Official Wing Traditions

Acceptance into the Cadet Wings–Basic Cadets, after completion of Basic Cadet Training (BCT), are accepted into the cadet wing and receive their shoulder boards with "clouds."

Air Force Song (third verse)–When a graduate dies in the line of duty or a well known Air Force member dies and it is announced at lunch, the entire Cadet Wing quietly sings the third verse of the Air Force Song, "Here’s a toast, to the host..." Additionally, after football games, the drum and bugle corps plays the third verse of the Air Force song, the football team removes their helmets and faces the Cadet Wing or Air Force contingent and everyone quietly sings the third verse. If USAFA is playing another service Academy, both service academies sing the appropriate song for each Academy.

Air Gardens–It was initially all fountains in the 1960s and early 1970s but became cost prohibitive to maintain so they were filled in with dirt, scrubs, and trees. In the early 1990s a few classes, for their reunion projects, paid for a fountain on each end of the garden to be restored. The Air Gardens are off-limits to fourth classmen.

Alpha Roster–A listing of all cadets that can be used to verify that information has been dispersed to the Wing. Once a cadet has read an Information File or has attended a briefing, he or she signs-off the alpha roster.

Amnesty–Given by visiting dignitaries after beating Army and Navy, graduation, etc. to cadets with outstanding punishments. The amnesty usually does not apply to cadets with serious problems.

At Rest–Fourth Classmen are usually put "at rest" after the Falcons beat Army or Navy, a nice break in the past for Doolies who are required to "fall in" when on the terrazzo.

Note: As I recall, our class (’82) was usually put at rest if USAFA won ANY football game. Yes, the team was that bad! Things didn’t improve until ’83, when we started beating Notre Dame with regularity.

BCT–Basic Cadet Training is a six-week training session in the summer held for all new cadets at the Academy to introduce them to the Academy and military life. Four weeks are held in the cadet area and two are held in Jack’s Valley.

Book Buy Back–At the end of every semester a used book company arrives at USAFA to buy back text books from cadets at a rate that seems like $ .10 on the dollar that a cadet paid for the books for only four months earlier. They are referred to as the Book Bandits, however, cadets cannot resist selling a thousand dollars worth of "now" useless books for $150 cash.

BOR (Base of Ramp)–Cadets are told to meet at the "BOR" which is base of ramp (Bring Me Men Ramp).

Cars–Currently, once the class ahead of them graduates, the new second classmen can "own and maintain" an automotive vehicle at USAFA. Standards have changed over the years; a second class cadet must now be a cadet in good standing (not on any probation/restriction) and have a 2.5 semester GPA. For the first twenty-two classes, only first classmen were allowed cars, but that was changed in 1979 for the class of 1981 when second classmen were allowed to have cars at Christmas break. The class of 1982 was the first class to have cars their entire second class year. A new parking lot was constructed and called "Lot 81" in honor of the first class to have cars as second classmen. By the mid 1980s, the last car lot for second classmen was called the "East Kansas Lot" and required a long walk or "Lot Runs" from Sijan Hall.

Note: We also called it the "Lower Slobovia Lot" or the "Outer Mongolia Lot"

Cadet X Letters–In an effort for "good" cadets to learn from "bad" cadets’ mistakes, Cadet X letters are produced after an Honor or Disciplinary Boards, or when someone receives a big hit. The letter describes the incident and instead of using names they call the participants in the transgression Cadet X, Y, and/or Z, etc.

Church formations–In the 1960s, cadets formed up, marched to, and attended mandatory religious services. Cadets had three choices, Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish services. Sleeping during services would result in a Form 10, so many cadets rigged a "head prop" out of coat hangers to keep their heads up while they were sleeping, preventing their head from nodding and drooping, remaining upright or "awake" for watchful eyes of the officers. In the 1980s Doolies could go to a buffet in the morning, then form up for the fourth class breakfast formation, then breaking formation to attend church, thereby getting out of the morning haze at breakfast.

Class Colors –Each class has a class color: red, yellow/gold, blue, or silver, the new basics taking the color of the recent graduating class. The red, yellow, and blue are primary colors and stand for and correspond to USAFA building colors.

Originally green was supposed to be the fourth color (instead of silver) to symbolize the trees in the forest. However, since green is not a primary color, the original architects went with red, blue, and yellow to start. In modern architecture, the three primary colors are prevalent since the Academy was to be reflective of modern architecture; red, blue, and yellow were chosen for the original Academy colors.

Class colored baseball caps–Each class has baseball caps in their class color. They are rarely worn after the fourth class year and practice was started in the early 1980s.

Class colored blanket/comforters–Each class has wool blankets in its class color. At times there have been comforters for the three upper classes that were blue with class colored trim. In the late 1980s everyone went to blue blankets, then in mid-1990’s they went back to class colored blankets.

Class colored robes–Like class colored blankets and hats, classes used to have bathrobes in their class colors. The last class to have colored bathrobes was the Class of 1980 (blue). Robes from then on were blue, and only Doolies would wear them—upperclassmen bought civilian robes. Sometimes classes had blue robes with class colored trim. All had prop and wings and/or class patch on the front pocket. In early years upperclassmen decorated robes with personal items.

Class Crest–Designed and voted on by each class and then put on the Class Ring and on the class wall by the Chapel. There are certain requirements: Each crest must contain the following USAFA symbols: the Polaris Star, the class year, a saber, a falcon, the graduating class number, and the class motto. Over the years other additions have been made to include a prop and wings, US flag, aircraft, etc.

Class Name (Exemplar Program)–The purpose of the Class Exemplar program is to provide a clear and visible attachment to the great leaders of the past for a new generation of air leaders who will face new challenges in the next millennium and beyond. The Class Exemplar serves as the honorary leader of the class, setting its personality and character. The Class Exemplar’s model of innovative, pioneering leadership challenges cadets in each class to look forward into the Air Force they will soon be leading. The Class of 2000 was the first class to choose an Exemplar to lead them into the next millennium.

• Class of 2000 Exemplar: General James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle
• Class of 2001 Exemplar: General William "Billy" Mitchell
• Class of 2002 Exemplar: Captain Lance P. Sijan

Class prints–Starting in 1974, each class has commissioned a painting of the Academy, depicted by the artist from a "bird’s eye view", usually of the Academy in foreground and mountain range in the background. It is either of aircraft flying over USAFA or can be from the cockpit of an aircraft over USAFA. Many class prints have been painted by the same man, Mr. Rick Broome. Each class participates in the composition of the print, and if there is more than one, they vote on their favorite class print. A member of the class of 1986, John Cmar, actually painted the Class of 1986’s print.

Class Rings–Each class picks a ring from a selection of rings prepared by several ring makers. The ring companies put their version of the class’ crest on the ring. Rings are white gold or some less expensive substitute and have a stone setting (at the discretion of the cadet). All cadets are required to buy a ring or explain why they chose not to purchase a ring. The traditional ring is 10 or 14kt white gold with a blue star sapphire.

Class Wall – Every class crest is mounted on the Chapel wall, with the next graduating class in the center. During the graduation parade, the current second class crest is placed at the center. Following the graduation parade, after the firsties have left the wing, the lower three classes march past the wall.

Commander in Chief’s Trophy–Awarded by the President of the United States to the Service Academy with the best inter-service record.

Contrails–Book of knowledge fourth classmen must read—many parts must be memorized and then recited loudly while participating in physical exertion.

Core curriculum–All cadets are required to take a required number of core courses which would equal at least an Engineering Sciences degree at any other university. In addition, each cadet then has to choose a major, which adds another 11+ class to their already busy schedule for a total of 160+ credit hours by graduation.

CQ (Cadet in Charge of Quarters)–A cadet (usually a third classman) who mans the CQ desk and squadron phones. A glorified secretary for 100 cadets.

Dining in – These are usually held by squadrons downstairs in Mitchell Hall in the formal dining room. This introduces cadets to the traditions of the dining in: Grog Bowl, uniform discrepancies, wear of the mess dress, Mr./Madam Vice, etc.

