Answering questions for C/O 2022

One of the checkmarks for appointees is about Drum and Bugle Corps. What's up with that? Do they need more people than they get volunteers? Do people avoid it because of a particular reason you can pinpoint? Too much time? Too much work? Too much travel? Why do you suppose it's part of the appointee slate of questions?

If you have ever watched the videos of D&B during performances, football games, etc., you will notice they are a fairly small group, maybe 70 +/- a few. They are always looking for more and new talent. One reason to inquire about interest early on is that they host auditions the weekend after BCT and prior to A-Day, so the Corps is trying to get an idea of interest in order to set that up.
Yes, D&B is a huge time commitment, a lot of work, a lot of travel, but also a lot of fun and a fairly close-knit group.
As AH_IWTBP said, it does take you away from many squadron activities, which can be good or bad.
 
Do my son played for a D1 type baseball high school baseball program in California. Ie. 7 of the starters have early D1 scholarships. Do you know if the baseball coach watches these intramural to determine abiliity, or does the DS need to schedule something with the coach?
They have walk-on tryouts most years in the fall
 
Thank you for the information. Either way, sounds like there are many other great extra curricular activities if he chooses/or cannot play baseball.
 
Based on the 2018 Calender, it appears 1-day is on 6/27. If this is accurate, how soon should our DS arrive from California to get used to the altitude or does it matter? I only ask this because I know the BCT is demanding.
 
Based on the 2018 Calender, it appears 1-day is on 6/27. If this is accurate, how soon should our DS arrive from California to get used to the altitude or does it matter? I only ask this because I know the BCT is demanding.
Where do you see this? Everything I've seen has said 6/28.
 
Based on the 2018 Calender, it appears 1-day is on 6/27. If this is accurate, how soon should our DS arrive from California to get used to the altitude or does it matter? I only ask this because I know the BCT is demanding.

I-Day is Thursday 6/28/18 for class of 2022.

As far as altitude, I don't think a few days will matter. It takes the body a few weeks to fully acclimate. The biggest danger related to altitude sickness is dehydration and USAFA handles this well. The basics carry 2 full canteens on their belts at all times and the cadre make them drink constantly. They know incoming cadets are mostly coming from lower altitudes.

We are at 6oo ft and my DS bought an altitude mask to wear during his preparation. Then he read they don't really help your body use O2 more efficiently, but they do help you get into better shape faster. Obviously, show up in better shape and your body will handle BCT better. Page 30-31 of the Appointee guidebook has some detailed suggestions.
 
Based on the 2018 Calender, it appears 1-day is on 6/27. If this is accurate, how soon should our DS arrive from California to get used to the altitude or does it matter? I only ask this because I know the BCT is demanding.
Where do you see this? Everything I've seen has said 6/28.
Based on the 2018 Calender, it appears 1-day is on 6/27. If this is accurate, how soon should our DS arrive from California to get used to the altitude or does it matter? I only ask this because I know the BCT is demanding.

I-Day is Thursday 6/28/18 for class of 2022.

As far as altitude, I don't think a few days will matter. It takes the body a few weeks to fully acclimate. The biggest danger related to altitude sickness is dehydration and USAFA handles this well. The basics carry 2 full canteens on their belts at all times and the cadre make them drink constantly. They know incoming cadets are mostly coming from lower altitudes.

We are at 6oo ft and my DS bought an altitude mask to wear during his preparation. Then he read they don't really help your body use O2 more efficiently, but they do help you get into better shape faster. Obviously, show up in better shape and your body will handle BCT better. Page 30-31 of the Appointee guidebook has some detailed suggestions.


He's referring to i-day for the class of 2023, if I'm not mistaken
 
Based on the 2018 Calender, it appears 1-day is on 6/27. If this is accurate, how soon should our DS arrive from California to get used to the altitude or does it matter? I only ask this because I know the BCT is demanding.
I''m assuming you're talking about Colorado. Also, for the first couple days of basic, the cadre were not allowed to use any sort of physical remediation. It is time allotted for the basics to try and acclimate at least slightly before beginning to PT. There were quite the few that passed out or were showing signs of possibly passing out. If you train physically though, you shouldn't have too big of an issue. I come from sea level and it was difficult adjusting at first but time solves all the problems. Take note that more than just breathing will be affected by the altitude. Sleep deprivation and constant nose bleeds are common.
 
