Sponsor Handbook for Cadets

The Cadet Sponsor Program is designed to provide you with an avenue to form friendships and gather support beyond the formal Academy environment. Cadet Sponsors can provide you with a “home-away-from-home” and can serve as a valuable support network. All sponsors are volunteers! They extend their home to you so you can spend some time away from the Air Force Academy when you are given a sponsor pass. Many sponsor families become lifetime friends to you and your family.

All sponsors are not alike, so your experience at your sponsor's home will probably differ from your classmates' experience. Officers in grades 0-3 and above, NCOs in the grade of E-6 and above, Civil Servants in the grades of GS 05 and above, Academy professors, retired officers and NCOs, and Academy graduates are eligible to become sponsors. Some cadets have sponsors who are officers and NCOs at other bases around the area including Peterson and Schriever AFB, and Fort Carson, an Army post south of Colorado Springs.

The Cadet Sponsor Handbook details some rules of engagement for sponsors. They are aware of the cadet regulations about alcohol, clothing standards, car passes and privileges, fraternization, and many other areas. Certainly, all the guidance that exists in the Cadet Sight Picture applies to visits and interaction with your sponsor. Do not put your sponsor in a position where he/she must question or confront you on any issue dealing with cadet regulations. Your sponsor will outline his/her policies for their home. If you are uncertain, please ask!

Generally, the first time you will be able to see your sponsor is Parents' Weekend. Have your parents meet your sponsor family in Arnold Hall on Friday of Parents' Weekend. Establish a relationship between your family and your sponsor family. You will rely on your sponsors to help you in many different situations. They are there to give you moral support while at the Academy. They serve as mentors, advisors and friends. They provide a caring environment to relax away from the pressures of the Academy.

During the rest of the school year, you will be granted sponsor passes from your AOCs. These passes may vary among groups and squadrons. The number of day and overnight passes earned by you is determined by all facets of Academy life. AOCs may also grant discretionary passes for business, religious activities and official social dining events.

Sponsors are encouraged to treat you as a family member, not as a guest. As a sponsored cadet, you have certain responsibilities in their home. Here is a list of suggested considerations on your part. Your sponsor may set up different rules for his/her home.

COMMUNICATION

* Maintain open lines of communication. If something is bothering you, tell your sponsor.
* Ask your sponsors how you should address them (Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, Lt. Col John Doe, or John and Mary).
* Always call your sponsors early if you plan on visiting. Never show up unannounced.
* If you are unable, for an extended period of time, to visit your sponsor's home, call from time to time so they know how you are doing. Keep them in the loop!
* Many sponsors will not want to impose on you. If they tell you you're always welcome in their home, don't wait for a personal invitation to visit. Feel free to call early and to arrange your visit.

GENERAL ETIQUETTE

* Always use acceptable behavior, language, and common courtesies when with your sponsors. They want to be proud of you.
* Always remember that going to your sponsor's home is a privilege.
* Don't take advantage of your sponsor. Don't call the day before Christmas break to ask for a ride to Denver. Your sponsor is not your personal taxi service. If at all possible find a ride with other cadets or take the bus offered through the Vandenberg Hall Ski Shop/ITT Office (333-4622).
* As a “family member”, offer to help around the house. If you are over for a meal, offer to help prepare the meal. After the meal, help clean up and offer to wash the dishes. Don't just retire to the den or basement to watch TV. Don't make your sponsor pick up or clean up after you.
* Above all, use common sense in your sponsor's house.

Other Considerations

* If your sponsor lets you use the laundry facilities, bring your own supplies (detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc.). Don't expect your sponsor to do your laundry. Clean up after yourself when you are finished!
* Use common sense if your sponsor gives you the “run” of the refrigerator and cupboards. If you are invited for a meal and you have money, offer to bring something, such as drinks.
* Clean up after yourself and put things back where you found them. If you leave a room, look around to ensure that you don't leave behind dirty cups, glasses or plates.
* Though not required, you can “repay” your sponsor's kindness without spending money. If you desire, you can offer to mow the lawn, wash the car, etc. Again, this is not required. Your sponsors don't expect you to “work off” your visits.
* You must abide by your sponsor's house rules. Don't teach their children any new “tricks”. Be a proper role model for the children. Don't watch, with the kids, any TV programs or movies the sponsors deem inappropriate.
* Remember your sponsor's birthdays, anniversary, children's birthdays, etc.

Phone/Computer Privileges

* If you use the phone, use a phone card. Your sponsor should not pay for your personal long distance calls. Don't tie up the phone. Ask permission before you make a phone call.
* If you wish to use their computer, ask for permission first. Will you be tying up an incoming phone line?

Activities Not Allowed

* You are not allowed to participate in motorcycle or ATV riding, bungee jumping or hang gliding while with your sponsor.
* Don't expect your sponsor to “look the other way” if you choose to break a cadet regulation in their home. Don't make your sponsor uncomfortable or create a dilemma because you choose not to follow the rules.
* You are not allowed to consume alcohol if you are less than 21years old. If you are 21 or older do not compromise your career or your relationship with your sponsor by consuming alcohol to excess, even if offered by your sponsor.
* Don't ask to borrow your sponsor's car.

SOCIAL ETIQUETTE

There is almost no end to the topics that could be covered under the heading of social etiquette. Over the next four years you will learn more on this subject. Let common sense be your guide if you aren't sure how to handle a specific situation. If you want more information on a particular area, refer to cadet regulations. There are numerous books on service etiquette and, of course, the Air Force Officer's Guide (which all Firsties should have) is printed annually and can provide you with information on how to handle almost any situation.

Demonstrating proper decorum is how you make your first impression. It is easy to look and act sharp. Unfortunately, it's also easy to look and act like a slob. Like it or not, you'll be held to a higher social standard as an Air Force Cadet and Officer. Once you've made a bad first impression, it could take years to get over its effect.

IF THINGS AREN'T WORKING RIGHT--IT'S NOT A GOOD MATCH

If you have been assigned a sponsor with whom you do not feel comfortable, please let the Cadet Sponsor Office know. We will attempt to match you with another sponsor who would work better for you. Remember that YOU are in the driver's seat of this program. We are always here to help you!

The Cadet Sponsor Office is located in Arnold Hall across from the CQ desk, north of the food court. Our hours are Monday--Friday, 0730-1630 hours. The office is closed on all Federal Holidays. You can contact us at 333-2727.

Sponsor Office E-mail:
cadet.sponsor@usafa.af.mil

Your E-mail address: C10firstname.lastname@usafa.af.mil--
or C10firstname.lastname@usafa.edu--make sure you use a ZERO and not an “O”.

OTHER CADET ACTIVITIES:

Concerts | Aero Club Options |Beauty and Barber Shop |Laundromat | Mitchell Hall | UPS Store | Sponsor Program | Sponsor Handbook | Treats | Vandenberg ORC & ITT Office

Eligible users of 10th Services Division activities are active duty and retired military, NAF and DoD government employees, USAFA cadets and Prep School students, reservists, national  guard, and eligible family members. Eligible users of the Officers' and Enlisted Clubs are detailed on those pages. Eligible users of Academy Concerts include the general public. 9/26/07 Web POC