Falcon flying at football games–USAFA has the only performing mascot (a prairie falcon) in the NCAA (riding or running a horse, mule, or buffalo around does not count). The falcons fly around the stadium and then dive (at speeds close to 120 mph) toward the lure swung by cadet "falconers" on the field. Cadets in the stands are known to yell "Go, fly away, be free" to the falcons. Since these cadets could be years from graduation, they fully understand and appreciate the falcon’s taste of freedom at halftime.

Fight song–Sung at football games.

First Salute–Like the other services, new 2Lts, immediately after graduation, must present a silver dollar to the person who first salutes them. Many an NCO in service dress uniform has been known to "clean up" at graduation. A nice touch is to give a silver dollar with your year of birth or graduation year.

Fly overs or fly bys–Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve aircraft fly over noon meal formations, on special occasions, football games (wherever they are held), parades, or memorial services. Many grads like to participate in these "fly bys" and folklore has aircraft breaking the sound barrier/windows, flying below the top of the Chapel/Stadium lights, etc.

Note: In the yearbooks over at the library, somewhere in the ‘60s, there’s a picture of Vandenburg with nearly all of the glass on the Terrazzo side blown out. Two rumors about what caused it: one was that an F-105 went over supersonic. The other is that an F-105 had a "hard burner light" (loud explosion caused by going to full AB) that caused the damage. I’m not sure of the year, but I remember seeing the yearbook picture myself.

Football march on–Two Cadet Groups are required to march on to the football field at home games.

Football push-ups–After the Falcons score (touchdowns or field goals, safety, etc.), cadets (mainly fourth classmen) rush to the end zone and do pushups for the amount of the total Falcon score. Many 1970s grads seem to not remember this act of spirit. However, it seems scoring pushups became very popular and a regular act starting in1982 with the winning four Bowl Games in a row, and beating Notre Dame four years in a row, and being ranked as high as top five in the nation. The sight of grown men in Fighting Irish sweaters crying after their fourth loss in a row to "little" Air Force was inspiring. With the average Falcon team scoring close to 40 points a game, a lot of pushups can be executed. Example, when Air Force beat University of Northern Colorado 75-10, cadets would have accomplished 460 pushups in less than three hours.

Form O-96–This form is used by cadets at their table in Mitchell Hall to report on the quality of food and service. The real intent is to use the Form O-96 as a training aide to teach fourth classman how to fill out an Air Force form (black pen, within the space given); how to make corrections on a form (single line through and initials); how to properly make comments, including negative ones, on an official form; and how to follow procedures in a short period of time under pressure. USAFA folklore explains that the normal blocks to check if the meal and service were fine: fast-neat-average, friendly-good-good. These words were allegedly used in Vietnam as a challenge and response during a successful rescue attempt in which the downed pilot was a USAFA graduate, but did not remember the challenge/response for the day. Cadets and graduates on commercial flights have been known to write on a napkin "fast-neat-average" then ask a flight attendant to give it to the cockpit crew for the proper response.

Form 10–A Form 10 is a disciplinary form given to a cadet with their name, squadron, and transgression. Depending on the transgression, it can merely be a warning with a few demerits, or a wake up call to alter one’s behavior with hundreds of demerits, tours, confinements, and/or months of restrictions. Much debated is what to call the plural of a Form 10: Forms 10, or Form 10s.

Fourth classmen on strips/right side of hall–Fourth classman are required to walk at attention on the right side of halls in the dormitories and walk at attention or run on the white marble strips on the terrazzo.

Freefall training–Many cadets in each class earn their parachute wings at USAFA by attending a free fall parachuting course run by the cadet Wings of Blue and supervised by officer and enlisted parachutists. Some cadets participate in the Army’s Airborne training at Fort Benning, GA. However, it takes twice as long, and participants jump static line with round chutes.

Greetings–Fourth classmen are required to greet all upper classman and officers with a "Good morning/afternoon/evening Sir/Ma’am" and then a "beat Army/Navy/CSU or proud Thunderbirds", etc. Some greetings change weekly; other squadrons keep the same greetings like CS-33, "Raaaaaaaatz".

Hair Standards–Standards for cadet hair have changed over the year from buzz cuts, to crew cuts, to blocked hair currently. Female standard have changed from collar length for all female cadets to collar length for female basics and Doolies—this makes an awkward period when the hair is too short to put up and too long to be left natural.

Honor Code–From the very beginning, the Cadet Wing has had an Honor Code derived from West Point and Annapolis: "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." In 199? a second sentence second sentence was added to the Honor Code making the combination a Honor Oath: "Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God." While the original honor code is intact, how convicted breakers of said code are treated has changed. Currently, there is a "honor probation" period for fourth and third classman who break the code and for extenuating circumstances for second and first classman. This probation period is anywhere from six to nine months, includes loss of all privileges and intense counseling and self-awareness exercises.

Hot/cold Pilot and Loadmaster–In Mitchell Hall fourth classman sit at the end of the table and serve the upper classman and fill glasses with ice/drink, pour soup, etc. Hot Pilot handles food, Cold Pilot drink, and Loadmaster at the end coordinates all service.

Intramurals–Cadet squadrons participate in a plethora of team sports against each other throughout the year. Some cadets, formally intercollegiate or high school all stars, can get aggressive resulting in injuries, hence its nickname, intramurder.

IRI – In Ranks Inspection, an activity in which squadrons form up, usually with rifles, and are inspected. This is now an ORI, Open Ranks Inspection since the rifles are rubber.

Question–How did changing to rubber rifles change the name from IRI to ORI?

Knowledge bowls–Fourth classmen, by squadron, compete with other fourth classman in other squadrons to determine who can recite their fourth class knowledge better. Usually three to four cadets from each squadron sit in chairs facing the judge and stick out their hand when they know an answer.

Legacy–Going into a parent or sibling’s squadron for your last two or three years.

Lightning bolt on Helmet–Air Force Falcon football helmets have a blue lightning bolt on their helmets.

March to/from Jack's valley–Basic Cadets march to and from Jack’s Valley during Second BCT.

Marching to Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner – Currently, cadets form up by squadron and march to breakfast and lunch every day, weather permitting. Marching to breakfast and dinner comes into and out of vogue depending on the Commandant. Currently, marching to dinner is done occasionally for special occasions. In earlier years cadets marched to every meal, and to chapel on Sundays.

Mitchell Hall class lights–Lights represent each class with its class color. Lights located under the staff tower in Mitchell Hall indicate, when lit, that a class is dismissed. Firsties' class colored light comes on soon after "wing take seats" and Doolie’s light comes on when Wing is dismissed.

Operation Air Force/Third LT–During the third cadet summer, second classmen go to an operational Air Force Base and spend time with real units to get a taste of the "real" Air Force. Destinations can include: flying units with rides in aircraft, time on the flightline with maintenance, security police, laboratories, The Pentagon, overseas bases, etc.

Parachuting into football games–The cadet parachuting team, the "Wings of Blue", jumps into football games and can carry the game ball and/or American Flag. This exhibition, along with fly-bys, is intended to impress the fans and intimidate the opposing football team and their fans.

Parades–Cadets march in squadrons from the terrazzo down the battle ramp to the parade field where they "pass in review" before various dignitaries. The Acceptance Parade is important to fourth classmen since they are accepted into the Wing at the end of Basic Cadet Training and receive their shoulder boards. A Recognition Parade is held between late March and late May at the end of the fourthclass year at USAFA, when the class is recognized by the Cadet Wing. The Graduation parade is the last parade for Firsties before they graduate and change of command to second classmen is accomplished. Other parades are marched for various reasons from mere practice, to special visitors, or Memorial Day. For some reason the sprinklers are turned on the night before ensuring white parade pants are ruined or need a thorough cleaning.

Parents' Weekend–A month after BCT, usually Labor Day weekend, basics get to spend a weekend with their parents and get accepted into the wing (shoulder boards with clouds).

Pass and Review of Class Wall–When a squadron marches past the class wall they salute the wall which holds the class crests from all graduated classes and the current firstie class. Done by the lower three class after graduation parade to show the new firstie class crest.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)–Required by all cadets each year at least once, twice if a cadet does not get a high enough score in the fall. PFT includes pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, broad jump, and 600 yard run. To get a 500 is to "Max" the PFT. In the past, if a cadet were to Max the PFT, that cadet would be exempt from ever taking it again. Cadets also run a 1.5 mile run for time and can Max it also.

