What was BCT like for CO 2024

TLR2025

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Dec 23, 2020
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I'd really like to know how I-day and BCT was for the CO 2024. I heard on the brief that the CO 2025 will follow a similar process. While quarantined, what were the Doolies doing in their rooms? Any social connections to the outside world? Any breaks in their day to go outside on scheduled times? Were they able to exercise outside of their room? I tried searching for information on the forum. TIA.

My son will be vaccinated but it is understood the entire class will not be initially.
 
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Maybe a Doolie on here can give complete info, but as the father of a Doolie...

We got in the car line near campus. Pulled up to the stairs in back, he got out and we didn't see him in person again until Xmas break.

He was given a mask as soon as he got out of the car. Had temperature taken and was given the oath. Then lined up for buses, the footprints, but it was raining so they were under the overhang. Because of COVID, the cadre had to keep their distance. Haircuts and into their rooms. I think they were locked in their rooms for a couple of days if I remember correctly, brought meals. Then eventually BCT kinda started. Lots of mask wearing, quarantining and isolation as needed.

He got to call home more often than past classes from what I understand though - I guess to help all the anxiety around COVID. We didn't know when he would call and he only had 5 mins to talk so just enough to let you know he was still alive and doing alright. I think he called home 3 times during BCT. He was able to call home one other time to get some info for a security form, but was not allowed to have any personal chat during that call.

Some of the activity was dependent on the squadron. At times, others would train outside and his did not. I assume it is up to cadre. I was surprised to hear how variable the experience could be based on squadron during BCT - don't know if that is normal or if things were out of synch due to COVID. They were outside a lot though. Also did a lot of briefings at the desk in their room.

They had to re-work BCT last year fairly late in the cycle so they did the best they could with it. They are smarter about how to do BCT in this environment and smarter about COVID now and most should be vaccinated by then so I expect this year's BCT to be not necessarily back to normal, but probably less variable. They still cannot require the COVID vaccine unlike other shots. Kids going in and out of Q&I hurts esprit de corps, causes kids to miss segments of training that then have to be accommodated, and generally throws a monkey wrench into things. Hopefully this year, Q&I will be almost non-existent. My DS had a roommate who was in Q&I for a while - he ended up behind, miserable, felt left out and eventually exited. I would encourage getting vaccinated for many reasons, but also because it will hopefully keep them out of quarantine.

This year, I expect they will be tested upon arrival then tested 72 hours later. After that, wear the mask and go. The testing should make a huge difference. I also suspect a lot of cadets will be vaccinated by then which should further lessen the chance for spread.

There were not a many breaks. They probably had more than most because at times they would watch briefings in their rooms so there is the opportunity to not be paying attention etc. Don't expect 'free time' during BCT, but its not hell week at BUDs either.

As a parent, I encourage paying webguy for the photos. Catching glimpses of him, especially early on, was helpful...though you you do tend to then start wondering - is he laughing or screaming?
 
Maybe a Doolie on here can give complete info, but as the father of a Doolie...

We got in the car line near campus. Pulled up to the stairs in back, he got out and we didn't see him in person again until Xmas break.

He was given a mask as soon as he got out of the car. Had temperature taken and was given the oath. Then lined up for buses, the footprints, but it was raining so they were under the overhang. Because of COVID, the cadre had to keep their distance. Haircuts and into their rooms. I think they were locked in their rooms for a couple of days if I remember correctly, brought meals. Then eventually BCT kinda started. Lots of mask wearing, quarantining and isolation as needed.

He got to call home more often than past classes from what I understand though - I guess to help all the anxiety around COVID. We didn't know when he would call and he only had 5 mins to talk so just enough to let you know he was still alive and doing alright. I think he called home 3 times during BCT. He was able to call home one other time to get some info for a security form, but was not allowed to have any personal chat during that call.

Some of the activity was dependent on the squadron. At times, others would train outside and his did not. I assume it is up to cadre. I was surprised to hear how variable the experience could be based on squadron during BCT - don't know if that is normal or if things were out of synch due to COVID. They were outside a lot though. Also did a lot of briefings at the desk in their room.

