2013 - 2014 US Air Force Academy Parent Guide

UNIVERSITY PARENT

GUIDE

2013 2014

United States Air Force Academy

Campus Resources – Local Insight – Helpful Information

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United States Air Force Academy

For more information, please contact

USAFA Parents Club 2304 Cadet Drive Suite 351 USAF Academy, CO 80840-5002 (719) 333-3828 www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/ development/parentsclubs.asp

2995 Wilderness Place, Suite 205 Boulder, CO 80301 Phone: (866) 721-1357 Email: ask@universityparent.com www.universityparent.com Advertising Inquiries: (866) 721-1357 ads@universityparent.com Sarah Schupp Publisher Lindsay Brust SALES & MARKETING Alyssa Willet PARTNER RELATIONS mark hager DESIGN michael fahler AD DESIGN

Jason Shueh EDITORIAL

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About this Guide UniversityParent has published this guide in partnership with the United States Air Force Academy with the mission of helping you easily navigate your student’s university with the most timely and relevant information available.

Make the Most of this Guide • Use it! Inside you’ll find information that’s useful all year with items such as phone numbers, websites, and calendars.

• Share it! Share articles and tips inside with your student to help them successfully navigate campus.

• Pass it! Pass it along to fellow university parents or prospective parents of college students.

Discover more articles, tips and local business information by visiting the online guide at: www.universityparent/usafa The presence of university/college logos and marks in this guide does not mean the school endorses the products or services offered by advertisers in this guide. Cover Photo by Beverly & Pack, Creative Commons, http://bit.ly/TO79Y. 2013 UniversityParent

contents

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Comprehensive advice, information for student success

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Welcome from the Director of Admissions USAFA History Academics Leadership About the Academy Athletics Clubs Exposure to the World Airmanship Programs Life at the Academy Why the Academy?

After the Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Resources Must-have knowledge to navigate your way Communication Websites & Phone Numbers Academic Year Calendar Campus Map Proud Supporters of USAFA

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usafa GUIDE

Welcome from the Director of Admissions Your son or daughter is about to embark upon one of the most significant transitions of their life by entering college. We are thankful for their interest in attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and want to provide all the means possible in helping you and your child understand all the Academy has to offer.

As a parent, you are one of the most important counselors while your son or daughter researches educational institutions. The Academy is rather unique from most colleges, and we hope this guide will help you understand the vast array of opportunities at the Academy 4

and after graduation. While here, your son or daughter will experience our airmanship programs, gain valuable leadership training and experience, earn one of the best educations in the nation, form friendships that will last the rest of their lives, and have the opportunity to United States Air Force Academy

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serve their country after graduation, all while earning a monthly salary. This only vaguely touches upon a cadet’s Academy experience. The Academy mainly focuses on producing Air Force officers of character with emphasis on academics, leadership, military training, athletics and character development. This brochure explains the Academy in detail and also provides important phone numbers and websites, information about the local area, and an academic calendar with yearly highlights. We hope we’re able to answer most of your questions, communicate the mission and purpose of the Academy, and describe the numerous valuable opportunities the Academy has to offer your child. Best of luck and warmest wishes on your child’s educational journey!

Col. Carolyn A.M. Benyshek Academy Class of 1987 United States Air Force Academy Director of Admissions www.universityparent.com/usafa

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USAFA History As the youngest of the four service academies, the Air Force Academy’s history is less extensive than the others since powered flight only began in 1903 with the Wright Brothers’ first powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight.

As aviation advanced, the nation’s military aviation service followed a growing lineage from 1907 until 1947, when the Air Force became a separate service under the National Security Act. Officials had discussed the establishment of an aeronautical academy much earlier, but it wasn’t until after 1947 that initial plans began.

After some time and planning, Congress passed legislation in 1954 to begin construction of the Air Force Academy.

Several locations were considered and were eventually narrowed down to three: Alton, Illinois; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; and the chosen site near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The main question of concern for the Colorado location was if flight training would be affected by the mountains or their wind currents. Famous aviator Charles Lindbergh rented a light plane and flew over the proposed site. After his analysis, he declared it fit for flying.

When it came time for the first class to enter in 1955, construction was incomplete. Therefore, Lowry Air Force Base in Denver was designated as a temporary site. The cadet wing 6

moved to the present site in 1958, and less than a year later, the Academy received academic accreditation.

