Recognition
From USAFA Folklore
Recognition is the formal end of the fourth class year when the fourth class cadets are "recognized" as upperclass cadets. Recognized fourth class cadets are allowed to wear the Prop and Wings insignia on their flight caps.
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[edit] Timing
The timing of Recognition has changed throughout the Academy's history. Traditionally, Recognition took place at the end of Hell Week. Hell Week took place during Dead Week between final examinations and Graduation, typically in late May or early June. At some point, Recognition was moved to about M-40 in late May, right before Finals Week, so Fourth Class Cadets would be at rest during study time for finals and final exams. More recently, Recognition has taken place in late March, following the Forty Days.
[edit] Recognition Training
Recognition training traditionally has encompassed several days of physically, mentally and psychologically grueling training, much like Basic Cadet Training, but with more activities crammed into fewer days. Recognition training traditionally ends with the Run to the Rock, followed by the formal Recognition ceremonies. The formal ceremony marking Recognition is done by individual squadrons, and involves the presentation of a Prop and Wings insignia to each fourth class cadet.
Some of the events that normally take place during Recognition Training are:
- Running the Obstacle Course
- Running the Assault Course
- Sweepstakes (in some years)
- Uniform drills and SLAMIs
- Theme rooms
- The Run to the Rock
[edit] Recognition History
- To the best of my memory, Recognition for the Classes of 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964 took place the week prior to Finals, i.e., sometime in late May. I do not recall anything called "Hell Week." We had a "Hell Fourth Class Year" and the entire year was "hell." As fourth classmen, we did not go home during Christmas. Also, the only time we could leave the Academy was for a Dining Permit in the home of a USAFA assigned officer. I never got invited so I never got one. We also had several, so called, "Open Posts," which meant that you could leave the Academy grounds and return prior to Midnight of the same day. I only recall two "Open Posts" during my Fourth Class year. It was a lonely year, particularly after football season and until the Spring. (Hector Negroni, Class of 1961)
- During the Class of 1994's Recognition, training was halted in the middle of Recognition weekend and ultimately postponed seven days due to an incident on the Flatiron.
- During their Recognition, the Class of 2002 had a 24-hour period during which they had no sleep--a straight day of training. This accomplishment is symbolized by the the moon and sun appearing on their class crest. The training period is somewhat misunderstood, however, as their recognition was not just 24 hours, but rather than a 24-hour period of time during which the smacks had no sleep.
- Recognition was canceled for the Classes of 2007 and 2008, following the sexual assault scandal. It has since been reinstated, and the Class of 2009 was recognized on 18 March 2006.
[edit] Trivia
- For the Class of 1976, at least one cadet (who shall remain nameless, but was infamous for being a legendary screw-up) was dismissed from the Academy in a move to save his life, as he was being bid for by literally dozens of upperclassmen from several different squadrons.
