Questions about "Instructions to Appointees"

justin45pro said:
Thank you.

And what about the social security card? Is it only required for those who got their names changed? Or do I have to bring along with me to in-processing? My parents are anxious about me bringing it since I can easily misplace or lose it.
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On page 12 of the Instructions to Appointees it says: "Name Change: If you have had or anticipate a name change before arriving at the Air Force Academy, you must submit a copy of all legal paperwork to...(address)...You must bring a photo ID with you (driver's license) AND your social security card."

So unless you're changing your name, you don't need to bring your SSN card.
 
AFAYahoo said:
I was worried last year too, YorkieMom. I ended up going to the Dept. of Health--Vital Records and got another copy of my son's birth certificate. The woman there said it would be considered original and official as it had the stamp/seal imprinted on it. It worked.

My son did take his social security card, but I vaguely remember seeing it on Parents Weekend. He had all the unused, extra copies of inprocessing paperwork locked in his drawer (which I took it home). Seems like I saw the card in there, and advised him to keep it locked up and not carry it in his wallet or anything. I'll have to ask him for sure, but I think he did get it back.

Edit:Just talked to my son (FB chat, really) and he did get his SS card back. Locked in his drawer for now!
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Thanks for the info! Really appreciate it.

We were thinking of updating DS's passport and sending that along, since we live in KS, but he was born in FL, which might make it a little more difficult to get an official copy of his birth certificate (but I will find out!) Sounds like from the other posts the SS card is not needed unless the new cadet's name has been changed.
 
More questions

The PO box is supposed to be on the cover of the New Appointee booklet, but it's not. Will that be sent later? Not that I need it now, but it says in the booklet that it's supposed to be there. Am I missing it?

Also, in one of the booklets where it talks about fitness, there's a paragraph about getting acclimated to running in combat boots. I thought the military stopped that in the 80's. But I guess not. Any recommendations on buying boots, breaking them in, and preparing to run in them. I imagine running in boots is the cause of a lot of shin splints and blisters. I'd appreciate your advice on this. I work at an Army base, so we can probably buy a pair of boots in advance.

Thanks!
 
YorkieMom75 said:
The PO box is supposed to be on the cover of the New Appointee booklet, but it's not. Will that be sent later? Not that I need it now, but it says in the booklet that it's supposed to be there. Am I missing it?

Also, in one of the booklets where it talks about fitness, there's a paragraph about getting acclimated to running in combat boots. I thought the military stopped that in the 80's. But I guess not. Any recommendations on buying boots, breaking them in, and preparing to run in them. I imagine running in boots is the cause of a lot of shin splints and blisters. I'd appreciate your advice on this. I work at an Army base, so we can probably buy a pair of boots in advance.

Thanks!
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Does DS have the actual "Instructions for Appointee" book? When our DS received the second BFE, the booklet was included with a sticker that has his P.O. Box number on it.
 
YorkieMom75 said:
The PO box is supposed to be on the cover of the New Appointee booklet, but it's not. Will that be sent later? Not that I need it now, but it says in the booklet that it's supposed to be there. Am I missing it?

Also, in one of the booklets where it talks about fitness, there's a paragraph about getting acclimated to running in combat boots. I thought the military stopped that in the 80's. But I guess not. Any recommendations on buying boots, breaking them in, and preparing to run in them. I imagine running in boots is the cause of a lot of shin splints and blisters. I'd appreciate your advice on this. I work at an Army base, so we can probably buy a pair of boots in advance.

Thanks!
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Appointees get two pairs of boots on I day, regardless of what they bring with them. There are several threads dealing with boots on this forum and my interpretation of the consensus is that the boots they get do not need breaking in. Just keep in mind that any boots you bring must meet regs. (height, color, etc.) and they will need to be carried around all day, together with everything they receive from the Academy on I-day. Boot technology has changed somewhat since the '80's. do a Search for "Boots" on this forum and read for yourself if you like.
 
YorkieMom75 said:
The PO box is supposed to be on the cover of the New Appointee booklet, but it's not. Will that be sent later? Not that I need it now, but it says in the booklet that it's supposed to be there. Am I missing it?

Also, in one of the booklets where it talks about fitness, there's a paragraph about getting acclimated to running in combat boots. I thought the military stopped that in the 80's. But I guess not. Any recommendations on buying boots, breaking them in, and preparing to run in them. I imagine running in boots is the cause of a lot of shin splints and blisters. I'd appreciate your advice on this. I work at an Army base, so we can probably buy a pair of boots in advance.

Thanks!
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If the label with the post office box # isn't on your son's Instructions to Appointee booklet I would call his admissions counselor at the AFA. He/she could help you out or tell you who could. You'll definitely want that # to send letters during BCT and care packages after BCT!

Your son won't need boots ahead of time--he'll get 2 pair whether he needs them or not! My son felt they were very comfortable from day 1--no blisters or any other issues. Your son will also get sneakers at the academy, but he'll spend more time in boots. The sneakers are more for intramurals (they'll get a chance to play a couple times a week during BCT--things like softball, soccer, ultimate frisbee--its a nice break) and the PFT. Marching, squadron runs, etc. are done in boots. It wouldn't hurt if your son already has boots to run in them at home to just get an idea of what its like. My son was a runner in HS (track, cross country) and honestly was surprised that they didn't do more running, and longer runs, during BCT. All perspective I guess!
 
Thank you for the advice and perspective. I wasn't going to have him bring the boots with him, just get used to running in them. They do have to bring cleats with them, so I guess that's enough to carry around on I day! Good to know they will issue sneakers/running shoes.

I will call tomorrow regarding his mail box.
 
