A-Day

T

tf00002

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I was just wondering what A-Day entailed. Who can come, and for how long will I get to see them? Also I've heard it will be 8AUG this year, is that true? Thanks
 
Anyone and everyone can come. You will have about 2 hours with family after the ceremony. And, the best anyone can predict at this moment until the date is published, 8 August should be correct.
 
Could someone please tell me exactly what A day is and also I am assuming this has nothing to do with parents weekend? So if A day is August 8th when does parents weekend take place? Thanks for your answers in advance.
 
A-Day is Acceptance Day, when the basics are accepted into the Cadet Wing. There is a parade and formal joining of the basics into the rest of the cadets on the field. After which, they receive their 4th class shoulder boards and are real Cadets.

Parents weekend is over Labor Day weekend at which time you can spend about 3 days with your cadet off base.

Be aware, they will not be the same person you left on I Day.
 
Capri120 said:
A-Day is Acceptance Day, when the basics are accepted into the Cadet Wing. There is a parade and formal joining of the basics into the rest of the cadets on the field. After which, they receive their 4th class shoulder boards and are real Cadets.

Parents weekend is over Labor Day weekend at which time you can spend about 3 days with your cadet off base.

Be aware, they will not be the same person you left on I Day.
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Thank You for that explanation. Though I have an idea may I ask you how exactly will they not be the same?
 
My DD is class of 2020. I don't mean not the same in a bad way. Over those few weeks, they grow, mature, and gain a confidence and poise about themselves that can only happen after successfully completing the challenges. They go in as a teen or young 20 year old, and come out a young adult ready to be on their own.
 
Capri120 said:
My DD is class of 2020. I don't mean not the same in a bad way. Over those few weeks, they grow, mature, and gain a confidence and poise about themselves that can only happen after successfully completing the challenges. They go in as a teen or young 20 year old, and come out a young adult ready to be on their own.
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Thank you for that - I was hopeful that was what you meant. I look forward to that.
 
So is anyone allowed to come to parents weekend? Or is it literally only your parents?
 
An
tf00002 said:
So is anyone allowed to come to parents weekend? Or is it literally only your parents?
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Anyone can come and cadets are usually dismissed after the football game on Saturday for free time with their families.
 
to summarize what I posted in another thread, unless you are close to USAFA then save your money and time and attend Parent's Weekend.

We live across the country and had no plans to attend and our son was fine with that. Me, being a softy, surprised my wife with a flight, etc during our vacation to USAFA and back to our vacation so she could go. I'm sure our kid couldn't have cared less either way but mom.....that's another story.
 
Jag - I think it depends on the kid and the parents. We also made I Day a priority. Knowing our DS was leaving the home permanently forever and going into something he dreamed of but was unknown to any of us caused us to make it a family trip. My wife had a work event and couldn't fly out until the day before I Day. We got there a day earlier and I had a wonderful dinner with my DS who is the oldest of three boys. It wasn't the night before I Day so he was more relaxed and enjoyed time with his brothers. The next day we went to USAFA and looked around and he went into Doolittle and learned which squadron he was assigned. There was a Class of 2020 Meet and Greet at Garden of the Gods that afternoon. You could see the nervousness in all of the Cadet's and I think it helped ease it for many by being around others in a similar situation. We met and had dinner with another family from our state with a DD in the class. It was a nice evening. The next day was a blur and we didn't really get to spend time with our DS or talk much as he was focused on getting there and getting started.

We were at the Gates at 7:00 and found a spot on the wall in front of our DS' squadron. It was impossible to pick him out, but the parade and swearing-in was great to watch. At this point we had no plans to attend A Day.

Fast forward and as the weeks passed by with no contact we decided it was a once in a lifetime event for our DS so we would fly out. It was worth it. My DS told me later that having us there to see him get his shoulder boards meant a lot to him. It really wasn't about spending some time with him that day, but about being there for support as they completed BCT and really were starting college. However, every family is different as are the means to make these events.

PW is the big one if for no other reason the amount of time you get with your child and the opportunity for the Cadet to leave USAFA for a few days. Our DS loved the opportunity to show around the campus and Jack's Valley. The younger brothers loved getting to try some of the obstacles and found a new respect for their brother for completing all of them.

In the end, the kids who get appointments are the cream of the crop and resilient. They will do fine. Most of this is for us parents who are letting go and watching our kids become adults much quicker than in the civilian setting.
 
An added note would be that after the 4th class year (freshman), Parents Weekend is the really the only event including Parents until graduation. So, I was glad we flew across country for I-Day. Most expensive, but perhaps most meaningful 2 1/2 hrs of this past year. Not only did we get to give a hug at a monumental time, but we were able to pick up some personal & school supplies and a computer monitor, too.

I wouldn't break the bank to do it, but if you can swing it, you won't regret it!
 
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