Contacting Parents/Friends

Haha! You won't have enough time to worry about your pay that first year. You don't get to keep much. ;-)

How much you get each pay period will depend on what is deducted that time around -- uniforms, boots, repayment of the loan. If you're in a club that requires a mess dress (Chorale), Drum&Bugle Corps, or some other activity that requires different uniforms than what is standard, then you might get less than your roommate for a while. If you have scholarships that you apply, you may get more.

Anyway, you'll get it all figured out once you're there. For now, it's nothing to stress about.
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
Haha! You won't have enough time to worry about your pay that first year. You don't get to keep much. ;-)

How much you get each pay period will depend on what is deducted that time around -- uniforms, boots, repayment of the loan. If you're in a club that requires a mess dress (Chorale), Drum&Bugle Corps, or some other activity that requires different uniforms than what is standard, then you might get less than your roommate for a while. If you have scholarships that you apply, you may get more.

Anyway, you'll get it all figured out once you're there. For now, it's nothing to stress about.
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USAFA83GradWife said:
Haha! You won't have enough time to worry about your pay that first year. You don't get to keep much. ;-)

How much you get each pay period will depend on what is deducted that time around -- uniforms, boots, repayment of the loan. If you're in a club that requires a mess dress (Chorale), Drum&Bugle Corps, or some other activity that requires different uniforms than what is standard, then you might get less than your roommate for a while. If you have scholarships that you apply, you may get more.

Anyway, you'll get it all figured out once you're there. For now, it's nothing to stress about.
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Ahh, that makes sense.I'm just so anxious that my mind is flooding with questions! But I know most of it doffers with squadrons so I'll have to wait till I get there. In your opinion, would it be more beneficial to fond a random sponsor family that I will be assigned to or to try hand have my friends family sponsor me? My mum seems to think I shouldn't since they are not air force nor officers.
 
Remember; there's no rule that says you have to have a sponsor family. I would say it's probably a 50/50 split on how many people want a sponsor family. And for those who live in the local area of Colorado, Wyoming, etc. very few of them have sponsor families. My son didn't have a sponsor family. We dropped him off on "I-Day". Went and saw him on "A-Day". Saw him every weekend for Home Football Games. Went and picked him up and brought him home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, 3-day weekends, etc. Granted, we live in Cheyenne, and that's a 2 hour drive most times for us. On a bad day, 2 1/2 hours. (Less than 160 miles. And yes, I do drive 80-85.)

Point is, if your family lives close and you're going to see them regularly anyway, why do you need a "Sponsor Family"? Not saying you can't have one; just that most locals +/- 150/200 miles don't have one.
 
Christcorp said:
Remember; there's no rule that says you have to have a sponsor family. I would say it's probably a 50/50 split on how many people want a sponsor family. And for those who live in the local area of Colorado, Wyoming, etc. very few of them have sponsor families. My son didn't have a sponsor family. We dropped him off on "I-Day". Went and saw him on "A-Day". Saw him every weekend for Home Football Games. Went and picked him up and brought him home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, 3-day weekends, etc. Granted, we live in Cheyenne, and that's a 2 hour drive most times for us. On a bad day, 2 1/2 hours. (Less than 160 miles. And yes, I do drive 80-85.)

Point is, if your family lives close and you're going to see them regularly anyway, why do you need a "Sponsor Family"? Not saying you can't have one; just that most locals +/- 150/200 miles don't have one.
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See I knew someone would beat me to it. Thanks Mike.
 
Christcorp said:
Remember; there's no rule that says you have to have a sponsor family. I would say it's probably a 50/50 split on how many people want a sponsor family. And for those who live in the local area of Colorado, Wyoming, etc. very few of them have sponsor families. My son didn't have a sponsor family. We dropped him off on "I-Day". Went and saw him on "A-Day". Saw him every weekend for Home Football Games. Went and picked him up and brought him home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, 3-day weekends, etc. Granted, we live in Cheyenne, and that's a 2 hour drive most times for us. On a bad day, 2 1/2 hours. (Less than 160 miles. And yes, I do drive 80-85.)

