1.
Will I be able to travel into town?
2. What leave periods do cadets have?
3. Are cadets permitted to wear civilian clothes
away from the Academy?
4. Where do cadets go on weekends?
5. What types of recreation are available to
cadets?
6. Are cadets expected to attend certain social
functions?
7. When do cadets attend chapel services?
1. Will I be able
to travel into town?
The Academy refers to passes and authorizations as permission for
cadets to leave the Academy during off-duty periods. Your individual
passes on Friday evening and Saturday will depend on your class
and on your overall squadron performance. As a basic cadet, you’ll
not be permitted to have visitors unless there’s a scheduled
cadet function. When you become a Fourth-Class cadet, you’ll
be allowed to use Arnold Hall, the cadet social center and to entertain
guests there on weekends after Parents’ Weekend. You’ll
also be permitted to dine out in the homes of Academy personnel
on certain occasions and to attend home athletic events and other
scheduled activities of the cadet wing. In recognition of added
maturity and responsibility, authorizations and liberties are gradually
increased by class. First-Class cadets can go out every day if their
performance is up to standards.
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2. What
leave periods do cadets have?
Cadets have a leave period over Thanksgiving, two and a half weeks
for Christmas and one week in the spring semester. During the summer,
cadets take required leadership programs, which are held at the
Academy or other installations. Either before or after a leadership
program, most cadets in the upper three classes have approximately
three weeks of leave. There are exceptions for cadets who volunteer
or who are required to attend summer school; in these cases leave
periods must be forfeited.
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3. Are
cadets permitted to wear civilian clothes away from the Academy?
Fourth-Class cadets may wear civilian clothes during leave periods,
such as Thanksgiving and Christmas and when authorized by the Commandant
of Cadets. This authorization usually occurs during the spring semester.
Cadets who are representing the Academy for special programs, such
as speaking appearances in their hometowns, must wear their uniforms.
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4. Where
do cadets go on weekends?
Colorado Springs is the nearest city, approximately eight miles
south and has a population of more than 300,000. Denver, 55 miles
to the north, has a population of over one million. Both cities
are located in the heart of the Rocky Mountain tourist area, known
as "Ski Country, USA." Because of their tourist attractions,
these cities have many advantages and recreational facilities including
a variety of restaurants, museums, theaters, nightclubs, shopping
centers, athletic facilities and sporting events. Colorado Springs
is an important training site for athletes who practice yearly for
the Olympics. Denver is the primary access city leading to many
mountain resorts, ski areas and scenic drives. The cities of Boulder
and Fort Collins also offer many cadets the opportunity to "get
away from it all." Many cadets like to go to ski resorts for
a day or weekend of skiing and the Cadet Ski Club provides free
transportation and inexpensive ski equipment for these outings.
River rafting, mountain climbing and horseback riding are some of
the other popular recreational activities available in the area.
After BCT, Air Force families participating in the sponsor program
host one or more cadets for periods of relaxation – an opportunity
to enjoy a home-cooked meal and telephone your parents.
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5. What
types of recreation are available to cadets?
The Academy provides opportunities for you to enjoy a change of
pace through participation in cadet activities and social functions.
This comes as a welcome break from the military activities, academic
requirements and athletic participation of the busy school week.
You’ll find the Arnold Hall social center a relaxing place
to enjoy dancing, games, movies, entertainers and television and
the snack bar in the Richter Lounge is popular with cadets, too.
The cadet wing social committees also arrange coed dances, both
formal and informal, throughout the year.
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6. Are
cadets expected to attend certain social functions?
Yes. As a cadet, you will be expected to dress in formal uniforms
and to attend scheduled dinners with your squadron or class in Mitchell
Hall. Attendance at these functions will give you experience in
the kind of social situations that may be expected of you as an
Air Force officer. You’ll receive a Decorum handbook, which
contains information on proper etiquette for various social occasions.
Decorum is taught in cadet squadron military training classes.
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7. When
do cadets attend chapel services?
Attendance is on an optional basis. Many cadets attend Sunday or
Sabbath services in the Cadet Chapel, which has separate areas for
Protestant, Catholic and Jewish services. There is also an all-faith
meeting room for members of other religious faiths. Cadets are permitted
to attend a church of their choice in the local community and many
volunteer to teach Sunday school classes. Cadets participate in
several other religious activities including choirs, study groups,
daily worship and fellowship organizations. Early morning daily
Chapel is also available.
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