The first graduating class designated the falcon as the mascot and established the Honor Code, still a vital segment of Academy life.

The Air Force Academy Preparatory School, approximately five miles from the Academy’s cadet area, was established in May 1961 for applicants who did not receive a direct appointment. The Prep School is a 10-month program that prepares cadet candidates academically, athletically and militarily and is designed to develop skills and character necessary for success at the Academy.

In October 1975, President Gerald Ford signed legislation authorizing women to enter all U.S. service academies. In June 1976, the first 157 women entered the Air Force Academy with the class of 1980.

As of May 29, 2013, 54 classes have graduated, and the Academy has produced nearly 43,000 officers prepared to serve our nation.

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Academics The Air Force Academy is a fully accredited institution of higher learning and is recognized as having one of the most prestigious and respected academic programs available. Cadets complete a balanced sequence of core curriculum, including courses in sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, military studies and physical education. Cadets choose a main academic path from various majors, and have the option to minor in a foreign language, philosophy, or religion studies.

An Academy education is tailored to develop future Air Force officers with innovative, analytical and resourceful minds.

Here is a list of the majors and minors from which cadets may choose:

Majors Aeronautical Engineering Astronautical Engineering Basic Science Behavioral Sciences & Leadership Biology Chemistry Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science Economics Electrical Engineering English Environmental Engineering Foreign Area Studies General Engineering Geospatial Science History Humanities

The faculty consists of approximately 550 professors and instructors under the direction of the Dean of the Faculty.

The academic faculty consists of Air Force officers, sister service officers, foreign officers, permanent civilian faculty and visiting professors from www.universityparent.com/usafa

Legal Studies Management Mathematical Sciences Mechanical Engineering Meteorology Military Strategic Studies Operations Research Philosophy Physics Political Science Social Sciences Space Operations Systems Engineering

Minors Philosophy Foreign Language Religion Studies

civilian institutions. Faculty is comprised of approximately 66 percent military and 34 percent civilian professors.

The academic chance to succeed is presented readily to every cadet. A student to faculty ratio of 8:1 means 7

usafa GUIDE learning is more specialized and convenient. The average class size (15-20 cadets), makes discussion more practical and ensures each has the chance to receive additional help if needed. When not teaching, instructors make themselves readily available for extra instruction.

The main academic building, Fairchild Hall, is located a short walk from both dorms and houses academic classrooms, laboratories, research

facilities, faculty offices and the Robert F. McDermott Library. Many of the academic departments have their own specialized state-of-the art laboratories.

But academic opportunity doesn’t end here. Many graduate scholarships and fellowships are awarded every year including, Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and NCAA. Up to three percent of each graduating class is selected to attend medical, nursing or dental school.

Leadership The cadet wing simulates the same structure and organization as an operational Air Force wing. The 4,000 cadets are organized into four groups, with 1,000 cadets per group. Each group contains 10 squadrons, with 100 cadets per squadron.

Class designation is somewhat different from a traditional college. Instead of freshmen, first-year cadets are referred to as four degrees or fourth-class cadets; sophomores are three degrees or third-class cadets; juniors are two degrees or second-class cadets; and seniors are first-class cadets or firsties.

The Academy forms the leadership foundation cadets will carry into and continue to build upon in the operational Air Force. Each squadron houses members from all four classes, and each class has a different degree of responsibility that is tailored to slowly build one’s leadership skills.

Four degrees (freshmen) have a loyal followership role. This role’s purpose is to learn to support the mission, learn chain of command and standards, and having designated time to master primary responsibilities, skills and knowledge.

During three-degree year, one focuses on being a coach and role model for the 8

four degrees while preparing to take on training responsibilities. Two degrees provide supervision and training for the lower two classes. And lastly, first degrees hold various primary roles while providing leadership, motivation and direction for the cadet wing.

Cadets have different leadership positions every semester and fulfill duties existing in active-duty Air Force squadrons, such as: squadron commander, operations officer, first sergeant, etc. The cadet wing is run solely by cadets with each squadron supervised by an Air Officer Commanding (AOC) and two Academy Military Training (AMT) noncommissioned officers.

AOCs are active-duty Air Force majors, who counsel cadets on leadership and military career issues, oversee military training, and serve as role models for the future officers. AMTs are activeduty Air Force senior noncommissioned officers who provide feedback and mentorship and coach cadets on situational circumstances.

