A Day

Idoc

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2013
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As the parent of a C4, can anyone give me some insight into A-Day activities. I understand the parade starts at 10 am. How long is that typically? How long will I be able to spend with my DS? Thank you
 
Last year, parade started at 10 and was finished around 10:30ish. It took about 10 minutes for upperclassmen who were going to pin on shoulderboards to make their way over and get that done. We were able to picnic with our cadet and 2 of her friends from about 10:45 until about 12:15. Around 12:15, we packed up, got the stuff we had bought her from the car and walked her up to her room. She then had to escort us off the cadet area and get to a briefing by 1:00 p.m. We brought a blanket and did a picnic under the trees near the parking lot where we had parked to avoid alot of trekking about. It wasn't a beautiful picnic spot, but it worked. The kids ate like they had hollow legs and we had brought ziplocs and bags to divvy up the remaining food between the 3 kids. It was a good time; short, but good.
 
Yep, that's pretty much dead on correct. By the time the Acceptance parade and the shoulder boards being put on was over, we had about 2 hours with our cadet. We did eat at Mitch's with him that day, just more time to talk with him. Visited his room and had some time in the C-Store to make sure he had everything he needed. True, he had to be "back" at 13:00. Those were a great two hours. We were back in three weeks for Parent Weekend for more time!
 
While it is only 2 hours with your cadet, it is well worth it. If you can afford it, it is a nice trip and good to get a hug from your new C4C.
Just to be picky, your child is not a C4C yet, he or she is only a basic cadet. Whatever you do, don't address a letter to C4C ... now as that will draw unwanted attention. It is 'basic cadet' ... If you sen letters after A day it is C4C ...
 
A-Day 2013

Not to cause any confusion; however, based upon the "Important Dates to Remember" document we received at AFA at I-Day:

"Acceptance Parade: 6 Aug 13 at 9:00 am. Fourth-class cadets will be released at 1100-1300 to visit with family/guests and may eat lunch anywhere ON BASE."

Just FYI...
 
How is seating for the Acceptance Day parade? I was amazed at how early the viewing area for the swearing-in ceremony on the Chapel Wall filled up last week. Is it necessary to get there super early, or is there plenty of good viewing room?
 
Last year DW did A-Day and arrived when the North Gate opened. She found that it was unnecessary to arrive so early. There is plenty of parking and the parade field seats did not fill up for A-Day.
 
Last year, Acceptance was at a parade ground with bleachers for the viewing public. Not on the chapel wall where they did the oath taking. This year, they have two less squadrons and although the numbers of doolies are more-there were enough seats to accommodate those that came. Of course the early ones get to stake out the prime spots. Every seat on the bleachers are prime spots:)
 
Idoc

Thanks to all for the info and I apologize for my error in my reference to my DS as a C4C. I am still learning the distinctions and acronyms used at the Academy. Fortunately, my letters to him are addressed "Basic." I learned that through this forum which I find invaluable to a "newbie" like myself. Whew!! Thanks again
 
Last year DW did A-Day and arrived when the North Gate opened. She found that it was unnecessary to arrive so early. There is plenty of parking and the parade field seats did not fill up for A-Day.

That was also true when I went in 2011. Since we sat according to squadron, I was able to mingle with parents of cadets whom I had come to know via WebGuy. It was worth the time to see my DS for short period of time as well as to network with others.
 
Thanks to all for the info and I apologize for my error in my reference to my DS as a C4C. I am still learning the distinctions and acronyms used at the Academy. Fortunately, my letters to him are addressed "Basic." I learned that through this forum which I find invaluable to a "newbie" like myself. Whew!! Thanks again

Idoc, not a problem at all. I was a newbie just a year ago. It is amazing what you learn in a year!!:smile::smile:
 
Also at some point a "map" showing where the squadrons would line up on the parade field was published. I think it was on the main USAFA website, but it will probably be reposted on FB by helpful parents. The meant that the parents were spread out across the bleachers, and space was not a problem at all. I brought the map with me and became quite a parent resource in the stands! :)
Also Panera and Chick-fil-A open early enough to pick up food that morning before heading up to USAFA. Make sure you order the day before, though. We went to Panera and that morning was pretty busy! Get ice and ice down your food to keep it fresh for the 2+ hours in the sun...it was really hot!
As I write this, I'm remembering that day SO well...what a great day to celebrate overcoming the first of many challenges our kids will face during their years at USAFA! Have a great time and congrats to your kids!
 
Also at some point a "map" showing where the squadrons would line up on the parade field was published. I think it was on the main USAFA website, but it will probably be reposted on FB by helpful parents. The meant that the parents were spread out across the bleachers, and space was not a problem at all. I brought the map with me and became quite a parent resource in the stands! :)
Also Panera and Chick-fil-A open early enough to pick up food that morning before heading up to USAFA. Make sure you order the day before, though. We went to Panera and that morning was pretty busy! Get ice and ice down your food to keep it fresh for the 2+ hours in the sun...it was really hot!
As I write this, I'm remembering that day SO well...what a great day to celebrate overcoming the first of many challenges our kids will face during their years at USAFA! Have a great time and congrats to your kids!

In case they don't publish a map, CS-01 is always on the front the left and CS-40 is on the back right. The even numbered squads are in the back and odd numbered are in the front. CS 1-20 are left of the band and honor guard, so 21-40 on the right of them.I hope this will give you some idea of where your DS/DD is.
 
Here is a crude map to help visualize what the parade will look like. Let me know if it doesn't work or if I made a mistake.

2zr3tx1.jpg
 
Great map!

Hey that's an awesome map and now I know exactly where to look for my kiddo!

Thanks!
 
the other boxes that have the 2 Letters in them? Thx

Those are the Basic cadets. AA = Aggressors Flight 1; AB = Aggressors Flight 2; etc. The basics march from the Core Values ramp to the area right in front of the bleachers. After they are accepted (remove those silver hats and put on their covers) they will march into their respective cadet squadron as C4Cs. A quick parade around in front of the bleachers and then they are dismissed (parents come a-runnin'). It is quite the sight. Nicely done, USAFA10s!

Oh, by the way, the over/under of the # of basics falling out is 8 (Vegas odds at 80 degree temp).
 
2 points for parents:

1. There are some previous threads on this - one from last year if you do a search - and they have a lot of good info.

2. SNEAKERS, hats and sunscreen!!! Wear those comfortable shoes. Lots of walking will occur no matter what.
 
Monitor & Printer on A-day?

Can I bring a monitor and printer on A-day?
Or do I have to wait until PW?
Thanks in advance,
Delta
 
Having a printer or monitor is squadron specific. It may be best to wait until PW to know if it's allowed or not.
 
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