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No, it's that I've never seen a fridge in a cadet room, not in a 4/c room, and not in a 1/c room.
Concerns Regarding New USAFA SAMI/AMI standards - Parent's reactions
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No, it's that I've never seen a fridge in a cadet room, not in a 4/c room, and not in a 1/c room.
Christcorp
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Breath In........
Breath Out........
QUESTIONS:
Is this the first group of cadets to go through the Air Force Academy?
Has the Air Force trained a few officers prior to your sons and daughters?
Do you think, that they MIGHT know what they are doing?
These questions are almost rhetorical in nature, because the answers are quite obvious. While we like to believe that our children are special, and they are to us, there isn't one thing about them; their schedule; a sport they play; their IQ; their abilities; their needs; their wants; their maturity; etc.... that the academy and air force hasn't seen before.
Not saying that our kids or the younger generations are narcissistic; but they should realize that they aren't any more special than any other cadet or generation of cadets before them. The graduates of the Air Force Academy include Astronauts; Senators; Generals; CEO's; New York Times Best Seller; US Representatives; ambassadors; Corporate Presidents; etc...
The academy and the military are about team work and trust. To not realize and accept that the academy knows what they're doing and they have a reason for what they do; and that if reasons need to be challenged, there is a procedure; is to not trust the academy.
Breath Out........
QUESTIONS:
Is this the first group of cadets to go through the Air Force Academy?
Has the Air Force trained a few officers prior to your sons and daughters?
Do you think, that they MIGHT know what they are doing?
These questions are almost rhetorical in nature, because the answers are quite obvious. While we like to believe that our children are special, and they are to us, there isn't one thing about them; their schedule; a sport they play; their IQ; their abilities; their needs; their wants; their maturity; etc.... that the academy and air force hasn't seen before.
Not saying that our kids or the younger generations are narcissistic; but they should realize that they aren't any more special than any other cadet or generation of cadets before them. The graduates of the Air Force Academy include Astronauts; Senators; Generals; CEO's; New York Times Best Seller; US Representatives; ambassadors; Corporate Presidents; etc...
The academy and the military are about team work and trust. To not realize and accept that the academy knows what they're doing and they have a reason for what they do; and that if reasons need to be challenged, there is a procedure; is to not trust the academy.
Dad
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Have you? Having eaten at Mitch's while on official business (Parents Weekend does not count as they put their best foot forward), I found the food to be on par or better than what I ate/served at State U. My son, a C3C, while not a picky eater, has found the food to be adequate though tiresome/boring. He is ready for a change of pace food-wise on the weekends he can get away. I'm sure the food is not as good as what your DD is used to at home, but it is institutional food.
While in college (at a major Div I university most have heard of), I worked part-time as an assistant cook in one of the private dorms that catered to the school's ICs. I can say that the food that was served to the scholarship athletes was the same food that the non-ICs eat. In other words, Mitch's IS at the same quality level that athletes from non-SAs get.
Seriously, are you suggesting that your DD is being nutritionally deprived by eating at Mitch's? I'm sure her coach would say something if that was the case. Also, I'm not sure how having a fridge significantly impacts her diet for the better. FYI: cadets in the cross-fit club (not ultra competitive like your DD) also supplement their diets, but that has nothing to do with Mitch's.
If you are looking for something to complain about, I suggest you do further research into what you are saying. What you said is simply not true.
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Funny LITS, neither have I...its been tough, let me tell you, surviving without my own fridge. I've just had to suffer through sharing a fridge between 120 people.
Your child is not there for the sole reason of playing a competitive sport or to go golfing. Your child swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution and to serve his/her country. The SAs are not there to provide your children with luxuries or to fulfill their every desire. The fact that you can sit here and complain about something so trivial while hundreds of service members and civilians (including my parents as of last thursday) who have given more years of their life to service than I've been alive have just been furloughed or let go is ridiculous and, IMHO, immature. I'm not going to sit here and say that I haven't complained about Academy life before but not about something as simple as storage of items. If I had called home to complain about something like this, my parents would think I've lost my mind.
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Actually, I have eaten at Mitch's several times recently.
Food was fine.
And when I was a cadet (granted, Dino's roamed the T-Zo) we didn't have a refrigerator in our rooms. And I was an IC athlete...after practice, we raced to Mitch's, got dinner, and a sack meal to take back to the room.
