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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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