Hi! I'm a doolie (freshman) at USAFA. I know after I received my appointment last year that I had a million questions concerning academy life, basic cadet training, and the likes. However, I was unable to get information from a female's point of view (aka what to bring or what you could bring). If you have any questions, regarding your freshman year in general--I will gladly answer them. Granted being a female vs. a male is not that different here, but I will be able to answer questions from a different perspective.
Doolie Life-Female POV
- Thread starter wiscogirl
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2015
- Messages
- 903
Thanks for offering to provide your invaluable info. Did you know what you wanted to major in and what do you want to do after you graduate while you were in high school? Has that changed now that you're halfway done with your doolie year? If so, how?
Last edited:
AFA2020
Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2015
- Messages
- 33
This is a great thread! Thank you so much for your willingness to offer your POV.
I was curious on the environment? I understand that in attending USAFA there will always be more males than females. That's not something that scares me away, but I was wondering how it is inside and outside the classroom? Do guys tend to look down on females or intimidate them? On the other hand, I've heard many positives about having so many "brothers" at USAFA. Would you also attest to this claim?
I was curious on the environment? I understand that in attending USAFA there will always be more males than females. That's not something that scares me away, but I was wondering how it is inside and outside the classroom? Do guys tend to look down on females or intimidate them? On the other hand, I've heard many positives about having so many "brothers" at USAFA. Would you also attest to this claim?
how did you (and other females) do at basic? I know generally guys do a lot better physically so I was wondering how much the females struggled? sorry I don't mean that to sound rude, I'm just nervous about how I will do! could most of the girls do pull-ups or is that something everyone works towards?
I came in knowing I wanted to do something involving biology or philosophy, but I still haven't declared. When I came here I thought for sure that I did not want to fly, but after seeing all of the demonstrations...it's hard to say that I won't consider it. You have until your Sophomore year to declare your major too, so I'm putting that off for a little while.
In my squad there are 22 males and 8 females in the class of 2019. In high school, I had very close girl friends and fewer guy friends. So for me that was a big adjustment, but a welcomed one. I find in some ways guys do look down on girls for physical things. In academics and military life it's a whole different story. I know I can count on every boy in my squadron for something. It's actually way harder to make good girl friends here since there are a lot fewer of them. My advice is to get tight with the girls (which will definitely happen during basic), but also get to know your future brothers!
Oh don't worry about sounding rude. So honestly, yes we were better at different aspects of basic. Also, since you are a female you stand out moreso than your male counterparts. You will likely get called out because you stand out. For me, the first time I ran the 1.5 mile at elevation was the second day of basic. I ran a 13:30, which is pretty rough. But the boys were running equally as bad of times, only scaled to the men's standard. The next time I ran it, it was like a 11:30. You just go into this mode during basic where gender doesn't matter to you as a basic, you just want to make it to Acceptance Day and get your shoulder boards. The boys and girls in your basic flight will help, motivate, and sometimes pull you along. I however suggest running, holding an arm extended plank position, and doing push ups and flutter kicks; prior to I day. Oh and I promise after basic you'll feel more like a girl...
CivilAirPatrolCadet
AFROTC Non-Tech Scholarship Recipient
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2016
- Messages
- 121
I have several questions. First, what should I bring to I-day? What about watches? How much money will I need available during BCT? I realize that female hair comes up frequently, but is long or short better? What was your 1.5 mile time before BCT? How long after your appointment did the Appointee Packet come?
I know that is a lot of random questions (And I am asking them very succinctly), but thank you so much for posting this forum. I have been looking for something like this for a long time.
I know that is a lot of random questions (And I am asking them very succinctly), but thank you so much for posting this forum. I have been looking for something like this for a long time.
Its always great to see a current Cadet's perspective... for those looking to read some past old threads that have lots of info regarding being a female at USAFA. I would imagine some things have slightly changed, but might be a good read to see some past perspective and clear things up or even ask some detailed questions. Alot of the same questions pop up year after year.
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/advice-on-hair.40765/#post-397611
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/female-perspective-of-usaf.31461/#post-304645
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/questions-for-a-freshman-cadet.17021/page-17
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com...st-questions-3-items.43284/page-2#post-429936
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/advice-on-hair.40765/#post-397611
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/female-perspective-of-usaf.31461/#post-304645
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/questions-for-a-freshman-cadet.17021/page-17
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com...st-questions-3-items.43284/page-2#post-429936
Hulagirl
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2015
- Messages
- 13
I have several questions. First, what should I bring to I-day? What about watches? How much money will I need available during BCT? I realize that female hair comes up frequently, but is long or short better? What was your 1.5 mile time before BCT? How long after your appointment did the Appointee Packet come?
I know that is a lot of random questions (And I am asking them very succinctly), but thank you so much for posting this forum. I have been looking for something like this for a long time.
Hey so I noticed this thread today and wanted to say its a great idea, I had the same questions last year, so being a female Doolie as well,
I also can try to help out with answering any questions!
