U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- “Recognition” for freshmen cadets at the Air Force Academy was in full swing March 10-12 as hundreds of four degrees sprinted across campus, exercised, and did their best to follow the loud orders of senior cadets.
The three-day event is a challenge freshmen must endure before earning the status of cadet, and the "prop and wings" pin worn on their caps. They also earn other privileges, such as being allowed to wear civilian clothing while off-duty, strap on their backpacks instead of carry them by hand, and walk instead of run to class.
Cadet 4th Class Trey Arnold said Recognition is among the most challenging events he’s faced.
“The support of my parents through every minute of it, and from my four-degree classmates, made everything better,” he said. “Being recognized into the cadet wing comes with feelings of accomplishment, success, pride and enthusiasm.”
Arnold’s mother Karen, and his father Mark, a 1985 Academy graduate, visited the Academy March 11.
“Trey knew what was coming but he was ready,” Karen Arnold said. “I think he was looking forward to it. I’m sure he’s giving it his best. He knows that to get through, he will have to remember the importance of teamwork and never give up.”
Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams said Recognition is special because its success is directly related to the effort all cadets put into the event.
“Upperclassmen spend countless hours developing programs for the fourth-class cadets that are challenging and rewarding, while instilling in them the dedication required to serve in the profession of arms,” he said. “The fourth-class cadets are rightly proud of their accomplishment.”
Williams said Recognition is valuable for freshmen because of the effort it takes to successfully complete the program.
“They showcased the discipline and self-control required to uphold our standards without consistent oversight,” he said. “They earned the right to wear the Academy prop and wings as recognized cadets.”
Arnold said he understands how the freshman year at the Academy builds discipline.
“My freshman year taught me the essential role of becoming a follower first to be a better leader later,” he said. “I’ve observed from upperclassmen the traits I respect, and those I don't, in a leader. This ultimately shapes how I lead when I become an upperclassmen and an officer.”
Arnold and the other freshmen cadets began basic cadet training in June. Each cadet is assigned to one of 40 cadet squadrons in the cadet wing where their professional development is guided by an air officer commanding, an officer in the rank of major or above, and an academy military trainer, typically a technical or master sergeant.
Recognition is designed by senior cadets, said Tech. Sgt. John Sinner, the AMT for Cadet Squadron 24.
“The senior cadets develop a plan for Recognition that’s reviewed by the AMTS and ultimately approved by the AOCs, before the event takes place” he said. “Our primary role as AMTS during Recognition is to observe and support the senior cadets. The cadets are never more united toward a common goal than preparing and accomplishing Recognition.”