They had to re-work BCT last year fairly late in the cycle so they did the best they could with it. They are smarter about how to do BCT in this environment and smarter about COVID now and most should be vaccinated by then so I expect this year's BCT to be not necessarily back to normal, but probably less variable. They still cannot require the COVID vaccine unlike other shots. Kids going in and out of Q&I hurts esprit de corps, causes kids to miss segments of training that then have to be accommodated, and generally throws a monkey wrench into things. Hopefully this year, Q&I will be almost non-existent. My DS had a roommate who was in Q&I for a while - he ended up behind, miserable, felt left out and eventually exited. I would encourage getting vaccinated for many reasons, but also because it will hopefully keep them out of quarantine.

This year, I expect they will be tested upon arrival then tested 72 hours later. After that, wear the mask and go. The testing should make a huge difference. I also suspect a lot of cadets will be vaccinated by then which should further lessen the chance for spread.

There were not a many breaks. They probably had more than most because at times they would watch briefings in their rooms so there is the opportunity to not be paying attention etc. Don't expect 'free time' during BCT, but its not hell week at BUDs either.

As a parent, I encourage paying webguy for the photos. Catching glimpses of him, especially early on, was helpful...though you you do tend to then start wondering - is he laughing or screaming?
Thank you for this response! Although disheartening to hear of your Doolie's roommate, I appreciate the details you provided. The CO 2024 definitely have a lot to be proud of! I know USAFA did the best they could in the short time they had to adjust. I am surprised over the variations you mention in BCT. I am hoping the CO 2025 is less Q&I.

I appreciate the laugh at the end of your post! Hoping a Doolie will chime in as well. Although it is my understanding you no longer have a "Doolie"? Cadet, now, yes? Congratulations!
 
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My memory was that after haircuts, etc., there was two days of ROM (restriction of movement), where they had briefings and took meals in their rooms. After that, they were trained in small groups outside until 2 weeks had elapsed with negative covid tests such that they could train with their whole squad. I did feel sorry for the basics sent to Q/I. There were a few, but I hadn't heard of any who left because of it in my son's squad.
 
Maybe a Doolie on here can give complete info, but as the father of a Doolie...

We got in the car line near campus. Pulled up to the stairs in back, he got out and we didn't see him in person again until Xmas break.

He was given a mask as soon as he got out of the car. Had temperature taken and was given the oath. Then lined up for buses, the footprints, but it was raining so they were under the overhang. Because of COVID, the cadre had to keep their distance. Haircuts and into their rooms. I think they were locked in their rooms for a couple of days if I remember correctly, brought meals. Then eventually BCT kinda started. Lots of mask wearing, quarantining and isolation as needed.

He got to call home more often than past classes from what I understand though - I guess to help all the anxiety around COVID. We didn't know when he would call and he only had 5 mins to talk so just enough to let you know he was still alive and doing alright. I think he called home 3 times during BCT. He was able to call home one other time to get some info for a security form, but was not allowed to have any personal chat during that call.

Some of the activity was dependent on the squadron. At times, others would train outside and his did not. I assume it is up to cadre. I was surprised to hear how variable the experience could be based on squadron during BCT - don't know if that is normal or if things were out of synch due to COVID. They were outside a lot though. Also did a lot of briefings at the desk in their room.

They had to re-work BCT last year fairly late in the cycle so they did the best they could with it. They are smarter about how to do BCT in this environment and smarter about COVID now and most should be vaccinated by then so I expect this year's BCT to be not necessarily back to normal, but probably less variable. They still cannot require the COVID vaccine unlike other shots. Kids going in and out of Q&I hurts esprit de corps, causes kids to miss segments of training that then have to be accommodated, and generally throws a monkey wrench into things. Hopefully this year, Q&I will be almost non-existent. My DS had a roommate who was in Q&I for a while - he ended up behind, miserable, felt left out and eventually exited. I would encourage getting vaccinated for many reasons, but also because it will hopefully keep them out of quarantine.

This year, I expect they will be tested upon arrival then tested 72 hours later. After that, wear the mask and go. The testing should make a huge difference. I also suspect a lot of cadets will be vaccinated by then which should further lessen the chance for spread.

There were not a many breaks. They probably had more than most because at times they would watch briefings in their rooms so there is the opportunity to not be paying attention etc. Don't expect 'free time' during BCT, but its not hell week at BUDs either.

As a parent, I encourage paying webguy for the photos. Catching glimpses of him, especially early on, was helpful...though you you do tend to then start wondering - is he laughing or screaming?

