Thanksgiving and Christmas Academy Schedule

[Nellie]

How are holidays handled at the academy? When Thanksgiving comes around, is it just business-as-usual, or does the academy close down for an extended weekend? Just curious.

[Your Mentor]

It is different every year. They gave my class an extended weekend over Christmas. There are too many variables but it's almost always decided before you arrive at the Academy. The scheduling guru has it all worked into the schedule according to supervisors and management's feelings. Your showing up when the Academy is getting a brand new commander so you really won't know until you show up. One commander is warm and fuzzy for holidays and others aren't. Understand, however, that you're entering a job where enforcement is increased on days when other professions are getting extended weekends. All the major holidays are known as maximum enforcement periods where Area commanders are required to have 80% of their staff working beats. The periods extend to the travel days as well. You may get lucky and have some extended time off during the holidays while you're a cadet. If you do, expect it to be your last holidays off for a few years. You'll get used to it. Remember, we work shifts. You'll have some part of the day off.

2100 VC, a member of this forum, would have the inside scoop.

[2100VC]

Nellie:

Your Mentor is correct. It depends...but since you are set for the next class then you only care about this one. It does depend on whether or not a weekend is in the mix. For the next class (as it currently stands), cadets are off on Thanksgiving day (24th) and the next day (Friday the 25th). You then have to return to training on Monday the 28th. As far as Christmas goes, since the holiday is on a Sunday, you have only the 24th (Sat), 25th (Sat) and 26th (Mon) off and return to training on Tuesday the 27th. Lastly, New Years is on a Sunday as well. You have the 31st (Sat) and the 1st (Sun) off. Return to training on Monday the 2nd.

One more thing...I know you are excited about starting the Academy so your curiosity about all the minute details are understandable however; you will need to sacrifice many things (including holidays) if you want to be a part of this Department. It is often said that you should savor your time as a cadet because it may be the last time you get weekends or holidays off for a long time. It's just one of the many things that add to the level of pride you will have if your training is successful.

...and don't forget all of this can change at a moments notice. You have to be very flexible. Making any plans (weddings, trips etc.) while you are a cadet is a gamble.:shock:

[Your Mentor]

Thanks for responding 2100 VC. No one else here could have explained it as well. I used to watch you do the schedule and THANK GOD I didn't have to do it. What a nightmare. And thanks for joining the forum. You're a true mentor and a wealth of information; in spite of being busy beyond belief (remember what the doctor said; learn to say no from time to time :lol: ). How's the radar coursebook coming? My old sergeant has me writing that HPM while working the road. Sort of reverse home schooling.

By the way folks, if you want to learn the science of laying flare patterns, you have GOT to be present when 2100 VC teaches it to cadets. I thought it would be nothing more than a safety discussion. I've never seen flare patterns so symetrical. Awe-inspiring, really. I have to say, I can't remember the math to save my life now. How did that go? Honestly, I learned a ton from this guy.