Third class cadet
From USAFA Folklore
A third class cadet is a cadet who is in his or her second year at the Academy (i.e. a sophomore). Third class cadets are also sometimes called "3 degrees", "3 digs" or "3 smokes". For a very short time (when?), the powers that be tried to institute the term "fledglings" for third class cadets (loosely derived from West Point's "yearling"), however the attempt was generally seen as a pathetic attempt to "create a tradition" and never caught on. The term is no longer used.
[edit] Third Class Rank and Positions
The major responsibility of third class cadets is sitting CQ duty. Third class cadets also typically hold junior NCO-type positions in the squadron. Only a handful of 3º jobs have actually been authorized by the regulations, but most squadrons have a full staff of "clerk" positions who assist the 2º cadet NCOs in their specific areas of responsibility (academic clerk, athletic clerk, training clerk, logistics clerk, MWR clerk, etc). Third class cadets also fill the roles of guidon bearer and color bearer. The senior third class position in a squadron is normally titled the "Chief Clerk or "Assistant First Sergeant".
[edit] Rank structure
The rank and designation of third class cadets has changed over time, often to try to coincide more with the rank structure in the Real Air Force.
| Years | Insignia: Rank, title and position | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 1955-1983 | Unranked - 3ºs without jobs | C/SSgt - 3ºs w/sq job | Unused | Unused? | Unused |
| 1984-1987 | Unranked - 3ºs without jobs | C/SSgt - 3ºs w/sq job (except Asst 1st Sgt) | C/SSgt - 3º Command Post msgrs | C/SSgt - 3º Wing Color Guard | C/TSgt - 3º Sq Asst 1st Sgt |
| 1988-1992 | Unranked - 3ºs without jobs - 3ºs on probation | C/SSgt - 3ºs on squadron staff -- All jobs | C/SSgt - 3ºs on "Wing Staff" -- Command Post msgrs -- Wing Color Guard | Unused | Unused |
| 1992-1997 | Unranked | C/??? | C/??? | ? | Unused |
| 1997-2001 | Unranked 3ºs on honor or aptitude probation | C/Amn 3ºs in good standing | C/SSgt Selected 3º jobs - Chief Clerk - guidon bearer - training clerk(?) | Unused(?) | Unused |
| 2001-2005 | Unranked | C/??? 3ºs in good standing | C/??? Selected 3º jobs - Chief Clerk - Honor Clerk | C/??? Honor Guard cannon dude | Unused |
| 2005-present | Unranked | C/SSgt 3ºs in good standing | C/SSgt - Chief Clerk - guidon bearer | Unused | Unused |
