IHTFP

IHTFP is an acronym with two meanings at USAFA. On the one hand, it means "I'm Here To Fly Planes". As half of the cadet wing graduates to become pilots, this is a very fitting saying. It serves as a constant reminder that after four long years the cadets who have worked hard will be given the chance to play hard in a multi-million dollar fighter jet. The Academy does a pretty good job pounding the fact that you are an officer first and a pilot second into cadets' skulls on a daily basis, but unofficially cadets who are destined to be pilots keep this little motto to serve as a pick-me-up in the back of their minds.

The second meaning is a bit more sinister. It stands for "I Hate This F%#&ing Place". It serves as a constant reminder that this institution has sucked away four long years of our lives. Cadets love to remind each other how horrible this place is and will frequently get in contests about who is more cynical (See "Hating Mitch's" post).

So the next time you see this unique acronym on a morale patch or carved into a bathroom stall you can now fully appreciate its meaning and will hopefully lean towards the first meaning.