The list is very specific as far as what to bring. My DS bought new because he needed new uniforms anyway. For example, I believe the list specifies 3 sets of ABU's, so he just bought 3 new sets. I will let him know not to sew on his rank.
Official USAFAPS (Prep School) Class of 2013 Appointment thread
- Thread starter 2bornot2b
- Start date
I know that I came with all my uniforms in this past prep school year. Although I wasn't issued new uniforms other than the officer service jacket, they still charged me the same exact amount as they charged anyone who came in direct who were issued full sets of ABU's and Blues. Also, on the packing list, they told us to bring things like a backpack, the v-necks, socks, etc, but all these things were reissued and we were charged for them. PT gear was reissued, along with 90% of our packing list and it was all charged after having purchased it prior to arriving.
To be fair, I think the reasoning behind the people with uniforms being charged the same as those without was that this was considered the "initial uniform issue" because they are "enlisting" in the Air Force. I had asked AAFES for an itemized receipt with everything charged, and they were very uncooperative. They refused to let me see what I was being charged for. The book store was the only group that let me see what they were charging me for. Other than that, AAFES just flat out denied my requests.
Also, if you are prior enlisted, bring money or a debit card with money in your account. For that first week, we ended up having to buy every meal, and I don't think we were ever given BAS for it either. Breakfasts were at Mitchell Hall, I think like $3 a day, lunches were boxed lunches, again, I think like $3, and dinner was, you have your phones, order take out.
Finally, priors who are in need of more ABU's, check out the Airman's Attic. I think they give out free uniforms to anyone who is a SrA or below.
To be fair, I think the reasoning behind the people with uniforms being charged the same as those without was that this was considered the "initial uniform issue" because they are "enlisting" in the Air Force. I had asked AAFES for an itemized receipt with everything charged, and they were very uncooperative. They refused to let me see what I was being charged for. The book store was the only group that let me see what they were charging me for. Other than that, AAFES just flat out denied my requests.
Also, if you are prior enlisted, bring money or a debit card with money in your account. For that first week, we ended up having to buy every meal, and I don't think we were ever given BAS for it either. Breakfasts were at Mitchell Hall, I think like $3 a day, lunches were boxed lunches, again, I think like $3, and dinner was, you have your phones, order take out.
Finally, priors who are in need of more ABU's, check out the Airman's Attic. I think they give out free uniforms to anyone who is a SrA or below.
Last edited:
wow, this doesn't seem right. I think a set of ABU's costs around $100. Did you have to pay for new blues too? Rough estimate of what you were charged for, but did not receive-$500(?).
How much do you estimate you were overcharged?If they are just going to issue everything and charge you for it, for efficiency's sake, or whatever, they should not give you a list of the same things and tell you to bring them.
Last edited:
I don't know what I paid for, because they wouldn't give me a list. They assured me that I wasn't paying for new uniforms and that the directs got them for free, but that seemed a bit fishy of a story to me. All prior enlisted males were charged the same as the direct males and females had a different rate they were charged at. Obviously there are different needs and the such which I hope I don't need to get into. =P
What they told you was true. Directs get issued uniforms that are paid for by AETC the same way you were issued uniforms at Lackland. Neither directs nor priors should be charged for uniforms.
Sir,
The only reason I thought it was fishy was because they refused to give me the list of what I paid for.
Last year, there were issues with finance. This is out of the prep school's hands, but some students didn't get paid until a few months into being there. Granted they were back paid when they did start getting paid, it left them a couple of months without money. I'd get them set up with a checking account and debit card with at least $50 or so, but keep it so you can make deposits if finance issues arise.
That is my honest suggestion.
No worries man. I would be suspicious too. I didn't know this was an issue back then or I would have gotten you a better answer. But, I do know that uniforms are/were paid for by AETC.
Your initial issue will cost about $1800 and will need to reimbursed. You can either bring a check or apply for an AAFES Star Card. You will get 6 months "same as cash" on the Star Card and will need to make monthly payments.
To add on to this, there will be times where you need to get things like toiletries and the such, and after basic, maybe that candy bar you've been waiting for. I would have about $50 in cash or in a checking account with a debit card available so you have money to tide you over until you get paid. Also, have it be at a place where parents can deposit money, because I know a few students had to wait almost to Christmas before they were paid. As I said in my last post, this is not the fault of the prep school, and anyone who has ever been in the Air Force knows how finance is... Students will be back paid if they don't get paid right away.
JP4TEX
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2012
- Messages
- 4
That makes sense, thanks for the info.