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About the Academy The United States Air Force Academy is a four-year military service academy, located just north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, where cadets earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. Typically, more than 50 percent of each graduating class is sent to pilot training. There are numerous other career fields the Air Force offers, ranging from engineering and acquisitions to intelligence and public affairs. The mission of the Academy is: To educate, train and inspire men and women to www.universityparent.com/usafa

become officers of character motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation. The Academy’s core values are: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do The Honor Code states: “We will not lie, steal or cheat nor tolerate among us anyone who does.” Academy mascot: Falcon Unofficial Academy song: “The Air Force Song”

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Athletics Our extensive athletic program includes intercollegiate and intramural sports, physical education courses and physical fitness tests. These programs help prepare cadets for Air Force leadership by building confidence, emotional control, physical courage, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Intercollegiate Sports The Academy has 10 women’s and 17 men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams that compete at the highest level, Division I. Most sports are members of the Mountain West Conference.

The men’s teams include: Baseball Basketball Boxing Cross Country Fencing Football Golf Gymnastics Ice Hockey Lacrosse Rifle Soccer Swimming and Diving Tennis

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Track and Field Water Polo Wrestling

The women’s teams include: Basketball Cross Country Fencing Gymnastics Rifle Soccer Swimming and Diving Tennis Track and Field Volleyball

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Intramural Sports Cadets must participate in an intercollegiate or intramural sport each semester. Intramural sports include: basketball, men’s boxing, cross country, flag football, flickerballl, men’s rugby, women’s rugby, soccer, softball, team handball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball and wally ball. Squadrons field teams for each sport, and they compete against each other until group intramural championships, which then leads to the wing intramural championship.

Physical Education Courses Cadets must complete 10 physical education courses during their time at the Academy. All must complete certain core classes which include: boxing (males only), self defense (females only), swimming, and unarmed combat I and II. After taking the required courses, cadets may take basketball, golf, racquetball, scuba, soccer, softball, tennis or volleyball.

of athletic fields–varsity baseball, soccer, and lacrosse stadiums, and a new outdoor Track and Field complex renovated in 2011. A nearly 50,000-square-foot addition to the west end of the Cadet Gymnasium added a fitness center and fencing facility in spring 2012.

Physical Fitness Tests Two fitness tests are administered each semester. The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) tests overall strength and endurance and includes pull-ups, a standing long jump, crunches, push-ups and a 600-yard run.

The Aerobic Fitness Test (AFT), a one-anda-half mile run, tests aerobic fitness levels.

Physical fitness is important not only to pass the tests, but to maximize fitness, develop a foundation for a lifetime of fitness, and recognize those who excel in personal fitness. Cadets receiving a score above 450 on the PFT or AFT are exempt from taking that particular test the following semester.

Facilities The Academy maintains some of the finest athletic facilities in the nation. This complex includes the Cadet Gymnasium, Cadet Field House, Falcon Athletic Center, and the Holaday Athletic Center (92,000-square-foot indoor training facility). The complex includes 150 acres www.universityparent.com/usafa

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Clubs It may seem like the schedule is too rigid to accommodate personal interests, but most find time to enjoy the Academy’s clubs.

More than 80 active clubs are offered to develop talents and satisfy hobbies.

Not only do the clubs serve to gratify one’s interests, they also foster friendships, personal development and character development. Clubs fall into three categories: mission, competitive, and recreational.

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Guard, Soaring, Wings of Blue Affinity & Culture – Hispanic/Latino, Native American Heritage Club, Way of Life Academic/Professional – Astronomy and Physics, Cyber Warfare, Forensics, Mock Trial, Rocket Society

SPORTS CLUBS:

For a more comprehensive list, visit academyadmissions.com.

Cycling, Fast Pitch Softball, Marathon, Men’s & Women’s Rugby, Ski (Alpine & Nordic), Triathlon

MISSION CLUBS:

RECREATIONAL CLUBS:

Support - Chorale, Drum and Bugle, Falconry, Flying Team, Honor

Bluebards, Car Club, Chess, Equestrian, Karate, Model Engineering, Paintball

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Exposure to the World The Air Force Academy offers several programs giving cadets the opportunity to see more of the world and learn from the experience. They may experience the traditions and cultures of foreign countries by participating in one of the following programs: Foreign Academy Visits

Summer Language Immersion

In this program, cadets, faculty and staff travel to international academies on short-duration exchange visits.

