Dust settles at Jacks Valley; cadets to face academia storm

  • Published
  • By Ken Carter
  • Academy Spirit editor
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The Class of 2013 has returned to the Cadet Area after demonstrating a "consistently high level of motivation and energy," that, according to the Basic Cadet Training commander.

"(The Class of) 2013 did an excellent job throughout the challenges of Jacks Valley," said Lt. Col. Ted Detweiler. "The class can certainly be proud of its performance."

The trek back to the Hill isn't the end; rather, it's just one of many more beginnings.

"While the basics may want it to be the end of BCT, the march out of Jacks Valley really only marked the end of the fifth week of training," Colonel Detwiler said. "We still had another solid week filled with evaluations."

Training in Jacks this year was not significantly different than last, Colonel Detwiler said. However, cadet leadership changes every year, which brings new leadership styles and techniques to the program. "The end result being that, although the training events themselves are the same, the delivery of the training is always unique."

One unanticipated challenge for the Class of 2013 was basic cadets who developed symptoms after being exposed to flu-like illnesses. Overall, the impact on the Academy mission, however, was mitigated through effective crisis action planning and execution.

"Impact from FLIs has been relatively minor from an overall standpoint," the BCT commander said. Although the staff had to reschedule some courses, such as the assault course, obstacle course and confidence course, they ensured basic cadets had at least one chance to complete each course.

With FLI-related concerns looming, the traditional Doolie Day Out became Doolie Day In. A USAFA team effort made for a near seamless change in plans to ensure the health, safety and a boosted morale of all.

"Within 36 hours, a team put together an outstanding plan," Colonel Detweiler said. "The 10th Communications Squadron installed a bank of 150 phones in the Arnold Hall Ballroom, and basics received phone cards so they could call home free of charge. Mitchell Hall put together a barbecue for burgers, brats and hot dogs and served ice cream sundaes, and hundreds of pizzas were brought in."

The Arnold Hall staff arranged to show movies in the theater, and basics had Arnold Hall to themselves for the day. Furthermore, they were given back their cell phones for the day, and care packages were delivered from their sponsors and families.

"While it may not have been exactly what they were hoping for, I think it's fair to say they all enjoyed themselves," the colonel said.

Despite the varied times, locations and overall nature of BCT events, the overall mission cadet mission remained constant.

"Our mission is to produce highly trained, disciplined, physically fit, motivated, mission ready fourth-class cadets and provide a professional leadership experience for upper class cadets consistent with Air Force training practices and USAFA Officer Development System," Colonel Detweiler said.

The field training environment in Jacks Valley simply gave all the opportunity to focus on the training from a different perspective.

Colonel Detweiler salutes the support received from units across the Academy in making the Jacks Valley experience the best and most comprehensive possible.

"The number of agencies required to make BCT run smoothly from inprocessing to the Acceptance Day Parade spans all of USAFA and the 10th Air Base Wing," he said. "The support we have received across the board has been tremendous."

There are two sides to every story and this story includes benefit to more than just the basic cadets.

"The other half of the program is about providing leadership experience to the upper class cadets," the BCT commander said. "The leadership and professionalism shown by the cadre themselves has been phenomenal."

Academy senior enlisted members including Basic Cadet Training superintendent Master Sgt. Dan Spain and Master Sgt. Christopher Bell summarized the Class of 2013 BCT experience.

"The Class of 2013 has overcome trials and tribulations with amazing grace and poise. Their motivation and determination remains high and this is a direct reflection of their cadre, AOCs, and AMTs mentorship. The BCT staff's long hours of preparation have paid off and it's seen through the basics' performance."