ALO
- Thread starter Drew_22
- Start date
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- May 29, 2008
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- 104
I agree with kevster, it should be on your online application page. Although, since you're a sophomore now applying for the class of 2015 (correct?), maybe your online page is different. If you can't find his/her number though, I would try calling your Regional Director. You should be able to reach them through the number listed on this page:
http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/preparation/alo.php
Hope this helps!
http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/preparation/alo.php
Hope this helps!
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Hi!
I'm a rather senior ALO...if you're having trouble finding your ALO, pm me at: flieger83@cox.net and give me:
Your name, high school, city, state
I will find your ALO for you in VERY short order!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
I'm a rather senior ALO...if you're having trouble finding your ALO, pm me at: flieger83@cox.net and give me:
Your name, high school, city, state
I will find your ALO for you in VERY short order!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Christcorp
15-Year Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2008
- Messages
- 5,381
I'd like to make a logical comment/observation. There is no "Should", "Will", or any similar thing implied here.
Pretty much all ALO's have other full time jobs going on. Some are still active duty. Some are retired from active duty, but working other jobs. Basically, being an ALO is not their full time job. Now; most of the ALO's I've met or worked with in one manner or another has been very much dedicated to the individuals who are applying to the academy, applying for ROTC scholarships, etc... For the sake of argument, let's just assume that all the ALO's we're talking about and dealing with are dedicated to the men and women interested in the military and the Air Force's future.
Let me also state another observation. Teen agers do, and have the right, to change their mind a lot. As such, we have to determine how much time an ALO has to offer someone who not only may or may not be serious about their future in the academy; but who isn't even eligible sometimes for 2-3 more cycles. They are working hard on the current applicants. Some who are trying to find answers to questions they have prior to leaving for BCT. Some who are trying to grab a last minute waiver. The list goes on and on. They are also assisting the next class with summer seminar and lining up their teachers, transcripts, class schedules, etc... for their senior year.
Point is; until you actually apply online for the academy; albeit a cursory start; until then, you don't actually have an ALO. Yes, there is an ALO that is going to be responsible for your area of town/city/state, but S/He isn't YOUR ALO until you actually apply for the academy, summer seminar, and/or have made contact via online. Currently; summer seminar, applicants, interested individuals, etc... are for the class of 2014. If an ALO doesn't have time to talk with you during some of the busiest times of the year for someone interested in the class of 2015, 2016, or beyond, you can't really blame them or feel discouraged in any way. A lot of things can happen in the next couple of years. The ALO's are busy trying to help/assist this year and next year's classes.
Again, not talking "Should", "Could", "Will" stuff here. Yes, an ALO could have a standard Email that they could reply with that is full of websites, links, info, etc... for the person who contacts them years in advance with questions. They could point them to the academy websites, forums like this, etc... That's what I would do. Have something in the email to maintain encouragement and keep the individual excited. But at the same time, end it with something like; "I look forward to working with you when you OFFICIALLY apply for summer seminar and the Air Force Academy". Individuals need to understand that most ALO's have other FULL TIME JOBS. That some of them have a LOT of applicants they are trying to help. Many for this current year as well as already starting on next year's class. It's nice you found their name and contacted them. However, don't get discouraged, and understand that you can't be their highest priority right now.
There are many ways an ALO can handle those who contact them. Steve is one of the best and it's a blessing to so many that he frequents forums like this one to assist those interested. But not every ALO has that amount of time or experience to dedicate as much. But this post was no intended to mention what the ALO should be doing, but rather the expectation an interested individual may have who still has years to go. By all means contact them if you have questions. But most times, you can get questions answered at the academy web sites, forums like this, and numerous other sources. Don't be discouraged because the ALO you contacted isn't giving you the attention you believe you deserve. Official applicants have to come first. So definitely contact them if you believe the websites and forums don't have the answers you need; but be realistic. You have a couple of years. later... mike.....
Pretty much all ALO's have other full time jobs going on. Some are still active duty. Some are retired from active duty, but working other jobs. Basically, being an ALO is not their full time job. Now; most of the ALO's I've met or worked with in one manner or another has been very much dedicated to the individuals who are applying to the academy, applying for ROTC scholarships, etc... For the sake of argument, let's just assume that all the ALO's we're talking about and dealing with are dedicated to the men and women interested in the military and the Air Force's future.
Let me also state another observation. Teen agers do, and have the right, to change their mind a lot. As such, we have to determine how much time an ALO has to offer someone who not only may or may not be serious about their future in the academy; but who isn't even eligible sometimes for 2-3 more cycles. They are working hard on the current applicants. Some who are trying to find answers to questions they have prior to leaving for BCT. Some who are trying to grab a last minute waiver. The list goes on and on. They are also assisting the next class with summer seminar and lining up their teachers, transcripts, class schedules, etc... for their senior year.