Typically, each trip consists of four cadets and one faculty escort. Trips normally last 7-10 days and provide cultural immersion and familiarization with foreign militaries. In recent years, cadets visited more than 40 different countries.

Each summer approximately 200 cadets and select faculty escorts participate in four- to six-week language immersion programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Cadets in this program must give up part of their summer leave. Partner countries include: Brazil, Peru, Chile, Portugal, Morocco, Germany, France, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, China, Japan, to name a few.

Study Abroad Selected cadets studying Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Russian experience a semester-long study abroad program at foreign civilian universities.

Current programs exist with Arab American Language Institute (AALIM), in partnership with the University of Moulay Ismail (UMI) in Morroco, Kansai Gaidai University in Japan, Nanjing University in China, and Petrozavodsk State University (PSU) in Russia. We continue to explore opportunities in other countries for other languages.

Interservice Exchange During the fall semester, a small selection of second-class cadets exchange places with counterparts from West Point, Annapolis and the Coast Guard Academy. The exchange provides better understanding of the other services and develops uniformity among programs at all the service academies.

Olmsted Cultural Immersion During spring break and summer periods, cadets may attend one of several immersion opportunities to Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

In 2012, 19 cadets and 6 permanent party escorts travelled to 5 countries to experience other cultures and languages.

Opportunities were funded through the Olmsted Foundation visiting Armenia, Ethiopia, Germany, Poland, and Turkey.

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Airmanship Programs The Air Force Academy’s airmanship programs form a vital part of the curriculum and further distinguish it from other institutes of higher learning.

Airmanship courses entail basic and advanced instruction in parachuting, gliders, powered aircraft and unmanned aircraft.

All airmanship operations are conducted simultaneously at the Academy’s airfield.

Parachuting Programs Over 700 cadets complete basic freefall parachuting each year. To earn the basic parachutist badge, each must complete five jumps dropping from 4,500 feet while administering proper procedures for employing the parachute to proper landing techniques.

Soaring Program

Cadets earning the basic parachutist badge are eligible for the advanced training necessary to upgrade to the Academy parachute team, the Wings of Blue. The advanced training consists of more than 150 free-fall jumps that teaches techniques required to control bodies in free-fall. This training allows jumpers to perform maneuvers such as turns, front and back loops, barrel rolls and relative work formations.

Each year approximately 70 cadets are chosen to enter a semester-long instructor pilot upgrade course. After an average of 80 training flights and many hours of strenuous ground school, they are ready to wear instructor pilot wings and become qualified instructor pilots in the TG-16A.

The Wings of Blue is divided into a demonstration team and a competition team. The competition team is one of the most outstanding parachute units in the nation. Since 1967, cadets have 14

dominated national intercollegiate parachuting championships, winning decisively over 40 other schools. The demonstration team performs at about 50 local, national and international public events annually, including sporting events, ceremonies and air shows.

Basic soaring training includes instruction in the TG-16A glider, and after approximately 14 flights, depending on the level of proficiency, cadets may be qualified to fly solo. The basic soaring course trains about 550 cadets annually.

Two advanced programs that field teams to compete regionally and nationally are available for those cadet instructor pilots who excel; the Glider Aerobatic Team and the Sailplane Racing Team. The Aerobatic Team conducts exhibitions across the nation and competes in regional competitions.

The Sailplane Racing Team competes United States Air Force Academy

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Remotely Piloted Aircraft This program develops future leadership in relevant, dynamic, realistic air combat training environments.

Cadets are exposed to real-world systems, concepts, and combat air operations. The program emphasizes development of combat leadership, while providing specific academic knowledge, experiential learning, and operational familiarization. Entirely cadet led, under mentorship of officers with actual combat RPA experience, it offers cadets completing the basic course in an exceptional manner the possibility to upgrade to RPA instructor pilot.

Aero Club in regional and national competitions striving for state and national records.

Powered Flight Programs (PFP, Flying team, AE-456) The Powered Flight Program (PFP) provides exposure to Air Force flying operations, and an opportunity for cadets to solo their first powered Air Force aircraft. This aviation program is designed to challenge cadets as they pursue a rated career opportunity as future commissioned officers. The Academy Flying Team is a select group of 27 cadets who hold Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Certificates or higher. The team uses T-41 and T-51 aircraft to compete against 144 colleges nationwide in regional and national competitions. They compete in nine demanding ground and precision flying events. The team has won 26 straight Region 1 championships and is a consistent top-10 finisher at Nationals.

