June 28, 2018 In-Processing Day

kcusafa2022

kcusafa2022

Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2018
Messages
10
I will be flying with my DS to USAFA. In regards to June 28th, What is the average time (if any) when I would depart from my DS at USAFA, so I may make appropriate flight arrangements to fly back home? I will be flying back home from Denver.
 
kcusafa2022 said:
I will be flying with my DS to USAFA. In regards to June 28th, What is the average time (if any) when I would depart from my DS at USAFA, so I may make appropriate flight arrangements to fly back home? I will be flying back home from Denver.
Click to expand...

It will depend on his report time, which will depend on his squadron assignment. It could be as late as 1:00 in the afternoon, or later.
 
If you are able, you might want to consider flying home the next day. The swearing in will be held the morning after I-Day around 9:00. This is an event you can watch from the chapel wall. You will easily be able to make an afternoon flight after it is over.
 
vballmom said:
If you are able, you might want to consider flying home the next day. The swearing in will be held the morning after I-Day around 9:00. This is an event you can watch from the chapel wall. You will easily be able to make an afternoon flight after it is over.
Click to expand...

I agree. You will not be able to interact with your cadet during the swearing in ceremony, but I found watching ~1,200 cadets recite the oath of office to be a very powerful experience. For those opting between traveling to I-Day or A-Day, I would recommend A-Day, but if traveling out for I-Day, consider staying for the swearing in (just plan on getting there early for a good viewing spot).
 
Each appointee will be assigned to a BCT squardon and will have a reporting time based off that squadron assignment (assuming of course that the schedule is like previous years). Reporting times are staggered throughout the morning. Once your appointee enters Doolittle hall, you can watch for him/her to come back down the stairs and exit out the back. Then you can go outside for a better view as they come over the bridge and board the bus. Times vary, but the outdoor tour can take 20+ minutes. Once you wave goodbye to the bus, you are done and your child is off on an exciting new adventure!

There's lots of info for parents inside Doolittle Hall. Once your DS/DD is on the bus, you might want to go back inside and have a look around. Don't get distracted by the displays when your appointee first goes in or you will miss them coming down the stairs. Last year the AOG also had a tent setup outside for USAFA gear. You can get your class of 2022 shirts/bags/pins, etc.

Plan to stay for the free family picnic lunch hosted by the Colorado Parents Club. You will have a chance to write your first letter to your new Basic Cadet that they hand deliver to each squadron. They also sell a handy Parents Guide and you have a chance to purchase Goodie bags they deliver throughout the year. It's all fundraising to cover the picnic costs.

The next morning is the swearing in ceremony. If you go to USAFA with your child, STAY for the swearing in ceremony. One change I've heard for this year is it will NOT be at the Chapel wall, but at Stillman Parade field, so there are bleachers. However you *may* not be able to carry in food/drinks. If that's the case, no worries because it's a quick ceremony. Personally, I think you should have a much better view than on the Chapel wall. I was there early last year to watch, but I couldn't see a thing. I think everyone with a military pass came in even earlier thru the South Gate. Regardless, it was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to be there.

From the Parent Liason: "The 2022 Swearing In Ceremony is confirmed for 29 June 18, 8:30 - 9:00 am in Stillman Parade Field. The Northgate will open early at 7:00 am so parents can get to the parade field. Park at the Field House and walk across the street and up the hill for the parade field. No backpacks please, but diaper bags are allowed. Small signs are allowed, but remember you will be blocking other guests sitting on the stands."

Allow yourself plenty of time to walk from the parking lot up the hill to Stillman, especially if you are coming from sea level!!!

The Basic Cadet squadrons line up A - H with Aggressors to your LEFT and Hellcats to the far RIGHT, as you face the field, so sit accordingly.
 
