The USAFA Question

What is the advice as to how proceed regarding :
- ALO (M.I.A.)
- USAFA Counselor Unavailability
(Never heard once)
I wouldn't ask if this had a precedent, but this is the 1st time such event in an academic institution I plan to attend/attended to. I'd dare include such with jobs(relating to bosses and potential ones) and other areas.
And the advice so far is to resign and along such lines. I don't want to resign due 2 people or in the other hand fall into some sunk cost fallacy.

What do you guys suggest ? You guys have seen it all, so.

It's brutal. My DD has contacted her USAFA Counselor twice via email. No reply to either one. Fortunately, her queries weren't critical so she was able to work around the issue that she needed assistance. My DD was doing to ask her ALO if the Counselor is still around or if she got changed out and the portal hasn't reflected the new one yet.

Her ALO listed on her portal has been responsive. He says the USAFA changed things a bit, so he has to figure out if he's going to the interview or someone else will do it. We assumed it would be someone else because there was another post on this forum about this issue. I thought the final answer was the ALO listed in the portal will not be the one doing the interview and it'll be another ALO some distance away.


I met my ALO once and we had email correspondence. I was interviewed by someone from out of state. I was told this could happen during the first meeting.
 
Okay...I've read every post, sat through all the Monday morning quarterbacking, and put away my moderators cap. I'm now donning my ALO cap...so...read on.

First, its clear many have no clue how the process works with ALO's. Okay, I blame the ALO's for not telling you; or you for not listening. I don't know which it is but here's how the admissions process works when it comes to the USAFA Form 4060 interview.

ALO's are assigned in two categories: "Mentor ALO's" and "Evaluator ALO's." I happen to be both. The mentor ALO's mission/job is to do precisely that: mentor the candidate through the admissions process; responding to questions, helping with the paperwork, etc. They're the "big brother/big sister" in the process. The evaluator ALO is precisely that: an evaluator. Their role is to interview the candidate to a sufficient extent that they feel ready to fill out the 4060 evaluation of candidate. That's it.

SO...if a "reservist/corporate executive" takes a half hour to conduct the interview, don't try to second guess it because you don't have the knowledge and experience. Accept it and move on. If you saw the ALO conducting the interview while drinking a beer and reading the paper, then please forward to me your name and the ALO's name, or just your name, and I'll ensure that ALO is no longer in the program. If you didn't, then to put such a statement out is irresponsible of you. FYI, my interviews run 90-120 minutes...I dig...and dig...and question, and talk, and question some more...I get to know the individual in that interview; it's my one shot.

Now...let's turn to the counselors at USAFA. I called one yesterday about two students that are overseas. I was stunned, literally STUNNED when she picked up! I have been an ALO for 24 years, I have all the secret phone numbers that people on this forum don't...and I don't get a person 90% of the time. They're just that busy! I've been up there several times to work as a reservist and the amount of work the counselors have (there's only 10 of them for the entire world) is just mind boggling! They tell ME to e-mail and follow-up with a call. And be patient; and that's what I'll tell my candidates.

And finally, the role of the ALO. And BBBRRRTT, I'm going to use your comments as an example here: "I learned later that this was part of his reserve duty, so it was a sweet heart deal to add years to his service..." I'm guessing you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, so let me educate you and the rest of our members. The ALO is most often a category "E" reservist. A Cat "E" is a reservist that is not a "drilling" reservist assigned to a mobility unit. That means they don't drill on UTA (unit training activity) weekends, and they don't get called to active duty for two weeks in the summer/or whenever. They also are not paid. They receive no compensation of any kind for their service other than points for their retirement. So if an ALO in "Cat E" status has a school 300 miles away that they must visit, that's on them. If they require a hotel...on them...maintenance on the car...on them...meals...on them. And what do they receive in this "sweet deal to add years to their service?" For every four hours of verifiable (and it must be logged and attested to by the minute" they receive one point for retirement. So in a full day (8 hours) they could received two points. They are limited in the number of points they can count each year toward retirement; currently it's 105 points maximum, if my memory serves. So...does that mean they only work that many hours a year? Maybe and maybe not; but only that many points counts. And what do points do? First you must have at least 50 a year for a "good" year; which means that year counts for retirement. Then when you look at what those points mean, you check the value of the points in retirement monies. For a colonel with 30 years (me) a retirement point is worth $0.77125 per point. So...if a reservist has 5,000 points, and is a 30 year colonel, they are looking at a check (before taxes) of approximately $3856.25 per month, after they reach age 60.

