I-day Schedule

Hebaragi

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Feb 3, 2017
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Can someone give me a detail information as to what happens after the I see my DS off on the bus? I know that next day there is a ceremony, but what time does it end and is there any other activities for the parents. I am asking this because I am on a tight budget and wanted to know when all the activities end and about what time? What I read on the post everything should end on Friday. Is that correct? Any info will be greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you, Hoodlum 15, for this great information. I wasn't sure of even the I-Day date. Navy I-Day is the same day, but USMA is 3 Jul.
 
I Day timeline will depend on actual report time, which will not be known until your DS has his squadron assignment for BCT. The Colorado Parents' Club usually hosts a cookout and opportunity to send your first postcard and a picture among other things after you drop off your son. This all ends in the afternoon.
The next morning is the swearing in ceremony about 0900. But, be there early to get a spot on the Chapel wall to watch. This ends about 1000. After that, nothing else formally.
 
After you see your DS off, there isn't any formal event until the swearing in ceremony next morning. Your work is done.

There is an optional lunch hosted by the Colorado Parents Club. After lunch, you may choose to "look" for your DS with his squadron "marching", from the Chapel area. Good luck trying to pick him out. Bring a binos if you're going to attempt it.

Also, if you're planning on attending the swearing in ceremony and if you want to have unobstructed view of the ceremony, I suggest getting there at least 2hrs before. Congrats!
 
Just a recommendation if you're on a tight budget: let your DS go to USAFA on her own using the bed and breakfast program and go out for A-day instead. My parents couldn't come to either, but I was glad to be on my own and done with my good byes and family tears a day prior (to get my head straight and focused). As for A day, I was pretty sad I didn't have any family there for the small window of time we could spend together (something like 2 hours)
 
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Just a recommendation if you're on a tight budget: let your DS go to USAFA on her own using the bed and breakfast program and go out for A-day instead. My parents couldn't come to either, but I was glad to be on my own and done with my good byes and family tears a day prior (to get my head straight and focused). As for A day, I was pretty sad I didn't have any family there for the small window of time we could spend together (something like 2 hours)

Thank you for our recommendation, I am budgeting this trip so that one of us (Parent) could attend the A-Day.
 
Just a recommendation if you're on a tight budget: let your DS go to USAFA on her own using the bed and breakfast program and go out for A-day instead. My parents couldn't come to either, but I was glad to be on my own and done with my good byes and family tears a day prior (to get my head straight and focused). As for A day, I was pretty sad I didn't have any family there for the small window of time we could spend together (something like 2 hours)

Thank you for our recommendation, I am budgeting this trip so that one of us (Parent) could attend the A-Day.

I agree with USAFA10s. Skip I-Day in lieu of both parents going to A-Day. You'll get more time with your DS (as compared to I-Day). Also, having the opportunity to watch your DS get his shoulder boards is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
 
We went to the Academy the day before I Day and found out what squad my DS was in. The next morning he was antsy to get going and actually ended up reporting about an hour earlier than scheduled. Once you are on the campus and parked it goes really fast. Your DS/DD will go through a short line to sign in and place their backpack/things. You can then accompany them to a short orientation speech (less than 10 minutes if I recall correctly). At the end of the orientation they literally give you a couple of minutes for good-byes and usher the Cadets into the Doolittle and upstairs for inprocessing. This takes about 15 minutes and then can watch as they come down at attention and stand by the door awaiting the Cadre who takes them on a short stroll until they get their backpacks and get in line to get on the bus. This is the last opportunity for an up close view of your child as they enter BCT.

We went back inside and visited several booths that provided some great information on pay, bank accounts, etc. After about 30 minutes we left and headed back to the hotel. The next morning we at USAFA early scoping a spot on the wall with what seemed like a thousand other parents. The parade was quick and you will be surprised by the progress of one night of work. You will be done by mid-morning.
 
Last year, we arrived shortly after 0700 and the wall was already full. How early you can get there will depend on whether or not you have to use the visitor gate, which if I recall correctly, does not allow visitors to enter until 0700. If you have a DoD ID, you can get in earlier.
 
Last year, we arrived shortly after 0700 and the wall was already full. How early you can get there will depend on whether or not you have to use the visitor gate, which if I recall correctly, does not allow visitors to enter until 0700. If you have a DoD ID, you can get in earlier.

Sorry But What is DoD ID?
 
Sorry But What is DoD ID?

Dept of Defense ID card. Issued to military and DOD civilians for access to govt installations. You would know if you had one. Official form of ID for active duty, Guard, Reserve, retired, family members.
 
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