You should stick with what the packing list says, but if you think you need to bring more underwear, bras, or any other toiletries then thats up to your own personal preference. In my experience, I overpacked for BCT
so I had alot of extra stuff that I ended up not using and on I-day I was struggling with carrying everything in my left hand. Also if you absolutely need something like more shampoo, toiletries, or even emergency items like a tampon or something then dont be afraid to ask your cadre. Male and female cadre are understanding about necessities like that.No watches or any type of media!
As far as money I think they recommended about 275-300 which is a good amount because you don't want to have alot of money on you during basic but you want just enough to buy stuff (cleaning supplies, iron boards, etc.) at the Cadet store, and to have some cash leftover during the rodeo.
For hair that's a personal preference, for me it was easier to maintain my hair in regulation in a bun instead of cutting it short but short hair might work better for other girls. If you decide that you want short hair then I suggest getting it done a couple months before basic so you can have experience on how to maintain it in regulation.
I'm from the south so altitude affected my running a lot coming here but I think my time before basic was around 9 minutes ( I'm also not the greatest of runners)
I am not exactly sure how long my appointee packet came in after being accepted but it wasn't a long wait, I think 5 days or less. but I'm not 100% sure.
I hope this can help with your questions!
Row2020
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2015
- Messages
- 264
Did you have a laser focus on Air Force? Did you apply to other SAs? DS has been single-mindedly focused on Navy/Maritime all the way and for a long time. As a sophomore our DD is now coming around to the idea of an SA. Perhaps the interest is due to the hub bub going on in our house with the process (application/nomination/waiting). Her package would be impressive but unless she come out and says "I want to serve" I will not say anything - but you know how parents drop hints. Were you like my son or did you come around to the idea in a progressive fashion? Thanks for the input
CivilAirPatrolCadet
AFROTC Non-Tech Scholarship Recipient
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2016
- Messages
- 121
Yes!! Thank you so muchHey so I noticed this thread today and wanted to say its a great idea, I had the same questions last year, so being a female Doolie as well,
I also can try to help out with answering any questions!
You should stick with what the packing list says, but if you think you need to bring more underwear, bras, or any other toiletries then thats up to your own personal preference. In my experience, I overpacked for BCT
No watches or any type of media!
As far as money I think they recommended about 275-300 which is a good amount because you don't want to have alot of money on you during basic but you want just enough to buy stuff (cleaning supplies, iron boards, etc.) at the Cadet store, and to have some cash leftover during the rodeo.
For hair that's a personal preference, for me it was easier to maintain my hair in regulation in a bun instead of cutting it short but short hair might work better for other girls. If you decide that you want short hair then I suggest getting it done a couple months before basic so you can have experience on how to maintain it in regulation.
I'm from the south so altitude affected my running a lot coming here but I think my time before basic was around 9 minutes ( I'm also not the greatest of runners)
I am not exactly sure how long my appointee packet came in after being accepted but it wasn't a long wait, I think 5 days or less. but I'm not 100% sure.
I hope this can help with your questions!
Hulagirl
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2015
- Messages
- 13
I don't know alot about the cheer team, other than that they have to have some basic experience to be on it but my friend is on it and she enjoys it!
Gballer
Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2015
- Messages
- 51
Thank you! She can tumble and dance--and she's small enough to hopefully be a flier if she is lucky enough to make the team! Good to hear your friend enjoys it--does a momma's heart good!
I have several questions. First, what should I bring to I-day? What about watches? How much money will I need available during BCT? I realize that female hair comes up frequently, but is long or short better? What was your 1.5 mile time before BCT? How long after your appointment did the Appointee Packet come?
I know that is a lot of random questions (And I am asking them very succinctly), but thank you so much for posting this forum. I have been looking for something like this for a long time.
They will give you a list for I-Day, but my advice is--don't bring white undergarments. Black are better. And actually, a lot of people in my squad ran out. I brought $150 and I had a lot left over. My parents came out on Acceptance day and gave me more/brought some stuff from home, so that played a major role. I ran around a 13 minute 1.5 mile the week before I came. And the appointee packet is triggered by accepting the appointment and doing like two other steps i believe. And no problem! I know when I got in last year, I had a new question every minute.
aO
One of my good friends is on the cheer team. She had prior experience and made the team sometime in August.
One of my good friends is on the cheer team. She had prior experience and made the team sometime in August.
Actually, Air Force was not my first choice. West Point was. I applied to WP, Navy, and Air Force. I attended Navy's STEM, summer seminar, and candidate visit weekends, and really liked Navy. But Army had always been my number one. Yet after visiting all three, USAFA took my heart. Up until 10th grade, I had never heard of a SA. But when I started researching and visiting them...I realized that being a cadet at USAFA was a sweet deal in comparison to the other academies. In my opinion, you cannot and should not force or highly encourage anyone to go through an Academy unless their heart is in it. That takes a leap of faith on the student.
if you mean feminine hygiene products, yes! I actually think you have to. I would highly recommend bringing them anyways. And I am not entirely sure on that. The only medication that I saw people take during BCT was birth control and pain killers.