And lastly...realize that many of our ALO's (reservist/corporate executives) have other careers. Many are airline pilots, others are corporate types, some are school teachers like me...almost all have jobs and families and the ALO thing is something they volunteer to do. They are busy; you may have no clue how busy. I have 28 schools I cover in the fifth largest city in the USA...that's a bit of a challenge with all I have on my plate. But I love helping young men and women achieve their goals so I do the job...my wife has asked me many times in the past years to end it..."you've done enough" she'll say but...I am not ready to give it up.

So...climbing down from my soapbox...cut the ALO some slack...if you have a real, legitimate complaint, immediately contact the LOD (Liaison Officer Director) for your area! They will want to know! If you don't know who that is, PM me...I can tell you. We don't want "half-hearted ALO's" in our program; we want the best and the motivated.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Thanks for the clarification, as you may have noticed, sometimes I post things on this forum a little over the top to get a response. It tends to work for gaining further information(as it did here). For the record, I even said the beer and newspaper comment was for illustrative effect, but I get it, for those that don't appreciate my use of sarcasm, I can see how it would look irresponsible of me. As for a 30 year colonel making $46,275 in retirement after their service, I am shocked(that sounds low). Now if that's an additional $46,275 for the ALO work then I am shocked in the other direction. As for points and 50 per year and 5000 total....I will be honest I get a little lost when airlines and credit cards companies start talking bonus points. Typically they talk points in order to confuse the consumer.....but really I appreciate what you all do, just wanted to get some more info. Finally, I will state without any open auditing of results of applications by an oversight group, I have to assume it's the admissions way or the highway, and yes as a government entity, I believe there should be publically verifiable oversight in the entire admissions process. As one of the long timers on this forum once challenged me, I will throw out a healthy challenge to you as well. First, I would love to see a government chart(current year) that shows the retirement of a 30 year colonel at 46K per year. Secondly, I would challenge you to post an audit performed by an oversight group that evaluates the admissions process.
 
"As for a 30 year colonel making $46,275 in retirement after their service, I am shocked(that sounds low). Now if that's an additional $46,275 for the ALO work then I am shocked in the other direction. As for points and 50 per year and 5000 total....I will be honest I get a little lost when airlines and credit cards companies start talking bonus points. Typically they talk points in order to confuse the consumer.....but really I appreciate what you all do, just wanted to get some more info. Finally, I will state without any open auditing of results of applications by an oversight group, I have to assume it's the admissions way or the highway, and yes as a government entity, I believe there should be publicly verifiable oversight in the entire admissions process. As one of the long timers on this forum once challenged me, I will throw out a healthy challenge to you as well. First, I would love to see a government chart(current year) that shows the retirement of a 30 year colonel at 46K per year. Secondly, I would challenge you to post an audit performed by an oversight group that evaluates the admissions process."

First, I "cherry picked" the parts I wanted to address, so not all is here. Second...the monies I described for a 30 year reserve colonel was based upon my own example and nobody else's. I have 14 years of active duty and 18 years of reserve duty. That's how I picked up @5,200 points. An active duty retirement at 20 years actually has 7,300 points but active duty members don't realize that, typically (I was never told about points when I was active duty). And the amount was for their service; not ALO duty, that's part of their service if they're Cat "E" status. And FYI...military pay charts are public knowledge, available all over the internet. You can see how much anyone in the military is paid. Understanding the retirement process will allow you to determine what the retirement check would be. Had I stayed on active duty for 30 years and retired as a colonel...the "pension" if you will would be: $104,400.00 per annum. That figure because I would qualify for the 50% at 20 years plus 2 1/2 % per year afterward, which equates to 75% of the base pay, which is $139,200.00.

