BCT Socks and Parents' Day Itinerary

ak29

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Sep 1, 2021
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To begin with, the appointee handbook did not mention anything about socks... how many pairs do we bring with us to I-day? I assume that we will be issued socks with our uniforms during BCT, but I wanted to make sure.

On a different note, Parents' Day is from Thurs 9/1 to 9/4... which days specifically should my parents be at USAFA? Is there going to be events for ALL 5 days, or can they come on Friday? From last year's schedule, it seems like most parent-cadet activities started on the second day, and the first day was just parent club president seminars and meetings.

If there is a detailed itinerary for parents day this year, then could someone post it? Or if not, please answer the questions above as to when my parents should fly into Colorado Springs.
 
To begin with, the appointee handbook did not mention anything about socks... how many pairs do we bring with us to I-day? I assume that we will be issued socks with our uniforms during BCT, but I wanted to make sure.
I brought the socks on my feet. IMO, you don't really have an opportunity to wear other socks during BCT, but someone else who brought socks might have more insight. (The only ones I think you could "get away with" are the green socks, but I'm not sure if they'd let you keep them)
On a different note, Parents' Day is from Thurs 9/1 to 9/4... which days specifically should my parents be at USAFA? Is there going to be events for ALL 5 days, or can they come on Friday? From last year's schedule, it seems like most parent-cadet activities started on the second day, and the first day was just parent club president seminars and meetings.

If there is a detailed itinerary for parents day this year, then could someone post it? Or if not, please answer the questions above as to when my parents should fly into Colorado Springs.
I haven't seen the itinerary yet (someone correct me if its been sent), but here is the link to last year's. My parents came into the springs Thursday evening and stayed until Tuesday, although I had to be back Monday before ACQ (7:50PM). Hope this helps!
 
You will be issued plenty of socks. Parent's weekend: Fly in Thursday. Friday is a parade and squadron cookouts and tours. Saturday is a football game that the doolie is required to attend. The doolie is also required to attend their squadron tailgate prior to the game. Most parents also attend the football game. After the game, most doolies spend the rest of the weekend with their parents until Monday evening. See the sights, have some fun, and eat some food that's not from Mitch's.
 
You will be issued plenty of socks. Parent's weekend: Fly in Thursday. Friday is a parade and squadron cookouts and tours. Saturday is a football game that the doolie is required to attend. The doolie is also required to attend their squadron tailgate prior to the game. Most parents also attend the football game. After the game, most doolies spend the rest of the weekend with their parents until Monday evening. See the sights, have some fun, and eat some food that's not from Mitch's.
I recommend an Air BNB versus a hotel for parent's weekend. More homelike, more privacy, more random refrigerator access, more couches to nap on, etc. You will make a Target run. We had his roommate and family over for a cookout and to let them tell war stories. It was a lot of fun.
 
If it doesn't say to bring something, don't bring it. If it says to bring something, bring it. If It's paperwork, bring 2-3 copies.
 
If it doesn't say to bring something, don't bring it. If it says to bring something, bring it. If It's paperwork, bring 2-3 copies.
Paperwork? We should bring 2-3 copies of that massive security form?
 
Paperwork? We should bring 2-3 copies of that massive security form?
No, because that form is only for the cadet's reference to enter the information into a secure computer. Nobody is collecting the paper copies. (to my knowledge)
 
Paperwork? We should bring 2-3 copies of that massive security form?
Ok fair point. I was talking about medical records specifically in this case. You really don't want to reget shots. I have two copies even though I have binder for everything needed.
 
Paperwork? We should bring 2-3 copies of that massive security form?
I made a copy, just in case, but I didn't send the extra copy with my son. I put all paperwork in a manilla envelope for him to bring with him. If I sent extra copies, they'd have all been carried together, and if lost, lost together. By keeping a copy at home, I felt like if he needed any details, I had them at my fingertips. They use that security form and enter it via their computer. They do get to call home if they need info that they don't otherwise know (no small talk, however, just the facts). Although he didn't lose his form, he did need to call me for an address we didn't get onto his form.
 
The biggest tip for I-Day: make a folder in an online storage platform, think google drive, one drive, etc. with all of your important paperwork. Know the password to access that account. If there is a document you don't have for whatever reason and you NEED to have the info, the cadre WILL give you access to a device to access that info.
 
To begin with, the appointee handbook did not mention anything about socks... how many pairs do we bring with us to I-day? I assume that we will be issued socks with our uniforms during BCT, but I wanted to make sure.

On a different note, Parents' Day is from Thurs 9/1 to 9/4... which days specifically should my parents be at USAFA? Is there going to be events for ALL 5 days, or can they come on Friday? From last year's schedule, it seems like most parent-cadet activities started on the second day, and the first day was just parent club president seminars and meetings.

If there is a detailed itinerary for parents day this year, then could someone post it? Or if not, please answer the questions above as to when my parents should fly into Colorado Springs.
It has become a bit of a running joke on USAFA parent groups that so many are worried about socks.
Don't be embarrassed by asking. Its just seems to be the #1 concern.