Point is; until you actually apply online for the academy; albeit a cursory start; until then, you don't actually have an ALO. Yes, there is an ALO that is going to be responsible for your area of town/city/state, but S/He isn't YOUR ALO until you actually apply for the academy, summer seminar, and/or have made contact via online. Currently; summer seminar, applicants, interested individuals, etc... are for the class of 2014. If an ALO doesn't have time to talk with you during some of the busiest times of the year for someone interested in the class of 2015, 2016, or beyond, you can't really blame them or feel discouraged in any way. A lot of things can happen in the next couple of years. The ALO's are busy trying to help/assist this year and next year's classes.
Again, not talking "Should", "Could", "Will" stuff here. Yes, an ALO could have a standard Email that they could reply with that is full of websites, links, info, etc... for the person who contacts them years in advance with questions. They could point them to the academy websites, forums like this, etc... That's what I would do. Have something in the email to maintain encouragement and keep the individual excited. But at the same time, end it with something like; "I look forward to working with you when you OFFICIALLY apply for summer seminar and the Air Force Academy". Individuals need to understand that most ALO's have other FULL TIME JOBS. That some of them have a LOT of applicants they are trying to help. Many for this current year as well as already starting on next year's class. It's nice you found their name and contacted them. However, don't get discouraged, and understand that you can't be their highest priority right now.
There are many ways an ALO can handle those who contact them. Steve is one of the best and it's a blessing to so many that he frequents forums like this one to assist those interested. But not every ALO has that amount of time or experience to dedicate as much. But this post was no intended to mention what the ALO should be doing, but rather the expectation an interested individual may have who still has years to go. By all means contact them if you have questions. But most times, you can get questions answered at the academy web sites, forums like this, and numerous other sources. Don't be discouraged because the ALO you contacted isn't giving you the attention you believe you deserve. Official applicants have to come first. So definitely contact them if you believe the websites and forums don't have the answers you need; but be realistic. You have a couple of years. later... mike.....
hornetguy
15-Year Member
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You know, I've said it a few times: Mike should be an ALO! 
He's absolutely correct. This is THE busiest time of the year for us. We're at school awards nights, giving out scholarships, awarding appointments, working with members of Congress (I was all last Saturday) hosting "Service Academy Conferences" and "All Academy Day's" for them.
VERY BUSY.
So if the ALO assigned to your school is hard to contact, fear not: they're probably just super busy. And yes, most ALO's do have other jobs. The VAST majority of ALO's are AF Reserve officers. We've served on active duty and are now in the reserve doing our military service and doing other things in our civilian careers. Examples: I work at an AF base training pilots; we have about 23 airline pilots that work as ALO's here in AZ, a personal trainer, one ALO owns two restaurants, we have a critical care nurse, etc...etc...
But the ONE thing we have in common is that we all volunteered for this position because we really REALLY want to help outstanding young men and women achieve their goals of USAF service!
So trust me, one way or another, if you try reaching out to the ALO assigned to your school, you'll get connected. And if you can't...I can help.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
He's absolutely correct. This is THE busiest time of the year for us. We're at school awards nights, giving out scholarships, awarding appointments, working with members of Congress (I was all last Saturday) hosting "Service Academy Conferences" and "All Academy Day's" for them.
VERY BUSY.
So if the ALO assigned to your school is hard to contact, fear not: they're probably just super busy. And yes, most ALO's do have other jobs. The VAST majority of ALO's are AF Reserve officers. We've served on active duty and are now in the reserve doing our military service and doing other things in our civilian careers. Examples: I work at an AF base training pilots; we have about 23 airline pilots that work as ALO's here in AZ, a personal trainer, one ALO owns two restaurants, we have a critical care nurse, etc...etc...
But the ONE thing we have in common is that we all volunteered for this position because we really REALLY want to help outstanding young men and women achieve their goals of USAF service!
So trust me, one way or another, if you try reaching out to the ALO assigned to your school, you'll get connected. And if you can't...I can help.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Pima
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
- Messages
- 13,900
I definetely agree with Mike and Flieger, it is not that they are ignoring you, but the reality is you are very very far off from even graduating hs. You have not created a strong enough academic base for them to judge by (i.e. SATs, APs). Also, they have limited time and this is a volunteer position. Not to be rude the amount of time they give to you at this point takes away from not only their personal family time, but candidates that need to be writing their essays, recommendations, etc for class of 14.
Here's a tip, you want to go to the AFA, follow everything everyone has said here. Be in the top 10% of your grad. class, take the hardest course load available, join sports, do EC's and be in physical shape, and if you know of any physical issues that may disqualify you than be ready to address them medically. Come next yr when it is time for you to meet with your ALO you will be ahead of the game.
Good luck
Here's a tip, you want to go to the AFA, follow everything everyone has said here. Be in the top 10% of your grad. class, take the hardest course load available, join sports, do EC's and be in physical shape, and if you know of any physical issues that may disqualify you than be ready to address them medically. Come next yr when it is time for you to meet with your ALO you will be ahead of the game.
Good luck
I just this week received a letter from the Academy asking me to become an ALO. After reading this thread, I now have mixed emotions. I have the will, but may not have the time to dedicate to this as I would like. Tell me more!
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