As you progress by class, passes will be more frequent recognizing your increasing maturity and responsibility. By the time you're a first class cadet, if your performance is up to par, you'll have most weekends free. In addition to Christmas leave and spring break, you'll be granted three weeks of leave in the summer. Cadets who are required or who have volunteered to attend summer school forfeit the summer leave period. Among the rewarding features of cadet life are the close friends you'll make and the time you spend together.
Cadets mingle freely as friends and dates at social functions.
There is a restriction, however, against fourth class cadets socializing with upperclass cadets. Formal and informal social activities are held in Arnold Hall, the Academy's student union complex. There you may buy pizza or other snacks, enjoy dancing, television, games, movies and live performances by popular entertainers. During the year you'll wear the formal cadet uniform and attend a military reception and ball. Attendance at these functions will prepare you for social situations in the Air Force.