Point is, if your family lives close and you're going to see them regularly anyway, why do you need a "Sponsor Family"? Not saying you can't have one; just that most locals +/- 150/200 miles don't have one.
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Well it isn't my personal family that is close, it's a friend and her family who I've known for some odd 5 or so years now. I'd like to ask them to apply and sponser me but my mum says it may not be beneficial because they are army NCOs I believe and not air force officers. If you don't have a sponsor family, what do you do on times designated for sponsor families such as doolie day out, and are you stuck at the academy on weekends since you don't have a sponsor?
 
Christcorp said:
Remember; there's no rule that says you have to have a sponsor family. I would say it's probably a 50/50 split on how many people want a sponsor family. And for those who live in the local area of Colorado, Wyoming, etc. very few of them have sponsor families. My son didn't have a sponsor family. We dropped him off on "I-Day". Went and saw him on "A-Day". Saw him every weekend for Home Football Games. Went and picked him up and brought him home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, 3-day weekends, etc. Granted, we live in Cheyenne, and that's a 2 hour drive most times for us. On a bad day, 2 1/2 hours. (Less than 160 miles. And yes, I do drive 80-85.)

Point is, if your family lives close and you're going to see them regularly anyway, why do you need a "Sponsor Family"? Not saying you can't have one; just that most locals +/- 150/200 miles don't have one.
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So true! We have another family friend whose son just graduated a couple of years ago. His family was in town, so he didn't have an official sponsor family.

However, the cadets I mentioned didn't have sponsors but wanted them. There weren't enough to go around. Hopefully they won't have that problem for c/o 2019.

Rogers - I once heard a Major say, "The answer is always 'no' if you don't ask."
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
Christcorp said:
Remember; there's no rule that says you have to have a sponsor family. I would say it's probably a 50/50 split on how many people want a sponsor family. And for those who live in the local area of Colorado, Wyoming, etc. very few of them have sponsor families. My son didn't have a sponsor family. We dropped him off on "I-Day". Went and saw him on "A-Day". Saw him every weekend for Home Football Games. Went and picked him up and brought him home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, 3-day weekends, etc. Granted, we live in Cheyenne, and that's a 2 hour drive most times for us. On a bad day, 2 1/2 hours. (Less than 160 miles. And yes, I do drive 80-85.)

Point is, if your family lives close and you're going to see them regularly anyway, why do you need a "Sponsor Family"? Not saying you can't have one; just that most locals +/- 150/200 miles don't have one.
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So true! We have another family friend whose son just graduated a couple of years ago. His family was in town, so he didn't have an official sponsor family.

However, the cadets I mentioned didn't have sponsors but wanted them. There weren't enough to go around. Hopefully they won't have that problem for c/o 2019.

Rogers - I once heard a Major say, "The answer is always 'no' if you don't ask."
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I like that quote! The longest I've been away from my mum and dad is 6months but I was with my grandparents. O figured if my friends family could sponsor me I'd have something familiar close to me. If they don't need to sponsor me in order to see me then that'd be good as well. I guess I'm a little anxious about this plunge I'm about to take and I guess I'd feel a little at ease knowing I'd have my friends family.
 
You don't have to have an "Official Sponsor Family". If you've got family/close friends that live near the academy, then you obviously don't need a sponsor family. Those are for people who are basically ALL BY THEMSELVES. I.e. they are from Florida, Georgia, Vermont, Ohio, California, etc. and they don't know anyone nearby; they are 17 years old and scared/nervous of being on their own; and they need a surrogate family to be there for them.

Again; nothing wrong with having a sponsor family if that's what you want, but if you are comfortable on your own; live close enough for Real Family; have friends/family that live near by; etc. then you don't need a sponsor family.

