Framing the Recognition Debate

The topic of Recognition is very controversial at the Air Force Academy for many reasons. The main debates are whether it is hazing vs. training, current restrictions on Recognition vs. how it used to be, how everyone gets Recognized (youth soccer attitude) vs. having some cadets pass and some fail, training in the squadron vs. at wing level, and the biggest of all which is whether it is even beneficial to have the event in the first place.

Basic Cadet Training does a fantastic job transforming immature unprepared civilians (and prior Airmen) into cadets ready to tackle the rigors of the Academy. Sure some slip through the cracks, but for the most part it instills discipline, integrity, and leadership into all who pass through it. For the enlisted force, OTS, and for the most part ROTC, this relatively short intense training period is enough to establish the core values of the military lifestyle. But for USAFA; it is only the beginning. We have to continue for an entire year in a restrictive environment because "it makes us better officers". Yes Recognition gives graduates of USAFA a tradition to hang on to, and is difficult to accomplish, but in the end does it really put us at a level far far above that of our peers which go through other commissioning sources?

I would argue we have to convince ourselves that it does, no matter what we actually think about the event. We have to buy into the fact that Recognition is a positive thing because it goes to the heart of why we have the Academy. Four years of suck is supposed to create superior officers than four weeks of suck. We say it gives us teamwork, togetherness, toughness, and heritage, but does it also transform us into the best officers in the Air Force?

Intramurals

According to cadet rumors, USAFA is the most athletic school in the country because all cadets participate in sports. We are a Division 1 school, and many cadets are able to successfully balance sports with school and their military duties. The long application process, the title of "best and brightest", and the distinguished guests who grace our institution with their presence can affect some egoes here. In a conservative estimate, I would say that 98% of cadets have some traces of having a "Type-A" personality. Thus, there are problems that arise on the intramural fields of friendly strife. Every day USAFA experiences fights of words and fists between our own over a game that is just supposed to get you out of the World of Warcraft for an hour.

I was a basketball referee as a 2-dig. I dreaded going down to the court because I would literally receive death threats from my fellow cadets on a daily basis. These people do not want to be referees, they don't care about the sport at all, and you are the only thing keeping them from enjoying the rest of their afternoon. Give them a break already!