2021mom said:
Each appointee will be assigned to a BCT squardon and will have a reporting time based off that squadron assignment (assuming of course that the schedule is like previous years). Reporting times are staggered throughout the morning. Once your appointee enters Doolittle hall, you can watch for him/her to come back down the stairs and exit out the back. Then you can go outside for a better view as they come over the bridge and board the bus. Times vary, but the outdoor tour can take 20+ minutes. Once you wave goodbye to the bus, you are done and your child is off on an exciting new adventure!

There's lots of info for parents inside Doolittle Hall. Once your DS/DD is on the bus, you might want to go back inside and have a look around. Don't get distracted by the displays when your appointee first goes in or you will miss them coming down the stairs. Last year the AOG also had a tent setup outside for USAFA gear. You can get your class of 2022 shirts/bags/pins, etc.

Plan to stay for the free family picnic lunch hosted by the Colorado Parents Club. You will have a chance to write your first letter to your new Basic Cadet that they hand deliver to each squadron. They also sell a handy Parents Guide and you have a chance to purchase Goodie bags they deliver throughout the year. It's all fundraising to cover the picnic costs.

The next morning is the swearing in ceremony. If you go to USAFA with your child, STAY for the swearing in ceremony. One change I've heard for this year is it will NOT be at the Chapel wall, but at Stillman Parade field, so there are bleachers. However you *may* not be able to carry in food/drinks. If that's the case, no worries because it's a quick ceremony. Personally, I think you should have a much better view than on the Chapel wall. I was there early last year to watch, but I couldn't see a thing. I think everyone with a military pass came in even earlier thru the South Gate. Regardless, it was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to be there.

From the Parent Liason: "The 2022 Swearing In Ceremony is confirmed for 29 June 18, 8:30 - 9:00 am in Stillman Parade Field. The Northgate will open early at 7:00 am so parents can get to the parade field. Park at the Field House and walk across the street and up the hill for the parade field. No backpacks please, but diaper bags are allowed. Small signs are allowed, but remember you will be blocking other guests sitting on the stands."

Allow yourself plenty of time to walk from the parking lot up the hill to Stillman, especially if you are coming from sea level!!!

The Basic Cadet squadrons line up A - H with Aggressors to your LEFT and Hellcats to the far RIGHT, as you face the field, so sit accordingly.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you for the details. I appreciate everyone's time for helping.
 
TRM said:
2021mom said:
Each appointee will be assigned to a BCT squardon and will have a reporting time based off that squadron assignment (assuming of course that the schedule is like previous years). Reporting times are staggered throughout the morning. Once your appointee enters Doolittle hall, you can watch for him/her to come back down the stairs and exit out the back. Then you can go outside for a better view as they come over the bridge and board the bus. Times vary, but the outdoor tour can take 20+ minutes. Once you wave goodbye to the bus, you are done and your child is off on an exciting new adventure!

There's lots of info for parents inside Doolittle Hall. Once your DS/DD is on the bus, you might want to go back inside and have a look around. Don't get distracted by the displays when your appointee first goes in or you will miss them coming down the stairs. Last year the AOG also had a tent setup outside for USAFA gear. You can get your class of 2022 shirts/bags/pins, etc.

Plan to stay for the free family picnic lunch hosted by the Colorado Parents Club. You will have a chance to write your first letter to your new Basic Cadet that they hand deliver to each squadron. They also sell a handy Parents Guide and you have a chance to purchase Goodie bags they deliver throughout the year. It's all fundraising to cover the picnic costs.

The next morning is the swearing in ceremony. If you go to USAFA with your child, STAY for the swearing in ceremony. One change I've heard for this year is it will NOT be at the Chapel wall, but at Stillman Parade field, so there are bleachers. However you *may* not be able to carry in food/drinks. If that's the case, no worries because it's a quick ceremony. Personally, I think you should have a much better view than on the Chapel wall. I was there early last year to watch, but I couldn't see a thing. I think everyone with a military pass came in even earlier thru the South Gate. Regardless, it was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to be there.

