The purpose of the Graduate Associate Program is to directly support the Cadet Wing by providing a positive, personal, and non-intrusive graduate involvement with cadet squadrons.

Graduates Associates are available to assist and support AOCs in any way the AOCs feel is appropriate.

The following suggested activities are areas in which Graduate Associates have successfully participated with Cadet squadrons in the past.

Discussions with Cadets:

The value of having a Graduate Associate discuss the following subjects is that the cadets sometimes look at any advice that comes from within the system with suspicion. However, when it comes from a retired graduate, not connected with the system, it may be more valuable.

Discussions with cadets can be conducted in many circumstances. One method is to get groups of cadets together during M-5 periods or during Silver weekends. Sometimes it may be appropriate to have discussions with all classes at once; however, it has been found that when the under classes are combined with the upper classes, the members of the under classes are sometimes less likely to join in the discussions.

Topics:

- War Stories (whatever the subject, cadets like to hear stories of how particular subjects applied to a Graduate's experience in the Air Force)

- Honor (especially when the Graduate is also a SPEA)

- Alcohol / Drugs

- Infidelity

- Finances (especially effective before 2 degrees get their cars)

- Marriage

- Being a good trainer / leader / follower

- Academic Majors

- Responsibilities of a Second Lieutenant

- Pilot Training

- Operational Flying in the Air Force

- Career Opportunities

- Killing Enemies

- Academic opportunities in the Air Force

- Discussing special subjects (many GAs discussed 9/11 and subsequent War on Terrorism with cadets)


Participation:

Graduate Associates can participate with the Cadet squadrons in any way the AOC feels is appropriate. The main guideline is that the GA should participate in, not be the focus of the activity.

Following are activities in which GAs have successfully participated with Cadet Squadrons:

- Fourth Class Acceptance activities

- Parents Weekend Activities

- Hell Week Activities

- Football Game Tailgates

- Spirit Activities

- Etiquette Dinners

- Counseling problem cadets

- Meals

- Intramurals

- Squadron Extracurricular activities such as Ski trips etc.

- Academic Projects

- Heritage Activities

- Sponsor Organization Activities

- Fourth Class Recognition

- First Class Swearing in Ceremony

- Graduation Activities

- Inspections

The bottom line is that each combination of Cadet Squadron and AOC and presents unique opportunities to utilize the experience and knowledge of the GA. It would be very difficult to set up a protocol for the GA program. Each team of AOC and GA must work out what works for them.