Orientation 2013

What's the best option regarding boots? Buy one pair at orientation and get the second at i-day, or get both pairs at orientation.
 
Boot Purchase

Good day and congratulations on your acceptance to attend the United States Air Force Academy. Below is all the info you need to ensure you obtain the correct boots for basic training.

Please note: Class Year 2013 cadets are required to have 2 pair of boots.

First off, your best source for finding the boots will be a Military Clothing Sales Store at a local military installation. They will be the most likely to have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines) and they’ll be able to ensure you get a correct fit. You will need to have somebody escort you on base (some one with a military ID) and make sure to take the Letter of Acceptance with you, as this should authorize the purchase (you can verify this by contacting the Clothing Sales Store directly).

If that is not a viable option, the second best place to purchase would be a military surplus store. They will more than likely have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines), and you will be able to try them on here and ensure a correct fit as well.

A third option is to wait for in processing (or appointee orientation if attending) here at the Academy. We will assist in sizing and you are guaranteed to have the correct boots. We will have about 500-700 recruits show up needing boots on in processing day, so you will definitely not be alone if you decide to wait. These boots are much more comfortable and much easier to break in than the boots referenced in the orientation package you received (20 hours a week break in time is extreme for these boots). Bottom line is waiting until in-processing to get the boots will not put you at a disadvantage.

Now, on to what type of boots you need to purchase. While we have certain manufacturers and models we issue – Belleville #650 (www.bellevilleshoe.com), Altama, and Wellco. Remember, you are not restricted to these specific brands. Your best bet would be to look for boots that fit the following guidelines and NOT a specific model or manufacturer.

Boots must:
1. be sage green in color
2. have Gore-Tex (soft waterproof nylon type material) in soles
3. have rubber sole (sometimes referred to as Vibram ® outsole)
4. not have steel/safety toes
5. not have zippers of any kind
6. be 8”-10” high

I also recommend buying/borrowing a pair of boot socks while sizing boots (also available at Military Clothing Sales and most surplus stores); these socks are a bit longer and thicker than ordinary athletic socks and you will be wearing these exclusively with the boots upon entrance to the Academy.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact me at timothy.johnson@usafa.edu or at (719) 333-3447. Good luck and congratulations again on your appointment!

MKF2013
 
Boot Purchase

I have been told that all you need to do is buy one pair each of boots and socks. You will get the second pair issued to you so don't buy two.

Hope these docs that I posted helps out. They were directly from Richardson, Eddie NMI Jr Civ 10 MSG/LGROC [eddie.richardson@usafa.edu] who told me over the phone what my options were. The contact info are in my earlier posts also if you need more info.

:thumb:

MKF2013
 
After I received my appointment, the email they sent me did not include information on socks, simply the price for two pairs of boots. I already have the check for the two pairs of boots, and I think I'll just wait for inprocessing for the socks.
 
Just curious what should we wear to orientation, and what should we bring with us?
 
wear normal clothes.. i dunno, jeans/khakis and a polo/button up. no ties. dont get too fancy, just dress up a little more than if you were going to school.

you'll need a few pairs of clothes, some warm-weather clothes, towel, flip flops (for the showers), and anything else you use on a daily basis i suppose
 
Anyone else staying at the Best Western Academy Hotel? I will be there on the 12th f April. It will be great to meet future classmates.

13 -14 April (Red Robin)
Cadets:
1. hornetguy (1)

Appointees:
1. packermatt7
2. kmjg2000
3. NC Hopeful
4. gdesena
5. AFcdt2013
6. PDub
7. Fyterpilot22
8. Cessnafan
9. J.NordicSkier7
10. l Taz l
11. klimber
12. usafa17
13. thud105
14. starvinmarvin_09
15. trumpeter13
16. Beabout
17. buffalo
18. mkf2013
19. thebaron
20. Cyber_Jock
21. speacial_k
22. mxr170
23. UnitedStatesAFA2013
24. Matt7
25. ToTheMoon
26. Air_power
27. Flyboy91
28. upatel23

20 - 21 April (Texas Roadhouse or Outback)
Appointees:
1. btown13
2. 13ryan13
3. SpaceGirl
4. CranoOrden
5. Casey13
6. F22_AFA_13
7. Downfall75
8. K2hig
9. aa2013
10. anvil
11. Ordnance18 (Son of vullnnoid)
12. sooner
13. MChansard
14. flyersboy114

27 – 28 April (Olive Garden)
Appointees:
1. Roman06
2. JustCallMeDan7
3. SemperExcelsius
4. Packerfan735
5. kmc2usafa
6. kate in seattle's appointee son, dh, and other ds
7. xsurfer (appointee, parents, other son)
8. Mikil
9. Gonzo15
 
wear normal clothes.. i dunno, jeans/khakis and a polo/button up. no ties. dont get too fancy, just dress up a little more than if you were going to school.

