Any USAFA Questions (Current Freshman Female)

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Hey! I know I had a lot of questions especially trying to figure out appointment packet details, packing for BCT, what to expect on iday etc. so leave any down below! I’m a current female in the class of 2026!
 
Thanks for posting this thread! I'm a class of 2027 appointee and I have started to collect things for BCT and for the bag I'm leaving at a friend's house in CO for after BCT. I know that most people recommend not bringing anything extra for BCT except more underwear and bras, but is there anything else you wished you had? I am also unsure about what stuff I will want after BCT since I know there isn't much storage. I also know there is a bulletin board, I have one in my room now that I like and want to bring some stuff for after BCT to add to the one I will have in the dorm. Is there any limitations on what you can put on it? I was also wondering about swimsuits. I swim competitively now, but am not going to be joining the IC team. Can I bring my own swimsuit, cap, and goggles for using the lap pool on my own? Or do you get issued them? Thanks for your help!
 
Swimsuits are issued, cap, and goggles will be fine to have after BCT. Follow the appointee guide exactly as written, if it says you can have something, bring it, with the exception of molded cleats(in my personal opinion).
 
Ouzel said:
Thanks for posting this thread! I'm a class of 2027 appointee and I have started to collect things for BCT and for the bag I'm leaving at a friend's house in CO for after BCT. I know that most people recommend not bringing anything extra for BCT except more underwear and bras, but is there anything else you wished you had? I am also unsure about what stuff I will want after BCT since I know there isn't much storage. I also know there is a bulletin board, I have one in my room now that I like and want to bring some stuff for after BCT to add to the one I will have in the dorm. Is there any limitations on what you can put on it? I was also wondering about swimsuits. I swim competitively now, but am not going to be joining the IC team. Can I bring my own swimsuit, cap, and goggles for using the lap pool on my own? Or do you get issued them? Thanks for your help!
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Congrats on your appointment! As for BCT, follow the checklist as much as you can. I would definitely recommend brining a razor as there is a day late in basic that you'll be in a swimsuit. They issue you spandex but I wish I brought my own. Don't worry about bringing cleats or a hairdryer as you won't really have a chance to use them. Laundry can get messed up during basic so definitely bring more underwear than suggested and don't worry too much about the style. I brought all granny panties trying to follow the list to a t and looking back I just wish I brought some that I was more used to. My roommate had leave in conditioner and that was a lifesaver after showering. Bring lots of stamps too! They will give you some but I ended up losing or giving half of them away so its always better to have extra. Also- a lot of us just used a 3 in one instead of bringing shampoo, conditioner and body wash, it was definitely a time saver. I stressed a ton trying to pack for Iday and doing a bunch of research but honestly just try and follow the list and you will be perfectly fine. They will issue you most stuff (it might not be what you like) and there is a chance to go to the store to get anything you might later think of. You can also share with your roommates too if you really need something in a pinch.

There's actually a decent amount of storage your freshman year because you will get issued a trunk and can buy bins for your desk. A lot of stuff I just ordered on amazon after basic. You can't have a lot as a freshman, to include no civies and you can't go off base until after parents' weekend (September) so your friend would need to bring you the bag. If you wear earrings, bring earrings! Also, a light blanket and fan would be super helpful as well. These are things my parents brought for me on iday. As for school, I currently use an ipad to take notes and would highly recommend it as well as a watch. There aren't really restrictions on how many shoes you can have so brining another pair of tennis shoes wouldn't be a bad idea. Pack new braws/underwear as the ones you used during basic will be kinda gross.

As for the bulletin board throughout the academic year, the only restriction really is that everything has to be flush with the board and pinned on all four sides. Currently mine is completely covered in photos and then my name tapes for my uniform and I love it. I dont think you can have anything dangling off of it though so just keep that in mind. If you wanted to put a calendar on it, it would just have to be pinned on all four sides.

And yup! They do issue you a swimsuit but they are pretty big and having also swam competitively, you will likely want to bring your own. Just make sure it is dark blue or black trying to match the issued one. Caps and goggles are completely fine as well.
 
Ankowala said:
Congrats on your appointment! As for BCT, follow the checklist as much as you can. I would definitely recommend brining a razor as there is a day late in basic that you'll be in a swimsuit. They issue you spandex but I wish I brought my own. Don't worry about bringing cleats or a hairdryer as you won't really have a chance to use them. Laundry can get messed up during basic so definitely bring more underwear than suggested and don't worry too much about the style. I brought all granny panties trying to follow the list to a t and looking back I just wish I brought some that I was more used to. My roommate had leave in conditioner and that was a lifesaver after showering. Bring lots of stamps too! They will give you some but I ended up losing or giving half of them away so its always better to have extra. Also- a lot of us just used a 3 in one instead of bringing shampoo, conditioner and body wash, it was definitely a time saver. I stressed a ton trying to pack for Iday and doing a bunch of research but honestly just try and follow the list and you will be perfectly fine. They will issue you most stuff (it might not be what you like) and there is a chance to go to the store to get anything you might later think of. You can also share with your roommates too if you really need something in a pinch.

