Staying connected across the miles — practical guidance for USAFA families on communication, care packages, and supporting your cadet through every phase of the Academy experience.
The Air Force Academy is a transformative experience — and the communication rules and rhythms are very different from college. Understanding what to expect at each phase helps families stay connected in ways that genuinely support their cadet without adding pressure.
This guide walks you through each phase of the USAFA journey, from the first letter you write during BCT through your cadet's first class year.
Communication restrictions at the Academy are intentional — they are part of the development process, not a punishment. A family that understands this can channel their energy into support rather than worry.
How and when you can communicate with your cadet changes significantly across the training year. Here's what to expect at each stage.
June – July
Letters only. Mail is the only way to reach your basic cadet during BCT. Cell phones are not permitted and will not be accessible until after returning from Jacks Valley.
Send as many letters as you like — they are a genuine lifeline. Number each letter so your cadet can read them in order if several arrive at once.
Include the BCT squadron name on the envelope for faster routing within the cadet area.
Late July
After returning from Jacks Valley and prior to Acceptance Day, basic cadets typically receive their cell phones back. Expect the first call to be emotional for everyone.
Contact may still be limited as cadets transition into the academic year squadron. Be patient — they will reach out when they can.
August onward
Cadets have their phones and can text, call, and video chat — but Academy life is genuinely demanding. Between academics, military duties, and athletics, free time is limited.
A short text that doesn't require a response is often the most welcome form of contact. Let your cadet set the rhythm for calls.
September
Typically held the first weekend of September. This is the first opportunity for families to visit, meet the squadron, and spend real time with their cadet after Acceptance Day.
Plan travel and lodging early — Colorado Springs fills up quickly around this weekend.
For six weeks, a letter is the only connection your cadet has to home. Here's how to make yours count.
Mail delivery at USAFA can be uneven during BCT. Number each letter in the top corner so your cadet can read them in the right order. If four letters arrive on the same day, they'll know which to open first.
BCT Mailing Address
Cadet Basic [Full Name]Your cadet will send their squadron assignment after I-Day. Include the squadron name on the envelope for faster internal delivery.
Care packages are allowed throughout the academic year and are a wonderful way to show your cadet they're remembered. A few practical things to know before you ship.
Do not send packages during August or January. Cadets ordering required textbooks online during these months creates a flood of mail, and packages will be delayed — potentially leaving your cadet without materials needed for class. Ship in September through December and February through May for best results.
Once your cadet has their P.O. Box (assigned during in-processing), use the standard USPS format:
USPS — Standard Mail
Cadet [Full Name]FedEx / UPS / DHL — Street Address Format
Cadet [Full Name]Use this format when a carrier won't accept a P.O. Box destination. Replace [P.O. Box Number] with your cadet's assigned number.
Amazon deliveries can be routed to on-base Hub Lockers. Cadets in Sijan Hall should use the Sijan locker; cadets in Vandenberg Hall should use the Enrico locker. Your cadet can set this up once they're settled in their squadron.
The Association of Graduates (AOG) offers a free alternative mail and package delivery service available after Basic Cadet Training. Ask your cadet about signing up once they've completed BCT.
The most impactful support you can give your cadet often looks different than you'd expect. The Academy is designed to build independence, resilience, and leadership — your role as a parent evolves alongside that.
If a genuine family emergency occurs during Basic Cadet Training and you need to reach your cadet:
USAFA Parent Liaison: 1-877-268-3383
HQ USAFA/CM: (719) 333-3828
BCT Command Post: (719) 333-2910 — use if the Liaison is unavailable
Sending a child to the Air Force Academy is one of the proudest — and hardest — things a parent can do. What you feel is real, and you're not alone in it.
Some of the best support comes from parents who are one step ahead of you. The USAFA Parents Club of Alabama connects families across the state who understand this experience from the inside. Reach out — we've been through it, or we're going through it alongside you.
Contact us at info@alabamafalcons.org or join the Official Class of 2030 Parent Facebook Group (search "USAFA Class of 2030 Parents Group OFFICIAL").
Each year at the Academy brings a different set of challenges, freedoms, and milestones. Here's a brief look at what your cadet's experience will look like year by year.
Fourth Class • Freshman
The most demanding year. Fourth-class cadets have the fewest privileges, the most restrictions, and are learning to navigate every part of Academy life simultaneously. Communication will be limited and erratic. This is when your letters matter most.
Third Class • Sophomore
After Recognition — a rite of passage that marks the end of fourth-class status — cadets gain significantly more freedom. They can leave base more easily and breathe a little. Contact becomes more regular, and their confidence usually shows.
Second Class • Junior
Cadets begin taking on formal leadership roles within their squadron and gain driving privileges. Academics intensify, and many cadets pursue summer programs, research, or internships. They may seem more independent — because they are. This is growth, not distance.
First Class • Senior
First-class cadets lead the Cadet Wing and are preparing for commissioning as officers. Graduation, branch selection, and the transition to active duty fill this year. Savor it — it goes fast. Graduation Day is one of the proudest moments a USAFA family will ever experience.