SpiritCommitteeLiaison
Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2021
- Messages
- 289
I think I posted something like this last year. These are questions we get every year. Working with the USAFA Team, I have compiled those questions and answers
First -- Read the Appointee Handbook!
Q: What kind of bag should they bring on I-day?
A: A backpack or duffle bag. Do not bring a roller bag. Do not bring anything that is not listed on the checklist. The exception would be to bring 4-5 pairs of compression shorts (black grey, or, white is ok). Everything they need beyond the checklist is provided to them by USAFA. Note: some boys bring only compression shorts for BCT since they are not much different from boxer briefs. Hand-carry items can be placed in a backpack/duffle. Paperwork/passport/etc. should be in a manilla envelope or folder.
DO NOT FORGET retainers!
Q: What about socks?
A: Socks are issued to them. So are the robes, pajamas, shower shoes, uniforms, hats, coats, etc.
Q: What should they wear on I-day?
A: Comfortable shorts and a plain t-shirt. No dresses, skirts, suits, ties. They will spend most of the day running around from building to building to collect uniforms and other essentials. Women shouldn’t wear spaghetti straps. Some preppies have special shirts they wear on I-day (i.e.: Hawaiian)
Q: Should my DS (dear son) cut his hair before we get to I-day or is it better to wait?
A: It is highly encouraged that you arrive on in-processing day with hair meeting standards; however, if you are unable to meet standards, a haircut will be provided. (See page 9 of Appointee Handbook)
Q: Is it easier for them to wear their boots to in processing or their running shoes?
A: Wear the boots. They will be issued another pair when they get there. They have to put everything into a large military duffle bag and carry it in their left hands (right hand is for saluting!) Boots are heavy to carry.
Its best to wear the boots for a couple of weeks prior to arriving so they are broken in.
Q: Should they bring compression shorts?
A: It is recommended that Basics bring several pairs of compression shorts for modesty as well as comfort. White or black are fine. A small logo is fine. These are allowed as they are hidden under their uniforms. The reason cadets recommend compression shorts is that the physical training (PT) shorts have very wide legs. Now think of them all on the ground doing sit ups or push ups. The shorts help with the modesty aspect.
The other reason is that the OCPs (think camos) can chafe. The shorts help with that.
Q: What about dress shoes?
A: All shoes will be issued.
Q: With regard to the glasses that are issued by the Academy, are they special glasses just for BCT or can they be worn after?
A: They can wear the issued glasses anytime, but most will prefer a civilian style that are within regulations, or contacts for the academic year.
Q: How important is it for them to arrive early to acclimate to the altitude? How many days do you recommend?
A: Some arrive a couple of weeks before I-day to acclimate to the altitude. This is unnecessary, though, since the cadre are fully aware that most of the basics will not be acclimated.
Unless you give yourself 3 weeks at high altitude, coming in a few days early won't make much of a difference.
Q: What are the colored hats for?
A: During Basic Cadet Training (BCT aka Beast), each Basic is issued a cap with their official class color.
The first class, in 1959, was given gold.
The class of 1960 was given Air Force blue.
The class of 1961 was designated the silver class.
Then the 4th incoming class, the class of 1962, were given red. They were also a little rambunctious and given the nickname "Red Tag Bastards" by their upperclassmen. Reg tags are put on malfunctioning equipment. The nickname is worn with pride by the red class.
USAFA rotates the colors every year in the order of gold, blue, silver, and red.
2028 is a BLUE class
Q: What's an ROE?
A: That stands for "Rules of Engagement". Cadets are given ROEs for everything from day-to-day cadet life to training. The upperclassmen will have ROEs that define how they train the incoming Basics, for instance.
Q: Is it true that they have their clothes boiled clean during BCT?
A: Yes. Most will throw out any underwear, bras, etc. after BCT because it's all a dingy grey-brown color.
Q: Do they check the color of the underwear?
A: No. No one checks underwear. USAFA requests that white underwear & bras be brought because colors can bleed during the "boiling" of their clothes. Small logos are fine.
Q: Label clothes?
A: I have confirmed with USAFA --- DO NOT mark the underwear nor attach labels!
If bringing black compression shorts, have your appointee take a white fabric marker with them.
Q: Can we mail care packages and funny cards to our Basics during BCT?
A: No packages will be accepted during BCT unless special permission is granted (ie: parents mailing retainers). Because each BCT squadron has slightly different rules regarding what is acceptable mail, its best to mail letters on plain white paper. No “contraband” is allowed. This includes pictures, gum, or anything that isn’t a letter. Once you’ve received mail from your Basic, s/he can tell you if cards are permitted. Usually a birthday card is ok, but they will get special attention.
Q: Why is my basic cadet wearing a reflective belt?
A: The belts are given to basics who have an injury or illness so that the cadre are aware of limitations.
Basics have been given belts for things as simple as a bad cold, twisted ankle, or blisters on their feet. Do not panic if you see your child with a belt. If there’s a serious injury, your Basic will be allowed to call you if they choose to. Remember that USAFA doesn’t want to damage their future officers. The other reason for a reflective belt would be that your cadet has been chosen to be a crossing guard. The day starts early & it may still be dark outside.