Excellent @buckeye10 !!!!

I will keep my Mom of a DD Class of 2024 in synch with his post:

DD was assigned a time slot to arrive, hers was the first window of about 7-7:25am. They were spread throughout the day. I highly suggest for parents to say their farewells and hugs prior to getting in the car, and if you are carpool lining for 2025, then your DD/DS will simply get out of the car and that is it. (Commandant's call 3/29: 2025 will look more like 2024)

Dean of Academics started a Wing-wide book to read, and theirs was Station Eleven, a book about a pandemic in the future. They picked up a copy early on but you will know what the book is and can read it beforehand. They did indeed ROM for about 14 days and only moved about with their squadron, which you are assigned before arriving. During this time I think they did all the placement testing and lots of zooms on grit/academic success/diversity etc. (Commandant's call 3/29: hoping to ROM shorter, like 7 days as not all 2025ers will be vaccinated).

MANY things will be squadron and Cadre specific! Always, always, always.

Half of the squadrons marched the 6.2 miles to Jacks Valley, so 1/2 stayed in dorms. For 2025, the current calendar and the Commandant's call on 3/29/21 indicate this is what they intend to do again. At JV they did Assault Course, Confidence Course, CATM (Combat Arms and Training Maintenance), Obstacle Course, and a modified squadron-only pugli stick. The BEST description is Webguy Blog, Jack's Valley Course Explained, 24 Jul 2019. You can search and find some BCT youtubes that also show pugli stick (pugil? something like that). (Commandant's call /29: halfsies worked well and they didn't have nearly the Jack's hack as prior years. May keep it this way).

About 3 calls home, so parents be completely on alert the entire BCT time - both parents, and you might want to practice facetiming or conferencing in if you are in different locations. One thing I wish I had done was give DD a brand new phone that takes really good photos. With limited Webguy access, most photos are from her and they are fuzzy and blurry.

In some ways it is luck of the draw about Q&I - you could be contract traced or very lucky and avoid Q&I for as long as possible. Some cadets were able to go to JV during a "make up" week. In DD's squadron on person missed 35 days, but is apparently doing fine.

For parents - Webguy is really great. I highly suggest paying the entire 4 years upfront if budget allows to save about $240. Webguy method: first, have your Team DD/DS on Webguy. It's ok to have family members searching for your DD/DS. NOT cool to try to combine memberships and use the password for multiple Basics, unless you have twins or more! Someone on your parents page will be a first mover always reporting news first - this is good, so that you know pix are being uploaded. But it is always best to wait for the Webguy blog, so you have some reference what you are looking for and whether your DD/DS is even included, as some days are specific squadrons only. Make sure to bookmark the blog, as well as blogs from prior years or for interesting things. One parent go oldest to newest, the other go newest to oldest, and any other family members can also search. Other than bookmarking your own DD/DS, it's also good to bookmark some of the "sweeping" photos from a distance so you have perspective and they make great stock photos for your albums/videos. Other great sources are the US Air Force Academy facebook, AOG facebook, and the USAFA flickr page make great stock photos. I made flexclip videos for BCT: I-Day, BCTI, marches, JV, BCT2, A-Day, recap I-Day to A-Day and bonus first month videos all from mostly Webguy and stock videos. I only posted them to my facebook and limited the view to about 10 people, my target audience were 3 grandparents, aunt and uncle. I also made a Snapfish BCT album but if you haven't started yet, chose Shutterfly. There is also a great free site to upload a youtube and take screenshots, so another way to capture that 1 second of your DD/DS in a USAFA video. I must admit, I am the Webguy Whisperer, and wow my family with the "outtakes" sections of DD's forehead, knee, foot, etc.
 
Excellent @buckeye10 !!!!

I will keep my Mom of a DD Class of 2024 in synch with his post:

DD was assigned a time slot to arrive, hers was the first window of about 7-7:25am. They were spread throughout the day. I highly suggest for parents to say their farewells and hugs prior to getting in the car, and if you are carpool lining for 2025, then your DD/DS will simply get out of the car and that is it. (Commandant's call 3/29: 2025 will look more like 2024)

Dean of Academics started a Wing-wide book to read, and theirs was Station Eleven, a book about a pandemic in the future. They picked up a copy early on but you will know what the book is and can read it beforehand. They did indeed ROM for about 14 days and only moved about with their squadron, which you are assigned before arriving. During this time I think they did all the placement testing and lots of zooms on grit/academic success/diversity etc. (Commandant's call 3/29: hoping to ROM shorter, like 7 days as not all 2025ers will be vaccinated).