As far as your time off goes; where you're allowed to leave the campus, do whatever you want to do. You don't have to have a sponsor family to go off campus. FWIW: The majority of cadets who DO have a sponsor family, may keep in touch with them, but after the first 1-2 semesters, they almost NEVER hang out with them. NOT ALL.... Simply saying MOST Cadets realize soon enough that they don't need a "Family" to help them out. They already have a "Family". 4439 OTHER Brothers and Sisters. But again, you can have a sponsor family if you want. I'm not trying to discourage anyone. Simply saying you don't HAVE TO HAVE ONE. Most doolies, once allowed some time off, get to know their UPPER CLASSMEN real well. Especially those who have turned 21 years old and want to go out to "REAL CLUBS" in the colorado springs area. The C4C and C3C make GREAT DESIGNATED DRIVERS. Plus, as payback, many of the upper classmen that they are helping out, will pay them back by letting them BORROW their car to go downtown to Walmart, restaurant, to the Mall, to go skiing, etc... Remember.... A C4C or C3C can't OWN a car on campus, but there's no rule about they being able to drive a car. More than 50% do some driving. Anyway, that's how it is. Mike
 
Christcorp said:
You don't have to have an "Official Sponsor Family". If you've got family/close friends that live near the academy, then you obviously don't need a sponsor family. Those are for people who are basically ALL BY THEMSELVES. I.e. they are from Florida, Georgia, Vermont, Ohio, California, etc. and they don't know anyone nearby; they are 17 years old and scared/nervous of being on their own; and they need a surrogate family to be there for them.

Again; nothing wrong with having a sponsor family if that's what you want, but if you are comfortable on your own; live close enough for Real Family; have friends/family that live near by; etc. then you don't need a sponsor family.

As far as your time off goes; where you're allowed to leave the campus, do whatever you want to do. You don't have to have a sponsor family to go off campus. FWIW: The majority of cadets who DO have a sponsor family, may keep in touch with them, but after the first 1-2 semesters, they almost NEVER hang out with them. NOT ALL.... Simply saying MOST Cadets realize soon enough that they don't need a "Family" to help them out. They already have a "Family". 4439 OTHER Brothers and Sisters. But again, you can have a sponsor family if you want. I'm not trying to discourage anyone. Simply saying you don't HAVE TO HAVE ONE. Most doolies, once allowed some time off, get to know their UPPER CLASSMEN real well. Especially those who have turned 21 years old and want to go out to "REAL CLUBS" in the colorado springs area. The C4C and C3C make GREAT DESIGNATED DRIVERS. Plus, as payback, many of the upper classmen that they are helping out, will pay them back by letting them BORROW their car to go downtown to Walmart, restaurant, to the Mall, to go skiing, etc... Remember.... A C4C or C3C can't OWN a car on campus, but there's no rule about they being able to drive a car. More than 50% do some driving. Anyway, that's how it is. Mike
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That makes sense, maybe I shouldn't get a sponsor family so that another cadet can have that opportunity if they are low on people to sponsor cadets. Also, (sorry for all my questions, I have a quizzical mind) I thought C4Cs couldn't be friends or fraternize with upper classmen until after recognition. Do we get to go out with them beforehand? Or is that a strict rule?
 
You'll learn everything you need to once you get there. I'm not putting you off, but there's a whole different world between bct and once A-day comes and classes start. There's also different policies, notice, I didn't say rules, between the 40 different squadrons. There's also different rules and policy changes yearly at the academy. So it's best not to try and get specific. What happened in the past may or may not happen this year.

Generally, until recognition, you're a nobody. And you'll have very little time off. Minus thanksgiving and Christmas until recognition. But this thread is dealing mainly with having a sponsor family. The thing is, you can always ask for a sponsor family now, and as you gradually realize you don't need them that much, gradually work away from them. But for some, having someone there to talk with and to help is important. For others, especially those who have family or friends within a couple hours drive, it's not so important. That's something you need to decide for yourself.
 
Christcorp said:
You'll learn everything you need to once you get there. I'm not putting you off, but there's a whole different world between bct and once A-day comes and classes start. There's also different policies, notice, I didn't say rules, between the 40 different squadrons. There's also different rules and policy changes yearly at the academy. So it's best not to try and get specific. What happened in the past may or may not happen this year.

Generally, until recognition, you're a nobody. And you'll have very little time off. Minus thanksgiving and Christmas until recognition. But this thread is dealing mainly with having a sponsor family. The thing is, you can always ask for a sponsor family now, and as you gradually realize you don't need them that much, gradually work away from them. But for some, having someone there to talk with and to help is important. For others, especially those who have family or friends within a couple hours drive, it's not so important. That's something you need to decide for yourself.
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Thank you, all this info is so helpful!
 