Nomindations
Scratcher,
Do many of the LEAD cadet candidates get nominations from Senators, Congressman & the VP? They're competing with HS students with 3.9 unweighted GPAs. Is the Prep school commander a possible nominator for USAFA?
Thanks,
Skymom
Scratcher,
Do many of the LEAD cadet candidates get nominations from Senators, Congressman & the VP? They're competing with HS students with 3.9 unweighted GPAs. Is the Prep school commander a possible nominator for USAFA?
Thanks,
Skymom
For people coming in through LEAD, prior service students, their LEAD nomination carries over. To be honest, I didn't pursue a nomination outside of that, because 85 appointments can be given out from Active, and an additional 85 from guard/reserve. While prep students are technically enlisted, they fall under the guard/reserve category, and if worst comes to worst, they can be given a nomination under that. However, if you come from Active Duty, there is no way they will fill all 85 slots for that nomination source.
If you are a person who likes to caution on the side of err, nothing stops you from applying for outside nomination sources. Just be prepared for your MOC to tell you that, "Oh, you're in the prep school? I'm going to give my nomination to someone who ACTUALLY needs it then."
Remember, this is just my 2 cents, not the official answer.
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2012
- Messages
- 1,102
I have been told by more than one official source that the LEAD nomination does not carry over, and that we are required to seek a nom from all possible sources.
However, all unofficial sources, including you, have stated that we do not need a nomination.
"Nominations are only valid for one year."
1. NOMINATION
1.1. Did the candidate obtain a new nomination? Nominations are only valid for one year. All candidates
must obtain a new nomination that is valid for the year that they will enter USAFA to be considered for an
appointment.
1.2. Did the candidate apply to all available nominating sources (apply to both Senators, the Representative
from their Congressional district, the Vice-President, and any military affiliated sources for which they are
eligible)?
I think this is about as "official" as you can get.
If you look at the MEMORANDUM FOR CADET CANDIDATES SELECTS (Priors and Direct Entries), that is found on the numbered page 12, which is the 14th page of the document, in the Instructions to United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Selectees, you will find this:
1. NOMINATION
1.1. Did the candidate obtain a new nomination? Nominations are only valid for one year. All candidates
must obtain a new nomination that is valid for the year that they will enter USAFA to be considered for an
appointment.
1.2. Did the candidate apply to all available nominating sources (apply to both Senators, the Representative
from their Congressional district, the Vice-President, and any military affiliated sources for which they are
eligible)?
I think this is about as "official" as you can get.
Rocketwoman
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2012
- Messages
- 7
Check-in time
Does anybody know when the direct entries are supposed to check-in on the 18th? Also, is there any set transportation from the Colorado Springs airport to the prep school or a hotel on the 17th? Thanks!
Does anybody know when the direct entries are supposed to check-in on the 18th? Also, is there any set transportation from the Colorado Springs airport to the prep school or a hotel on the 17th? Thanks!
Bed & Breakfast program
Rocketwoman,
I would assume check in at the Prep will be between 7:00-7:30 am. I'm including the information about the Bed and Breakfast program that was posted a few weeks ago (below). If you are coming to Colorado Springs alone, I would encourage you to participate in it.
Skymom
If you would like a place to stay, call Mr Winter at (719) 333-2583 and ask him to participate in the Bed and Breakfast Program. This is a program where we arrange for families associated with USAFA and the military to meet you at the airport, feed you dinner and breakfast, give you a warm bed to sleep in and then bring your to the P to drop you off on 11 Jul (This is the date for the prior service appointees, but I'm sure they do the program for the direct appointees too).
http://www.usafa.org/Connect/Bed_and_Breakfast
Does anybody know when the direct entries are supposed to check-in on the 18th? Also, is there any set transportation from the Colorado Springs airport to the prep school or a hotel on the 17th? Thanks!
Rocketwoman,
I would assume check in at the Prep will be between 7:00-7:30 am. I'm including the information about the Bed and Breakfast program that was posted a few weeks ago (below). If you are coming to Colorado Springs alone, I would encourage you to participate in it.
Skymom
If you would like a place to stay, call Mr Winter at (719) 333-2583 and ask him to participate in the Bed and Breakfast Program. This is a program where we arrange for families associated with USAFA and the military to meet you at the airport, feed you dinner and breakfast, give you a warm bed to sleep in and then bring your to the P to drop you off on 11 Jul (This is the date for the prior service appointees, but I'm sure they do the program for the direct appointees too).
http://www.usafa.org/Connect/Bed_and_Breakfast
I just wanted to wish jwalsh1 good luck at I-day this coming week. Thanks for all of your input on these forums as a prior enlisted/Prep school cadet candidate.
Skymom
+1