Cadets can learn to fly club-owned aircraft during their free time at the Academy’s Aero Club. As a member of the club, cadets receive discounts and privileges on certain aviation activities, including the chance to earn Federal Aviation Administration ratings.

AE-456 is an aeronautical course where cadets design their own flight test profiles and then participate in the T-41 with Air Force test pilots to accomplish this academic requirement.

This is the only collegiate-level flight test program in the United States.

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Life at the Academy Every cadet’s time at the Academy begins with Basic Cadet Training (BCT), more familiarly called “beast.” This 37-day training program run by upper class cadets is very physically, emotionally and mentally challenging for all, regardless of background.

The first three weeks of BCT take place at the cadet area, where basic cadets are taught marching, saluting, customs and courtesies, uniform wear, honor lessons, team exercises and more. The second half of BCT begins with a march to Jacks Valley, training grounds about five miles from the cadet area. Here, cadets set up large tents, which will be home for the next two weeks. At the conclusion of BCT basic cadets are accepted into the cadet wing with a swearing-in ceremony.

After BCT, fourth-class cadets transition to assigned squadrons and prepare for the academic year. Each has a roommate and lives in one of two dormitories, Vandenberg Hall or Sijan Hall. Rooms must be in first-rate order, and everybody must wear uniforms throughout duty hours.

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A typical weekday for cadets is extremely busy–breakfast, classes, lunch, military training time, more classes, intercollegiate or intramural sports, dinner and academic call to quarters until lights out. Cadets awake the next morning to begin the cycle again.

After the academic year is over, cadets participate in summer programs which are divided into three-week periods. They complete programs like Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training (ESET), jump, soaring, cultural immersions and Operation Air Force (OpsAF).

Cadets reach many rewarding milestones in between the demanding days. Some of the milestones are BCT, Parent’s Weekend, Recognition, 100’s

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Night, Ring Dance, and ultimately ending with Graduation Day. Each milestone represents another step closer to graduation and a celebration of past hard work and dedication.

As fourth-class cadets, freedoms and liberties are granted minimally, but as each year progresses, they gain more freedom to enjoy the local area and Colorado. The Academy’s location makes camping, hiking, horseback

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riding, mountain climbing, skiing, snowboarding and white-water rafting highly accessible. The immediate area hosts numerous restaurants, the latest movies in theaters, plenty of malls with the latest fashions, and a downtown area with many quaint establishments.

Cadets are assigned sponsor families who provide a home away from home.

In addition to Thanksgiving, winter and spring break leave, most will be granted three weeks of leave each summer.

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Why the Academy?

Air Force Academy cadets receive a world-class education, learn and experience valuable leadership skills, further define and sharpen their character and hone their physical fitness capabilities. Additionally cadets are provided for as much as possible so they can focus on their coursework, daily military tasks and athletic competitions.

The Academy provides a full scholarship. In addition to free-tuition, cadets receive free room and board, meals and medical and dental care. As a result, they have less stress in terms of renewing scholarships, worrying about future student loans or maintaining after-school employment. Each cadet is also paid a monthly stipend.

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United States Air Force Academy

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After the Academy Sometimes finding a job after college can be difficult, and so can sustaining a job after college with the uncertainty of job security. Upon graduation from the Air Force Academy, your son or daughter will receive a Bachelor of Science degree and is guaranteed a profession as an officer in the United States Air Force.

There are many varied specialties from which to choose. Many will go on to become pilots, navigators, contracting officers, public affairs officers, intelligence officers, doctors, engineers, special forces. . . the list is long. Post-graduation Air Force commitment is five years for most career fields, but the commitment for pilots and navigators is based on the needs of the Air Force following graduation.

Besides a guaranteed profession, officer pay is very attractive and competitive to equivalent civilian careers. In addition to pay, officers receive a monthly taxfree housing and food allowance based upon rank and geographic cost of living. All military members receive 30 days of paid vacation each year and comprehensive medical and dental care.

Air Force officers are eligible for retirement after 20 years of service, one of the earliest retirements available. If they separate from the Air Force once their commitment is complete, your www.universityparent.com/usafa

child will have invaluable years of job experience which they can use to build a resume for a civilian sector job.

The Air Force Academy experience itself provides a world of new opportunities.