From the Parent Liason: "The 2022 Swearing In Ceremony is confirmed for 29 June 18, 8:30 - 9:00 am in Stillman Parade Field. The Northgate will open early at 7:00 am so parents can get to the parade field. Park at the Field House and walk across the street and up the hill for the parade field. No backpacks please, but diaper bags are allowed. Small signs are allowed, but remember you will be blocking other guests sitting on the stands."

Allow yourself plenty of time to walk from the parking lot up the hill to Stillman, especially if you are coming from sea level!!!

The Basic Cadet squadrons line up A - H with Aggressors to your LEFT and Hellcats to the far RIGHT, as you face the field, so sit accordingly.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Walking across the bridge from Dolittle Hall to pick up their gear and board the bus is a MUST see and a treasured photo op. Each of the BCT squadrons have badges and there is a stripe of color at the bottom. It really helped me figure out when to start looking in earnest. My DD was a Flying Tiger (Red) and so I knew that I really had to start looking as soon as I started to see red striped badges appearing. That color coding actually helps immensely through out BCT as it is yet another "identifier" when trying to locate your cadet, but that's a story for another day. I left as soon as my DD entered the bus as it was her journey and I really didn't want her to worry about what we were doing but rather allow her to focus on what she needed to focus on. (herself)
 
2021mom said:
Don't get distracted by the displays when your appointee first goes in or you will miss them coming down the stairs
Click to expand...
This did indeed happen to us and we did NOT see our DS (2021 class) coming down. Fast forward another hour or so waiting and still did not see our DS. We finally asked and was told that our DS was doing well and not to worry. Haha. We can laugh about it now.
 
Another reason for leaving THE NEXT DAY; besides the swearing in and the great things prior posts have mentioned.

NOTE: This is NOT DIRECTED at kcusafa2022 . Most people know I write in the 3rd person for OTHERS also interested.

If you're going to go to the trouble of flying or driving with your son/daughter to the academy for "I-Day", there is the occasional times when the new candidate gets BEYOND Cold Feet, and they totally CHANGE THEIR MIND. I remember one a few years back where mom and dad drove them down, dropped them off, watch them go through Doolittle Hall and get on the bus. The parents hung out for a little bit and drove off.

The NEW APPOINTEE didn't get 10 feet off the bus; looked around; and said "Hell with this; I change my mind". From what I remember, I don't even think they got as far as standing on the "Foot prints". FORTUNATELY, mom and dad were only a few miles away driving. They got a call to come pick up their child.

A lot of things can change in 24 hours. Not saying good, bad, or indifferent. Simply saying; IF you're going to drive or fly down to the academy to drop off your son/daughter, (For whatever reason), it probably isn't going to hurt you to stick around 1 day. Some have taken their family on a family vacation; and at the end, they timed it to drive their son/daughter to the academy for I-Day. One extra day won't kill you. JUST IN CASE!!!

Plus, like the others have said, the swearing in ceremony and such is a nice touch to the beginning and worth watching. My wife/daughter and I dropped off my son to I-Day. We only live 2-3 hours away. After he got on the bus, we went down town colorado springs and got some lunch. Waited a couple hours. Didn't hear from our son, so we figured he isn't changing his mind; and we headed back to Wyoming. But if you're coming in from far off; driving or flying; stick around 1 extra day. If no one changes "Their Mind", you'll at least get to see a PROUD Swearing In Ceremony.

mike
 
If you’re planning to attend the swearing in ceremony the following morning, take YOUR OWN pair of binoculars ! I was first row at the chapel wall, immediately in front of our DS squadron, and couldn’t find him. My kind neighbor allowed me a few looks through theirs, but it’s a sea of camo, trust me, it’s going to take awhile to locate your DS/DD.
 
pa_ptmom said:
If you’re planning to attend the swearing in ceremony the following morning, take YOUR OWN pair of binoculars ! I was first row at the chapel wall, immediately in front of our DS squadron, and couldn’t find him. My kind neighbor allowed me a few looks through theirs, but it’s a sea of camo, trust me, it’s going to take awhile to locate your DS/DD.
Click to expand...

