<p>Sorry to go a little off topic here, but usafa2010 mentioned that "the second night of basic is by far the worst." Why is this?</p>
<p>Not sure if I can explain, but I remember that around the 2nd/3rd day of basic is when it finally set in that I was not going to leave for a long time...and that my life would not be pleasant to say the least. It's just kind of a breaking point, where you realize what you've gotten yourself into. It's not anything specific they do to you or anything.</p>
<p>Lemme tell you though, after 41 basic style wake-ups, having my own alarm and getting up like a normal person is an AMAZING feeling.</p>
<p>I-Day is awkward and stressful. Reality hits on day 2. You start to realize stuff like, "I don't get breaks," they don't have sympathy, "I can't seem to do anything right," this is tougher than I thought, etc.</p>
<p>The first Saturday after basic, when Revelle went off, I jumped out of bed and asked my roommates what we were supposed to do. They said, "We can go back to sleep, it's Saturday." That was one of the strangest feelings...<br>
Another time, I woke up, jumped into PC gear (don't know why) and stared at the clock for a minute...then decided to go back to bed.</p>
<p>So we wont get a "day off" till like what August? After both BCTs?</p>
<p>You get "Doolie day out" between first and second BCT. It is only three weeks from I-day, but time seems to loose meaning in BCT. The days last for eternity, but the weeks fly by...or something like that.</p>
<p>The days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days. But man, looking back, it all took years! Once you get into your squad and the ac year, things rev up fast, hard to believe its only TWO weeks to recognition now.</p>
<p>RTBdad: Sir, with all do respect, i am offended by your comment about I-day. My parents jointly chose with me not to go. I have a very good relationship with them, and am not at all ashamed of them, even in the slightest way. Maybe its different coming from a military family, with parents who have gone through it. And if you enjoyed it, i'm glad for you. but please don't say that i need to grow up because i didn't have my parents there to watch me leave on the bus from Doolittle. I could not be more proud of my mom, who wrote every day, or my dad, who currently is deployed to Afghanistan.</p>
<p>RTBdad- I appreciate your sincerity, but please don't blanket parents who don't go into such a lump sum- there are other reasons, like siblings of basic,
budget, distance from AFA, priorities of the best way to spend that time/budget together as a family. It does not mean that my son is not proud of us or his family, nor does it mean we don't care enough to be there..
It means we are choosing to use that money/time to spend as a family unit before he goes off and we look forward to all us being able to spend quality time together over the Parents weekend as we will bring the whole family.
My pride in my son and all the cadets does not rest in being able to see/share the experience. It is amazing to see the heart and commitment
shown by their actions and willingness to serve and give.</p>
<p>I concur with both KLASSMOM AND EAGLE36</p>
<p>Falling in with CDK0089, KLASSMOM, & EAGLE36</p>
<p>RTBdad-</p>
<p>Here's our situation. I have a job that gives me four weeks of vacation per year. I am using two weeks for parent's weekend (it stradles two weeks, and work says I have to use whole weeks). I am using one over spring break when son goes out to the Academy for orientation. That leaves one week for the family vacation in June before I-day, which will probably be the last vacation that son will take with his parents and two siblings. So, what am I to do in order to take him to I-day? Regardless of cost or intent, it would be very difficult to do. Is really has nothing to do with not getting along. I get along great with my son. He is independent and confident enough to go alone that day, knowing that his parents love him and support him. Yes, your post offended me, but I hope you will realize that every situation is different.</p>
<p>Stealth_81</p>
<p>All right...how can I say this respectfully...</p>
<p>Parents (and cadets/hopefuls)...please don't get into a tussle over something like this...it doesn't serve to help us at all. It is entirely up to circumstance and the wishes of your son/daughter about whether or not you go. You WILL get many chances to see them in their new life regardless, I-day is not a deal-breaker. Whether or not you go with them does NOT mean that you are bad/good parents or that they are/are not mature.</p>
<p>Now, all things considered, talk with your son/daughter, decide as a family, and be done with it. It's different for everyone. My parents did not come with me. That had nothing to do with me not wanting them there or them not wanting to come...it's just what we decided on as a family. Please don't make it more than that.</p>