After the Academy, graduates take individual paths where experiences are immeasurable. Each has a unique story, with different paths, opportunities, and the only limitations are those they set.

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Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of Basic Cadet Training (BCT)?

When can I send my cadet care packages?

The BCT program tests cadets’ mental and physical abilities and helps them transition from civilian to military life.

This foundational leadership training helps develops alertness, physical endurance, emotional stability, selfreliance and individual initiative.

Cadets going through BCT are not allowed to receive care packages.

However, upon completion of training, they are allowed to receive care packages from family or friends at any time.

Are parents permitted to contact cadets by phone during BCT?

Yes, cadets are guided by academic advisors who discuss the academic majors in relation to career areas and opportunities in the Air Force. After selecting a major, cadets are assigned to a faculty advisor who will assist with course selections, schedules and other academic matters.

No, parents should refrain from calling during BCT. Cadets are instructed to write home soon after BCT begins to give parents the name and phone numbers of their Air Officer Commanding, or AOC, who directly supervises their squadron. Cadets and parents are strongly encouraged to communicate through cards and letters.

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Are cadets counseled on the selection of a major?

How accessible are the instructors?

The instructors at the Academy maintain office hours Monday through Friday United States Air Force Academy

usafa GUIDE from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Unless teaching or in a meeting, instructors are available for extra instruction.

Additionally, most teachers will provide a contact number and e-mail address for after-hours questions.

Is it possible to be recruited for a sport by the Academy?

Yes, it is possible to be recruited for an intercollegiate sport, but recruited athletes receive the same general scholarship as every cadet. By receiving a general scholarship, if you should ever become injured while playing a sport and can no longer participate, you will not lose your general Academy scholarship.

Where can cadets go if overwhelmed, stressed-out or having difficulty adjusting to the Academy?

Cadets have access to many helpful agencies, including the Academy’s Peak Performance Center. The center provides a full range of counseling and performance enhancement services to meet the developmental, emotional, psychological and leadership needs of the cadet wing. Students often experience transitional stress due to new challenges or face difficult decisions regarding a wide spectrum of normal developmental issues.

In addition, each squadron has two cadet PEERs, Personal Ethics and Education Representatives, to help address concerns and seek professional guidance.

When and where are cadets permitted to practice their faith of choice?

Worship attendance at the cadet chapel is voluntary. The chapel has dedicated worship areas for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faith groups, as well as an all-faiths room for other worshiping traditions. In addition, an outdoor area for Earth-based religions was recently added near the cadet area. The cadet chapel releases weekly worship schedules, and cadets are also permitted to attend a place of worship of choice in the local community. Cadets www.universityparent.com/usafa

may participate in other religious activities including choirs, study groups, daily worship and fellowship organizations.

How can parents help their son or daughter excel in the cadet wing?

Parents can encourage cadets to put forth their best efforts in all areas, and particularly, to abide by cadet wing regulations, take responsibility for their actions, and be accountable to themselves and their supervisors. Parental support has been found to be a strong motivator toward positive performance. Conversely, parents who condone violations will undermine the Academy’s efforts and leave their son or daughter open to punishment and possible disenrollment.

What leave periods do cadets have?

Cadets have a leave period over Thanksgiving, two-and-a-half weeks for winter break, and one week in the spring semester. During the summer, most cadets have approximately three weeks of leave.

As a parent, is there a local support group I can join?

There are more than 90 Air Force Academy parent clubs in the United States, with every state having representation. For more information, please call (719) 333-3828 or (877) 268-3383.

Do graduates have a chance to obtain an advanced degree?

Graduates can receive scholarships to attend civilian graduate schools immediately after graduation. Graduates in the top 15 percent of their class are typically prime candidates for postgraduate education programs. Other graduates may also have opportunities for graduate education through the Air Force Institute of Technology program.

Can graduates enter medical school?

The Academy may send up to three percent of each graduating class directly to medical, nursing or dental school.

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RESOURCES

Communication The Air Force Academy years will be an interesting time in your son or daughter’s life to say the least. Even immediately after BCT, your son or daughter will call home with greater maturity, an increased sense of responsibility and expanded insight. They will have many acronyms mixed throughout their speech, which might be hard at first, but with time you will understand what they’re saying.

Cadets lead very busy lives. Practically every moment of their day is accounted for from the moment they awake until they go to bed. And if they’re not active with academics, athletics or military duties, they’re busy fitting in personal interest time.

