<p>Grappler - your advice is spot on - it's not FAMNET.</p>
<p>falconhopeful06 - good for you investigating the "whole story" and good luck in getting an appointment - you're obviously well prepared.</p>
<p>It doesn't appear that West Point and the Naval Academy are that much different (from USAFA) regarding the Parade event. I think at West Point they even get "walking privileges" until 0100 on the first day and 0700-1900 during the second day. The Naval Academy has the Parade coinciding with Parent's Weekend-I think.</p>
<p>NEW CADET TO PLEBE
West Point will hold the annual Acceptance Day Parade Aug. 13, 10 a.m. on the Plain. This is a traditional event where upperclass cadets officially accept new cadets into the Corps. Friends and family members should enter post through Thayer or Stony Lonesome gates. Additional Class of 2009 info</p>
<p>Nothemomma: the "whole story" is not necessarily the true story in all cases-the rumor mill has untruth throughout.</p>
<p>"Besides----isn't Parent's Weekend for ALL the cadets, and not just the 4 degrees?---This day clearly belonged to the doolies, and ONLY the doolies!"</p>
<p>While Parents Weekend is indeed for all cadets, I disagree that Acceptance Day belongs to the four degrees alone. It is true that they take a huge step as they get admitted to the wing and get their shoulder boards, however, that also marks the day that the upper three classes begin to exercise their leadership involvement in the context of the academic year. It is the first time the firsties are leading THREE classes, the first time the two degrees can be cadet NCOs with TWO classes below them, and it is also the first time the three degrees have anyone beneath them that they are allowed to interact with on any level (as up to that point, they are forbidden to talk to the basics, as are the other cadets in the upper 2 classes who did not work BCT).</p>
<p>"Did a large percentage of parents attend?"</p>
<p>Relative to the number of members in the class of 09? No. </p>
<p>"How did the upper class respond?"</p>
<p>Most upperclassmen had meetings and other appointments they needed to make that day, so whether or not the new four degrees had parents there was not necessarily at the forefront of their mind. There were very few who actuially escorted them on the terrazzo.</p>
<p>One thing I disliked about the the interactions that was was that some of the four degrees became very dependent on their parents - for things they could (and should) have figured out on their own or from other cadets. For example, I was over in Fairchild (the academic building) for a meeting, and some new four degrees were walking around with their parents so their parents could look at their schedules and tell them where all of their classes were. I found that ludicrious, as that's unheard of even in high school; this is the military. Mommy and Daddy should have no part in things like that.</p>
<p>Concerning E-Dodo, I definitely do not advocate future cadets or fourth class cadets in particular going there. Some of the discussions there are valid, however, there is also a LOT of cynicism. Cynicism is a big problem here, and four degrees (and those individuals considering applying here) cannot decipher between intelligent info/concerns there and bitterness; they shouldn't be unnecessarily exposed to that.</p>
<p>UN----
You have good points about Acceptance Day being for more than just the doolies. Please understand that I meant no disrespect to the milestones achieved by the upper classes on that day. What I meant was that it had the atmosphere of the new C4C's first "day in the sun" after a pretty long and difficult night. I believe that it is called "Acceptance Day", and not "Transition Day" because those cadets being "accepted" are the ones highlighted for their accomplishement of surviving BCT. Also, I could be wrong, but the only parents I saw were doolie parents.</p>
<p>Interesting that you witnessed parents helping their cadets find their classes (!?)--- Mine only wanted to eat pizza in Arnold Hall, and sit---yes, SIT--- in his room hooking up his new computer, accessing e-mail, buying books from upperclassmen, and just talking with us and his roommates. There was a very steady stream of his classmates that wandered in and out of the room all afternoon, and it was wonderful meeting all of his new friends and seeing how well he is adjusting. </p>
<p>Only 3 more weeks until Parent's Weekend!</p>
<p>There is a website out there called USAFA Today...is this a similar website to Edodo? It seems as if there is a some cynicism on USAFA Today as well...anyone have info regarding this?</p>
<p>USAFAToday is for graduates only. You can read, but you can't post unless you're a grad. There's really no reason for candidates to read USAFAToday--hard to understand the perspective or views unless you're a grad. Both sites are run by the same people...</p>
<p>"You can read, but you can't post unless you're a grad."</p>
<p>Or in some instances, cadets have done so.</p>
<p>Not on USAFAToday Discussion Forum that I've seen, though some cadet written articles have been posted on the main site after approval from the adminners. There's no anonymous posting in the Discussion Forum--every grad that posts there is required to register with his/her name and grad ID number. Postings show that name, grad year, and even graduation squadron. VERY interesting to read postings by retired generals that held positions at the very top of the AF!</p>
<p>That's correct about the forum; I thought you were referring to the artcile section. My mistake. ;) As far as I know, though, you can not even READ the forum itself if you're not a grad.</p>
<p>Edodo is definitely not the place to go if you are trying to learn more about Academy life.. if you are trying to see the cynical side of things, then by all means, enjoy... but be wary of posting, it'll just draw attention to you as an "outsider"</p>
<p>Though I don't attend an Academy myself, I have experience with the way things get run and such. does anyone know why they changed Acceptance Day and allowed parents to visit with their doolies? Also, I have talked to a few 4 digs who has lunch with their parents during the week since Acceptance day.... I'm not complaining about it, I just am one of those people who kind of thought that seeing your Parent's on Parent's Weekend was something to look forward to and wait for.</p>
<p>It's a bit old, but I thought it was necessary to explain the incident I mentioned about a week ago concerning parents helping the new four degrees find their rooms in Fairchild the day before classes started. Based on a private message I received, there was apparently more to the story than I saw. Four degrees were told at the last minute they had a briefing in Fairchild and had no choice but to bring their parents. When there ended up not being enough room, some of them were told to just walk around for a while and find their classes. I still don't really like that idea, but I'm more content knowing that than thinking that they came up with the idea on their own to do that. So, thanks for setting me straight. ;)</p>