. He has been a "lifesaver" to parents -with his daily blog explaining what is going on at Basic, his daily schedule postings and his daily photographs. Each year Webguy gets better and better. You will learn a lot from his postings -- and wll have a much better understanding of what is going on with your Basic/Cadet.
 
dohdean said:
For photographs and descriptions, you will also want to check out (and probably join) the web site run by the Association of Graduates (AOG) and staffed by "Webguy." Search "Webguy Air Force" and you should be able to find the website. Webguy (an Academy graduate) and his group of photographers are given significant access to the Basics and cadet area during Basic (and throughout your cadet's career). You, like many other parents, will probably be riveted to his website during Basic searching for daily photos of your Basic. He has been a "lifesaver" to parents -with his daily blog explaining what is going on at Basic, his daily schedule postings and his daily photographs. Each year Webguy gets better and better. You will learn a lot from his postings -- and wll have a much better understanding of what is going on with your Basic/Cadet.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WebGuy is awesome. :thumb:
 
I still have, blanketing my frig and pretty much all available kitchen wall space, Webguy's pics of my kids from I-Day, BCT, A-Day, Recognition, ring Dance, committment dinner... you name it!

Webguy is just the bomb! And, AOG is worth every penny - even for parents.
 
Ditto ditto ditto to what dohdean, Dad, and fencersmother said about webguy! Fabulous! Although you won't be able to see the pictures/albums of current cadets that he has online until after you sign up for the service (it should be $20.16 per month for class of 2016 parents--get it?), believe us when we say it is well worth it! You'll spend hours searching for pics of your cadet and then when you find them, you'll be smiling ear to ear! And its not just for BCT, there will be pictures throughout your cadet's career all the way to graduation. Plus the forums, blog, schedule, etc. are all helpful. Definitely a must have!
 
Personal Items at BCT

Are they allowed to have bug spray and sunscreen during BCT? Bugs might not be a biggie in CO like it is in NC. But, getting sunburned is a real risk and I don't see sunscreen as an allowable item on the checklist?
 
Take away

IMHO Cadre will take away anything that will give them pleasure including a shiny piece of gum wrapper!!!!!!!
 
Scraper is right on. Don't give the cadre any excuse for extra attention. They will be issued everything they need. The Air Force has been doing this a long time and will take good care of the people they are investing so much $ into.

Getting back on track of the thread; find your local parents' club and join. They will help you negotiate this crazy roller coaster ride called the USAFA.
 
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