That was it.
And we did fine.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
No one is saying that it is not "adequate" - it is. What I am saying is that it is not filled with lean proteins, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits. It's not the type of food tailored for 20 year old women trying to compete in a sport designed for 14-16 year old girls.
And yes, I did eat at Mitch's.
I guess the baffling question is why anyone here on the forum or anyone at USAFA would care if a cadet had a small fridge with fruits, veggies and grilled chicken breasts in it. They allow them to keep all the crap food in their rooms - makes no sense to me.
But hey, who am I to say?
And yes, I did eat at Mitch's.
I guess the baffling question is why anyone here on the forum or anyone at USAFA would care if a cadet had a small fridge with fruits, veggies and grilled chicken breasts in it. They allow them to keep all the crap food in their rooms - makes no sense to me.
But hey, who am I to say?
Frig
That is the problem with the air force, you are all so spoiled. In the navy they see to it that all recruits get their first 6 months being around all the refrigerators they want while doing mess duty. I remember it as if it was yesterday and not 38 years ago. I spent countless hours in the cooler and freezer and loading stores. But I will admit that when I reported on board as a 17 year old E1 they would not have allowed me to store my golf clubs either. But on the other hand, coming back from West-Pac we were able to store our camel bone furniture in the forward missile compartment.
That is the problem with the air force, you are all so spoiled. In the navy they see to it that all recruits get their first 6 months being around all the refrigerators they want while doing mess duty. I remember it as if it was yesterday and not 38 years ago. I spent countless hours in the cooler and freezer and loading stores. But I will admit that when I reported on board as a 17 year old E1 they would not have allowed me to store my golf clubs either. But on the other hand, coming back from West-Pac we were able to store our camel bone furniture in the forward missile compartment.
raimius
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If they feel the need for a dietary change/supplements, perhaps they should talk with the professional nutritionist on site.
Do cadets face challenges? Yep, but they aren't exactly left out in the cold to fend for themselves. Housing, food, professional level gyms, etc. are all available to them at no direct cost. If they think they are being short-changed, I don't know what to say.
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I can say with certainty that most times, the food at my children's home could best be described as "adequate." Really, the line about "gourmet hotdogs" is just an untruth.
Now, I could see complaining that there was a problem for cadets when their golf clubs, their skis (XC and downhill), and perhaps their kegs were not allowed for a SAMI. Then, we'd have something to worry about.
Now, I could see complaining that there was a problem for cadets when their golf clubs, their skis (XC and downhill), and perhaps their kegs were not allowed for a SAMI. Then, we'd have something to worry about.
MN-Dad-2016
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Maybe we are both bad cooks?
Because my son thinks the food is very good. He said it's surprisingly good. I know he eats like a horse and goes out of his way to complement the staff at Mitch's.
I agree with you fencemother. AF cadets figured out ways not to mess up their bed. They need to think outside the box. HINT: there is a lot of room above those drop ceiling panels.
falconfamily
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That is the problem with the air force, you are all so spoiled. In the navy they see to it that all recruits get their first 6 months being around all the refrigerators they want while doing mess duty. I remember it as if it was yesterday and not 38 years ago. I spent countless hours in the cooler and freezer and loading stores. But I will admit that when I reported on board as a 17 year old E1 they would not have allowed me to store my golf clubs either. But on the other hand, coming back from West-Pac we were able to store our camel bone furniture in the forward missile compartment.
Please....coming from someone who lives on a ship....with 24x7 cooks, a dry, warm cot, and ports of call...do you really want to cast stones?
As for the concerned parents, time to let future military officers be future military officers. This is not a big issue, it is not as if USAFA is saying that cadet rooms will now be used to house violent criminals in an effort to raise revenues for the military....
Dad
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I find it a bit odd that many times a suggestion on this Board that a policy should be examined is met with a backlash - statements like "they have it OK" or I don't know what to say if they "feel they are being short-changed" or they are't "left out in the cold".
Most of the time, it is not a matter of anyone feeling short changed or not being provided for - cadets have a good situation. I certainly never feel like cadets are getting a bad deal.
