What are turnbacks?

Turnbacks are cadets or cadet candidates who have missed or will miss too many days of BCT or the academic year and are “turned back” to the following class year. Most of the time this is due to major illness or injury. This is only offered to those who have already started at USAFA. It you get hurt before reporting to BCT you will have to reapply.

Stealth_81
 
At USNA, Midshipmen who are unsat academically can be turned back to the next class to give them enough "runway" to successfully complete the curriculum. One of my roommates was a turnback from the class before us who had "Youngster Year Part 1" and "Youngster Year Part 2". We also had another turnback join us the year after that. Both graduated with our class and had successful careers.
 
Much more basic answer. A turnback is a cadet who has an issue that does not lead to separation but needs more time to remediate. This can be an injury during beast or the academic year, failing a class or two, failing the physical fitness test, or maybe even an honor board. The point is that their are many reasons why a cadet could be turned back and get to spend and extra year or two at the academy.
 
A good example was my DS's roommate during his Doolie year. He sustained a concussion the previous year during BCT and was not able to finish. He was sent home (turnback) but was able to return the following year with the next incoming class. He didn't have to reapply.
 
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