Optional CFA?

AVT

USAFA 2015
10-Year Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
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There is a large rumor amongst the Cadet Wing that 2016 did not have a mandatory CFA for their application?

Is this the case?
 
I applied and received an appointment for c/o 2016... that definitely is not true. The CFA was mandatory.
 
DS definitely had to accomplish the CFA to complete his application for the class of 2016. I think the question is "Was it counted towards their total weighted candidate score?" I have heard rumors(suggesting that it wasn't) to this affect and honestly I can't answer that question.
 
It was required, and was the same that everyone else at USAFA took.

And for the Class of 2016 the CFA had "serious" implications: I know of quite a few candidates that ultimately were NOT appointed because of low scores.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
It was definitely required for the C/O '16 application process.
 
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There is a large rumor amongst the Cadet Wing that 2016 did not have a mandatory CFA for their application?

Is this the case?

While watching the PW parade, I happened to have a conversation with a C3C's father and he mentioned that his son's job was to remediate doolies that do not pass the CFA. It is understandable that the higher altitude could affect performance but he claims that in some cases, even after acclimation-- there's quite a difference on what their submitted CFA scores versus what they can actually do. Suggesting that some submitted CFA scores were not accurate at best. DS had to train and and submit an official CFA scored by a P.E. coach or ALO. It was definitely required to complete the requirements on the USAFA admissions portal.
 
While watching the PW parade, I happened to have a conversation with a C3C's father and he mentioned that his son's job was to remediate doolies that do not pass the CFA. It is understandable that the higher altitude could affect performance but he claims that in some cases, even after acclimation-- there's quite a difference on what their submitted CFA scores versus what they can actually do. Suggesting that some submitted CFA scores were not accurate at best. DS had to train and and submit an official CFA scored by a P.E. coach or ALO. It was definitely required to complete the requirements on the USAFA admissions portal.

The C3C's father you were speaking to was mistaken. Not unusual being military jargon and such is it's own world. Once you're a cadet, you don't take the CFA any more. Therefor; the C3C's his father was speaking of, couldn't remediate doolies that don't pass the CFA. CFA is "CANDIDATE Fitness Assessment".

Now; what the C3C could be monitoring is the cadet's taking their PFT (Physical Fitness Test) and/or AFT (Aerobic Fitness Test). And while there are obviously similarities between the various "Fitness Tests", they perform different purposes. And yes; some cadets have a difficult time doing the PFT or AFT; which I believe is done twice a year each. So yes, they need remedial.

However; the CFA is for "CANDIDATES". And YES, you MUST TAKE IT. Just like Flieger and others have said. That is NOT NEGOTIABLE. And you must PASS IT. That too is NOT NEGOTIABLE. If you failed it, you are not going to be a cadet. Now; what is a "Passing Score". Can't tell you that. (Numerous Reasons). Mainly because it isn't stated clear cut publicly. However; there is definitely a failing score. I.e. Can't do ANY pull ups. So, to answer the original posters question; which has already been answered by others; the class of 2016 DID take the CFA, and their scores DID count. And no icarus, there isn't a cadet doing the job at the academy to remediate doolies who didn't pass their CFA. There is a job to remediate individuals who didn't pass their PFT/AFT, but that is NOT the same as the CFA they took when applying to the academy. Mike.....
 
The C3C's father you were speaking to was mistaken. Not unusual being military jargon and such is it's own world. Once you're a cadet, you don't take the CFA any more. Therefor; the C3C's his father was speaking of, couldn't remediate doolies that don't pass the CFA. CFA is "CANDIDATE Fitness Assessment".

Now; what the C3C could be monitoring is the cadet's taking their PFT (Physical Fitness Test) and/or AFT (Aerobic Fitness Test). And while there are obviously similarities between the various "Fitness Tests", they perform different purposes. And yes; some cadets have a difficult time doing the PFT or AFT; which I believe is done twice a year each. So yes, they need remedial.

However; the CFA is for "CANDIDATES". And YES, you MUST TAKE IT. Just like Flieger and others have said. That is NOT NEGOTIABLE. And you must PASS IT. That too is NOT NEGOTIABLE. If you failed it, you are not going to be a cadet. Now; what is a "Passing Score". Can't tell you that. (Numerous Reasons). Mainly because it isn't stated clear cut publicly. However; there is definitely a failing score. I.e. Can't do ANY pull ups. So, to answer the original posters question; which has already been answered by others; the class of 2016 DID take the CFA, and their scores DID count. And no icarus, there isn't a cadet doing the job at the academy to remediate doolies who didn't pass their CFA. There is a job to remediate individuals who didn't pass their PFT/AFT, but that is NOT the same as the CFA they took when applying to the academy. Mike.....
I believe that what you said was what he meant. I may have not recalled the exact words but you're right. Thanks for the clarification.
 
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