Even though contact may be sparse at times, it’s important for parents to stay involved in their cadet’s life, communicate and remain supportive. Receiving a simple letter or card from friends and family 22

during BCT can lift spirits, at least for a moment. Even if cadets are unable to reply to letters, they still yearn for letters from you. It’s a way for them to have communication from the outside world, which sometimes becomes minimal with strict Academy routines and demands.

After BCT, e-mail is the quickest way to communicate and cadet’s personal computers become a huge part of their daily lives. Many cadets are allowed cell phone privileges after BCT. United States Air Force Academy

RESOURCES

This is an essential time for growth and independence in your child’s life. Parents can become easily discouraged with the lack of regular contact with their son or daughter. A child’s safety is a concern for all parents. The Academy maintains precise accountability of contact phone

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numbers, and if your child’s safety is ever in question, we’ll call you immediately.

In case of a family emergency and you need to contact your child, it’s important to have your child’s squadron AOC contact information handy.

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RESOURCES

Websites & Phone Numbers Websites

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academyadmissions.com

USAFA Info Center

facebook.com/academyadmissions

Facebook Page

airforce.com

General AF Information

www.usafa.af.mil/news/academyspirit.asp

Base Newspaper

goairforcefalcons.com

Athletic Information Center

todaysmilitary.com

General Military Information

usafa.af.mil

Academy’s Homepage

usafa.org

Association of Graduates

United States Air Force Academy

RESOURCES

Phone Numbers [Note: area code is (719)] Admissions:

1 (800) 443-9266

You will be directed to your counselor. Last name/ address will be required.

Command Post:

(719) 333-2910/11/12

Medical Status:

(719) 333-3562

Parent’s Club Liaison:

(719) 333-3828 or (877) 268-3383

Preparatory School:

1 (800) 443-9266

Regional area counselor

Student Record Status:

1 (800) 443-9266

Regional area counselor

Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB)

Tours for candidates/students and parents are offered during the academic year. Please visit academyadmissions.com for more information.

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RESOURCES

Academic Year Calendar 2013

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August 3

BCT ends – Cadet Wing returns 1900

August 8

Classes Begin

August 30

Parent’s Weekend Begins

August 31

Air Force – Colgate football (HOME)

September 2

Labor Day Holiday (no classes)

September 7

Air Force – Utah State football (HOME)

September 12-13

Commandant’s Training Day (no classes)

September 13

Air Force – Boise State football – night game

September 18-20

Falcon Heritage Forum

September 21

Air Force - Wyoming football (HOME)

September 28

Air Force - Nevada football

October 4

(no classes)

October 5

Air Force – Navy football – morning game

October 10

Air Force – San Diego State football (HOME)

October 14

Columbus Day Holiday (no classes)

October 26

Air Force – Notre Dame football (HOME)

November 1

Commandant’s Training Day (no classes)

November 2

Air Force - Army football (HOME)

November 8

Air Force – New Mexico football – night game

November 11

Veteran’s Day Holiday (no classes)

November 21

Air Force - UNLV football (HOME) – night game

November 23

Commandant’s Training Day

November 23-30

Thanksgiving leave

November 28

Thanksgiving Day

November 30

Air Force – Colorado State football

December 1

Cadet Wing returns 1900

December 14-15

Dean’s weekend

December 21, 2013-Jan 2, 2014

Winter Break

United States Air Force Academy

RESOURCES

2014 January 1

New Year’s Day Holiday

January 2

Cadet Wing returns 1900

January 6

Classes resume

January 20

Martin Luther King Holiday (no classes)

February 17

President’s Day Holiday (no classes)

February 26-28

National Character & Leadership Symposium (NCLS) (no classes)

March 13-15

Recognition Training

March 21-29

Spring Break

March 30

Cadet Wing returns 1900

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RESOURCES (Academic Year Calendar continued. . .)

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March 31

Classes resume

April 16-18

Falcon Heritage Forum

May 10-11

Dean’s Weekend

May 12-16

Finals

May 19-22

Summer Prep Week

May 23-26

Graduation Week

May 26

Memorial Day Holiday

May 28

Graduation Day

May 31

1st Summer Period begins

June 21

1st Summer Period ends – 2nd Summer period begins

June 26

Class of 2018 enters/BCT begins

August 2

BCT ends – Cadet Wing returns 1900

August 7

Classes begin

United States Air Force Academy

RESOURCES

Campus Map

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