Kahkis and polo/button up is what I have to wear to school :unhappy::unhappy:

Anyways, Im really pumped to get out there :thumb:
 
Any idea if we'll need a sleeping bag and/or pillow?
 
Any idea if we'll need a sleeping bag and/or pillow?

The orientation book that came in the appointment notice says to bring:
  • Sleeping bag
  • Towel/wash cloth
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Other grooming items
  • Any necessary prescription drugs
  • Nightwear
  • Change of clothes for Tuesday
  • Cell phone if you want
 
May we join the 1st Orientation dinner on Sunday?

My son received his appointment a few weeks ago. I have become a big but fairly silent fan of this forum for the last few months as we sweated out the appointment. My husband and son will be attending the first orientation and I was hoping although I haven't posted much, he and my husband could still attend the dinner at the Red Robin and meet some of his future classmates. Would that be okay with everyone? If so, will the group still be getting together at 4:30?

Best regards to a very informative group!

Capini
 
Last edited:
The orientation book that came in the appointment notice says to bring:
  • Sleeping bag
  • Towel/wash cloth
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Other grooming items
  • Any necessary prescription drugs
  • Nightwear
  • Change of clothes for Tuesday
  • Cell phone if you want

Oh wow. Completely forgot about that book. Thanks!
 
13 -14 April (Red Robin)
Cadets:
1. hornetguy (1)

Appointees:
1. packermatt7
2. kmjg2000
3. NC Hopeful
4. gdesena
5. AFcdt2013
6. PDub
7. Fyterpilot22
8. Cessnafan
9. J.NordicSkier7
10. l Taz l
11. klimber
12. usafa17
13. thud105
14. starvinmarvin_09
15. trumpeter13
16. Beabout
17. buffalo
18. mkf2013
19. thebaron
20. Cyber_Jock
21. speacial_k
22. mxr170
23. UnitedStatesAFA2013
24. Matt7
25. ToTheMoon
26. Air_power
27. Flyboy91
28. upatel23
29. capini's S

20 - 21 April (Texas Roadhouse or Outback)
Appointees:
1. btown13
2. 13ryan13
3. SpaceGirl
4. CranoOrden
5. Casey13
6. F22_AFA_13
7. Downfall75
8. K2hig
9. aa2013
10. anvil
11. Ordnance18 (Son of vullnnoid)
12. sooner
13. MChansard
14. flyersboy114

27 – 28 April (Olive Garden)
Appointees:
1. Roman06
2. JustCallMeDan7
3. SemperExcelsius
4. Packerfan735
5. kmc2usafa
6. kate in seattle's appointee son, dh, and other ds
7. xsurfer (appointee, parents, other son)
8. Mikil
9. Gonzo15
 
My son received his appointment a few weeks ago. I have become a big but fairly silent fan of this forum for the last few months as we sweated out the appointment. My husband and son will be attending the first orientation and I was hoping although I haven't posted much, he and my husband could still attend the dinner at the Red Robin and meet some of his future classmates. Would that be okay with everyone? If so, will the group still be getting together at 4:30?

Best regards to a very informative group!

Capini

I'm not going to that particular orientation, but I'm sure I speak for those who are when I say, Of course! The point of these dinners is to familiarize yourselves with as many future classmates as possible. It would be wonderful for you and your son to get together and meet some future classmates.
 
I flew in to Colorado springs airport today. And am currently in hotel right down the road from the academy. The weather is great. I am really anxious to get to the academy. This town has changed a lot since my last visit (7 years ago)
 
Thanks! They are looking forward to it. Am I correct that the dinner is at 4:30 at the Red Robin?

Capini
 
I flew in to Colorado springs airport today. And am currently in hotel right down the road from the academy. The weather is great. I am really anxious to get to the academy. This town has changed a lot since my last visit (7 years ago)

Hey do they have a good wifi at the hotel?
 
Ok so I might not be able to access a computer from the end of tonight until I get home from second orientation. Which are we eating at, Roadhouse or Outback?
 
I flew in to Colorado springs airport today. And am currently in hotel right down the road from the academy. The weather is great. I am really anxious to get to the academy. This town has changed a lot since my last visit (7 years ago)

You got in just in time for the beautiful weather. You should come in tomorrow afternoon and watch the intramural championships going on if you need something to do.

Capini, 4:30 is my understanding still.
 
Back
Top