There's actually a decent amount of storage your freshman year because you will get issued a trunk and can buy bins for your desk. A lot of stuff I just ordered on amazon after basic. You can't have a lot as a freshman, to include no civies and you can't go off base until after parents' weekend (September) so your friend would need to bring you the bag. If you wear earrings, bring earrings! Also, a light blanket and fan would be super helpful as well. These are things my parents brought for me on iday. As for school, I currently use an ipad to take notes and would highly recommend it as well as a watch. There aren't really restrictions on how many shoes you can have so brining another pair of tennis shoes wouldn't be a bad idea. Pack new braws/underwear as the ones you used during basic will be kinda gross.

As for the bulletin board throughout the academic year, the only restriction really is that everything has to be flush with the board and pinned on all four sides. Currently mine is completely covered in photos and then my name tapes for my uniform and I love it. I dont think you can have anything dangling off of it though so just keep that in mind. If you wanted to put a calendar on it, it would just have to be pinned on all four sides.

And yup! They do issue you a swimsuit but they are pretty big and having also swam competitively, you will likely want to bring your own. Just make sure it is dark blue or black trying to match the issued one. Caps and goggles are completely fine as well.
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Thank you so much! This is super helpful. I was just wondering what the rules are for what kind of earrings you can wear.
 
Ouzel said:
Thank you so much! This is super helpful. I was just wondering what the rules are for what kind of earrings you can wear.
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This is from the cadet standards and duties which provides most of the cadet regulations...
"Female Cadets may wear small (not to exceed 6 mm in diameter) spherical, conservative (moderate, being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme) round white diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver earrings as a set with any uniform combination. If member has multiple holes, only one set of earrings are authorized to be worn in uniform and will be worn in lower earlobes. Earrings will match and fit tightly without extending below earlobe unless piece extending is connecting band on clip earrings"

In short, just stick with simple studs which they also sell on base but they are normally sold our right after acceptance day for a little bit.
 
Ankowala said:
Congrats on your appointment! As for BCT, follow the checklist as much as you can. I would definitely recommend brining a razor as there is a day late in basic that you'll be in a swimsuit. They issue you spandex but I wish I brought my own. Don't worry about bringing cleats or a hairdryer as you won't really have a chance to use them. Laundry can get messed up during basic so definitely bring more underwear than suggested and don't worry too much about the style. I brought all granny panties trying to follow the list to a t and looking back I just wish I brought some that I was more used to. My roommate had leave in conditioner and that was a lifesaver after showering. Bring lots of stamps too! They will give you some but I ended up losing or giving half of them away so its always better to have extra. Also- a lot of us just used a 3 in one instead of bringing shampoo, conditioner and body wash, it was definitely a time saver. I stressed a ton trying to pack for Iday and doing a bunch of research but honestly just try and follow the list and you will be perfectly fine. They will issue you most stuff (it might not be what you like) and there is a chance to go to the store to get anything you might later think of. You can also share with your roommates too if you really need something in a pinch.

There's actually a decent amount of storage your freshman year because you will get issued a trunk and can buy bins for your desk. A lot of stuff I just ordered on amazon after basic. You can't have a lot as a freshman, to include no civies and you can't go off base until after parents' weekend (September) so your friend would need to bring you the bag. If you wear earrings, bring earrings! Also, a light blanket and fan would be super helpful as well. These are things my parents brought for me on iday. As for school, I currently use an ipad to take notes and would highly recommend it as well as a watch. There aren't really restrictions on how many shoes you can have so brining another pair of tennis shoes wouldn't be a bad idea. Pack new braws/underwear as the ones you used during basic will be kinda gross.

As for the bulletin board throughout the academic year, the only restriction really is that everything has to be flush with the board and pinned on all four sides. Currently mine is completely covered in photos and then my name tapes for my uniform and I love it. I dont think you can have anything dangling off of it though so just keep that in mind. If you wanted to put a calendar on it, it would just have to be pinned on all four sides.

And yup! They do issue you a swimsuit but they are pretty big and having also swam competitively, you will likely want to bring your own. Just make sure it is dark blue or black trying to match the issued one. Caps and goggles are completely fine as well.
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You had the blanket and fan with you on I-Day? What boots worked for you? Do you wear makeup there?
 
HKane said:
You had the blanket and fan with you on I-Day? What boots worked for you? Do you wear makeup there?
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No definitely do not bring these on I-Day. After basic there will be an acceptance day parade to signify you becoming part of the cadet wing. On this day, your parents can come to watch and many will bring you things. This is when I got the fan and blanket. Otherwise, you can order it after basic or wait until parents weekend (early September) to go off base and get things you need.

I love the Nike SFB Gen 2 combat boots, they are super comfy and lightweight and lasted me all throughout basic and most of the school year before I finally had to buy new ones. Would definitely recommend them. One thing I did was order a bunch and test them out then return the ones I didn't wear. None of them are going to be super comfortable at first because you have to break them in so don't stress about that too much if they don't fit perfect.

You can't wear makeup during basic but are free to do so during the academic year! Thats something to also have someone bring you after acceptance day as they don't sell it at the cadet store.
 