Public oversight of the admissions process is performed by the academy board of visitors. They're easy to identify via the web and you can see who they are and what they do. As for "throwing me a challenge" frankly, you can try but to what end, I don't know. I just gave you the retirement information for me; it's different for every member, and right now with members falling under several retirement plans, you'll have to do the due diligence. As for challenging me to post an audit of the admissions process; again, you'll have to contact the board of visitors about that. They report to the SECDEF via the superintendent, CofS, and SECAF. You can read all about their duties in their bylaws which are posted online.

But we digress...we should move back to the topic.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
"As for a 30 year colonel making $46,275 in retirement after their service, I am shocked(that sounds low). Now if that's an additional $46,275 for the ALO work then I am shocked in the other direction. As for points and 50 per year and 5000 total....I will be honest I get a little lost when airlines and credit cards companies start talking bonus points. Typically they talk points in order to confuse the consumer.....but really I appreciate what you all do, just wanted to get some more info. Finally, I will state without any open auditing of results of applications by an oversight group, I have to assume it's the admissions way or the highway, and yes as a government entity, I believe there should be publicly verifiable oversight in the entire admissions process. As one of the long timers on this forum once challenged me, I will throw out a healthy challenge to you as well. First, I would love to see a government chart(current year) that shows the retirement of a 30 year colonel at 46K per year. Secondly, I would challenge you to post an audit performed by an oversight group that evaluates the admissions process."

First, I "cherry picked" the parts I wanted to address, so not all is here. Second...the monies I described for a 30 year reserve colonel was based upon my own example and nobody else's. I have 14 years of active duty and 18 years of reserve duty. That's how I picked up @5,200 points. An active duty retirement at 20 years actually has 7,300 points but active duty members don't realize that, typically (I was never told about points when I was active duty). And the amount was for their service; not ALO duty, that's part of their service if they're Cat "E" status. And FYI...military pay charts are public knowledge, available all over the internet. You can see how much anyone in the military is paid. Understanding the retirement process will allow you to determine what the retirement check would be. Had I stayed on active duty for 30 years and retired as a colonel...the "pension" if you will would be: $104,400.00 per annum. That figure because I would qualify for the 50% at 20 years plus 2 1/2 % per year afterward, which equates to 75% of the base pay, which is $139,200.00.

Public oversight of the admissions process is performed by the academy board of visitors. They're easy to identify via the web and you can see who they are and what they do. As for "throwing me a challenge" frankly, you can try but to what end, I don't know. I just gave you the retirement information for me; it's different for every member, and right now with members falling under several retirement plans, you'll have to do the due diligence. As for challenging me to post an audit of the admissions process; again, you'll have to contact the board of visitors about that. They report to the SECDEF via the superintendent, CofS, and SECAF. You can read all about their duties in their bylaws which are posted online.

But we digress...we should move back to the topic.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
I appreciate your candor. You sir are truly what makes this country great! Thank you for your ongoing service.
 
Hey Blue Baron, If you have specific questions, fire them away here on this forum (after searching for previous posts of the same, of course :)

What you guys think? I've obtained contraire advice with that..ie the warm-hearted lady who was reviewing my essay..
 

What you guys think? I've obtained contraire advice with that..ie the warm-hearted lady who was reviewing my essay..

Interesting video. Wait, that's not a proper sentence!
I never start a sentence with and, but, or because. But sometimes I do.
Prepositions, colons, well, that all depends. But on a forum, grammar rules and my general lackadaisical writing style don't matter. If you are writing an essay for your college application, however, I'd suggest you do your best to clean up the grammar.
It's your essay, your words. Make sure your command of the English language and usage do not distract from your message. You should be able to improve any sentence by rewriting it so you are no using or misusing any controversial point of grammar. When it comes to editing your essays, if you are not confidant with the advice you received from one warm-hearted lady, go ask another. :)
 
Thanks for the clarification, as you may have noticed, sometimes I post things on this forum a little over the top to get a response.

Not exactly kindly considering those folks who give up their time and energy to assist young folks. Want a response? Put your finger in a light socket.

- - - - -
Thank you for your advice. I like to think my contributions to the forum have been fruitful and helpful to some. Perhaps you don't like the circuitous route I use to get to some information. Frankly, I am enjoying the sharing of ideas on this forum, and find it to be quite a nice resource for all.
 
