Interaction with ALO

DS has initial meeting with ALO next week. Any advice for him? From what I've seen on this site it would seem to be frowned on that a parent becomes involved dependent's application process, but should a parent have discussions with ALO?

My DS started visiting with our ALO in the 7th or 8th grade (usually once a year and sometimes by email or phone). We never participated and let them build their own relationship. It worked well for us.

My DD didn't meet her ALO until the interview (he was too busy with current applicants, job, etc.) Both Navy BGO and AF ALO met with us, but not until right after the interview.

So, I recommend that your son sit with the ALO without you present (ALO may ask you to leave anyway). Then ask your questions after.

It all depends if you're talking about just a "Get to know each other" meeting; or an interview. MOST of the applicants I had, I arranged meetings with before the actual interview. Sometimes, because of distance, we'd simply chat on the phone for an hour or so. I'd answer questions about the academy, about the process, about academy/air force life, backup plans, etc. I had no problems with parents being there and asking their own questions. Matter of fact, most of the time if we were going to meet, I'd go to their house. I didn't mind mom, dad, sister mary, or brother john asking questions.

Now, the interview, that's a totally different story. It's not a matter of SHOULD a parent or SHOULDN'T a parent. I was quite clear.... The parent IS NOT ALLOWED to be anywhere near me and little bobby/susie during the interview. I've had a couple of parents ask why not; and even be a little persistent about it. My answer is quite simple. If they want to sit in an academy interview, then THEY can apply to the academy.

I say this generically. As Flieger will testify to, each ALO has their own way of doing things. Some are very involved with the applicants; (Flieger); some aren't so involved. Some use the meetings and interview also as mentoring moments where the give advice to the applicant on how to do the application, how to interview with the MOC, etc. Me personally; I don't want applicants coming to my interview dressed up in ties, dresses, suits, etc. I tell them specifically that I don't want it. I do this for numerous reasons. 1) Will they follow my instructions, or listen to others saying they need to dress up. 2) I want them relaxed so I can get to know the REAL applicant. Not a bunch of canned memorized interview answers.

Anyway, each ALO is different. I'd recommend asking you son/daughter/applicant to check with their ALO. If it's just a get to know each other meeting, have your child ask if mom/dad can come too because you have some questions and would like to know more. Especially about supporting and assisting your child where you can. Most ALO's like parents who are supportive. If the alo prefers you not be there, then make a list of questions you wan answers to and have your child bring those up in the meeting.

My ALO requires 3 interviews with him to make sure you and he are comfortable with each other. The first interview requires a parent to be there just so they can sit in and ask any questions they might have about the Academy/process. By no means are they allowed to input facts about the student, however. They are merely there to listen and ask questions at the end. The last 2 interviews are between the ALO and candidate only. All interactions must be done through the candidate as well, whether that be emailing or calling him.

One of the questions the ALO/BGO/MALO is going to ask is if the candidate wants to go to respective service academy or are they applying because the parents/teachers/dog/cat thinks they should go. That's one of the many reasons parents/teachers/dogs and cats are not allowed in the interviews.

Thanks for all the replies..... all good info! ALO termed this as a casual face to face meeting to discuss past accomplishments and future goals. But, in e-mail to DS he also called it an interview.

Moezam said:

Thanks for all the replies..... all good info! ALO termed this as a casual face to face meeting to discuss past accomplishments and future goals. But, in e-mail to DS he also called it an interview.

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Moezam, that's what DS BGO called it also, but asked that we are present for a bit. He told DS casual dress, he wore jeans and polo, BGO was wearing khaki shorts and Navy Shirt so we definitely felt comfortable.
He talked to all three of us for about an hour, then husband went to finish BBQ and I went to hang with our 3 yr old. They know they are nervous and we as parents also. Good luck!!