Great thread @Ankowala! Every question my daughter has had so far was answered here. We are following along for more great tips! I assume she will coordinate some of these bigger supplies with her roommate/s during BCT & hopefully give a phone call before A day?
 
Ocean.travels said:
Great thread @Ankowala! Every question my daughter has had so far was answered here. We are following along for more great tips! I assume she will coordinate some of these bigger supplies with her roommate/s during BCT & hopefully give a phone call before A day?
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Yes definitely coordinate with your roommate! I was lucky enough to have the same one during the academic year as I did during basic so we planned out how we wanted our room to be and what each person was going to get during basic. This is completely squad dependent though and not always the case. There is about a week after basic ends and before A day where she should get her phone. This only gives a week though so for anything that needs to be ordered etc. I started writing in letters to my parents as I thought about them during basic.
 
Ankowala said:
Congrats on your appointment! As for BCT, follow the checklist as much as you can. I would definitely recommend brining a razor as there is a day late in basic that you'll be in a swimsuit. They issue you spandex but I wish I brought my own. Don't worry about bringing cleats or a hairdryer as you won't really have a chance to use them. Laundry can get messed up during basic so definitely bring more underwear than suggested and don't worry too much about the style. I brought all granny panties trying to follow the list to a t and looking back I just wish I brought some that I was more used to. My roommate had leave in conditioner and that was a lifesaver after showering. Bring lots of stamps too! They will give you some but I ended up losing or giving half of them away so its always better to have extra. Also- a lot of us just used a 3 in one instead of bringing shampoo, conditioner and body wash, it was definitely a time saver. I stressed a ton trying to pack for Iday and doing a bunch of research but honestly just try and follow the list and you will be perfectly fine. They will issue you most stuff (it might not be what you like) and there is a chance to go to the store to get anything you might later think of. You can also share with your roommates too if you really need something in a pinch.

There's actually a decent amount of storage your freshman year because you will get issued a trunk and can buy bins for your desk. A lot of stuff I just ordered on amazon after basic. You can't have a lot as a freshman, to include no civies and you can't go off base until after parents' weekend (September) so your friend would need to bring you the bag. If you wear earrings, bring earrings! Also, a light blanket and fan would be super helpful as well. These are things my parents brought for me on iday. As for school, I currently use an ipad to take notes and would highly recommend it as well as a watch. There aren't really restrictions on how many shoes you can have so brining another pair of tennis shoes wouldn't be a bad idea. Pack new braws/underwear as the ones you used during basic will be kinda gross.

As for the bulletin board throughout the academic year, the only restriction really is that everything has to be flush with the board and pinned on all four sides. Currently mine is completely covered in photos and then my name tapes for my uniform and I love it. I dont think you can have anything dangling off of it though so just keep that in mind. If you wanted to put a calendar on it, it would just have to be pinned on all four sides.

And yup! They do issue you a swimsuit but they are pretty big and having also swam competitively, you will likely want to bring your own. Just make sure it is dark blue or black trying to match the issued one. Caps and goggles are completely fine as well.
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On the topic of showers, how long do we get to shower? Hot water? Not that it matters too much but just curious
 
Should we bring a hairbrush, hair ties, bobby pins? The packing list does not have these items so I was wondering if we were just issued these. Thank you for starting this thread for all the girls :)
 
elj33 said:
Should we bring a hairbrush, hair ties, bobby pins? The packing list does not have these items so I was wondering if we were just issued these. Thank you for starting this thread for all the girls :)
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This is my cue for my annual mention of something beloved by military women: Bunhead bun pins, 3” size, by Capezio, available on Amazon, Capezio, in dance supply stores. For those times you need a well-anchored, professional bun.

Three colors to blend with most hair tones. The 3” is the largest, and does well for longer or thicker hair. There are smaller sizes, but the 3” gives the best hold - unless you are growing your hair out and your bun is tiny, or you have fine, thin hair.

There is a simple trick to using them for maximum hold and leverage. Just search YouTube for Bunhead bun videos.

All the services have detailed uniform and grooming regulations describing allowed hairstyles with various uniforms, and what can be used on or in the hair. I am sure the OP here can provide a link to that.
 
I will add just a few suggestions since my DD is a 2026. She brought a regular bra along with way more sport bras then what was on the BCT list. She was glad she did that. She did also bring a small amount of makeup which she put on for A day parade. She brought a regular cheap watch but they took those on day 1 of BCT. She never used it. Bring lots of stamps and prelabled envelopes along with some paper. Also she kept a journal which was fun to go back and read thru.
 
Ankowala said:
Hey! I know I had a lot of questions especially trying to figure out appointment packet details, packing for BCT, what to expect on iday etc. so leave any down below! I’m a current female in the class of 2026!
Click to expand...
How was the adjustment to basic training and the academy overall from a civilian life? Was it shocking? And what about the academic rigor, although obviously relative, could you rate the difficulty of classes, and how much does your major effect this? What skills (academic or general) should I brush up on before coming? I'm joining the class of '27 this summer. Thank a lot, sorry for all the questions
 
What’s it like going to a school that’s majority male? Does the male/female ratio become something you stop noticing? Did you notice it much?
 
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