Deferment?

GavinR

GavinR

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Joined
Sep 5, 2023
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Hey everyone. I'm a high school junior preparing to apply to the Air Force Academy and I had a question about what would happen if I were to get an appointment.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In my religion, it is common for young men to go on a two year proselytizing mission. I've planned to do this for my entire life but I'm worried about how it will interfere with my dreams of going to USAFA. I've talked to a couple USAFA graduates, and a lot of them say that you can take some sort of gap year after your first two years at the academy, then I would have to reapply after I get back from my mission. I'll do this if necessary, but If possible I would like to go on a mission before going to USAFA. Is there a way I can apply to USAFA, get an appointment, but then defer my appointment for two years while I go on my mission? Of course, if that isn't possible my life won't be destroyed but I would rather not take a 2 year gap in between my sophomore and junior year. (I forgot what they were called in service academy terms)
 
I doubt they will hold a spot for someone (but you never know). However, I honestly think that is very unique. You will probably discover a lot about yourself through your mission and learn a lot about the world. I do not (hope not) think the academy looks at that negatively, but I assure you will be allowed to apply and compete for appointment until you are 23 years old. My recommendation is to apply for CO 2029, (if I were in your place) if you get accepted, then decide what you want to do with your family and counselors.

I respect you for maintaining your religious beliefs while also committing to serving our country.
 
@GavinR Two cadets I know are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, have been given an appointment to USAFA and after their first year, went on a mission. You do not have to wait til after your sophomore. Many people have done this and USAFA and your MOC will work with you when you reapply. I don’t know anyone however that has done their mission and them went to USAFA. I would think it’d be best to apply immediately after high school rather than waiting.
 
My youngest DS (Doolie) has a squadron mate that is LDS and he is taking his mission straight after his Doolie year for two years. They were talking about it over Parent's Weekend and my DS was not happy that one of his closest BCT friends would be gone and when he came back he would be a Sophomore while my DS would be a Senior. This was news to me as I had never heard of that before but clearly it's not something new or that is a problem at USAFA. Good luck with your application and your mission.
 
See this thread, especially the second post by @flieger83:
Thread 'Leave for church mission?'
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/leave-for-church-mission.13122/

The service academies have accommodated cadets and midshipmen going on mission for decades. If they are in good standing when they leave, coordinate with the SA on re-application and with elected officials to get a nom, ensure they are still medically qualified, they smoothly slip into the class two years after the class they were originally in.

I doubt they would offer you an appointment and then hold it for you for two years. Each class is built, brought in and the admissions cycle closed out.

Think how rich and insightful your essays will be upon your return.

Go ahead and submit your application next year and hope for an appointment. If you get in, work hard to be a successful, respected first-year cadet. Walk the path so many have walked before you, go on your mission, reapply and continue your USAFA journey. Yes, there is a bit of adjustment to joining a new class, but that has been the way for many decades.

Think about a way you might try to find a USAFA cadet who has done this and get their insights. Perhaps @AF Roots above would be willing to communicate with you by DM and act as intermediary?

For DMs, you need 5 posts and a week on the forum. You need 1 more post.
 
GavinR said:
Hey everyone. I'm a high school junior preparing to apply to the Air Force Academy and I had a question about what would happen if I were to get an appointment.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In my religion, it is common for young men to go on a two year proselytizing mission. I've planned to do this for my entire life but I'm worried about how it will interfere with my dreams of going to USAFA. I've talked to a couple USAFA graduates, and a lot of them say that you can take some sort of gap year after your first two years at the academy, then I would have to reapply after I get back from my mission. I'll do this if necessary, but If possible I would like to go on a mission before going to USAFA. Is there a way I can apply to USAFA, get an appointment, but then defer my appointment for two years while I go on my mission? Of course, if that isn't possible my life won't be destroyed but I would rather not take a 2 year gap in between my sophomore and junior year. (I forgot what they were called in service academy terms)
Click to expand...
There are 21 LDS in the Class of 27 and majority of the males are leaving for their mission after their first year according to my DS. During church on Parents Weekend, they have a separate meeting after Sacrament for those that are thinking of going. So to answer your question, most of them leave for the church mission after the first year.
 
Update to my "ancient post" (thank you CaptMJ for finding it!)

Today...most cadets at USAFA leave for their mission after their first year, not the second.

Steve
USAFA ALO
 
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