Pilot Qualification or PQ–If cadets are physically qualified to attend flight school they are PQ. This is a cherished and guarded condition since most cadets want to fly. To lose one’s PQ can be devastating. Cadets are warned when they roughhouse that "It’s all fun and games until someone loses their PQ."

Posts/Toasts–At the end of meals, fourth classmen were told to "post" and excuse themselves with a song or poem after getting up from their seats and standing at attention at the end of the table. "Excuse me please, Good Afternoon Sir/Ma’am—roses are red, violets are blue,…" Now, fourth classmen have to propose a toast (signifies everyone has been served) before ANYONE can begin eating at the table.

Probations–Academic (under 2.0, an F, or two D’s), military (under 2.0 MPA, a large amount of demerits), PFT (fail the minimum pushups, pull-ups, sit-ups, jump, 600yd run and/or the 1.5 mile run). Additionally, there is honor probation. A cadet stays on probation until he or she is no longer deficient (i.e., above a 2.0 or pass the PFT).

Prop and wings–Worn on all recognized cadets’ flight caps. As Doolies, fourth classmen are not recognized as cadets by the upper class. Some time in their second semester after Hell Week, or Recognition Training, the fourth class are recognized and given their prop and wings. The prop and wings date back to the Army Air Corps and were worn on an airman’s collar. Cadets with a relative who served in the Army Air Corps or Air Force have gold wings on their prop and wings.

R/K Squadron–During BCT there is a special squadron and cadre that wear an ascot with a big R (for retraining) on it and act like the police of BCT. They are highly "feared" and when Basics have a major attitude or effort problem they are "retrained" in R Squadron. R Squadron was disbanded. Initially R squadron was called K squadron, because there were ten squadrons A-J, K was the next and least desirable to be a member.

Ring dance–At the end of the second class year there is a dinner/dance/ball where second classmen receive their class rings. Pictures with dates are taken in a large class ring. Also, cadets are not supposed to touch their rings before they are christened in champagne. This requires a cadet’s date to take the ring out of its box and places it into a glass of champagne.

Cadets then drink the glass to get to their ring. Cadets then put on their rings, ignore their dates, and run around showing their classmates 1000 identical rings (except for stones). As a cadet, one should wear the ring with the class crest inward, towards your heart, showing that USAFA is your priority. Once you graduate turn the ring around and put the AF crest closer to your heart and show everyone you are a USAFA graduate.

Run to the Rock–Doolies run to the rock (Cathedral Rock in Jack’s Valley) to get their class rock at the end of Hell Week or Recognition Training. While the Doolies are gone, third classmen clean their rooms and iron their uniforms (new tradition) for the recognition ceremony.

SAMI–Saturday Morning Inspection, all members of the Cadet Wing stand in their rooms at parade rest while squadron, group, and wing staffs inspect rooms for an hour. Prior to the mid 1980s, preparing for inspection included waxing and buffing of floors for the three lower classes. Until 1978, firsties had to buff their floors too--after that, firsties were allowed carpet. In the mid 1980’s the entire wing started receiving carpet in the rooms, deleting the need for buffers.

SERE–Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape was started in the late 1960s and ended in 1995. The purpose was to prepare all graduates for survival after a crash/shoot down and how to avoid and/or survive capture behind enemy lines. All third classmen (during their second summer at USAFA) would spend three weeks in training and running around the Rocky Mountains. Currently, it is has been shortened to CST (Combat Survival Training), and does not include resistance and escape. All rated graduates must now attend Fairchild before heading to an operational flying unit.

Sick Call Rangers–A small group of cadets manage to be on Sick Call whenever there is something strenuous required, especially the PFT.

Sister Service Exchanges–Held during the summer and first semester as a second classman. Approximately four cadets are chosen to attend West Point, Annapolis, or Coast Guard for a semester. Additionally, cadets can go to exchange training programs during the summer: BUDS–Three weeks of Navy SEAL training for those who can swim well and like spending three weeks in cold water. Bull Dog–Six weeks of officer candidate training at Quantico, VA. Cadets who go Bull Dog have made a commitment to the Commandant of the Marine Corps that they will cross commission. RECONDO and Jungle Warfare School–pretend to be a grunt for three weeks; better know as AF appreciation training.

Smack packs–Issued book bags the Doolies carry their books around in.

Smoker’s Nights–Before DoD regulation of no smoking in government buildings, the Cadet Wing would have smoker’s night for spirit These were generally held on Thursday nights before football games. Usually, Mitchell Hall would serve a special menu like surf and turf, Cadets would smoke cigars, Doolies would have spirit rallies, and upperclassman could dress in whatever they liked.

Soaring – USAFA has a "soar for all" program so every cadet has the opportunity to fly/solo in a glider. The majority of Soaring IPs are cadets who can also perform in soaring competitions.

Spirit Hill – Cadets can "take the hill" located in the middle of terrazzo to show their spirit during noon meal formation. The hill’s origin is not a command bunker or UFO, but left over dirt from the construction of Sijan Hall.

"Stay Down"–A command used by upperclassmen towards fourth classmen or officers to all cadets when the higher ranking individual enters a room and the subordinates start to stand up. A little more hierarchical then the "as you were" or "please stay seated" from the "real" Air Force.

Superintendent’s, Commandant’s, Dean’s Ball–Each class is required to attend one ball a year at Arnold Hall—in mess dress, receiving line, etc.

School colors–blue and silver.

Steaks & Baked Potatoes in Jack’s Valley – I don’t know if they still do this, but during my tenure (‘79-’82) Mitch's would serve up some awesome grub during Jack’s Valley. Unless you were a total Tie-Up, even the Basics would get to eat a rather healthy portion of these excellent T-bones and rib eyes.

Stop Out–A program that allowed cadets between their third and second class years to take a year off from the Academy. They continue to carry the green card with orders that allow them to use military transportation while they contemplate a career in the Air Force.

Swearing in as a cadet–This is done during one of the first days of inprocessing during BCT. The Basic Cadet is in the Regular Air Force, and is subject to the UCMJ.

Swearing in as a 2LT–Done by squadrons the morning of or evening (after mid-night) before graduation. Each first class cadet has a special officer, active or retired, friend or family, swear them in as officers. Then, girlfriend, fiancées, mothers, and/or sisters pin on the butter bars. Usually done in mess dress at an interesting location at USAFA.

Thunderbirds at Graduation–Weather permitting, the Thunderbirds have performed at USAFA graduations since 196?.

Note: They missed performing at the 1982 graduation because of their 5-ship formation crash in the T-38s during a practice show at Nellis. The team stood down most of that year and started fresh in the F-16 the following season.

Top-off/3^rd Lt/Brevet–A condition in which firsties are given more freedom to reward them for three and a half years of hard work and help prepare them for the normal life as an officer. This freedom has gone as far as having to only report for duty (formations, classes, athletics, etc.) and the rest of the time a firstie can be wherever he or she chooses. It can also not be given, as is the current situation. Top-off is given by the Commandant, usually some time during the second semester. The more the commandant is impressed with the firsties the sooner, the less impressed, later, or never. Apparently this began with the class of 1980, and then ended with the class of 1996.

UFT/AFSC Selection–Second semester of their firstie year, cadets pick, by order of merit, their UFT base, class, or AFSC.

Tours/Confinements–Tour: one hour marching back and forth on the terrazzo in service dress with a rifle, currently a rubber M-16 (until 1991 was a 12 pound M-1 with lead filled barrel)–the ultimate punishment especially when dozens are awarded a transgressor. Confinement: an hour and 50 minutes sitting at your desk in your room, wearing service dress, with the door open –no sleeping, music, etc. Twice as long as a tour, but studying can be accomplished. The amount of time required to accomplish a tour or confinement has fluctuated over the years as has the amount that can be accomplished in a weekend.

Uniforms–Cadets complain about buying so many different uniforms and when to wear which uniform.

War Memorial–List of all USAFA Graduates that have died in combat.

