USAFAHopeful Mom - There are strict guidelines that are enforced, such as the amount of time they can make you exercise before giving you water. I'm not sure why Stealth_81's son wouldn't tell him about recognition - but i know as soon as I make it through, I'm telling my mom and dad everything! I want them to know what all went on so they can be just as proud as me, that I go through it. The schedule and events of recognition are kept a secret:
A - because you honestly dont want to know. If i knew everything I was going to face during basic and freshman year, it would have been a LOT harder to get through. Instead of worrying about the Assault course, or whatever, I was thrown into it before I realized what was happening.
B - Some things are special and are meaning full for the cadets going through it. We know there's a run to the rock where recognition ends and that there's some special ceremonies and a dinner the last day - but that's it. It's like being excited for your sons/daughters birthday, then telling them what their presents are.
capt - yes, you can have your parents bring your boarding gear over parents weekend or anytime during your freshman year. Parent's weekend is nice because they can go to your dorm and help you carry everything up there. Make sure you ask your squadron training officer's policy on such things. I my squad, you can have stuff like ski poles, boards, etc in your room, but any civillian clothes are not permitted. You'd have to give them to your coach to keep in their room, or find somewhere else to put them.
15USAFAap - I bought a pair of boots before going in and thought it was a waste. They're not hard to break in at all and like someone else said, they'll keep you in tennis shoes for a while and gradually get you wearing the boots more and more each day so it's no big deal. I know I was surprised when they had SMO's (Saftey Medical Officers) going around doctoring people's blisters!! I thought you'd just have to tough it out. And the blisters were only from running a lot, not necessarily the boots. As for the underware, I know they tell you to bring X amount of pairs - bring AS MANY as you can fit into your bag!! I know they said they have to be white, but if it has a black stripe or something small on it - it doesn't matter. so YES bring lots of extra underware! (bras included) Guys are issued their underware. Females are NOT issued any underware. Which is a good thing
The things they'll take is cell phones, ipods, pictures, etc. If you have a Bible, the cannot take it. Only electronics and other contraband are taken. They don't dig through your bag - you give it to them based on honor.
another thing about the boots - don't buy them ahead of time because you get tired carrying around your bags the first day, and you dont' want to add heavy boots to the mix. If you DO end up getting boots, then tie the laces together and put them around your neck, or put them in your bag. Do NOT wear them the first day!! That is one of the things that'll get you screamed at.