Swearing in for BCT 2018 is at STILLMAN FIELD this year not the chapel. I'm glad they moved it to this location. Enough bleacher seating for everyone. I would still recommend you get there early because of parking and an uphill walk from the parking lots (unless you are taking the handicapped shuttle.) Only downside is you may not see your cadet as easily as the chapel vantage point. Have fun and enjoy the ride.
 
2021mom said:
Each appointee will be assigned to a BCT squardon and will have a reporting time based off that squadron assignment (assuming of course that the schedule is like previous years). Reporting times are staggered throughout the morning. Once your appointee enters Doolittle hall, you can watch for him/her to come back down the stairs and exit out the back. Then you can go outside for a better view as they come over the bridge and board the bus. Times vary, but the outdoor tour can take 20+ minutes. Once you wave goodbye to the bus, you are done and your child is off on an exciting new adventure!

There's lots of info for parents inside Doolittle Hall. Once your DS/DD is on the bus, you might want to go back inside and have a look around. Don't get distracted by the displays when your appointee first goes in or you will miss them coming down the stairs. Last year the AOG also had a tent setup outside for USAFA gear. You can get your class of 2022 shirts/bags/pins, etc.

Plan to stay for the free family picnic lunch hosted by the Colorado Parents Club. You will have a chance to write your first letter to your new Basic Cadet that they hand deliver to each squadron. They also sell a handy Parents Guide and you have a chance to purchase Goodie bags they deliver throughout the year. It's all fundraising to cover the picnic costs.

The next morning is the swearing in ceremony. If you go to USAFA with your child, STAY for the swearing in ceremony. One change I've heard for this year is it will NOT be at the Chapel wall, but at Stillman Parade field, so there are bleachers. However you *may* not be able to carry in food/drinks. If that's the case, no worries because it's a quick ceremony. Personally, I think you should have a much better view than on the Chapel wall. I was there early last year to watch, but I couldn't see a thing. I think everyone with a military pass came in even earlier thru the South Gate. Regardless, it was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to be there.

From the Parent Liason: "The 2022 Swearing In Ceremony is confirmed for 29 June 18, 8:30 - 9:00 am in Stillman Parade Field. The Northgate will open early at 7:00 am so parents can get to the parade field. Park at the Field House and walk across the street and up the hill for the parade field. No backpacks please, but diaper bags are allowed. Small signs are allowed, but remember you will be blocking other guests sitting on the stands."

Allow yourself plenty of time to walk from the parking lot up the hill to Stillman, especially if you are coming from sea level!!!

The Basic Cadet squadrons line up A - H with Aggressors to your LEFT and Hellcats to the far RIGHT, as you face the field, so sit accordingly.
Click to expand...
Couldn't have said that better myself. Crazy the 21 is closing in on a year already. DS was an Agressor, now with Wolfpack.
 
It was a wonderful experience seeing DS off, being there with him and supporting him on I- Day. We saw him coming down the stairs @ Doolittle Hall and were <20 ft from his bus. He sat in the front passenger seat and was able to make eye contact with us for some pics. We saw the face that was eager, anxious, and nervous. However, we also saw a face of our boy becoming a man embarking on an fantastic journey. It was a moving view.

We did view the swearing in ceremony held on the next day as well. It was very nice seeing the entire 2021 class in BDUs preparing to take on BCT.
We stayed in Colorado Springs til Labor Day.

We couldn't miss A-Day. Those few hours spent with our DS were precious.
 
Last edited:
2021mom said:
Park at the Field House and walk across the street and up the hill for the parade field.
Click to expand...

That "hill" is on one heck of a serious incline... There's no shame in taking the bus..you'll wish you did about half-way up! Plan to have to empty water bottles to enter, but water is available just after screening. There are usually maps indicating how the squadrons line up in formation facing the stands, maybe another poster can put it up, but anyway, there are usually maps available. Enjoy!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top