MANY things will be squadron and Cadre specific! Always, always, always.

Half of the squadrons marched the 6.2 miles to Jacks Valley, so 1/2 stayed in dorms. For 2025, the current calendar and the Commandant's call on 3/29/21 indicate this is what they intend to do again. At JV they did Assault Course, Confidence Course, CATM (Combat Arms and Training Maintenance), Obstacle Course, and a modified squadron-only pugli stick. The BEST description is Webguy Blog, Jack's Valley Course Explained, 24 Jul 2019. You can search and find some BCT youtubes that also show pugli stick (pugil? something like that). (Commandant's call /29: halfsies worked well and they didn't have nearly the Jack's hack as prior years. May keep it this way).

About 3 calls home, so parents be completely on alert the entire BCT time - both parents, and you might want to practice facetiming or conferencing in if you are in different locations. One thing I wish I had done was give DD a brand new phone that takes really good photos. With limited Webguy access, most photos are from her and they are fuzzy and blurry.

In some ways it is luck of the draw about Q&I - you could be contract traced or very lucky and avoid Q&I for as long as possible. Some cadets were able to go to JV during a "make up" week. In DD's squadron on person missed 35 days, but is apparently doing fine.

For parents - Webguy is really great. I highly suggest paying the entire 4 years upfront if budget allows to save about $240. Webguy method: first, have your Team DD/DS on Webguy. It's ok to have family members searching for your DD/DS. NOT cool to try to combine memberships and use the password for multiple Basics, unless you have twins or more! Someone on your parents page will be a first mover always reporting news first - this is good, so that you know pix are being uploaded. But it is always best to wait for the Webguy blog, so you have some reference what you are looking for and whether your DD/DS is even included, as some days are specific squadrons only. Make sure to bookmark the blog, as well as blogs from prior years or for interesting things. One parent go oldest to newest, the other go newest to oldest, and any other family members can also search. Other than bookmarking your own DD/DS, it's also good to bookmark some of the "sweeping" photos from a distance so you have perspective and they make great stock photos for your albums/videos. Other great sources are the US Air Force Academy facebook, AOG facebook, and the USAFA flickr page make great stock photos. I made flexclip videos for BCT: I-Day, BCTI, marches, JV, BCT2, A-Day, recap I-Day to A-Day and bonus first month videos all from mostly Webguy and stock videos. I only posted them to my facebook and limited the view to about 10 people, my target audience were 3 grandparents, aunt and uncle. I also made a Snapfish BCT album but if you haven't started yet, chose Shutterfly. There is also a great free site to upload a youtube and take screenshots, so another way to capture that 1 second of your DD/DS in a USAFA video. I must admit, I am the Webguy Whisperer, and wow my family with the "outtakes" sections of DD's forehead, knee, foot, etc.
I didn't see an option to pay all of Webguy upfront.....
 
@tanyapaige

usafa.org
Webguy
left column - Parent Memberships
in the first paragraph: Questions? Click here for more information about our membership program
Scroll down to find it. $243 savings.

And so not to hijack the original purpose of this thread, you can google and find on youtube the video on I-Day:


and the US Air Force Academy facebook page - Videos - scroll down to find them. There are 2 pretty good videos on I-Day to A-Day and it's a bit boring (unless your DD/DS is in them!) the entire A-Day parade. For those I used kapwing, there may be a better option, but it is free and allowed me to cut portions of the A-Day video and splice them into my own A-Day video with other photos.
 
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I'd really like to know how I-day and BCT was for the CO 2024. I heard on the brief that the CO 2025 will follow a similar process. While quarantined, what were the Doolies doing in their rooms? Any social connections to the outside world? Any breaks in their day to go outside on scheduled times? Were they able to exercise outside of their room? I tried searching for information on the forum. TIA.

My son will be vaccinated but it is understood the entire class will not be initially.

