I - 03
(6/26/2006 Mon)

Today I want to define some terms with "unofficial" descriptions to provide non-military parents an increased understanding of my future inputs during BCT.  The text is quotes is an example of what might be said.

Wing:
The entire set of cadets. 
"Today, the Cadet Wing will attend classes."

Group:
During the academic year, this is a group of 10 squadrons. 
First Group is made up of Squadrons 1-10.
"On Dec 31, Second Group will participate in a Retreat Ceremony at the Flagpole."

Squadron:
There are 40 squadrons during the Academic Year.  You can determine an approximate number of cadets per squadron by dividing the Cadet Wing (4000+ cadets) by 40.  Remember that during BCT, there will be 10 squadrons A - J.
"Aunt Kathi, I will be in Squadron 38 during my first year."

Drill:
When I mention "drill", I mean the cadets were marching around, learning facing movements, etc.
"I saw the Basics doing drill today after lunch."

Terrazzo:
The large, flat are between the dorms and other buildings.  It is recognizable by the large concrete squares with marble strips where the fourthclass cadets will walk.
"Today, I saw the Basics on the Terrazzo, practicing their drill."

Here is a photo of Basics, doing drill, on the Terrazzo.  The brown is the concrete, the white is marble.  This shot is taken by me, standing in front of Sijan Hall (dorm), facing north.  The building you see in the back is Fairchild Hall (dorm).  If the Academy goes back to the squadron breakout from the last time there were 40 squadrons, Fairchild Hall would host Squadrons 1 - 24 during the academic year.

Sound Off:
The most common use of this during BCT is when a Basic is told by an upperclass cadet to say it louder.
"Sound off, Basic!"

Chapel Wall/Class Wall
The Chapel Wall is the wall that separates the Chapel from the Terrazzo.  This is where most tourists stand to look down on the Terrazzo and see the cadets scurrying about.    From the Cadet perspective, when they look up from the the Terrazzo, they see the parents on the Chapel Wall, and see a Class Crest for each graduate class in the center of the wall. 

Here is the view that cadets have of the Chapel Wall.

 

Further down, in the middle of the Chapel Wall, you find the Class Crests.
The one in the middle is for the current seniors.  When the seniors graduate, their crest is moved to the graduate section.  The Class of 2010 will not have their crest design until May 2008.