YorkieMom75 said:
Thank you for the advice and perspective. I wasn't going to have him bring the boots with him, just get used to running in them. They do have to bring cleats with them, so I guess that's enough to carry around on I day! Good to know they will issue sneakers/running shoes.

I will call tomorrow regarding his mail box.
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I forgot about the cleats. My son took them, never used them once during BCT, probably still hasn't used them! He thought maybe kids who signed up to play intramural soccer might have used theirs, otherwise they aren't needed. I'm sure the kids who are IC's in a sport that uses cleats would already plan on taking them. I think if he had to do it over again, he wouldn't take them. Just a thought!
 
I have a couple of questions. I have not received my second BFE but for the itinerary it says that our tickets will be sent in June but my parents will be PCSing to England at the end of May and I will be living with a friend. Does anyone know how to get the ticket sent to the friends house? I called admissions twice and got no reply.

Secondly the cleats are not necessary right?

And will I only be allowed to bring underwear, my documents, and whatever clothes are on me when i get there? Thanks for any answers you can give.
 
usaffanatic said:
I have a couple of questions. I have not received my second BFE but for the itinerary it says that our tickets will be sent in June but my parents will be PCSing to England at the end of May and I will be living with a friend. Does anyone know how to get the ticket sent to the friends house? I called admissions twice and got no reply.

Secondly the cleats are not necessary right?

And will I only be allowed to bring underwear, my documents, and whatever clothes are on me when i get there? Thanks for any answers you can give.
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Keep trying to reach your admissions counselor about the ticket--there is still time.

I say cleats are not necessary based on my son's comments, but let's see if anyone chimes in about their experience or their cadet's. Why buy something and carry it if not necessary? Personally, I think the Instructions to Appointee booklet could use some updating in a few areas, this is one. They change things in BCT, but the booklet doesn't necessarily reflect that. Last year the booklet mentioned buying boots ahead of time, but we also got info saying NOT to buy boots (which was the correct info).

And the less you carry the day of In Processing, the better off you'll be. You won't be allowed to use civilian clothes during BCT--even underwear will be issued to you if you are male (females can bring bras I think), although there was discussion on this forum last year about taking a couple pair of the longer boxer briefs (to help avoid chafing), which my son did and was able to use (will depend on squadron cadre--they will look through what you bring). Copies of all your paperwork are important to bring. My son also took his allergy meds and suntan lotion and was allowed to keep it. Don't bring pictures of family or friends, you won't be able to keep them and they could bring unneeded attention. And tell people not to send pictures in letters during BCT. Sunglasses are a no no during BCT, your watch will be put away until after BCT. Take your glasses or contacts if you wear them, but during BCT you'll wear the BCG's. At least you'll have your own stuff as soon as BCT is over and won't have to depend on the mail getting them there on time. Basically, less is better for In-processing. Its a long day, you're issued many things that you'll have to carry also, so only bring the bare minimum with you!
 
Thanks. I was told to bring some compressions shorts as well. hopefully those wont be taken. Im assuming everything that is taken is eventually given back?
 
usaffanatic said:
Thanks. I was told to bring some compressions shorts as well. hopefully those wont be taken. Im assuming everything that is taken is eventually given back?
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Yes. Not sure where they store it, but you'll get it after BCT.
 
Women are required to bring sports bras and underwear, label them with laundry mark as described in Appointees book, Last Name initial and last four of SSN: CXXXX, in a one inch font. DD did this two years ago and did not loose any clothing. Others who did not follow the directions were not so fortunate. I am pretty sure all the underwear after Jacks Valley is now gone, but the bras held up, though they are grey now and not white like they started, still usable however. Hope this helps.
I am really hoping that DS can take compression shorts and keep them. DD said the chaffing from the new uniforms was horrible. Got DS an anti-chaffing stick that swimmers use, to help, here's hoping(fingers crossed) they let him keep it.
 
usaffanatic said:
I have a couple of questions. I have not received my second BFE but for the itinerary it says that our tickets will be sent in June but my parents will be PCSing to England at the end of May and I will be living with a friend. Does anyone know how to get the ticket sent to the friends house? I called admissions twice and got no reply.
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Regarding the itinerary, if you provided an email (which you should have done as it was required) in the papers accepting the appointment, you will receive an email with the itinerary. I believe all you receive is an email and not an actual ticket. When you then go to the airport to check in, I believe you enter in the code provided on the itinerary. Notice that I used the word "believe" since I'm not 100% sure but I'm about 90% sure this is the way it will work.

On a slightly different note, I just realized that I may have received two tickets. My first ticket was sent to me (via email) on the 13th of April. I received a second ticket on the 26th of April (also via email) with a flight 70 minutes earlier than the flight listed on my first ticket. When I received the email, I just kind of assumed to ignore the first flight info. However I now realized that it may have been an error. Has this happened to anyone before? If so, was it an error to have received two flight itineraries? I'll also be calling tomorrow just to make sure.
 
usaffanatic said:
Thanks. I was told to bring some compressions shorts as well. hopefully those wont be taken. Im assuming everything that is taken is eventually given back?
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BRING COMPRESSION SHORTS! They helped so much in basic, I knew a bunch of people who had a chaffing issue and I luckily did not. Most Basic Cadre shouldn't have a problem with you having them. Good luck:thumb:
 
Okay thanks. raindeei any idea how many pairs would be good? I will also be getting to COS a couple of days early so Im assuming I should just leave whatever extra civilan clothes I have with the family im staying with?
 
2 pair

I'll chime in, two pair if they let you keep them. You will not see the close on your back and feet until March next year!!!!!
 
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