<p>Amen G4C Amen (the "Amens" seems appropriate ;) ). Although I got a lot out of the i-day, it really is different for everyone. AND, for those of you parents who may be feeling even slightly guilty about not attending (even though we're saying you shouldn't), I recall a little scene last June where a family was having a tearful goodbye with their daughter. Two Basics had arrived without family and were hanging out together getting ready to climb the stairs. Already they were starting to "bond" with each other even though they were strangers up to that point. As they watched the family, one said to the other: "aren't you glad you came alone?" The other agreed and they trotted up the steps to start the process. Meanwhile, I'm sure the family, including the daughter, was glad they had attended as well!</p>
<p>G4C you are wise beyond your years young grasshopper. Each family knows what is right for them and what they can afford.</p>
<p>Sorry if I irritated some people. It was not intended. I have delivered four other of my children to college, moved them into the dorm and driven away. I-day was a whole lot different, and I just hate to see anyone miss it unless they have a truly good reason. Now I'll hush.</p>
<p>I was USAFA class of 1999. The first day is something that I will never forget. (and the next morning too...I woke up to upperclassman yelling at me with "Welocme to the Jungle" playing in the background....) If I had to do it all over again, here is what I would do:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Do it by myself...I realize family is very important, as are mine. But you have to prep yourself mentally before you go. The bus ride from Dolittle to the BMMR is something you will not forget. Its a time for introspection and realization of a dream. Take it in for every moment it is. You won't do it again. And the last thing you want is to be worrying about your family being there and just be slightly distracted. This is your moment of realization and will stay with you forever. Get yourself motivated as you start to get locked up! You will need personal strength and determination to make it through. That introspection starts the morning you wake up. </p></li>
<li><p>I would listen to my iPod to get me motivated. Do whatever it is that helps you build confidence. You might have a journal, a book, a scripture or whatever it might be. You need to pull out all the weapons you can to give you that mental edge...You will soon enter a club that will be yours forever.</p></li>
<li><p>Try your best to be a leader at the beginning. Volunteer for leadership very fast....Actually, the harder you work, the more the Cadre respects you and the less they yell at you. They go after the dirtbags. I used to be cadre and a training NCO...</p></li>
<li><p>Make friends fast! The people in your squadron will be your best friends forever. And, yes, when you first see the people you will say: "he looks like a dork.." but you will soon be very tight to him/her.</p></li>
<li><p>Realize that sleep deprivation is the name of the game and you just have to accept it!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Above all: be proud and do your best. Realize that you are among the best...I met my best friends in 1995 and they are still my best friends more than 10 years later. The were in my wedding, my son's godfather, and we always talk to each other - even if we are hundreds miles away.</p>
<p>Go Air Force!!!!</p>
<p>PS - If you want more advice or questions send me an email to <a href="mailto:pirate1999@gmail.com">pirate1999@gmail.com</a>!!! I would be willing to tell you what knowledge to learn so that you can be squared away!</p>
<p>PSS - If you are a parent and you really wanna go, then I understand. But be sure to not overwhelm them. Give them confidence but give just enough space to be ready for the zoo! They are in great hands out there...</p>
<p>Two things to add--(we did not go out) We were thrilled when we purchased the DVD made by Sal (a local person who specializes in filming them and setting them to music) for $15 I think. We saw our daughter up close facing towards the camera with all of the families in the background as she checked in. Also another couple of glimpses as she walked by. It was wonderful-- She mentioned once that the last jaunt from Denver to Colorado Springs (I thought it was by air, but I could be mistaken) she got to know a couple of future cadets and they still are considered friends. </p>
<p>Secondly- for parents weekend we were surprised to find out that if you can get it prearranged--drive up to the academy the night before your 4C may be allowed to come out and greet you (up by the chapel) (this was after dinner) We took some great photos, and it was nice to double check your plans for the following day (Friday) As Friday starts early, you have to rise at about 5:30 to get there with all the crowds. It's tough on those of us with a time change. Get in as early on thursday as possible. We picked up some food to take out there with us also. This was the first we had seen her since she left in June.</p>
<p>Ditto on getting to parent's day weekend early. I went out and saw my parents at the chapel the day before. It was awesome, talked for a few hours. Navy weekend I took them to Arnold. Plenty of great memories to make with them still! :)</p>
<p>Weekend early great idea. But be advised -- AF rules can change instantly and what was allowed one year may not be the next. It's the AF/military way and you and your families will get used to it. I know you current cadets have plenty of examples of this!!</p>