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 (3rd 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.
"Here’s a toast to the host of those
who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send the message of his brother men who fly,
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast,
The
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 "
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.
|
Red |
1.
Administration, Commandant or Dean areas |
|
|
2. The sun |
|
Blue |
1. Academic
functions |
|
|
2. The Sky |
|
Yellow |
1. Housing |
|
|
2. The grasses
on the plains |
|
Silver |
1. Aluminum in
the buildings (originally supposed to be stainless steel, to mirror aircraft
technology) |
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
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.
Fly you falcons down the field, tear the
enemy asunder!
Bare your talons, make them yield; give them all your thunder!
Spread your strong wings wide and high; fight for victory!
Never say die, keep flying high, for the
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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/3rd 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 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
Bathrobe betting on interservice games –
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
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
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).
"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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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).