Wing Open boxing–Cadets beat each others’ brains out until there are two cadets left in each weight class and there is a wing open boxing night. These cadets can go on to NCAA or military service academy fights/tournaments.

Wing Tailgates–Before football games, Mitch's would put on a tailgate of burgers and 3.2 beer for the cadet wing. Cadets would get rowdy and sick from the beer, canceling these tailgates in the late 1980’s. The idea of spirit cheese was born of the combination of these tailgates and leftover cheese for the cheeseburgers.

100s night–When firsties have 100 days until graduation, there is usually a dining-in, followed by much revelry off base. While the firsties are gone, Doolies trash their rooms in creative ways.

500s Night–A somewhat pathetic version of hundreds night, but for second classmen with well over a year to graduation. Can have a dinner and four degrees "decorate" their rooms.

1000s night–A very pathetic version of hundreds night, but for three degrees with almost three years remaining before graduation, can be a dinner and four degrees "decorate" their rooms. In the 70’s and early 80’s three smokes would wear their class t-shirts.

Unofficial Cadet Traditions

Ace of the Air Gardens–If a fourth classman can get through the air gardens five times during the daylight hours, without an upperclassman seeing them, they become an "ace." This must be done when upperclassmen abound to count (target rich environment).

Air Force Gloves–Cadet pockets.

All PRO or All Star–A condition not sought out when a cadet is on academic, athletic, and military probation at the same time (honor probation too?).

Astronaut–If any cadet can take the southern Fairchild Hall elevator from the ground floor to the sixth and back down again five times without being caught, they are deemed an "astronaut." This does not count for physically challenged cadets who have permission to use the elevators.

Barbers–There is always one barber who gives a "bad" hair cut, and no cadet dares go to "the butcher." This barber’s chair is always empty, while all the other barbers will have a line forming five deep in front of them. There is always a fourth classman in each squadron who is ordered to get a haircut before noon meal formation and has to go to the "butcher" or suffer severe consequences from the upper classman. The soon to be "Beanhead" can’t believe his great fortune to see a barber who is not busy with all the other long lines, but soon realizes his mistake—but it’s too late. Later, at formation upperclassman revel in the misfortune of the Doolie who has been grossly deformed by the likes of Ike or Zeke.

Bathrobe betting on interservice games–Service Academy cadets who visit one another and stay in each other’s rooms bet bathrobes on who will win. West Point’s robes are made of wool and it hurts to wear them.

BDU Sleeves–Cadets do not roll up their BDU sleeves until they have completed CST.

Beanhead–an "endearing" name for fourth classmen.

BEAST–Nickname for Basic Cadet Training—originally from West Point "Beast Barracks."

Bed check Charlie – North Korean that bombed UN Forces at night to keep them awake. Cadets dress up like him and show up during formations, etc. and then disappear without a trace. "BC Charlie" is dressed in tan pants, leather jacket and helmet, goggles, and a scarf around his neck and face.

Borrowing the White Pot–Fourth classmen find and borrow the white hat from a member of the honor guard. This is one of many things cadets can do to harass honor guard members.

Borrowing Group or Wing CC's shoulder boards–Doolies borrow all the shoulder boards from the appropriate staff and don’t give them back until the staffers make an announcement on the staff tower. Then the Doolies storm the staff tower and get trained, showing class unity by getting all 1000 Doolies up there.

Brownshoe Days–In response to older graduates saying. "when I was a cadet it was tough…blah, blah, blah" cadets and officers alike refer to the old days as "Brownshoe" days referring to when low quarters were brown not black (stopped in 196?). Also, these brownshoe days happened so long ago that, "dinosaurs roamed the terrazzo."

Buffer rodeos–Back in the days of tile floors in the cadet rooms, cadets would turn on the buffer, hop on, and hang on.

Buffer Sign-Up Sheets–Since there was a limited number (1 or 2) buffers available for each squadron, they had sign-up sheets for each. Of course, upperclassmen had priority, and Squats would end up staying up until about 0200 sometimes just to get the buffer!

Calling minutes –Before formations, parades, etc. fourth classman stand in the hall calling minutes counting down from 20/15/10/5minutes. Example: "Thunderbirds, there are 5 minutes until first call for the noon meal formation; uniform is: athletic jackets, service caps, gray leather gloves; sabers, and guideons will be carried; menu for the noon meal includes: french dip sandwiches, blondie squares, grape punch; there are five minutes until first call, secure your lights and rooms please, this is the last minute to be called, Thunderbirds, scramble."

Car Rallies–Cadets drive around the terrazzo in their autos at noon meal formation before a big game, spring break, etc. Usually cooler cars like Porsches or junkers are the favorites.

Carrier landings–Cadets stack mattress at the end of a hall and then place two people on each side of the approach path at the closer end of the mattresses with a rope as an "arrester." A cadet then runs down the hall and at a prescribed point launches himself towards the mattresses or "carrier" and tries to use his/her feet as an arresting hook on the rope pull taut by the aforementioned cadets. A good arrest and landing is welcomed with cheering--a bad landing, no hook, or falling off the carrier results in crash crews putting out the fire of the "crashed" cadet. Another more recent version of carrier landings is to soap down the halls by the tailor shop or Cadet Store, then soap down cadet bodies only wearing shorts, and then run and jump and see how far you can slide—more of an adult "slip and slide" than carrier landings.

Cash in your parade cap at graduation–At graduation, graduating cadets sometimes put a little cash in their white parade caps that they eventually throw into the air when they hear, "ladies and gentlemen, you are now dismissed." Little kids then run out on to the field to retrieve the hats, and receive a little extra reward.

Cattle calls–In the past, busloads of young ladies were brought to the Academy as dates for the lonely cadets during the different formal balls at the Academy. The young ladies would be brought in buses to Arnold Hall where cadets would line up and be matched with a date.

Centurions–Those who have marched over 100 tours. If you march over 300 tours, you are a Triple Centurion. Wearing the same pair of shoes and gloves for all of the tours, no repairs made to either, hole in the shoes and almost nothing left of the gloves is considered a "prized" possession. While this condition could be an indication of a behavior problem or considered by some as uncommissionable, it still treated with respect by the most "stract" cadet.

Cereal Boxes–Slashing open the boxes of cereal with your knife. Instead of opening the little boxes of cereal like a lowly civilian, stab the box with your knife and cut it in half.

Chariot Races–Back in the days of tile floors, cadets would lash four mops together to form a sort of frame. Two cadets pull the contraption with a light small cadet riding around a hallway that form a quad—fastest time wins. The Ben Hur version has everyone racing at the same time resulting in aggressive behavior and minor bumps and bruises.

Christmas Music at the end of Parent’s Weekend–After Parent’s Weekend cadets play X-mas music out their windows, especially, "I’ll be home for Christmas," when mommies and daddies are bringing their little beanheads back from their first free weekend off as cadets. This is right before a long five-month stretch until Christmas break. It's a way to haze the Doolies' moms, they cry, the Doolies are depressed, and the Dads smile with approval.

Class year reports (at formation)–During parades or formations groups and squadrons report in the senior class numbers, i.e. 1986 (one cadet absent sir, nine cadets absent sir, etc.). When ten squadrons, middle two would be 8 and 6 cadets absent for this example. This traditions comes and goes depending on whether the Commandant considers this act an honor violation or "Class Spirit."

Cooking on your iron–Grilled cheese sandwiches and Pop Tarts are favorites.

Cynicism – The only product produced by the Academy in large quantity.

Dead Bug–Doing the "Dead Bug" during BCT for sleeping on top of your bed. If a basic is caught sleeping on top of his covers, he has to get between his sheets and thrash about until his bed is trashed. Also, during RECONDO when basics are "killed" they do the dead bug with their rifle and legs in the air twitching around.

Dear John (Jane?) Letters – Freshmen always get Dear John letters their first year. These letters are posted on the squadron bulletin board for cadets to make ruthless comments, then sent back to the "mean" girl or guy.

Deer–At least once a year a cadet hits a hapless deer on parade loop or another road at USAFA. Additionally, these deer graze and "potty" on the parade field ruining cadet parade pants.

