Family Funerals during BCT

T

theGipper122

USAFA '26 Appointee
Joined
Feb 24, 2020
Messages
28
Does anyone know what the policy is if a family member passes away while I am at BCT? Hopefully this won't need to be an issue, but I was curious if anyone knew since my grandfather's current medical state looks like it might be on that timeline. Thanks!
 
This does bring up a topic that needs to be sorted before BCT. That is what does your cadet need/want to know regarding deaths, etc of people and pets? Discuss this before they leave.
 
theGipper122 said:
Does anyone know what the policy is if a family member passes away while I am at BCT? Hopefully this won't need to be an issue, but I was curious if anyone knew since my grandfather's current medical state looks like it might be on that timeline. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I feel for you, hopefully this will not happen anytime soon. I know there are current upper class current Cadets and Old Grads on here that would likely know the current answer. During Covid, it was tough to get released for anything because of the quarantine periods associated with leaving and returning. If you were CBTII, it would cause you to have a problem, but now I think things are better and as long as you would only be gone like two days it probably would not cause problems.

I would look for answers from "Current" upper class Cadets. @prospective2019
 
Hard topic and conversation to have, but necessary. We decided to take DS to visit his great grandmother in April because he'd rather see her now than possibly attend a funeral, and it's unlikely she will live another 4 years.

It is my understanding that you cannot leave BCT for any reason. If you choose to leave for a funeral, even unexpected close family member, you would have to either reapply or maybe just wash back to class of 27. Same applies if you are injured to the point of not being able to finish BCT.

Everyone is different, but DS has chosen to not even be notified until after BCT if any deaths occur.
 
They have policies that probably state no one leaves but you can always request an exception depending on the circumstances. Your great grandmother that has been ill for a few years would probably not get an exception but your younger brother who dies unexpectedly in a tragic accident may warrant that exception. As others have said, you should talk about the predictable things prior to entering this summer but please do not think the service does not make exceptions for soldiers.
 
This kind of request is treated on a case by case basis. I know people in my class who went to funerals during BCT. Have parents work through the emergency number(most likely Basic Operations Center) and they can make a request through your command chain. Be aware that there are strict expectations and you will likely not be allowed to be gone for more than 2ish days.
 
Clar said:
This kind of request is treated on a case by case basis. I know people in my class who went to funerals during BCT. Have parents work through the emergency number(most likely Basic Operations Center) and they can make a request through your command chain. Be aware that there are strict expectations and you will likely not be allowed to be gone for more than 2ish days.
Click to expand...
Anything of this nature would be handled through a Red Cross message system to the military. It is typically only for direct family members so a grandparent may be a stretch.
 
Also, the chaplains at USAFA are very helpful if bad news needs to be delivered to a basic cadet.
 
BCT is a training course with strict attendance requirements and virtually no exceptions. This policy is why you see medical turnbacks each year for injuries that impact participation to such an extent the student fails to meet the course requirements. I raised this question to my classmate who was the BCT Group AOC last summer - he said "it would depend on the timing."

After BCT, these are handled with an approval process. My grandfather died during the first semester of my freshman year, and I was allowed to attend the funeral out of state. I could see how a funeral in the final days could potentially lead to an exception, but it is good to know it is case by case.
 
I had a flightmate leave during BCT for a funeral. It's definitely possible. Obviously it's case-by-case and not set in stone, but it can be done.

My prayers to your grandfather and family.
 
I had a similar situation - my grandfather passed while I was at AROTC Advanced Camp. I was given 2 options: take a few hours to process and return to camp, or go home and recycle (basically start fresh later in the summer). I was more than halfway through the five-week adventure and did not want to go through it again. I chose to stay, but I had said my goodbyes and discussed this possibility with my family prior to leaving for camp. I imagine BCT would be similar and since there is only 1 time slot, you would have to reapply for USAFA the following year.

Discuss this very real possibility with your family and determine what is best for you personally.
 
Great posts by all and agree, discuss with your family, which is a very personal decision and depends on family dynamics.

What would your grandfather want?

My DH has about 3-5 months and counting down. We are not going to "summon" the girls home, disrupting their school and schedule. Interment will be very private. We will have a celebration of life scheduled when it is convenient for both DDs (most likely winter break). DH did not want a funeral service, and I wanted something more upbeat for friends and family.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top