First Year Cadets

K

keystonemom

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Messages
2
Are first year cadets at the USAFA able to have ipads, ipods, cell phones, etc. after their six week basic cadet training period?
 
There are a number of threads on this subject, but in general it will depend on the squadron, there will always be some restriction on the use of these devices i.e. only on certain weekends, etc. Better to plan to be without regular use of such media and communications devices. Facebook was the most accessible method of communication during my DS Doolie year.
 
I would think that they would be able to use whatever after their first 6 weeks. We can use ipad, iphones and any electronics. You won't be able to get internet with like your ipad if it isn't an issued one, but you can use still use it and most plebes, for West Point are on their computers all the time, for whatever purpose. Are they really that strict or is this just another myth people tell, when in actuality its not even close to the truth in regards to falonfamily's response
 
I have a son at the USMMA and they were very restricted until recognition which was not until early spring. Just wondering if things are the same at USAFA.
 
It depends on the squadron. In general, until after Recognition (late March), freshman are not allowed to have DVDs, listen to music, have video games, etc. A common cell phone policy is no phones until midterms the first semester, and then it varies depending on their grades (no phone, only on weekends, all the time, it's up to the squadron). The main purpose behind it is to take away certain "luxury" items and force the freshman to spend more time on what's important (academics, knowledge, fitness, etc). But again, it depends on the individual squadron and varies year to year
 
#armystrong said:
I would think that they would be able to use whatever after their first 6 weeks. We can use ipad, iphones and any electronics. You won't be able to get internet with like your ipad if it isn't an issued one, but you can use still use it and most plebes, for West Point are on their computers all the time, for whatever purpose. Are they really that strict or is this just another myth people tell, when in actuality its not even close to the truth in regards to falonfamily's response
Click to expand...

The OP named a number of devices, including ipods and such. These fall into a category of being media devices and thus could be restricted by leadership in the squadrons during Doolie year. There is discretion here, so it all depends on how your leadership understands the use of these devices, i.e. could an iPad be used for textbooks? Certainly, thus could it be exempt from being considered a media device? It reasonably could. But it depends on your leadership and your relationship with them. During your first year, the use of media devices and to some extent communications devices, are generally restricted to varying degrees by each squadron in the Wing until after recognition, after which all these restrictions are lifted (unless the individual cadet has issues that would cause them to remain restricted). As for the use of computers, that is a critical part of how you access your course work and submit assignments, the use of computers are not limited (within some commonsense guidelines i.e. keep off adult websites), but keep in mind that literally your every keystroke can be monitored on the campus network. Hope that better answers the OP's question.
 
Also know there is no wifi to connect these devices to. You would need cellular service for an iPad, for example. No face time either for the cell phone without wifi.
 
Generally speaking, after parent's weekend you can keep your phone at all times with you (it includes electronics such as ipads, tablets, and ipods as well). HOWEVER, media privileges are up to squadron leadership. For example, at the moment, I'm not allowed to use media. However, many people use it on weekends and times when we can have our doors closed.
 
My DD did not have her phone until some time in October, so it depends on your squad. Some of her teammates had their phones after parent's weekend. At one point all phones were taken due to an error of one cadet. It just depends on the squad. As far as media (movies/music) her squad cannot have until after Recognition. Your child will not find out until after he/she is assigned to their squad. Best thing is to leave everything at home (with the exception of phone) and bring whatever they need during parent's weekend. Plus it reduces the chance of expensive electronics being lost while they are locked up during BCT.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top