Dental Hobby Shop–The "endearing" name for the Cadet Dental Clinic located in the cadet area where dental "professionals" practice and play with your mouth and teeth (thus the name).

Denver Destroyers–Academy-provided laundry service mainly used by third and fourth classmen. They were known to return clothes in worse condition than when they were sent. Their specialty was to tear holes in t-shirts; return all whites with a gray/dingy look; lose one of each sock in a pair, and return less underwear. Also known as the underwear and sock monster. Now cadets have laundromats for their use under each dormitory—saving sponsors from doing laundry and from making laundry runs downtown.

"Diet" Tables in Mitch's–USAFA’s reverse logic of providing MORE food to overweight cadets who have been placed on Diet Tables. In the early to mid 1980’s, 5’10"-145 pound or less Cross Country runners, known to run 12-15 miles a day, would frequent the "Diet" tables in an effort to keep on weight.

Dodo–Unofficial cadet humor magazine (actually has the look of a news letter) that is/was censored by officers, but outrageously funny to cadets. New version is the eDodo, the electronic version on a WEB site created by USAFA graduates.

Doolies–an "endearing" name for fourth classmen.

Dropping Silverware–Drop silverware in unison during Saber Drill performances or when someone merely mentions "Saber Drill" in a Staff Tower announcement.

Drum and Bugle Corps (D&B)–While the D&B is an Official Wing organization, some of the traditions surrounding D&B are not. D&B is referred to by some cadets as the Dung and Bungle or Beat and Blow. The Flag Corps of D&B, called the Flight of Sound, are referred to as the Flight of Pounds.

Eagle Peak–Currently OFF LIMITS to cadets, the 9,500 foot peak looms over USAFA. Eagle Peak was named by Indians because of the population of eagles that lived there until the 1800s. In the past, before climbing accidents, most cadets would make the 4-5 hour round trip hike at some time in their cadet career.

eDodo–New WEB page version of the Dodo.

Elevator privileges–Only upperclassmen are allowed to use the elevators in the dorms and they are know to yell "hold the "vator" instead of walking down one flight of steps!

F-105–The F-105 originally had "Iron Butterfly" painted on its side. During the 80s, the painting crew painted over the wording, but it was still somewhat visible if one knew where to look for it. In 1993, the F-105 was repainted again. A cadet who knew about the original lettering bribed the paint crew with some cadet squadron patches to repaint the "Iron Butterfly" on the side of the jet. The new lettering is not nearly as trippy as the old lettering was, but it suffices.

Falcon Buddy–An upperclassmen assigned to a Doolie to make their life "special" or someone who wears cheesy falcon apparel (e.g., urban assault uniform) downtown.

Falling in–Fourth classmen were required to "fall in" while on the terrazzo, in dorm hallways, or when talking to an officer or upper classmen. Falling in required the following: standard position of attention plus: getting your chin in, shoulders back and down, elbows pinned, eyes caged forward, and yap shut. This tradition ended in 1998 when a fourth classman complained of "neck pain."

Note: WHAT??? Gimme a BREAK.

Fashion shows/uniform drills–When the upperclassmen make the freshmen fall out in the hallway in a certain uniform, train them for wearing it improperly, and then give them three minutes to change into a different uniform. This goes on for an hour or so, after which the fourth classmen have ten minutes to put their rooms in SAMI order.

First snow, first shirt–On the day of the first snow of the winter, the Doolies are supposed to grab their first sergeants and drag them through the snow until they are just shy of hypothermic.

"Flashers" at football games–Five cadets wearing raincoats, boxers, low quarters, shower caps (rain covers for the service caps), and black socks would run out on the field during half time with the letters "U-S-A-F-A" painted on their chest and alternately flash the wing as they yelled out the letters. I think they also had "Fight" spelled on the backside. Started in 1982 by the class of 86.

Flatiron or Anvil–Big pile of dirt Northwest of the cadet area on the side of the mountain that resembles a flat iron. Cadets put their class year or squadron number on Flatiron with bed sheets. Many rumors to the origin of flat iron, is it natural, or piled there when building USAFA.

Forms 10 taped in your alcove–As firsties get close to graduation, they display all of the Forms 10 they received as a cadet, showing their AOC that it just doesn’t matter.

Funky Chicken–A chant by cadets at football games. A chant started by the Class of ‘86 as Doolies.

Gate Guards–Cadets and enlisted Gate Guards have a love–hate relationship. Cadets complain over the years that terrorists and protestors can get on USAFA, but cadets are stopped for little or no reasons. In reality there are bad apples on both sides Generally, SPs are just doing their jobs, and cadets are behaving like college students.

Gauntlets–Special training of basics/fourth classmen occurring during BCT, Hell Week, and/or during the year when fourth classmen are getting lax. Upperclassmen wait outside of Mitchell Hall or Arnold Hall in a gauntlet and "train" the fourth classmen as they make their way back to their squadrons through the gauntlet. Currently referred to as "Flow Control" with light training.

Geek of the week/Melvin of the month–On Thursday, cadet squadron First Sergeants take nominations for the Geek of the Week. Cadets can be nominated for any number of things, including brown nosing, getting a 3% on a GR, passing out in a parade, going out with a girl from Air Academy High, etc. The Geek of the Week is announced at noon meal formation on Friday. Melvin of the month is similar, but is announced at the monthly safety meeting.

General Palmer Statue–Cadets like to carry out a spirit mission in downtown C-Springs by painting a part of the General Palmer’s statue blue or their class color. This is ever more impressive since the statue is located in a well-lit and busy intersection.

German night at Mitch's–German food and revelry at Mitchell Hall—can include music and dancing.

Gliders–Glider Instructor Pilots practice their Air to Ground skills with a tennis balls as bombs. A mission is completed by dropping tennis balls into the Superintendent’s fenced in private pool.

Golden Bees under hat brim–The Golden Bee is a bar down at the Broadmoor Hotel. The bartenders occasionally toss sticky, embroidered Golden Bees onto their patrons (in the real old days it used to be metal bee pins). Cadets began putting these embroidered bees on the underside of the brim of their service caps. Shortly thereafter, the bees came to symbolize "kills," like the red stars on the side of Captain Steve Ritchie's F-4. While there are a number of opinions about what constitutes a "kill," the consensus is that one gets a Golden Bee for every time he or she brought a date into the dorms.

Graduation countdown–Firsties use a roll of toilet paper with numbers on each square to count down how many days to graduation. 100 days is standard, but some start with their squadron number. Those who are more eager can start earlier.

Grecian baths - Take the door off of one of the stalls and using it to block the entrance to the showers and block the drains. Turn on all of the showers full blast, as hot as they will go. Don appropriate Grecian Bath gear and party in your new, gigantic hot tub. (Note: The squadron beneath you may complain of water damage; ignore them.).

Greaseboard Contest–Cover the whole white board at the CQ desk with dry erase marker and then run at the board like a high jumper and see how far up the board you can get your "bottom." Caution: Avoid hitting your head on the ceiling or running into the CQ desk. "Marks" have been known to reach the top of the CQ grease board.

Grit your teeth, lock your knees, and stare at something white–Advice given to those freshmen who weren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer, and who you wanted to see "take a knee" during a formation.

Hamsters–Mitchell Hall’s version of Cordon Bleu that resembles a fried hamster.

Hat toss at graduation–When hearing "Ladies and Gentleman you are now dismissed" for the last time, now new second lieutenants throw their white service caps in the air. Kids in the stands run out to the field to retrieve the hats—some cadets put a little money in their hats for the youngsters.

Hell Master – A three degree chosen by classmates to direct the now defunct hell week for fourth classmen. In some squadrons, Hell Masters are chosen for each fourth classmen through an auction insuring they have a memorable and challenging hell week. Proceeds from betting on and winning a certain Doolie of your choice are used to pay for a party at the end of "Hell Week."

Hell Week/Recognition training–Final training of the four degrees in culmination of all they learned during the year, sort of an ORI as a DOOLIE. Usually three days of intense physical and mental training where the upper three classes concentrate on intense efforts to test the Doolies team work. Now, recognition training is aimed more at building one’s self esteem and contains many ROEs, however the mind games continue at the prior appropriate levels.

