I wrote these notes after dropping our DD for C/O 27 - R-day, because I wished I had found something similar prior to the day.
R-Day (Day 1) Drop off:
IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, THE DAY BEFORE - SET A MEETING PLACE WITH YOUR SWAB NEAR WASHINGTON FIELD. This is so that they know where to find you after the swearing in ceremony, as it truly is chaos. Think of a certain flag post, or next to a statue, whatever you agree on is fine, just make sure you and your swab know where to meet!
A few weeks before R-Day (Day 1) your swab will get their platoon assignment and reporting times. The swabs are divided into 8 platoons A-H. Reporting starts at 6 AM with Platoon Alfa and continues in 20 minute time slots through Hotel. GET YOUR HUGS AND GOODBYES IN PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DRESHAN STREET GATE.
Other things to know:
● Your swab will receive these instructions in their reporting package, but they will need a two pocket folder in their hand when they check-in. It must contain their signed appointment letter and all copies of their enrollment paperwork previously submitted.
○ They will also need their valid passport
○ My swab took a copy of their final HS transcript and a copy of their completed
background screening for extra measure, just in case
○ If you swab required a medical waiver bring a copy of the approved waiver, again
just in case
● Drop off will commence from the Dreshon Street gate
● Arrive about 15 minutes prior to your swabs reporting time
● Be prepared to present your ID for all occupants of the vehicle at the gate house
● You will then proceed down a designated route to Billard Hall, where your swab will exit the vehicle, grab their bag and folder and start following directions about lining up from the Cadre that is present. There will be no time for photo ops or long goodbyes
● You will then be directed to exit the Academy grounds and drive to the designated offsite parking for the day. For us it was the Crystal Mall, behind Olive Garden. Here you will catch a shuttle bus back to the Academy for the day's events.
○ Yes, you have time to go get breakfast, coffee or have a good cry - especially if you swab was in one of the first drop off. Do not feel the need to RUSH back to the Academy. It is not like you can see your swab or “watch” anything they are doing.
● When you do return to the Academy, take full advantage of the activities going on for families. Make a care package for your swab, purchase items from the Exchange, visit the museum, introduce yourself to other families. Enjoy the experience!
● Around 3:15 PM, you will start to see people beginning to gather along the sidewalk and bleacher area facing Washington Parade Field. This is where the swearing in ceremony will occur. The swabs will march out from Chase Hall by platoon (A-H) and cut diagonally across the field to their designated spot. This should give you an idea of where you may want to sit, Alfa was farthest away from Chase Hall, Hotel closest once lined up.
● After the swearing in ceremony the swabs are lined up for their class photo. This took about 20-30 minutes
● Then they release the swabs to say their final good-byes to their families, they only get 15 minutes, which is why having the pre designated meeting place is so important
○ Make sure you have cold drinks - water or gatorade; snacks - protein bars, meat sticks, P/B and J sandwiches. Think to bring extra, as not all swabs will have a family to go to
○ Give your swab a minute to breathe, they have been through a HUGE transition in a few short hours. Don’t crowd them or ask endless questions, let them lead the conversation
○ The Cadre line up along the far wall of the Parade field, every minute they take a step forward as a unit, with each step forward, it gets closer for you to say your final good-bye and for your swab to rejoin their platoon.