Pass For Wedding

B

besteel34

New Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2023
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8
Hello!
I am a recent 2028 appointee. I am super excited (and a little nervous)!
The thing is, someone very close to me (not a family member) is getting married over the summer. The wedding is on August 9th so after BCT but the day after we start classes. From talking to admissions I know leave and passes are based on my squadron. I just wondered if anyone knew of people getting leave over the summer. Do I have a shot at being able to make this? Or should I just focus on getting adjusted and starting school?
Thank you!
 
NO WAY, you would get so far behind your head would spin. Honestly, I wouldn’t ask that day either.
 
In years past, Doolies haven't been allowed to leave the Academy until Parent's Weekend, which is Labor Day Weekend, and even then it's with some pretty tight guidelines.
 
Here is the source document you will need to reference:https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/usafa/publication/usafai36-3536/usafai36-3536.pdf. I am a strong proponent of advocating for yourself. This is something that can be requested, but as you can see many would recommend against it. I have seen people both choose and not choose to leave for these types of events. If you do chose to request an excusal, it would be wise to let your cadre/PP know during BCT so they can help coordinate this with you.
 
This will be the first of many important events that you will miss due to being in the military. Part of the sacrifice that you signed up for.
 
I would agree with everyone above and just accept that you will miss this event (many more to come) and focus on where you are and what you are doing. August is a critical time to be trying to leave for any reason. If this is someone close then they will understand the importance of your situation and respect that.
 
The timing is extremely poor. As a parent, I would advise you not to use a silver bullet for this. You have the rest of your life to stand by your friend and support their wedding vows, not just being somewhere on August 9th. Plus doing something special/individualized with that friend/future spouse before you leave. And that friend should support you 100% that you won't be at the wedding, investing in your human capital at one of the most important times (transitioning to academic cadet) of your USAFA journey. Also look at it from leadership's perspective. They will have many other serious issues and Cadets that need special attention - do you really want to insert yourself by asking to go a friend's wedding?

Do well at USAFA, and build up goodwill so if/when you do need to ask, you'll get permission.

Sorry if this sounds harsh. DD was allowed home for her father's death, who died a day after commitment dinner. And we timed the urn pickup over Labor Day weekend to accommodate her. Sadly, the exact hour was kickoff for the football game! But on the bright side, she did get to spend Parent's Weekend with both of us! She did not ask for additional time off for her grandfather's death which was just this March 29th. Spring break with family was cancelled as he was on his final stage of hospice, everyone, including grandpa, encouraged DD to go to her graduate school city instead.
 
My 2 cents as a cadet, as people said there are times when you're going to have to miss out, it's part of being in the military. However, I see no reason why you shouldn't at least try on this one. If you left Thursday, you'd miss the first two days of school (if you left after class Thursday it'd be one day), and because classes alternate that would be one day for every class. The first day of classes (especially 4deg year) is usually just icebreakers and going over syllabi, I don't think you'd be too far behind.

If this is really important for you, try and ask, no one is going to be mad at you for asking.
 
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