Ice Cream Night/Dry Ice Experimentation Night–Some people knew it as "Ice Cream Night," others as "Dry Ice Experimentation Night." Mitch's would make a "Mitch’s Mountain" out of ice cream (was made smaller and smaller over the years) and kept it frozen with dry ice. In the old days the mountain was so large, 10 cadets could not finish it. The dry ice was then used for experiments during and after dinner.

Jack’s Hack–A terrible cough most cadets get after being in Jack’s Valley for BCT.

Leaving shoes under chairs after graduation–New graduates have left their shoes under their chairs after graduation. Maybe it is symbolic of the fact that you do not intend to wear blues ever again (pilots).

Leaving snowmen during a parade–Over the years parades have been marched with 6-8 inches of snow on the ground, with cadets wearing combat boots with blues. The squadrons in the rear would build snowmen in the middle of the formations and decorate them with supplies brought for the purpose. As the squadrons "pass in review" they leave a cadet snowman.

Library Road Racing - For no reason at all, cadets put on running gear/disguise and race from squadron to the top floor of library. Touch statue of Caesar as you pass it and return. View of runners from above mailroom as they go up stairs is said to be inspiring.

Lot runs–Bringing people back up from the lower two degree lot.

Red, blue, gold, silver "Magnet" or "Rack"–The class colored blanket on a cadet’s bed that draws them to take a nap at every available 15 minutes or more of free time.

Magpies–Black, blue, and white birds that inhabit the terrazzo in large number—not really friends of the Cadet Wing.

Making sheep/cow noises during the Smackwad traffic-jam–This happens when the entire Doolie class tries enter or exit Mitchell or Arnold Hall.

Marks in your hat for marching tours–Like felons in the pen, cadets mark off the number of tours they have marched on the brim of their service caps.

Mattress Races–Very similar to Chariot Races, but with mattresses.

Midget tossing–Line the hallway with all of the Doolies' mattresses and the cushions from the SAR, and then take turns tossing the lightest Doolies (and occasionally upperclassmen). Points are awarded for distance and style.

Midnight madness–Snacks late at night during finals week.

Minuteman III–Located outside the Field House/Clune Arena--legends says it will lift-off "when a cadet graduates without a demerit."

"Most Important Class"–Cadets are told in every class that "Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Military Art and Science, etc is the most important class they are taking at USAFA. In reality, the most important class is the one you are doing the worst in at that time.

Motorcycles–While cadets have not, and will never be allowed to ride motorcycles while cadets, each class has to waste their time trying to change the policy—to no avail.

Note: I legally owned a motorcycle as a cadet. I saw a classified ad for a motorcycle that I had wanted to buy as a restoration project, and successfully petitioned the commandant to allow me to purchase it and store it in the garage of one of my instructors. The motorcycle was not, however, in rideable condition, so I guess this doesn't really count! Somewhere though, I still have the letter endorsed by the comm approving my request.

Moving Aircraft–From the beginning of time (1955 or so for USAFA), cadets have moved static displays and put them in myriad locations not normally accustomed to having aircraft (Mitchell Hall, Chapel Wall, Parade Field, etc). The engineers try to prevent these spirit missions by welding and bolting aircraft down in cement. This has not stopped the madness (cadets are clever and resourceful), however, these exploits have resulted in damaged aircraft.

New Dorm–Before Capt Lance P. Sijan’s family received his Congressional Medal of Honor and before Sijan Hall was named Sijan Hall, it was simply known as the "New Dorm."

Nino Balducci '59 to present–Nino entered with the class of '59 and to this day has not graduated. He's never gotten off any probation, yet the big-wigs can't gain any hard evidence to disenroll him. A little more unsubstantiated rumor concerning the perpetual cadet was that some members of the class of 1959 went to Italy and heard about an aeronautical engineer who designed a bomber which never flew. His name was "Nino Balducci" and he started to appear on Alpha Rosters, etc.

Nukings- Fill a juice or milk container from Mitch's with a bunch of nasty stuff from the table. Take the container back to your room and allow it to ferment under your valet for at least three weeks. Dump it on somebody when appropriate. It is not a good idea to nuke somebody indoors.

Nuking exchange cadets–No exchange cadet should be allowed to sleep, study, or walk freely about the cadet area the week before we play their academy.

Orville and Wilbur–Put cloths, uniforms, Hawaiian shirts, hats, etc. on the busts of Orville and Wilbur now located under Fairchild on Terrazzo Level—they used to be in the air gardens facing Mitchell Hall.

Parking Firstie cars on the Spirit Hill–Usually wing, group, or squadron CC’s car.

Parking Tickets–A new tradition at USAFA is a meter maid or "Campus Commando", paid for by the DoD, who drives around giving parking tickets, that become Forms 10, to cadets who briefly park around dorms for pickup or drop-off. The current Campus Commando of the year is "One-Eyed Willy," and is the least popular person at USAFA, and that is pretty stiff competition.

Note: Oh, I get it—"One-Eyed Willie" … "Stiff" competition… Hee hee! I’ll bet he’s a "real dick" too!

Passing up the Supt/Comm/Bird/opposing cheerleaders at football games–Near the end of the 4th quarter of a game that USAFA is going to win, start yelling, "PASS . . . UP . . . THE SUPT!" When they oblige, help them crowd surf over the sea of blue. Try to dislodge any ribbons or rank on their uniform. Don't pass them over the top of the bleachers, as much as you may be tempted. For a while, due to Tailhook phobia, it was off limits to pass up cheerleaders.

Pennies in SAMIs–SAMIs are long and boring, so entertain yourself by rolling or throwing pennies into the rooms across the hall. An advanced form of this entertainment is to heat the penny with a lighter, then throw it, waiting for a yelp when a neighbor picks up the hot penny.

Note: We also used R/C cars. A variation is to race into your alcove mates’ room and open the bolts on their rifles. They may be able to silently close them, but they’ll never get ‘em "clicked off" again without attracting attention!

Pegasus Statue–An 8 and 1/2 ton white marble statue of the famed Pegasus horse from Greek Mythology given to USAFA by the Italian government in 1959. It was located for 35 years outside the ballroom in Arnold Hall and legend has it that if a cadet’s date kisses the statue and is of the utmost virtue, the statue will fly away. It was a common practice to pose for pictures on top of the Pegasus with sabers as a popular accoutrements. In 1994, the Pegasus Statue was moved in front of the AOG’s Doolittle Hall and kissing/photos are not as frequent unless there has been a wedding reception. (However, no one can explain how the statue was moved—maybe the legend is true!).

Pendulum Swing–A term used to describe how cadets are treated, specifically the fourth classmen, by the Commandant. Some years it gets easier, then a new Commandant wants the "brown shoe" days back, and the training swings back to being very tough on the Doolies. However, there seems to be a conservation of energy or "abuse" at the Academy—while the Doolies may be on the easy swing, the abuse not projected on them is distributed to the upperclassmen.

Physical Training Anytime/Anywhere–In the past cadets could be "dropped" for pushups anywhere at anytime. Now, to protect uniforms and Doolies’ hands from the sharp terrazzo stone, physical training is only performed in PT gear and for physical conditioning.

Picture in your service cap–As a Doolie, put your high school girlfriend's picture in your service cap. Doolies do not put a picture of a fighter jet in their service caps; they are YEARS away from touching any aircraft.

"Pimping" your classmate–Anytime a cadet, more specifically a fourth classman, blames another classmate for what is his/her personal fault, or does something to get another classmate in trouble. The least desirable trait seen in a Doolie.

Polaris – A memorial that looks like a "Roach Clip." Memorial was located behind the Chapel, but now is at the cemetery. Over the years it was made to look like a "Roach Clip" by placing a "cigarette" between the two polished aluminum tongs.

Ralph – Unofficial lesser deity in charge of bad weather. Cadets would often pray to Ralph when an IRI or parade was scheduled for the coming weekend.

Recognition countdown–When the days before recognition equaled your squadron number, upper class plan special events for the Doolies, and the Doolies usually go on spirit missions.

