Cadet Sabers - What year are they issued?

[HyruleKnight77]

Hey everyone!
As a current nominated candidate to USAFA and USNA (wish me luck), I got to wondering at what point you are given your cadet saber, should you choose to invest in one. I tried searching google, and was unable to find any definite results. I would greatly appreciate if someone could answer this question for me.
Thank you!

 

[USAFAGradMom]

Cadet sabers are not issued but can be rented (usually for a wedding following graduation) or purchased (usually for display following graduation)

Saber Rentals

Gift Shop for the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates.

shop.usafa.org

 

[HyruleKnight77]

Cadet sabers are not issued but can be rented (usually for a wedding following graduation) or purchased (usually for display following graduation)

Saber Rentals

Gift Shop for the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates.

shop.usafa.org

Thanks for the response, but I was wondering what year you are allowed to carry one as part of your uniform? For instance, are doolies allowed to carry them after BCT, or do they have to wait until after recognition?
Thanks!

 

[GoodRun]

If your position requires you to carry a saber during formations, then you will be issued one, which would be returned if your next job does not require one (so, you get them for a semester at a time). Typically flight, squadron, group, and wing commanders carry them and use them while reporting and marching during formations. If you are a Director of Operations and fill in for the Squadron Commander who is away, then you can "borrow" theirs. Sabers are really only worn in formations, so its not on your hip everyday...just an hour every once in a while.

You also get one if you join the saber drill team, but you might only wear it when practicing or competing. So, any class year would have one if they are on the team. Otherwise you can buy one when you graduate, even as gifts for others.

 

[USAFAGradMom]

Clarification... some upperclass cadets may be issued a saber to use as part of their uniform (depending on their job/position and usually worn only during formations, parades, while doing inspections, etc.) but they are not worn on a daily basis like when attending classes and are turned back in after that position ends or at graduation. After graduation, you may purchase a sabre.