Notwithstanding, it should be OK to discuss a policy change here. Discussing and questioning a policy does not mean that there is some kind of brewing discontent or anger at someone. It is generally meant to ask a legitimate question. And allowing cadets to buy their own healthy food (no cost to USAFA) and be healthier seems to be a legitimate aim.
So I will look forward to a few good replies to this post
Most of the time, it is not a matter of anyone feeling short changed or not being provided for - cadets have a good situation. I certainly never feel like cadets are getting a bad deal.
Notwithstanding, it should be OK to discuss a policy change here. Discussing and questioning a policy does not mean that there is some kind of brewing discontent or anger at someone. It is generally meant to ask a legitimate question. And allowing cadets to buy their own healthy food (no cost to USAFA) and be healthier seems to be a legitimate aim.
So I will look forward to a few good replies to this post
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The upper two classes ARE allowed to have a small fridge per room. This has not changed with the new AMI/SAMI standards. Freshmen and sophomores are not allowed to have fridges due to class privilege differences, and to prevent overstressing the electrical system (or so we've been told).
Christcorp
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Wing77. The response to your statement: "I find it a bit odd that many times a suggestion on this Board that a policy should be examined is met with a backlash"; is quite simple.
Many times, when a person is making such a suggestion that a "policy" be examined; the person making that suggestion is NOT a cadet. They are NOT in the military. It's NOT THEIR POLICY to be examining. Would it be appropriate for you to examine the work policies of the local hardware store in your town?
What business of yours or someone else who isn't a cadet at the academy, is it? You think because you have a son or daughter at the academy it's your business? When does that stop. I'm 52 years old now. I am retired from the air force, but should my mom and dad be concerned with my CURRENT employment conditions? Did it stop when I turned 40? Maybe 30? Exactly WHEN is it no longer my parent's business?
I get it. People have sons and daughters at the academy. They are concerned about them. And if anything happens at the academy or in the military that affects their health, safety, rights, etc...; then as a parent, AND as a Tax Payer, you have every right to be concerned. But nothing here has anything to do with a cadet's health, safety, rights, etc...
This is NOT COLLEGE!!! The academy is SUPPOSE to be challenging. It's SUPPOSE to present conflict. These young men and women are NOT JUST STUDYING ACADEMICS to receive a college education. They are learning teamwork, trust, respect, honor. They are learning how to compromise and work together. They are learning to lead as well as follow orders. This is the military. IT IS NOT COLLEGE!!! The military has a RANK STRUCTURE. From the lowliest Cadet 4th Class up to 1st class. From airman basic to Chief Master Sergeant. From 2nd Lieutenant to General. Each of these ranks come with levels of responsibilities. Along with these responsibilities, come levels of honor, respect, reward, and benefits. This is the military. IT IS NOT COLLEGE.
I'm sorry that you don't understand this. I'm sorry that you don't understand the military. Most of all; I'm sorry that you feel that somehow, the policies that go on at the academy are somehow YOUR BUSINESS..... IT'S NOT.
This is why when individuals on the forums question academy policies and the likes, that it is met with "backlash". 1) You're not at the academy or in the military, so it's none of your business. (Just like you worrying about the policies at AT&T are non of your business unless you're an employee there); and 2). THIS IS NOT COLLEGE!!!
Many times, when a person is making such a suggestion that a "policy" be examined; the person making that suggestion is NOT a cadet. They are NOT in the military. It's NOT THEIR POLICY to be examining. Would it be appropriate for you to examine the work policies of the local hardware store in your town?
What business of yours or someone else who isn't a cadet at the academy, is it? You think because you have a son or daughter at the academy it's your business? When does that stop. I'm 52 years old now. I am retired from the air force, but should my mom and dad be concerned with my CURRENT employment conditions? Did it stop when I turned 40? Maybe 30? Exactly WHEN is it no longer my parent's business?
I get it. People have sons and daughters at the academy. They are concerned about them. And if anything happens at the academy or in the military that affects their health, safety, rights, etc...; then as a parent, AND as a Tax Payer, you have every right to be concerned. But nothing here has anything to do with a cadet's health, safety, rights, etc...