Reporting In–Groups/Squadrons report into the wing/group commanders by reporting the class year of the firstie class (i.e., 1 cadet absent sir, 9 cadets absent sir, eight cadets absent sir, six cadets absent sir) They got rid of this one (at least for a while) when an officer "thought" the Wing should actually report the number of cadets absent or it would be a violation of the honor code. Common sense prevailed—there are currently only 2-0-0-0 (two cadets) absent from formations.

Returning to USAFA–A universal feeling all cadets experience returning to USAFA after summer, Christmas, and Spring Breaks. The feeling is not one of anticipation or excitement, but one of dread.

Risner Trophy–The main statue sits in the Air Gardens on the Terrazzo and is given to the Top Fighter Pilot in the Air Force each year. Doolies are unofficially in charge of polishing a portion of Risner's statue in tribute to and representative of Brigadier General Robbie Risner’s display of guts and bravery as a fighter pilot in combat and as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

Running to the Roadrunner out by Jack's–The place isn't called the Roadrunner anymore. Every year, some brave basics who crave real food try to hike east out of Jack's Valley to the gas station on I-25. Some make it, but most either get lost or get caught.

Running the power lines – Running the hilly and rough dirt roads under the power lines that make up the west border of USAFA.

SAR Wars or Hall Brawls–There are many variations of SAR Wars. One of them is to clear the furniture out of the SAR, turn out the lights, assemble the squadron, and fight until somebody gets hurt.

Screaming out your window–To relieve the pressures of the day, especially during finals week, some cadets yell out their window into a quad at taps. Also, screaming out famous movie quotes is popular like, "I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!" or, "I hate this f---ing place!"

Sending Doolies to get extra portions in Mitch's–This is a fun way to let the waiters contribute to the hazing of Doolies. No waiter will ever admit that he has extra food, and the Doolies will have to walk all over Mitch's looking for food. Be sure to train the Doolies that walk by your table for gazing.

Serial numbers of your weapons–M1 carbines with leaded barrels had both a serial number and stock number Basics/Doolies had to memorize. This is a long military tradition making a soldier responsible for his weapon. The rubber M-16s have serial numbers too, so it is time to reestablish this tradition.

Service Cap on Chapel Spires–Rumor is if the Doolie Class can get a service cap on top of a Chapel spire the class will be recognized early (like how could it be any earlier now?).

Shower drills–The shower nozzles are turned on full hot and full cold, alternately. Doolies are allowed ten seconds under each nozzle. When they get out, they are sprayed with baby powder.

SLAMIs - Like a SAMI, but everything in the Doolies' rooms ends up on the floor.

Sledding–during the winter you have to use the trays from Mitch's, gigantic metal fruit bowls, or cushions from the SAR. The hill behind Sijan and the big hill going down to the athletic fields are good for sledding.

Sleeping on the floor before a SAMI so you don't mess our hospital corners. The night before a SAMI, at least half of the cadets in the wing sleep on their floors.

SMACK–"Soldier Minus Ability, Coordination, and Knowledge, an "endearing" name for fourth classmen.

Snow Skiing–At least once a year, a lowly fourth classman is seen skiing on a weekend in his or her parka and accessories, most likely in the single lift line.

Spirit banners–Ruin a bed sheet and hang it from the staff tower, chapel wall, or really any building around the terrazzo.

Spirit Cheese–Save the individually wrapped slices of processed cheese when Mitch's serves burgers. At the next football game, let the slices of cheese fly after the Falcons make a big play. However, spirit cheese was responsible for injuring a waiter in Mitch’s, according to his union, and cadets did without cheese on their burgers for a year.

Spirit Dinners–Showing spirit at dinners by dressing up and supporting the football team or a class.

Spirit missions – Showing ones class or squadron spirit by doing a plethora of unauthorized acts of spirit, usually at night.

Sputnik - Throw an apple back and forth to each other and across tables and trying to stick a fork in it each time.

Spirit Dinners–A wing-wide dining in, in which freshmen dress up like freaks. They usually end up in food fights, and the entire wing gets restricted.

Squadron rock (for recognition)–Third classmen find a rock and paint it with the fourthclass color, paint the squadron patch, and sometimes with Doolie names on the rock and put it out at Cathedral Rock. Doolies run out at the end of Hell Week/Recognition Training and find their rock and carry it back to the squadron in blankets (usually 200+ pounds).

Square Root Club–If the square root of your GPA or MPA is higher then your actual GPA/MPA.

Stairway to Heaven - A training session, only more vertical. The bottom of the stairwell is hell, where three or four of the toughest upperclassmen let loose on a couple of Doolies at a time. On the 6th floor, Doolies are put at rest.

Stereos–Cadets are allowed stereos at some point in their fourth class year, between Christmas Break and Graduation. Many cadets have stereo wars to see who can buy the biggest, loudest, or best stereo system.

Stract – A very military acting cadet.

Sunbathing in the quads–Heckle those who sunbathe in the quads

Sugar Cookies–Cadets who messed up during their day with RECONDO during beast would dip themselves in the river or pond, then roll around in the sand producing a human "sugar cookie."

Swapping Doolies with another squadron–Tired of training the same old Doolies day after day? Swap Doolies with another squadron and compete to see who can train harder. Place bets on the number of Doolies who will break down.

Taking the hill–At noon meal formation, for various "spirit" reasons (parents’ weekend, etc), classes break formation and "take the hill" that is located near the southeast corner of the grass center of the terrazzo. Usually this is at the dismay of the higher ups. Cadets yell and act motivated, and, if done right, it will disrupt noon meal formation to the point that the entire wing will get to walk to lunch like normal people.

Tail-End Charlie–Back when graduation was done by Order of Merit, each graduate would put a silver dollar into a bowl as he received his diploma. The last graduate, known as "Tail-End Charlie", would get all the money. This practice was discontinued when too many cadets "competed" to be tail-end Charlie by lowering their GPA to a point where a few did not graduate.

Take your picture in places you shouldn't be–Self-explanatory: the Commandants office, on his desk, or in his uniform are favorites.

Tapping on plates with silverware waiting for "Wing, tench-hut!"–When waiting for "Wing, tench-hut," rapidly tap the back of your plate with your knife. Pretend that you cannot hear your Doolies over all of the noise. Pretend that you can't hear the guy say "Wing, tench-hut;" make him sound off, too.

Terrazzo 15–Most would equate this to the "freshmen 15" that hits many freshmen in all college settings. However, this specific affliction affects cadets in their third class year. It is the result of being exposed to 3000 calories a day with a corresponding decrease in physical activity that can occur after the fourth class year.

Terrazzo Freezing–On a sub-freezing night, open the fire hydrants on the terrazzo to form a sheet of ice by morning—prevents the wing from marching.

Terrazzo Golf–Hitting glow in the dark golf balls back in forth across the Terrazzo at night.

Terrazzo sailing–On windy nights, procure a laundry or moving cart and a bed sheet. Go out to the terrazzo and sail away. (Teams of two usually work better than individuals.)

"The bird "–When they give someone The Bird on the staff tower, the wing says, "The bird."

Touch and Go–Going to an official Ball at Arnold Hall—quickly getting dressed, running to Arnold Hall, going through the receiving line, eating a cookie, and running back to your room to change and sign out before most people have made it to Arnold Hall.

Training on the Terrazzo – The same as physical training anywhere, but yelling and/or gauntlets on the terrazzo. An inspiring sight from the Chapel Wall to veterans.

Triple Threat–A single day, usually a Saturday, that includes a SAMI, an In Ranks Inspection (IRI), and Parade. A football game can also be added to the Triple Threat further consuming a cadet’s cherished weekend.

Tunnels – Tunnels underneath the cadet area that are suppose to reach to Cheyenne Mountain, four lane road, bomb shelter, mortuary, etc.

Two pairs of underwear/undershirts with cardboard (from your drawer)–Your receive issue undergarments when you arrive and put two sets on card board for inspection. Save these and wear one when you graduate and the other when you get married.