Q: Why is there a red sticker on my basic’s badge?
A: The red sticker on the badge is used during in-processing to identify them in some way. Maybe they need vaccinations, or another pair of boots. Means nothing after that.
Q: What is Doolie Day Out? Can I meet my basic cadet?
A: This is a day of rest for basics. They go to a sponsor family’s home along with several other basics to eat, sleep, and relax. This family may or may not be their permanent sponsor family. Do not fly out to meet your basic. They will get their cell phones back for the day and will call you.
Q: How important is finding a cadet sponsor family before heading out?
A: If you have family or friends in the area (within 50 miles) and they would like to be sponsor parents, have them contact the sponsor office 719-333-2727 or email cadet.sponsor@afacademy.af.edu. They have to fill out paperwork and get a background check. Your appointee can request this family & do not have to wait for the paperwork to be filled out. If, however, you do not have a specific family in mind, USAFA will assign one. You can find more information on the Cadet Sponsor program at: Cadet Sponsor Program • United States Air Force Academy (usafa.edu).
**USAFA has been having trouble finding enough families to volunteer to be sponsors, so if you have friends or family in the area, please encourage them. It's a very rewarding program for both the cadets and sponsor family.
Q: Can we watch the Basics march out to/from Jack’s Valley?
A: Yes, with some limitations. The USAFA Parent Liaison will give instructions on where you can congregate to watch the march out and back. Keep in mind that you are to have no contact with the basics. They are still in training and a parent trying to speak with their basic will give them much unwanted attention by the cadre.
Q: What is BCT1 and BCT 2?
A: BCT1 - Conducted on "the hill" or campus. They have medical exams, placement tests, room inspections, security paperwork, etc. They learn to march, salute, etc. They get a little book called Contrails that has quotes and military knowledge. They will take a baseline AFT (athletic fitness test) and PFT (Physical fitness test) -- don't worry, at that altitude, it is expected that the non-acclimated don't do well.
BCT2 - They are now taken to Jack's Valley. This is where they have several challenges -- assault course, obstacle course, leadership course, etc.
Q: What is Acceptance Day? Are parents allowed to come?
A: Once they pass BCT, they have an Acceptance Day (A-day). This happens between the end of BCT and the start of the academic year. On A-day, they are accepted into the "Wing" and cadet squadrons (CS). The squadrons consist of all classes. They will room with 1 or 2 other "doolies" (a nickname given to freshmen). They will be given a Cadet 3rd Class (C3C = sophomore) coach/supervisor/mentor who will help them navigate the first year. Parents are allowed to attend and watch their Basic get their shoulder boards.
First -- Read the Appointee Handbook!
Q: What kind of bag should they bring on I-day?
A: A backpack or duffle bag. Do not bring a roller bag. Do not bring anything that is not listed on the checklist. The exception would be to bring 4-5 pairs of compression shorts (black grey, or, white is ok). Everything they need beyond the checklist is provided to them by USAFA. Note: some boys bring only compression shorts for BCT since they are not much different from boxer briefs. Hand-carry items can be placed in a backpack/duffle. Paperwork/passport/etc. should be in a manilla envelope or folder.
DO NOT FORGET retainers!
Q: What about socks?
A: Socks are issued to them. So are the robes, pajamas, shower shoes, uniforms, hats, coats, etc.
Q: What should they wear on I-day?
A: Comfortable shorts and a plain t-shirt. No dresses, skirts, suits, ties. They will spend most of the day running around from building to building to collect uniforms and other essentials. Women shouldn’t wear spaghetti straps. Some preppies have special shirts they wear on I-day (i.e.: Hawaiian)
Q: Should my DS (dear son) cut his hair before we get to I-day or is it better to wait?
A: It is highly encouraged that you arrive on in-processing day with hair meeting standards; however, if you are unable to meet standards, a haircut will be provided. (See page 9 of Appointee Handbook)
Q: Is it easier for them to wear their boots to in processing or their running shoes?
A: Wear the boots. They will be issued another pair when they get there. They have to put everything into a large military duffle bag and carry it in their left hands (right hand is for saluting!) Boots are heavy to carry.
Its best to wear the boots for a couple of weeks prior to arriving so they are broken in.
Q: Should they bring compression shorts?
A: It is recommended that Basics bring several pairs of compression shorts for modesty as well as comfort. White or black are fine. A small logo is fine. These are allowed as they are hidden under their uniforms. The reason cadets recommend compression shorts is that the physical training (PT) shorts have very wide legs. Now think of them all on the ground doing sit ups or push ups. The shorts help with the modesty aspect.
The other reason is that the OCPs (think camos) can chafe. The shorts help with that.
Q: What about dress shoes?
A: All shoes will be issued.
Q: With regard to the glasses that are issued by the Academy, are they special glasses just for BCT or can they be worn after?
A: They can wear the issued glasses anytime, but most will prefer a civilian style that are within regulations, or contacts for the academic year.
Q: How important is it for them to arrive early to acclimate to the altitude? How many days do you recommend?
