BCT end date

Mav&Kylo

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Hi.
I know BCT ends on Aug 3 for class of 2027. Is there a ceremony or something on that day or day after where parents are invited to come?
Anyone know what I’m talking about?
Thank you.
 
Hi.
I know BCT ends on Aug 3 for class of 2027. Is there a ceremony or something on that day or day after where parents are invited to come?
Anyone know what I’m talking about?
Thank you.
As flieger said above, there is the A-day parade. However, there is not much time afterwards for visiting with family. Somewhere around two hours I believe.
 
A-day, unless it is extremely convenient, it isn't worth going to. You would get an hour or so with your cadet, and that's it. It's for the wing, not the families. You certainly can go, but I wouldn't expend the resources unless it is very easy to get to.
 
We traveled to last years A-Day from the east coast. We preordered lunch from a local deli and brought it with us. We arrived at the academy around 7:30 am and left around 2:00 pm. Of that we were able to spend a little over 2 hours with our son. Not a lot of time to be sure but no regrets. I would do it again. With that said , if you have to pick between A-Day and Parents weekend it’s Parents Weekend with a doubt.

I’ve pasted a video of the 2022 parade from YouTube below and below that a post from 2021.


From a 2021 post;
All this just in about Acceptance Day.

The Acceptance Day plan is that the base will open on 2 August to the public so parents will be able to attend the Acceptance Day Parade (9am start and gate normally opens at 7am.) Immediately following the parade is Convocation, which fourth class cadets must attend (still on Stillman Field). From the end of Convocation until 1330 cadets will be allowed to escort their parents in the cadet area with the exception of the dorms. Fourth Class Cadets will not be allowed to go off base with their parents.

Thank you,

Marie

Marie

ROSE MARIE NIKOVITS
Parents' Liaison
Strategic Communications
U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
 
We (parents) went to '26's A-Day and really enjoyed it. Not as much ROI as Parents' Weekend (particularly Friday-Saturday), but still very much worth it IMO. PM me if you want more background.
 
We attended the class of 2026's A-Day ceremony which was an extremely proud event for both the families and cadets and one not to miss. Being able to personally witness your cadet receiving their shoulder boards after all they went through to reach that moment, being welcomed into their new squadron, the unforgettable huge genuine smile of pride and accomplishments, plus the hug that didn't seem to end are priceless. We were not only able to spend about two hours with our cadet but also met roommates and their families as well. Some of the squadrons were organized and had cookouts and tailgating. Looking back, I can't imagine not being there for that moment.....there aren't enough words to describe it.
 
If you can afford it, the trip for A Day is worth it to get in your hugs after a very emotional summer for both cadets and parents. It’s a short time with your cadet but amazing time too. But if you have to choose one over the other parents weekend is the way to go.
 
Thank you for all this helpful information! So is A parade on Aug 3? I can’t find this on the current USAFA calendar.
 
Considering that the cadet wing returns on 8/5 according to the current calendar, A day would have to be after that. Past years they were on 8/5/22 and 8/6/21 at the end of onboarding. So if the schedule stays the same the parade could possible be sometime 8/6 (more like 8/7) - 8/9.
 

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When it’s up and running and your cadet has their appt, make sure to join the class of 27 Facebook page. It will have lots of great info for you and be a lifeline through the crazy journey that is their freshmen(Doolie) year.
 
Unless you have an official copy of the schedule from USAFA itself, don't book anything that is nonrefundable! And everything is still subject to change! (Recognition for class of 26 has changed 3 times already!) Lol. For class of 26 A-Day was about 5 days after the end of BCT. It will have to be after the entire cadet wing returns from summer programs. A-day won't be nearly as crowded as I-day or parents weekend, so I wouldn't worry about booking just yet. I think I made travel reservations in April last year, once the calendar was released.
 
We traveled to last years A-Day from the east coast. We preordered lunch from a local deli and brought it with us. We arrived at the academy around 7:30 am and left around 2:00 pm. Of that we were able to spend a little over 2 hours with our son. Not a lot of time to be sure but no regrets. I would do it again. With that said , if you have to pick between A-Day and Parents weekend it’s Parents Weekend with a doubt.

I’ve pasted a video of the 2022 parade from YouTube below and below that a post from 2021.


From a 2021 post;
All this just in about Acceptance Day.

The Acceptance Day plan is that the base will open on 2 August to the public so parents will be able to attend the Acceptance Day Parade (9am start and gate normally opens at 7am.) Immediately following the parade is Convocation, which fourth class cadets must attend (still on Stillman Field). From the end of Convocation until 1330 cadets will be allowed to escort their parents in the cadet area with the exception of the dorms. Fourth Class Cadets will not be allowed to go off base with their parents.

Thank you,

Marie

Marie

ROSE MARIE NIKOVITS
Parents' Liaison
Strategic Communications
U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
I agree! If you can make it to A-Day it means the world to your cadet. The ceremony of them "Joining the wing" is wonderful and means even more, I'm told, when they "leave the wing" to graduate. The time is short for a visit, but it's nice to connect and share their accomplishment.
 
I agree! If you can make it to A-Day it means the world to your cadet. The ceremony of them "Joining the wing" is wonderful and means even more, I'm told, when they "leave the wing" to graduate. The time is short for a visit, but it's nice to connect and share their accomplishment.
Yes, as one of the lucky families that got to attend both events, it was very moving to see the joining and leaving.
 
Hi.
I know BCT ends on Aug 3 for class of 2027. Is there a ceremony or something on that day or day after where parents are invited to come?
Anyone know what I’m talking about?
Thank you.
Ay, so if I get accepted into the Academy basic training well end on my birthday lol.
 
You get about 2 hours for lunch with your C4C.

Two hours is really a short time, so I always say that if you live close and/or can afford the airline tickets (excessive right now!), then by all means attend A-day. Otherwise, wait a couple of weeks and head out to Parents' Weekend when you will have 3 days to be with your cadet.

As others have said, parents who do attend often adopt roommates and friends & provide them lunch. There will most likely be food trucks as well. Even if you are not there, rest assured that your cadet is in good hands.
 
Hi.
I know BCT ends on Aug 3 for class of 2027. Is there a ceremony or something on that day or day after where parents are invited to come?
Anyone know what I’m talking about?
Thank you.
You can meet your cadet during A-Day. However, this is only for a few hours before they have to go back. Find out which squadron DS/DD belongs to then reach out to the parents and organize some food and drinks for the cadets. And don't forget to bring a drink for your cadet as DS/DD will need it right after the ceremony. Last year, many passed out during the ceremony because of the heat and long-standing. Congrats!
 
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