This is NOT COLLEGE!!! The academy is SUPPOSE to be challenging. It's SUPPOSE to present conflict. These young men and women are NOT JUST STUDYING ACADEMICS to receive a college education. They are learning teamwork, trust, respect, honor. They are learning how to compromise and work together. They are learning to lead as well as follow orders. This is the military. IT IS NOT COLLEGE!!! The military has a RANK STRUCTURE. From the lowliest Cadet 4th Class up to 1st class. From airman basic to Chief Master Sergeant. From 2nd Lieutenant to General. Each of these ranks come with levels of responsibilities. Along with these responsibilities, come levels of honor, respect, reward, and benefits. This is the military. IT IS NOT COLLEGE.
I'm sorry that you don't understand this. I'm sorry that you don't understand the military. Most of all; I'm sorry that you feel that somehow, the policies that go on at the academy are somehow YOUR BUSINESS..... IT'S NOT.
This is why when individuals on the forums question academy policies and the likes, that it is met with "backlash". 1) You're not at the academy or in the military, so it's none of your business. (Just like you worrying about the policies at AT&T are non of your business unless you're an employee there); and 2). THIS IS NOT COLLEGE!!!
raimius
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To me, it's more that I see parents worried about and trying to "solve" the rather trivial problems of their adult children. It usually winds up with parents tinkering around with things they don't fully understand, and trying to influence policy that they have no authority over or real relation to.
Pima
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+1 to CC and raimius.
Maybe it is me, but I think the reason some of this backlash is because of the topic.
Seriously, if this is a concern what will these parents do when it is serious and they disagree with the policy set forth by the AF?
They are 18, a legal adult. They have been deemed the brightest out of the brightest, I would think they can figure out to manage their life.
Cut the apron strings. If you think it is a stupid policy that is one thing, but in the big picture this is the military and when you go ADAF there are many times you won't have the small comforts of life, this is just one of those times.
I also laugh because the fact is most of us parents went to college and small fridges in our rooms was just becoming the new thing. We all survived. Back in our stone age we had to actually go to the library, and use microfiche to find articles to support our defense in an essay, we didn't have Google and could do it from the top of our bed on a laptop, while simultaneously watching tv. We all survived just fine, so why the heartburn over something they can't have when you didn't have it either and managed to live?
Is life really that hard to make this a topic of concern? If so, there are going to be much harder days in front of them. Sitting in a tent in the sandbox is not fun, and for every AFA parent that was AD in the 90's can recall what hardship was compared to today. Deployed...living in a tent...no internet...no cell phones. You would get 1 phone call home 1x a week for 10 minutes...the operator would cut you off at 10 mins exactly. That was the life.
It is also probably why CC and I might feel the way we do. Is this really a hardship?
Finally, I am sure there are 3000 kids that were in yr group who would happily switch places with your child. (The amount that had a nom, but got a TWE). The question is would your kid switch with them? If not than there you go...it is not that big of a deal.
Maybe it is me, but I think the reason some of this backlash is because of the topic.
Seriously, if this is a concern what will these parents do when it is serious and they disagree with the policy set forth by the AF?
They are 18, a legal adult. They have been deemed the brightest out of the brightest, I would think they can figure out to manage their life.
Cut the apron strings. If you think it is a stupid policy that is one thing, but in the big picture this is the military and when you go ADAF there are many times you won't have the small comforts of life, this is just one of those times.
I also laugh because the fact is most of us parents went to college and small fridges in our rooms was just becoming the new thing. We all survived. Back in our stone age we had to actually go to the library, and use microfiche to find articles to support our defense in an essay, we didn't have Google and could do it from the top of our bed on a laptop, while simultaneously watching tv. We all survived just fine, so why the heartburn over something they can't have when you didn't have it either and managed to live?
Is life really that hard to make this a topic of concern? If so, there are going to be much harder days in front of them. Sitting in a tent in the sandbox is not fun, and for every AFA parent that was AD in the 90's can recall what hardship was compared to today. Deployed...living in a tent...no internet...no cell phones. You would get 1 phone call home 1x a week for 10 minutes...the operator would cut you off at 10 mins exactly. That was the life.
It is also probably why CC and I might feel the way we do. Is this really a hardship?
Finally, I am sure there are 3000 kids that were in yr group who would happily switch places with your child. (The amount that had a nom, but got a TWE). The question is would your kid switch with them? If not than there you go...it is not that big of a deal.