A: Some arrive a couple of weeks before I-day to acclimate to the altitude. This is unnecessary, though, since the cadre are fully aware that most of the basics will not be acclimated.
Unless you give yourself 3 weeks at high altitude, coming in a few days early won't make much of a difference.
Q: What are the colored hats for?
A: During Basic Cadet Training (BCT aka Beast), each Basic is issued a cap with their official class color.
The first class, in 1959, was given gold.
The class of 1960 was given Air Force blue.
The class of 1961 was designated the silver class.
Then the 4th incoming class, the class of 1962, were given red. They were also a little rambunctious and given the nickname "Red Tag Bastards" by their upperclassmen. Reg tags are put on malfunctioning equipment. The nickname is worn with pride by the red class.
USAFA rotates the colors every year in the order of gold, blue, silver, and red.
2028 is a BLUE class
Q: What's an ROE?
A: That stands for "Rules of Engagement". Cadets are given ROEs for everything from day-to-day cadet life to training. The upperclassmen will have ROEs that define how they train the incoming Basics, for instance.
Q: Is it true that they have their clothes boiled clean during BCT?
A: Yes. Most will throw out any underwear, bras, etc. after BCT because it's all a dingy grey-brown color.
Q: Do they check the color of the underwear?
A: No. No one checks underwear. USAFA requests that white underwear & bras be brought because colors can bleed during the "boiling" of their clothes. Small logos are fine.
Q: Label clothes?
A: I have confirmed with USAFA --- DO NOT mark the underwear nor attach labels!
If bringing black compression shorts, have your appointee take a white fabric marker with them.
Q: Can we mail care packages and funny cards to our Basics during BCT?
A: No packages will be accepted during BCT unless special permission is granted (ie: parents mailing retainers). Because each BCT squadron has slightly different rules regarding what is acceptable mail, its best to mail letters on plain white paper. No “contraband” is allowed. This includes pictures, gum, or anything that isn’t a letter. Once you’ve received mail from your Basic, s/he can tell you if cards are permitted. Usually a birthday card is ok, but they will get special attention.
Q: Why is my basic cadet wearing a reflective belt?
A: The belts are given to basics who have an injury or illness so that the cadre are aware of limitations.
Basics have been given belts for things as simple as a bad cold, twisted ankle, or blisters on their feet. Do not panic if you see your child with a belt. If there’s a serious injury, your Basic will be allowed to call you if they choose to. Remember that USAFA doesn’t want to damage their future officers. The other reason for a reflective belt would be that your cadet has been chosen to be a crossing guard. The day starts early & it may still be dark outside.
Q: Why is there a red sticker on my basic’s badge?
A: The red sticker on the badge is used during in-processing to identify them in some way. Maybe they need vaccinations, or another pair of boots. Means nothing after that.
Q: What is Doolie Day Out? Can I meet my basic cadet?
A: This is a day of rest for basics. They go to a sponsor family’s home along with several other basics to eat, sleep, and relax. This family may or may not be their permanent sponsor family. Do not fly out to meet your basic. They will get their cell phones back for the day and will call you.
Q: How important is finding a cadet sponsor family before heading out?
A: If you have family or friends in the area (within 50 miles) and they would like to be sponsor parents, have them contact the sponsor office 719-333-2727 or email cadet.sponsor@afacademy.af.edu. They have to fill out paperwork and get a background check. Your appointee can request this family & do not have to wait for the paperwork to be filled out. If, however, you do not have a specific family in mind, USAFA will assign one. You can find more information on the Cadet Sponsor program at: Cadet Sponsor Program • United States Air Force Academy (usafa.edu).
**USAFA has been having trouble finding enough families to volunteer to be sponsors, so if you have friends or family in the area, please encourage them. It's a very rewarding program for both the cadets and sponsor family.
Q: Can we watch the Basics march out to/from Jack’s Valley?
A: Yes, with some limitations. The USAFA Parent Liaison will give instructions on where you can congregate to watch the march out and back. Keep in mind that you are to have no contact with the basics. They are still in training and a parent trying to speak with their basic will give them much unwanted attention by the cadre.
Q: What is BCT1 and BCT 2?
A: BCT1 - Conducted on "the hill" or campus. They have medical exams, placement tests, room inspections, security paperwork, etc. They learn to march, salute, etc. They get a little book called Contrails that has quotes and military knowledge. They will take a baseline AFT (athletic fitness test) and PFT (Physical fitness test) -- don't worry, at that altitude, it is expected that the non-acclimated don't do well.
BCT2 - They are now taken to Jack's Valley. This is where they have several challenges -- assault course, obstacle course, leadership course, etc.
Q: What is Acceptance Day? Are parents allowed to come?
A: Once they pass BCT, they have an Acceptance Day (A-day). This happens between the end of BCT and the start of the academic year. On A-day, they are accepted into the "Wing" and cadet squadrons (CS). The squadrons consist of all classes. They will room with 1 or 2 other "doolies" (a nickname given to freshmen). They will be given a Cadet 3rd Class (C3C = sophomore) coach/supervisor/mentor who will help them navigate the first year. Parents are allowed to attend and watch their Basic get their shoulder boards.