Thanks for the clarification, as you may have noticed, sometimes I post things on this forum a little over the top to get a response.

Not exactly kindly considering those folks who give up their time and energy to assist young folks. Want a response? Put your finger in a light socket.

- - - - -
Thank you for your advice. I like to think my contributions to the forum have been fruitful and helpful to some. Perhaps you don't like the circuitous route I use to get to some information. Frankly, I am enjoying the sharing of ideas on this forum, and find it to be quite a nice resource for all.
Seems like we're feeding a troll.
 
Thanks for the clarification, as you may have noticed, sometimes I post things on this forum a little over the top to get a response.

Not exactly kindly considering those folks who give up their time and energy to assist young folks. Want a response? Put your finger in a light socket.

- - - - -
Thank you for your advice. I like to think my contributions to the forum have been fruitful and helpful to some. Perhaps you don't like the circuitous route I use to get to some information. Frankly, I am enjoying the sharing of ideas on this forum, and find it to be quite a nice resource for all.
Seems like we're feeding a troll.
I shall wear my "troll" badge with pride:) BBBRRRTT-"the one eyed" troll. I like it!
 
The last 2 posters..really?:cool:
Hint: Why are there "" in his comment?
@Stealth_81 ..yours especially seems like a SIRI reply. Or like policemen in a station in a slow month looking for some action.
Thanks for the clarification, as you may have noticed, sometimes I post things on this forum a little over the top to get a response.

Not exactly kindly considering those folks who give up their time and energy to assist young folks. Want a response? Put your finger in a light socket.

- - - - -
Thank you for your advice. I like to think my contributions to the forum have been fruitful and helpful to some. .. and find it to be quite a nice resource for all.
Yeah. Every bit helps; The latest being garnering a bit more of respect for the SA's and me already forming a group for SB. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
It has become very disheartening to read some of these threads. I've found this to be a very helpful site. I've gotten great answers to my many questions. For some of you that want to be disrespectful, rude and quite frankly spending too much time looking around to only go back and forth with people that are trying to help......please, please stop. There are founding members, moderators and service men and women that are ONLY trying to be helpful in this arena. I'm trying not to get off of this all together because it has become really outrageous with a few of these comments, that are quite frankly hard to understand at times. Please allow those that are taking this process seriously to have a platform to do so. If that's not your aim try and refrain from all the negativity.

As I've said before, thank you to all who have taken the time to give sound advice and answer questions. If no one else says it, thank you for your service!!! That means on this site as well. You all did not have to take the time to do this but you do and I certainly appreciate it.
 
I shall wear my "troll" badge with pride:) BBBRRRTT-"the one eyed" troll. I like it!
If you think people around here (or elsewhere...like the service academies) really appreciate those who actively try to be disruptive and act disrespectful toward those who are trying to help them...you might want to stop and reassess.
I appreciate the advice and shall pull it back per your request. I did not realize the majority of my comments were coming across as disruptive and disrespectful. For that I apologize to all those offended. I have had a few "moments" that I spoke without considering the broad audience that read this, but for those instances, I felt I explained my position and apologized where necessary.
As for disruptors, I have always been a big fan of positive disruptors. Just off the cuff a few of my favorite disruptors are Jesus(Overturning the tables in the temple) and our Commander-in-Chief (Draining the swamp). They appear to have made very positive impacts on people, organizations, and society as a whole. I can think of many examples of positive disruptors being good for organizations.
I can only ask that the forum keep an open mind and understand that we all have flaws and none of us are perfect. "let him who is without sin cast the first stone" p.o. John 8:7



 
I shall wear my "troll" badge with pride:) BBBRRRTT-"the one eyed" troll. I like it!

So you are here to troll this board?

Stealth_81
Not my goal at all. I only mentioned the "troll" word since kittkatt had mentioned feeding a troll.

My primary goal of contributing to the forum was my original post regarding "Blue Chip" and "Recruited Athlete" technical meaning at USAFA. I believe that thread has been a pure success in putting out much needed information regarding the lack of a technical meaning of these terms. As with the number of views being well over 6000, I would have to say many others have found the thread quite valuable as well. So no, trolling is not my intent, getting sound information out to recruits was.
 
Back
Top