During out BCT, we had different "phases" of ROM that progressively allowed more training as time went on. The first two days, you'll be doing mostly briefings about basic military information, and after that, you'll begin limited training with your flight such as drill. You'll get your laptop but are not allowed to surf the web or contact family/friends outside your scheduled call time. Exercise was not allowed until I believe day 10 and will be a structured PT session.

Do keep in mind that USAFA has altered COVID mitigation practices in the past nine months as we have learned more about spread, infectivity, and the most effective practices. For example, I believe ROM will likely be shorter than last year by a few days and COVID testing has become much more streamlined, giving back more time towards training.
 
Maj Gen Edmonston said on her call a couple of days ago that BCT would look a whole like it did for the c/o 2024. The only real difference is that instead of two weeks of quarantine/ROM for incoming basics, they are planning for one week.
 
Maj Gen Edmonston said on her call a couple of days ago that BCT would look a whole like it did for the c/o 2024. The only real difference is that instead of two weeks of quarantine/ROM for incoming basics, they are planning for on for one week.
Is there a source for this call? Not challenging anything, I would just like to listen to the whole thing
 
The first several days during ROM (restriction of movement) were terrible. We couldn't go outside for days and after a while, I wanted to leave so bad I didn't care if we went out and had to run to Pike's Peak with 150 kilos 😂 I just wanted to leave my room. Also, they had these boxed meal things that were absolutely disgusting, but they got rid of those - so you guys should be alright :)

Every single BCT is so different it's hard to say exactly what to expect for any year. The biggest things are to have a good attitude and not to take it too seriously ;) It's not as serious as your cadre will want you to think (I remember being stressed about unlacing and replacing my boots during basic - what was I thinking!) One of my favorite things was to wink at the cadre when they would look at me - they tried to be mad but would just sputter and do a laugh/yell thing - I thought it was hilarious 😂

Enjoy your last months of freedom!

"To lead is to serve, to serve is to love, to love is to decide, and to decide is to risk" -Col C
 
Maybe a Doolie on here can give complete info, but as the father of a Doolie...

We got in the car line near campus. Pulled up to the stairs in back, he got out and we didn't see him in person again until Xmas break.

He was given a mask as soon as he got out of the car. Had temperature taken and was given the oath. Then lined up for buses, the footprints, but it was raining so they were under the overhang. Because of COVID, the cadre had to keep their distance. Haircuts and into their rooms. I think they were locked in their rooms for a couple of days if I remember correctly, brought meals. Then eventually BCT kinda started. Lots of mask wearing, quarantining and isolation as needed.

He got to call home more often than past classes from what I understand though - I guess to help all the anxiety around COVID. We didn't know when he would call and he only had 5 mins to talk so just enough to let you know he was still alive and doing alright. I think he called home 3 times during BCT. He was able to call home one other time to get some info for a security form, but was not allowed to have any personal chat during that call.

Some of the activity was dependent on the squadron. At times, others would train outside and his did not. I assume it is up to cadre. I was surprised to hear how variable the experience could be based on squadron during BCT - don't know if that is normal or if things were out of synch due to COVID. They were outside a lot though. Also did a lot of briefings at the desk in their room.

They had to re-work BCT last year fairly late in the cycle so they did the best they could with it. They are smarter about how to do BCT in this environment and smarter about COVID now and most should be vaccinated by then so I expect this year's BCT to be not necessarily back to normal, but probably less variable. They still cannot require the COVID vaccine unlike other shots. Kids going in and out of Q&I hurts esprit de corps, causes kids to miss segments of training that then have to be accommodated, and generally throws a monkey wrench into things. Hopefully this year, Q&I will be almost non-existent. My DS had a roommate who was in Q&I for a while - he ended up behind, miserable, felt left out and eventually exited. I would encourage getting vaccinated for many reasons, but also because it will hopefully keep them out of quarantine.

This year, I expect they will be tested upon arrival then tested 72 hours later. After that, wear the mask and go. The testing should make a huge difference. I also suspect a lot of cadets will be vaccinated by then which should further lessen the chance for spread.

There were not a many breaks. They probably had more than most because at times they would watch briefings in their rooms so there is the opportunity to not be paying attention etc. Don't expect 'free time' during BCT, but its not hell week at BUDs either.

As a parent, I encourage paying webguy for the photos. Catching glimpses of him, especially early on, was helpful...though you you do tend to then start wondering - is he laughing or screaming?
@nj2025
 
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