Answering questions for C/O 2022

Should we memorize any information like 7 basic responses etc

This is a good one to start with . . . you are usually required to recite it while doing push-ups . . . this is known as irony . . . ;)

“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and to give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself, while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.”

Major General John M. Schofield
Address to the Corps of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy
August 11, 1879
 
Does anyone know when we will be assigned our USAFA PO box number? I have yet to receive mine. Also will I be assigned a new one after BCT for mail during my freshman year?
 
Does anyone know when we will be assigned our USAFA PO box number? I have yet to receive mine. Also will I be assigned a new one after BCT for mail during my freshman year?

DS received his PO Box number assignment in April, along with his travel orders. Cadets should retain the same PO Box number for all four years at the academy (including BCT).
 
Should we memorize any information like 7 basic responses etc

This is a good one to start with . . . you are usually required to recite it while doing push-ups . . . this is known as irony . . . ;)

“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and to give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself, while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.”

Major General John M. Schofield
Address to the Corps of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy
August 11, 1879

Ahhh, classic!
 
How often were you able to go home this year to see family?

Depends on a cadet's proximity to home. However, many C4Cs travel home (or other locations) during:
  • Thanksgiving Break (from Last Military Duty (LMD) on 20-Nov-18 to 19:00 on 25-Nov-18)
  • Winter Break (from 16-Dec-18 to 19:00 on 03-Jan-19 -- departure date dependent on date/time of last final)
  • Spring Break (from LMD on 22-Mar-19 to 19:00 on 31-Mar-19)
In addition, one of the three summer sessions will be scheduled as a break, but summer schedules are typically not released until March or April.
 
The first time you will get to go home, without the circumstance of an eSSS is Thanksgiving break. But then 2 weeks later, you get to go back home for 3 weeks for winter break.
 
“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and to give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself, while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.”
my screensaver from now on! Thank you.
 
"Major General John M. Schofield's graduation address to the graduating class of 1879 at West Point is as follows. . ."

Most quotes have a certain rhythm, especially when reciting them while doing various exercises. The bond between basic cadets is in part formed by learning these quotes together. The rhythm comes naturally in that setting. Personally, I would avoid trying to memorize a lot upfront in favor of the former option. It does not matter if only you know it; everyone needs to know it.

That being said, Schofield's quote is a classic. Just don't go overboard!
 
“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and to give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself, while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.”
my screensaver from now on! Thank you.
If you're a direct who knows schofields quote and you make it very obvious, you might get roasted by the cadre. Just don't make it obvious that you know it the first time.
 
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!
 
If you're a direct who knows schofields quote and you make it very obvious, you might get roasted by the cadre. Just don't make it obvious that you know it the first time.

^^^^^^
You may get roasted, but the the Upperclassmen will probably be impressed . . . they just won't show it . . . ;-) . . . doesn't mean they won't find something else to make your life a challenge . . . if you do put effort into pre-memorization, don't just use it for yourself . . . find a way to use it to help your fellow basic cadets
 
Memorize a few items of personal knowledge- things meaningful to you- inspirational quotes, Scripture, prayers- that you can recite to yourself through the challenges. Sense of purpose will sustain you and help you excel.

Given the Academy’s setting, I found Psalms 121:1 helpful

1I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where comes my help.
 
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