How often do cadets pay for their AoG membership themselves through the pay deduction program? Has this ever caused problems (like say, not having enough money to go to town for a night)?
Also, what does the parents WebGuy thing actually do?
Start with webguy. The biggest thing they do is provide a lot of pictures of the cadets during BCT. Just seeing my son a dozen or so times during BCT was worth it for us. Also, during the rest of their time there, there's a lot of pictures and video. Ring dance, regular dances, ceremonies, etc... I think it was well worth it.
As for cadets actually paying for their own AOG membership; I know some do, but I don't know them personally. I'm sure that a cadet that doesn't have any financial assistance from their parents, and wants to join, do pay for it themselves. If the cadet waits til they are starting their 3rd year, (To make sure they WANT to stay, or aren't being kicked out), the monthly cost for 24 months is only $39. By that time, they are pretty much at full pay, so $39 isn't really going to affect them. And even though it's more money if you get it at the 2 year mark than in the beginning, It's still probably worth the wait. Again; are you still going to be there in 2 years.
Granted, the majority of the benefits; and there are many; revolve around the academy and cadets. There are quite a few benefits after graduating, but the majority is about the cadets. But like any alumni association, it's not about "Me, Me, Me". It's about giving back to those that gave to me.
Now; if you don't think the alumni association (AOG), benefits you at all while at the academy, then don't give. I'm not here to judge anyone. But the academy isn't a civilian university where you can remain totally an individual; go to class; not do anything with anyone else; graduate in 4-5 years; and be glad it's over with. The academy is a total personality. What individuals do in clubs that you aren't directly involved with, still affects you. What the cadets do with athletics, still affects you. All of these funds:
Air Force Academy Fund
Superintendent's Fund
Long Blue Line
USAFA Endowment Fund
Academic Funds
Athletic Funds
Character & Leadership Funds
Capital Improvement Funds
Class Gift Funds
Cadet Activity Funds
Still affects you. Because it affects your brothers and sisters at the academy. And that's probably why it's so difficult to understand when you're an appointee who isn't there yet. For you, it's still All About You. You can't see or recognize how all the cadets that the AOG supports, still affects you.
And that's not to say that it won't affect you directly. If you want to go, and are accepted, to go on a 3 week immersion to Israel, Japan, Chile, etc... in the summer; it's the AOG who is helping to fund this. When graduates get married and have children, and they apply for scholarships for their college education, the AOG provides these. Maybe you're involved in the academy shooting team. Maybe a club athletic team. Maybe your academic department has an distinguished guest speaker..... Again; the AOG is is involved with paying for all this.
So again; it all depends on what you want out of the air force academy. What you think you should contribute. What you think the "Whole Team" concept and how you are PART of that team. Some parents decide to simply give generously to the AOG themselves, during the 4 years, and not enroll their son/daughter at all. They figure that's up to them. Each individual, cadet, and family has to decide for themselves.
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