2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

what is the cadet equivalent to a student in a civilian university?
The Academy uses the class system rather than the equivalent designation characteristic of civilian universities. The comparison
is Fourth-class =Freshman; Third-class =Sophomore; Second-class =Junior; First-class =Senior.
i have a tattoo, a brand, or a piercing can i be admitted?
While having a tattoo or brand does not automatically disqualify you from consideration, it does open the door for rejection
based on a more subjective evaluation. Non-removable piercings are not allowed and must be removed prior to admission. Air
Force policy stipulates that tattoos or brands must not be excessive, nor may they contain inflammatory, obscene, racist, sexist,
or similar content. Tattoos or brands that fall into any of these categories will cause you to be disqualified for admission. The
Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) will notify the Admissions Office of any tattoos,
brands, or non-removable piercings noted during your medical exam. We will then require that you provide us a color snapshot
of each. Assuming your tattoo or brand falls within acceptable limits, you will be allowed to continue in the application process.
You should keep the following in mind. Those who review the picture of your tattoo, brand or piercing are of an older generation
and may not view body art in the same manner as you. So... if you don’t already have a tattoo or brand, think long and hard as to
whether the risk of possibly losing out on an Academy appointment is worth it.
what is a cadet’s day like?
During the academic year, from early August through May, you’ll have a busy schedule of classes, study periods, military
training, and athletic participation. You’ll awake in time to be at breakfast formation at 6:30 a.m. You’ll rise in time to put your
room in order and dress in the cadet uniform of the day. After breakfast you’ll attend morning classes, which begin at 7:00 a.m.
You’ll attend classes or study until 11:10 a.m., when you’ll go to your squadron area for professional military-training time on
Tuesdays from 11:20 a.m. until 12:25 p.m. On Wednesdays during this time you’ll participate in a parade. Several times each week
you’ll march to lunch with the cadet wing and have twenty minutes to eat. Afternoon classes begin at 1:00 p.m. and finish at
4:05 p.m. An optional evening mealtime buffet is offered from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and academic call to quarters is from 7:10 p.m.
to 11:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday military call to quarters is from 7:10 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. Some military activities will be
required in the evening, but most of the time will be devoted to studying in your room or in the library. Your day ends with taps
(the final bugle call of the day) at 11:00 p.m. The daily schedule will vary during the summer, according to the military-training
activity in which you’re involved, but you’ll be busy throughout the day.
what is a cadet room like?
Rooms in the two dormitories, Vandenberg Hall and Sijan Hall, are similar. Each room, which is approximately thirteen feet wide
and eighteen feet long, is designed for two or three cadets. The room contains two large closets, a counter with a built-in sink, a
large mirror, and a medicine cabinet. Every cadet room also has a twin-size modular bed, dresser, and desk for each cadet. There
is a proper location for everything you’re allowed to have in your room, and you’ll be expected to keep your room in perfect
order.
how is a cadet assigned to a room and roommate?
Each cadet is assigned to one of forty squadrons. Male and female cadets have separate rooms and female cadets have separate
bathroom facilities within assigned squadron areas. You’ll be assigned a roommate during Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Twice
during the academic year you may be assigned to a new room with roommates according to squadron policies. You’ll always
room with a member of the same sex and usually the same class. You may keep or change a roommate at these times, depending
on your squadron’s policy. If a cadet has significant problems, he or she may request and most likely be granted a change of
roommate, if necessary. Siblings are assigned to different squadrons.
172 United States Air Force Academy Catalog