Recent content by charlestonmom5

One specific advantage of being at USAFA is that you have more opportunities to log flight hours, and flight hours are also calculated in your PCSM score.

Common leadership opportunities are Girls State/ Boys State, Scouting (yes, “Boyscouts” is now co-ed), Civil Air Patrol, SeaScouts, and JROTC.

My son is class of 2023. Family is interested in helping him but his class ring, and asking about other graduation gifts. About the saber, is it class specific? When is it available for order? Who do you order from? Are there options? Who makes it? Cost? Thanks!

My C2C confirms that their Dream Sheets are due this week! I would love to learn about all the opportunities they have offered to them-does anyone know if there is a list of jobs? Mine will put rated positions at the top, but what non-rated jobs are popular or in-demand?

A few times, when I say that my son goes to the Air Force Academy, and I get confused stares, I have said “like West Point or the Naval Academy, but for the Air Force.” That seems to mean something, but they could just be faking.

Welcome to the dream! There are some things you can do TODAY to get you on the right path: 1- Read through the Applicants pages on the SA websites. Print off checklists and timelines, etc. Be so familiar with the process that you could teach a class on it. 2- RUN...I mean put on your shoes and...

Exactly, @NavyHoops! Can I just add one little thing? This is for parents who have raised kids with similar choices: once the choice is made, please refrain from constantly bringing up the other options...like “my kid got into USAFA, but chose Duke” or vice versa. First, it’s kind of obnoxious...

DS says no regrets. Sure, some days the grass is greener elsewhere, but isn’t that the case anywhere? I asked my son point blank if he wanted to leave, and he said “I can’t see myself anywhere else.”

My son got a letter from his MOC that specifically stated he was getting a Principal Nomination.

My son really enjoyed CAP. Even if your involvement in CAP doesn’t directly impact your application package, you will get exposure to so much that may help you focus your career path. Interested in getting a rated job? Jump in that little 172 or 182 on your O flights and see if you even like it...

My DS was a ball of nerves right up to IDay (and so was I). But think of this: just keep your head down and jump through the hoops and before you know it the sun will start setting and IDay 2025 will be in the books. You got this!

Yes, I’ve met some ‘20 grads who got pilot slots, but they are still here, doing a desk job, waiting to get started. They’re not complaining, though, it’s not a bad place to wait...I’m wondering if, in the future, a cadet could accept but postpone UPT and do something like grad school or...? Or...

You could see if there is a Civil Air Patrol squadron near you.

My son (Boys State) and daughter (Girls State) both very much enjoyed it. But in our state, they had to be selected. There were interviews and recommendations required. If you are interested in attending, I would suggest you are sure of the requirements and deadlines for attending.

Some people did not get their first choice, but I hope they are all proud and pleased with what they got! Well done!