Also for the posts afraid of dehydration. Do not even have the slightest of worries. The cadre make sure you are hydrating well and when I say well I mean WELL It's always a huge emphasis and I was the most hydrated ever in my life during basic and recognition. Almost to the point I was uncomfortable because I felt like I was drinking so much water I just constantly had to use the restroom.
 
My son is in c/o 2022 and I see on AFA calendar Basic Training ends 8/3. I assumed there was something for parents to watch, but read something that said parents should not plan to attend. I thought I had read last year about greeting them, even read something about be prepared for cadets to faint. What is that about?! And is it true that the only thing to come ( flying there) for after I day is Acceptance Parade? If so how much time do we get with our son during that and when should be plan on being there and leaving. Thanks for your help
 
Based on the 2018 Calender, it appears 1-day is on 6/27. If this is accurate, how soon should our DS arrive from California to get used to the altitude or does it matter? I only ask this because I know the BCT is demanding.
I''m assuming you're talking about Colorado. Also, for the first couple days of basic, the cadre were not allowed to use any sort of physical remediation. It is time allotted for the basics to try and acclimate at least slightly before beginning to PT. There were quite the few that passed out or were showing signs of possibly passing out. If you train physically though, you shouldn't have too big of an issue. I come from sea level and it was difficult adjusting at first but time solves all the problems. Take note that more than just breathing will be affected by the altitude. Sleep deprivation and constant nose bleeds are common.
 
I see for Class 2022 I day is June 28, I hope that is correct.
 
My son is in c/o 2022 and I see on AFA calendar Basic Training ends 8/3. I assumed there was something for parents to watch, but read something that said parents should not plan to attend. I thought I had read last year about greeting them, even read something about be prepared for cadets to faint. What is that about?! And is it true that the only thing to come ( flying there) for after I day is Acceptance Parade? If so how much time do we get with our son during that and when should be plan on being there and leaving. Thanks for your help

Acceptance Day is a huge deal for the cadets. There’s a parade, and then they will get their shoulder boards. You’ll only get about 2 hours with your cadet, but if you can make it, it’s absolutely worth it! Last year, my son and I decided together that he’d go to I-Day by himself, and I’d fly out for A-Day. I think he had to be back with his squadron around 1:00 pm, and even though it was a super quick visit, it was worth every dollar I spent! I arrived in Colorado Springs the day before A-Day, and I left early the morning after. However, if I had it to do over, I would have flown home right after my time with my son (a 4:00 or later flight on A-Day would have worked). As far as cadets passing out, I saw it happen to several of them during the ceremony, but they received quick medical care. I was told it’s because they lock their knees while standing. They were fine, but it’s definitely disconcerting for the parents!
 
I agree with @1meanteacher

DD is now finishing up her Junior year @ USAFA. We have been to every parent week - toured the Acadamy before she even applied et al...

The only thing I would do differently is go out for Acceptance!! It is Huge -
 
What was your class schedule like for the first semester?
Your class schedule for the first couple of semesters will be almost entirely core and depends a lot on which courses you validate coming in. Typically, 4 degrees start with 4-5 classes a semester. For me, I took English, German, Computer Science, Chemistry, and Calc II last semester, and then Behavioral Sci, German, History, Physics, and Calc III this semester.
 
Do you know anything about cadet pay and if we can set up a Roth IRA?

Cadets receive 25% of a 2nd Lieutenant's pay, so will gross a bit above $1k/month. USAFA will loan cadets funding for uniforms, computer, and books, so after taxes and loan repayments, should net about $400 per month during their 4C year.

You can most certainly setup a Roth IRA - my DS setup a Roth IRA through USAA and is making automatic monthly contributions to his IRA.

A cadet should be able save at least $10,000 during their four years at the academy. I hope this helps, please let us know if you have any other questions.
 
Cadets receive 25% of a 2nd Lieutenant's pay, so will gross a bit above $1k/month. USAFA will loan cadets funding for uniforms, computer, and books, so after taxes and loan repayments, should net about $400 per month during their 4C year.

You can most certainly setup a Roth IRA - my DS setup a Roth IRA through USAA and is making automatic monthly contributions to his IRA.

A cadet should be able save at least $10,000 during their four years at the academy. I hope this helps, please let us know if you have any other questions.
Thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you!
 
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