A bit of clarification about Doolie Day Out... I believe it was referred to as Doolie Dining Out by someone. DDO actually happens midway through Basic. You go to a sponsor's house (often your permanent sponsor, but not always) and spend the day sleeping & calling home. If your family sponsors you you can go home!
The first time you get to leave base AFTER Basic is Parent's Weekend, which is Labor Day weekend. If your parents are planning to come out and see you, that's the time to do it. (They can also come at Acceptance Day, but you only get to see them for a couple of hours.)

Many cadets have an official sponsor. Many do not. It's all preference. I do have a sponsor, who I still see about once a month. Honestly, I think I am more important to my sponsor family (elderly couple) than they are to me. However, they are VERY nice people and don't mind driving me to Denver occasionally... or picking me up when my flight inevitably gets delayed! Seriously... those people are saints.

The whole upperclassman thing... depending on what you do with your free time (or lack thereof), you'll probably develop some "non friendships" at some point before Recognition. Teams/clubs are often more relaxed and closer than, say, your chain of command. That said, most squads do have a bit of a family atmosphere going on. There's always a couple people who are in the "freshmen are not human" mindset, but everyone else will be at least cordial.

I'm getting the sense you're a bit nervous. Don't be! Basic is going to be hard at times, but you'll get through it. You'll probably have nights (early mornings, actually) where you're not sure if you can do it. You can. DON'T except this place to be perfect--it's not. It has some serious issues. DO expect to work hard and do well. You can.
 
Invisibility said:
A bit of clarification about Doolie Day Out... I believe it was referred to as Doolie Dining Out by someone. DDO actually happens midway through Basic. You go to a sponsor's house (often your permanent sponsor, but not always) and spend the day sleeping & calling home. If your family sponsors you you can go home!
The first time you get to leave base AFTER Basic is Parent's Weekend, which is Labor Day weekend. If your parents are planning to come out and see you, that's the time to do it. (They can also come at Acceptance Day, but you only get to see them for a couple of hours.)

Many cadets have an official sponsor. Many do not. It's all preference. I do have a sponsor, who I still see about once a month. Honestly, I think I am more important to my sponsor family (elderly couple) than they are to me. However, they are VERY nice people and don't mind driving me to Denver occasionally... or picking me up when my flight inevitably gets delayed! Seriously... those people are saints.

The whole upperclassman thing... depending on what you do with your free time (or lack thereof), you'll probably develop some "non friendships" at some point before Recognition. Teams/clubs are often more relaxed and closer than, say, your chain of command. That said, most squads do have a bit of a family atmosphere going on. There's always a couple people who are in the "freshmen are not human" mindset, but everyone else will be at least cordial.

I'm getting the sense you're a bit nervous. Don't be! Basic is going to be hard at times, but you'll get through it. You'll probably have nights (early mornings, actually) where you're not sure if you can do it. You can. DON'T except this place to be perfect--it's not. It has some serious issues. DO expect to work hard and do well. You can.
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Thank you! That clearifies a lot! I am nervous, but also excited. I know its going to be a challenge but then again that started setting in a while ago. I'm game for anything and I am so gracious for the honor that I've earned. I'm just beyond ready! Countingbdoen the days!
 
Invisibility said:
A bit of clarification about Doolie Day Out... I believe it was referred to as Doolie Dining Out by someone. DDO actually happens midway through Basic. You go to a sponsor's house (often your permanent sponsor, but not always) and spend the day sleeping & calling home. If your family sponsors you you can go home!
The first time you get to leave base AFTER Basic is Parent's Weekend, which is Labor Day weekend. If your parents are planning to come out and see you, that's the time to do it. (They can also come at Acceptance Day, but you only get to see them for a couple of hours.)
Click to expand...

Yeah, that was me. I had "Dining Outs" on the brain & it's something different (though they do get to eat with the DDO sponsor family) :)
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
Invisibility said:
A bit of clarification about Doolie Day Out... I believe it was referred to as Doolie Dining Out by someone. DDO actually happens midway through Basic. You go to a sponsor's house (often your permanent sponsor, but not always) and spend the day sleeping & calling home. If your family sponsors you you can go home!
The first time you get to leave base AFTER Basic is Parent's Weekend, which is Labor Day weekend. If your parents are planning to come out and see you, that's the time to do it. (They can also come at Acceptance Day, but you only get to see them for a couple of hours.)
Click to expand...