Bring only what is on the checklist (an exception would be compression shorts for modesty -- young ladies, I'm talking to you).

Literally everything else is issued: socks, robes, shower shoes, pajamas, uniforms, OCP t-shirts, dress shoes, another pair of boots, sheets, blankets, etc. School supplies are an exception, but that's what their pay is for.

There is a parent website that I recommend every parent bookmark. It has Parents' Weekend information, State Parent Clubs, etc. Yes, there is an itinerary for PW:
www.usafa.edu/parents
 
I noticed last year's schedule says the cadets can leave with parents after the open house on Friday. And I noticed the open houses end between 4:00 and 4:30. Does that mean that is the time that cadets can leave? Or if you attend an open house and finish early they can leave then? Sorry if that is confusing. Thank you!
 
I noticed last year's schedule says the cadets can leave with parents after the open house on Friday. And I noticed the open houses end between 4:00 and 4:30. Does that mean that is the time that cadets can leave? Or if you attend an open house and finish early they can leave then? Sorry if that is confusing. Thank you!

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about what time they are going to be done. It really can’t be predicted because it will vary by squadron and cadet. The Doolies may have to stay until the end and help clean up, maybe not. Some state parent groups have receptions on base Friday evening so you wouldn’t want to leave, anyway. (Wisconsin Parents Association’s should not be missed if anyone is from there, by the way). My advice is to just go in with the plan to arrive early on Friday and stay late. If your cadet can leave earlier, then do so. Just go with the flow.

Don’t over-plan for the weekend because you don’t know what your cadet wants to do, and that should be your focus. For our first PW, our oldest son just wanted to relax and play video games with his brother at the hotel. On Sunday his only desire was to go to the big sporting goods store for their ski and snowboard tent sale. He didn’t want to go to any restaurants or sights because it meant wearing his uniform.

In their upper class years there is more time to do sightseeing and more family things for PW. Their first year is different.

Stealth_81
 
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My DD says I-Day was like a stressful scavenger hunt running around collecting things and doing hair, all while being yelled at.
Absolutely if you only pack what is on the packing list, you will be FINE. However, between SAF tips and candidate-only platforms, use your judgement what else you might want to bring. My DD brought some extra hair clip items and feet blister things, maybe a few other items but I don't remember now and the point is they were small enough that it did not compromise her bag space. She also wore her sneakers and was able to put her boots inside the black bag. You can bring just the pages that are filled out and not the entire packet, lighten your load.

What would she/we have done differently? The thing that sticks out is how much thought and care was put into the black back and inproccessing outfit, and you all know what I mean. DD ended up wearing a black solid t-shirt and black athletic shorts with white compression pants. HOWEVER, she and I agree if we were to redo I-Day, she would have worn her solid aqua or maroon top instead, because it would have made finding her so much easier on Webguy without drawing extra attention.
 
Our DS brought only the pages of the security form that he had filled with information, as HCopter said above. It is only a guide for them to enter into the computer during BCT. He also took a notebook that listed contact details of his references, passwords he might need, and other relevant data necessary (physician contacts for shot records, CVid data, mom's cell number in case he lost his mind :)). He wore his boots and packed a black backpack with items from the list, paperwork / yellow envelope, hygiene products, and phone/chargers. That's it. Once inside the doors, the academy took care of the rest. Enjoy your time before basic...it goes fast and furious.
 
I noticed last year's schedule says the cadets can leave with parents after the open house on Friday. And I noticed the open houses end between 4:00 and 4:30. Does that mean that is the time that cadets can leave? Or if you attend an open house and finish early they can leave then? Sorry if that is confusing. Thank you!
They have been allowed to leave on Friday BUT have to be at accountability the next morning before the football game. Attending the tailgate and game is fondly (??) referred to as "mandatory fun." My daughter would sleep in her dorm on Friday so she wouldn't be stressed. Keep in mind that accountability (ie: roll call) is pretty early on Saturday morning.
 
I noticed last year's schedule says the cadets can leave with parents after the open house on Friday. And I noticed the open houses end between 4:00 and 4:30. Does that mean that is the time that cadets can leave? Or if you attend an open house and finish early they can leave then? Sorry if that is confusing. Thank you!
You will likely need to play it by ear. Our DS had to go to class after the squadron cookout lunch so it really will depend on squadron and class schedule. Similar to what @SpiritCommitteeLiaison said, he opted to come with us for dinner but we took him back at stay at dorm Friday night so as not to worry about early accountability Saturday morning before the game. Seemed less stressful for everyone that way.
 
They have been allowed to leave on Friday BUT have to be at accountability the next morning before the football game. Attending the tailgate and game is fondly (??) referred to as "mandatory fun." My daughter would sleep in her dorm on Friday so she wouldn't be stressed. Keep in mind that accountability (ie: roll call) is pretty early on Saturday morning.
Yes, we dropped our son back after dinner Friday night so we didn’t have to get up super early to drop him back Saturday morning.
 
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