Thursday, March 15, 2012

Recognition

The first night of Recognition is currently under way. Unfortunately, I cannot release any photos that I have taken. I can give you updates, however.

Recognition began at approximately 1645 (4:45 pm for you non-military types). A wing wide retreat formation was held and after the flag was lowered, the freshmen sprinted off and took spirit hill, a sign of disrespect to the upperclasses. The first dinner, perhaps the hardest, involved non-stop yelling and stress induced by several upperclassmen yelling at once. It was so loud that you couldn't hear yourself think. There, the Wing Commander announced that because of the stunt pulled, this would be the hardest recognition to date.

After dinner, stand-ups (uniform and knowledge inspection) were held and now the freshmen are enjoying a training session. More updates will come throughout the night and rest of the weekend.

Update (2233): I have permission to post some photos so I'll get those up as soon as possible. Recognition is done for the night and the four degrees are in bed (or making their beds depending on the squadron). It was an intense first day and it's only going to tougher tomorrow.

Update (2330): A couple photos from today:

One of the freshmen gets caught alone on the strips. It's tradition that the whole freshman squadron gets together and runs to the squadron as one. That way, there aren't any four degrees alone and everyone can help each other out.

C3C Hopkins awaits the arrival of his four degrees.

The first glimpse of recognition for the freshman is dinner, where they recite knowledge while getting yelled at by the upperclassmen. And that would be me in the background. I thought meals were the worst part because it was so loud you couldn't think straight and you would mess up. And upperclassmen feed on mistakes.

"Stand-ups" are an intense uniform inspection and knowledge test for the freshmen. Here, two upperclassmen closely inspect a four-degree's uniform.

I took down the last two. Basically a training session is where the upperclassmen lead the freshmen through exercises in order to put them under stress. During this time, the 4* have to recite knowledge and can be yelled at for making mistakes. While this may be difficult, it gives the freshmen a chance to prove that although they may be tired or broken, they can still prevail. Teamwork is essential. Also, the upperclassmen take great measures to ensure that nobody is injured or too physically exhausted to continue. Safety is always the main goal.

Day two: Recognition Day Two

3 comments:

  1. why are you not allowed to release any photos? Will we get to see photos from recognition anytime soon? Good luck to the freshmen!!

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    1. I think one of the main reasons is to keep it a secret for incoming classes. I also think that anyone who is not familiar with the structure and tradition of the Academy could get the wrong impression from it (as in the physical training part). I'm hoping to post photos, because I have some really awesome ones, but I have to get permission first.

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  2. lookin intense in that photo palko!

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