Yeah, that was me. I had "Dining Outs" on the brain & it's something different (though they do get to eat with the DDO sponsor family) :)
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Ohhh okay, I understand. Dining outs are nice! I hope to experience that at USAFA. I am currently preparing for my JROTC military ball and I'm super excited. Anyway, all this info on sponsor families has really been helpful and I truely do appreciate it!
 
Boozebin said:
baileydb said:
Lol, Boozebin! I didn't know you were her in CO, too!
I would love to get your guys' perspective on choosing your own family as sponsors, which I believe is a realistic possibility in my case, as my parents happen to be moving even closer to USAFA than we already are (not because of me, though).
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Yes ma'am, lived in beautiful CO for longer than I've lived in my home town of NY, err I mean CO is a frozen tundra and it snows all the time and you don't want to move here at all! :zip:. My DS's mom lives in The Springs and is the home of record for him.

To be honest I don't know how it works for those that come from here. I think you get assigned one anyway but you don't have to go to their house and most sponsors get it if you have family here. I'll have to check with my DS to see if he knows how it works once he reaches the Hill. He's at Prep right now and the rules are a little different they get a little more freedom at a faster pace. I'll check back in on this thread once I know or not if someone beats me to it.
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Brrr.... yes it's so COLD! Why anyone would ever want to move here is beyond me!!!
JUST KIDDING! It's been so beautiful the past couple weeks here! I hope beyond hope that I get to stay in this beautiful state for school next year!
 
Invisibility said:
A bit of clarification about Doolie Day Out... I believe it was referred to as Doolie Dining Out by someone. DDO actually happens midway through Basic. You go to a sponsor's house (often your permanent sponsor, but not always) and spend the day sleeping & calling home. If your family sponsors you you can go home!
The first time you get to leave base AFTER Basic is Parent's Weekend, which is Labor Day weekend. If your parents are planning to come out and see you, that's the time to do it. (They can also come at Acceptance Day, but you only get to see them for a couple of hours.)

Many cadets have an official sponsor. Many do not. It's all preference. I do have a sponsor, who I still see about once a month. Honestly, I think I am more important to my sponsor family (elderly couple) than they are to me. However, they are VERY nice people and don't mind driving me to Denver occasionally... or picking me up when my flight inevitably gets delayed! Seriously... those people are saints.

The whole upperclassman thing... depending on what you do with your free time (or lack thereof), you'll probably develop some "non friendships" at some point before Recognition. Teams/clubs are often more relaxed and closer than, say, your chain of command. That said, most squads do have a bit of a family atmosphere going on. There's always a couple people who are in the "freshmen are not human" mindset, but everyone else will be at least cordial.

I'm getting the sense you're a bit nervous. Don't be! Basic is going to be hard at times, but you'll get through it. You'll probably have nights (early mornings, actually) where you're not sure if you can do it. You can. DON'T except this place to be perfect--it's not. It has some serious issues. DO expect to work hard and do well. You can.
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So on Doolie Day Out, if I were to be accepted and be a doolie, could I see my family? They live close to USAFA, so is this a possibility or no?
 
Don't wish away the days. BCT will be here before you know it, then you can wish away the days...all the days until recognition. For now, enjoy your senior year, your family, friends, pets, relaxing, sitting, wearing what you want.
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
Yeah, that was me. I had "Dining Outs" on the brain & it's something different (though they do get to eat with the DDO sponsor family) :)
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Back when Dinosaurs roamed the Tzo they were called Doolie Dining Outs, not Doolie Day Out, so that could be why you were calling it that if you are married to an 83 Grad
 
falconchic88 said:
USAFA83GradWife said:
Yeah, that was me. I had "Dining Outs" on the brain & it's something different (though they do get to eat with the DDO sponsor family) :)
Click to expand...
Back when Dinosaurs roamed the Tzo they were called Doolie Dining Outs, not Doolie Day Out, so that could be why you were calling it that if you are married to an 83 Grad
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Oh! Ok, now that makes sense. I'll blame my husband. He's out parking the dinosaur as we speak. :)
 
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