Waiters – Doolies are told the only people they out rank are the waiters in Mitchell Hall. Doolies must know the Waiter's name to repeat when asked by the upperclassmen. It is rumored that waiters in Mitch's are in the Witness Protection Program. A favorite waiter is George Mendez, who was in the Special Forces in Vietnam. His claim to fame is that he said that the cadet wing improved when they allowed women in, because the guys started smelling better. Waiters always tell Doolies that Mitchell Hall is out of water.

Waldo F. Dumbsquat–"Perpetual" Doolie at the Academy—has never been recognized or done anything right.

Wind – USAFA is known for its high winds, that is why it was designed with so much glass and places you can fall three stories down. A favorite announcement from Command Post during high winds is that anyone under 190 pounds or so must be accompanied by two heavier cadets on the terrazzo, the bridges to Fairchild are off limits, or people must travel in pairs, etc.

Wearing colored underwear under Parade Uniform–Try to get away with wearing underwear with stripes, dots, Mickey Mouse, or some other design on them. Usually it would end up being the "cool" boxers your girlfriend gave you that you never wore otherwise. Of course, since the parade pants are white, (and usually very tight, since you were fitted for them during Beast), you could see the design/color of your underwear fairly easily. Someone finally caught on to this and they started announcing that you had to wear your "tighty-whiteys."

2% Club–Those cadets who manage to date their High School Sweetheart through their cadet years and still marry them after graduation.

80% Club–Members get married within a few weeks of graduation (not necessarily their High School Sweethearts) and are divorced within a year, give or take a month on either end.

Unofficial Folklore

Brigadier General Robin Olds–While Wing Commander of the Wolfpack in Vietnam, and then as Commandant of Cadets from December 1967 to January 1971, BG Olds has become folklore in his own right. While BG Olds has discounted many of the stories told about him, after hearing the "true" stories, one is led to believe that even if the folklore of BG Olds didn’t exactly happen as told, something even better probably did occur! Folklore includes: his handlebar mustache, hand signals to/from the cadet wing, terrazzo streakers, marching tours with cadets, etc.  BG Olds was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal during a parade to accompany the Air Force Cross, Silver Star(s), Legion of Merit, DFC(s), and oodles of Air Medals (39 to be exact).

Cadets with Families–A constant rumor is that there are cadets with families downtown or back in their hometown. A great rumor was that a Wing Commander in the 1980s had a wife and two kids and left on a motorcycle after graduation.

Note: I wasn’t a Wing Commander (but I was the CS-10 spring semester squadron commander), and I wasn’t married, but I DID ride away from graduation on a motorcycle! I towed the bike on a trailer out to USAFA during spring break of my senior year. I stored the motorcycle at an instructor’s house, but I did not ride it before graduation. Early on 2 June 82, I towed the motorcycle to the stadium parking lot on a trailer and unloaded it. Then following the ceremony, I rode the bike (in my parade uniform, complete with gold sash) back up to the cadet area to out process. I passed the Supt’s car along the way, and rendered a rather snappy salute!

My mother took this picture just after the graduation ceremony. The green car in the left of the picture is my cadet car (yes, it was boring) and the motorcycle trailer is barely visible to the right of the taillight on the motorcycle.

17 Spires of the Chapel–Supposedly they represent the 12 Disciples and the five joint chiefs of staff. However, it was supposed to be an even 20, but USAFA ran out of money while building the Chapel.

Class of 1979: LCWB–Rumors about what these proposed initials for the class ring actually represented. "Officially" they stood for Loyalty, Courage, Wisdom, and Bravery. It unofficially stood for the LAST CLASS WITH "all men" and apparently every 79 grad agrees. Rumor has it that a cadet with a license plate with LCWB was stopped by SP’s and when the SP asked what it stood for, the information leaked back to the Commandant. Legend has it that the class of 79 almost lost the 'privilege' of the ring dance until someone took the blame and marched an lot tours. LCWB was not put on their ring and was not allowed to be engraved inside the ring by the ring maker. The Class of 79 valued their unity and spirit and decided to stick together when told to attend an AOG meeting a month or so before graduation. They were told to bring their checkbooks and while they stood around waiting for the doors to open everybody agreed that no matter what they were selling nobody was buying. The AOG started off with a pitch about the tradition of a class painting done by a local artist, Rick Broome, who told how he had done these for cadets for a long time and this was their chance to own a print. Class of 79 had put the B-1 on their class crest in protest of the canceling of the B-1. So Rick Broome started with a slide to show his finished painting of B-1A flying over the cadet area and then show how he painted it. Rick Broome had put LCWB in the painting and that pleased the cadets in 79 and they bought copies in mass quantity. However, the Commandant found out about the LCWB in the painting and forced him to cover them up on the original painting donated to the Cadet Wing (hangs in Arnold Hall). However, the LCWB made it to the printed copies that the Class of 79 purchased.

Note: More ’79 stuff: Sometime in the early Spring of ’79, soon after the license plate episode, the Commandant (BGen Thomas C. Richards, a.k.a. King Richard) called all of ’79 and ’80 into one of the big lectinars in Fairchild Hall. He ranted about the general lack of discipline throughout the wing, and exhorted the members of the two upper classes to "crack down" and reinstate some order. He also pretty much declared that all "LCWB" stuff and other politically incorrect, sexist attitudes would come to a halt, effective now. He threatened some pretty (ahem) stiff discipline for offenders, and ended up with his now famous quote: Referring to the four years at USAFA, he stated, "I can’t make it longer, but I CAN make it harder!" The very next morning, someone hung a "spirit banner" from Vandenburg Hall, visible from the Comm’s office. It was a sketch of BGen Richards with a (ahem) "phallic-looking thing" for a nose. His famous quote was written below the picture.

As you can imagine, he was furious, and personally interrogated "suspects" until he found who he considered to be the guilty parties. These folks (who I’m almost certain took the hit to cover for the REAL perpetrators) were restricted and marched tours until graduation.

Soon after the event, some graffiti appeared in one of the Fairchild Hall men’s rooms which read, "I talked to Mrs. Richards, and she says he can’t make it harder OR longer!"

"How many USAFA contractors does it take to change a light bulb " – The question is finally answered–FOUR!

1LT Karl Richter a Triple Centurion – Rumor has it that Air Force Cross recipient 1LT Karl Richter, a 1964 graduate, was a triple centurion on the tour pad. This helps the people marching lots of tours rationalize that they can still be a great pilots and/or heroes.

OSI agent poses as cadet for four years–This is one of those completely unsubstantiated rumors that never goes away. One of the bartenders at the Sports Bar was also rumored to be an OSI agent (they called him "Oh-see."). Could you imagine spending four years as a cadet "on assignment" as a well-trained agent?

Protestors on the Chapel Wall–This tends to be a yearly event and they would chain themselves to the chapel doors and make general pains of themselves. One year a cadet in Sijan Hall facing the chapel cranked his speakers out the window and played the Green Beret song over and over. One famous rumor is that of a protestor yelling down from the Chapel Wall to a cadet on the terrazzo "How can you kill innocent women and children?" A Doolie was braced walking the lines and smartly swiveled his head to the right and yelled back "aim lower and lead less".

Note: We also used to walk past them on our way to Chorale practice in the afternoons and talk in loud voices about our Engr 499 projects to develop a new kind of napalm that only stuck to innocent kids.

Sleeping in the F-104–Legend had it that Cadet Lance P. Sijan (65’) spent a night in the tailpipe of the F-104. Fact is, the F-104 showed up two years after Sijan graduated, about the time he was in Southwest Asia earning his Medal of Honor. The true story that led to the legend, is as follows: "My dad graduated the Academy from Squadron One in 1972. About last February when I was a senior in High School he told me a story about how he spent the night in the fuselage of the F-104. I didn't appreciate what an accomplishment this was, back then, because I had no idea that the F-104 was located out on the terrazzo, or even what the terrazzo was. I just thought it was funny. Apparently, back then they didn't have the fuselage plugged up like they have them now. He took some blankets inside, crawled in, and fell asleep. The next morning he awoke to Reveille. He climbed out of the airplane and ran back to his squadron as the "Doolies" were calling minutes. In the yearbook for 1972 on page 321 with the squadron picture of the firsties from 1 there is a caption, "Did [Cadet X] ever climax a more perfect mission in an F-104?"