2015 Grad, Send Questions!

For cadets that are from the south, how have you coped with the cold weather? Are all the issued uniforms enough, or do you use other items?

Similar to my first question, but regarding the uniform of the day. When it's cold, I imagine some people don't mind as much as others and would be perfectly fine wearing just the blues. But would I be allowed to wear my jacket/windbreaker whenever I think I need it, or can I only wear it on designated days?

I am also from the south and I am a doolie and the weather is not that bad because you get used to it over time, the only thing is it gets super windy. But the snow is really fun and the weather overall is not too bad. Also we get issued alot of stuff for cold weather such as earmuffs, gloves, long sleeve blues, parkas, overcoats, scarves, and more. All of these keep you pretty warm during those super chilly days. As far as your A-jacket (Athletic Jacket- which is what we usually wear with blues on cold days) you cant choose when to wear it... but the Cadet Wing (CW) will tell you if you can or not. Majority of the time they will require A-jackets unless its super hot outside. Also, on cold days the CW might say blues with long sleeve shirt and A-jackets so you can be kept warm. But on days that are not super cold or super hot and the CW says just "Blues" then you have the option to choose between shirt sleeve or long sleeve blues short. The only time you don't have an option is when they specify which shirt to wear. Overall you will be fine with weather, the CW puts into consideration on how to dress us so we can be warm.
 
I have some questions relating to Sponsors during your time as cadet?

Please note that I do not mean to in any way question or diminish the contribution that the families who so generously offer to be sponsor families for cadets are making. However, I am curious about the concept of sponsor families. This seems to be a concept which is fully embraced by the Service Academies and somewhat unique to them. I’m puzzled about it and how the typical cadet views this during their progression from C4C to C1C.

  1. What percentage of cadets have sponsor families?
  2. I suspect it may be the extent to which the Academy’s environment is structured, one might even say it is rigid particularly for ones C4C year, which may drive interest in a sponsor family. Is it the need to be able to escape this structure even if for only a brief period which is the greatest value in having a sponsor family? Is this primarily a C4C year thing? What’s the frequency of visits to sponsor homes across your years as a cadet?
  3. I had initially thought that a major benefit was logistical support and the ability to have access to items which might not be allowed on campus for the beginning of their C4C year. However, recent posts would seem to indicate that things like bicycles, ski equipment, and associated clothing are allowed. Although, I’m not certain as to where they can actually store such items on campus. To what extent is this a key benefit of having a sponsor family?
  4. I would have thought that most free time would be spent with fellow cadets. Is it the case that most visits to sponsor families involve multiple cadets during the same visit? So your are with your peers but in a less structured environment. While I’m sure the sponsor families are great people, I’m not certain that the cadet being off with them would be that much of an attraction.
  5. I can certainly see the benefit for short breaks like Thanksgiving or three day weekends. Although, in traditional university settings, for short breaks students might be invited to homes of classmates who lived a bit closer. Does USAFA academy literally empty out for such holidays. For example can you stay at the Academy for Thanksgiving break? Is it a ghost town?
  6. I am of the impression that most sponsor families have ties to the military. For those who were not raised in a military family, is having personal time with someone who has been a career member of the service a key benefit?

Any comments or thoughts regarding any of the foregoing and how one interacts or values sponsor families while enrolled would be appreciated.


My DS is a 19er so I can try to answer some of these questions about sponsor families.

I am not sure of the percentage of doolies or upperclassmen that have sponsor families but I know that not all do.

We met our DS's sponsor family in April at the Appointee Day tours. Their DS is also a 19er. This family has been amazing!! They picked him up at airport for I day and delivered him along with their DS and another young man to the academy for I day. Our DS wanted to do it alone without us there. After A day, would go visit and take lunch to them and be like actual parents to him. He has his own room at their house. DS visits them just about every weekend for at least one night. Hopefully this relationship will continue.

Key benefit....having a home away from home! Also, we are able to mail packages to their house for faster pickup.....USAFA post office has its flaws.

My sons sponsor family will from time to time have other cadets over but mostly it is just the 2 Doolies. DS's sponsor parents are both retired AF and their older son attended an east coast service academy so they get it and are a huge support for our DS and us. Some cadets do stay on base during Thanksgiving but I am not sure about Christmas.

I think our experience and the experience of our DS is probably different from others. Having a sponsor family has given our DS some much needed down time from the rigors of the academy. It has really been a saving grace!
 
What are my chances of being appointed to the Academy with the JROTC nomination? I could not receive the MOC nom. but did receive the JROTC one. I heard only 20 people across the nation may receive an appointment through the JROTC nomination. Also, does the prep school require the applicant to have a a nomination? Do you think it would be possible to get an appointment to the prep school with an JROTC nomination? Sorry for all these questions. Thank you in advance!!
 
How rigorous do I need to be with my grades in order to make sure my appointment is not rescinded by the Academy?
 
How rigorous do I need to be with my grades in order to make sure my appointment is not rescinded by the Academy?

Don't back off....USAFA does get your final transcript! You need to finish strong just in case Plan B has to be used. A basic cadet in my DS's squad severely broke his leg during BCT and had to leave. He is now attending his plan b school.
 
How rigorous do I need to be with my grades in order to make sure my appointment is not rescinded by the Academy?

They get your final transcripts, a C will make them roll their eyes, a D will raise serious eyebrows, and an F will start paperwork. Just keep the same grades as you got in with and youre golden
 
Just graduated last May, can give my honest opinions/advice on the academy and how to get in.

How long did you have to endure the dreaded wait to get your appointment?

Should an applicant call to check on their status?

If it wasn't specified that you "lettered" in your Varsity sports should you update that?
 
Just graduated last May, can give my honest opinions/advice on the academy and how to get in.

I have currently received an appointment to West Point and now I am "patiently" waiting to hear back from USAFA and USNA. This being said, in the event that I am fortunate enough to be offered an appointment to USAFA, I am having a very difficult time trying to decide between USAFA and West Point (hypothetically of course). I was wondering if you, or anyone else, could elaborate on how USAFA and West Point differ in terms of academic rigor, lifestyle, opportunities, plebe year difficulty, free time etc. I have a family member who attended USAFA but I'm sure many things have changed since the class of '81!

Also, Whiskey what was your major?

Thanks.
 
Probably a silly question to some, but for our appointee kit it asks to state what size shirt we'll need. Would you say the t-shirts for BCT are true to size or would you suggest ordering a size up? The portal states that once we submit, we can't change it, so I just want to make sure. Thanks!
 
If they use the same manufacturer they have the past few years, the shirts actually run pretty huge. I ordered XS and they fit like a small.
 
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