Recent content by Cerberi

It’s not magic - but it’s not uncommon for the light to go on and grades dramatically improve. The letter I wrote to help him not being disenrolled was for a cadet that the USAF eventually sent to Harvard for a technical masters degree. The f they got into USAFA they have the ability to do...

The OP asked a valid question. I think the answer is you give up rights for the privilege to serve in the U.S. military. At least she’s trying to understand her rights or lack thereof to make an informed decision prior to showing up. One of my classmates lead the charge to not take the...

I drove onto USAFA and walked around less than 3 weeks ago (the weekend after graduation). Though I am a grad, I didn't have to show any ID except my license (same for my wife) and I am not retired or active duty. I thought traffic on the reservation was light, but the Visitor's Center was...

No doubt the service academies put on a show for parents and it’s a really good show. But - the standard not long ago was for Doolies/Plebes to fly in the night before. Stay in a local hotel, meet their future classmates and go out for dinner or order pizza. Incredible stories and memories...

If trying to walk on 1. Contact the coaching staff in advance so they have some idea who you are. 2. My DD was recruited and she brought some of her equipment which the team let her store in the team’s area. This was done the day before I Day when track and volleyball (and I think most other...

Do they run that much or is it they are on their feet a lot? I remember PT and running and running on the A course and the O Course and plenty of marching. And if you are a runner - you will hate running in formation.

You won’t golf during Plebe Summer. If you aren’t recruited or trying to walk on to lacrosse, hockey, tennis - they won’t be options for Plebe Summer either Anything you take and they allow you to keep in the room, will be something else to move when you get to your academic company. It’s...

Historically classes lost 30-40% between BCT and graduation. Initial class sizes were closer to 1500 and a lot of the loss was attributable to recruited athletes - many who were never fully bought in to the service academy experience Over the last 10 plus years initial class sizes were smaller...

In my experience, the Dean is the least forgiving. With that said, I have helped cadets as a cadet and as a grad appeal some seemingly catastrophic events and with no chance of second chance - get a second chance If she truly wants to stay and has now ‘seen the light’ she should go through the...

1. Meet all the requirements USNA likes to see. 2. Don't plan your life around what improves the resume. Do things you enjoy, take classes you enjoy (see step 1 for minimums). If the activities you enjoy and the classes you want to take align with USNA desires - it's probably a good thing -...

Is your question about comfort or the look of them? For distance runners - you don’t run that much during basic (that’s a relative statement) but you are on your feet quite a bit. You won’t ’wear out’ a good pair of used running shoes during BCT As for how they look - it won’t take long at...

The coffee maker is most likely a squadron by squadron ‘privilege’ so like many answers - it depends on the squadron. Remember any ‘privilege’ is something easily taken away. I have never known of a cadet having ‘too many’ books but storage space is limited overall and definitely in the cadet...

There have been a lot of good reason cited to get SGLI. My daughter changes her coverage depending on whether she is deployed or not and has never had to get a physical to change it. I did the same years ago - maybe it’s different now. I find it offensive when people tell other people what is...

One other thought - discuss with your cadet if they want to hear bad news or wait until BCT is over. Family pets die, grandparents do as well - it’s best to know in advance if they want bad news as it happens or if it can wait

My Mom sent me a piece of mail every day I was at USAFA. Often it was a card with a ziggy cartoon or something similar. My daughter went to USNA, I sent her mail every day. During Plebe Summer the envelope had the 80841 weather forecast and USAFA stickers. It was always addressed to...