Acceptance Parade

From USAFA Folklore

The Acceptance Parade is the first parade of each academic year, taking place after Basic Cadet Training (normally in early August), but before the start of classes.

[edit] Sequence of Events

During the parade, the fourth class cadets form up in flight formations, opposite the rest of the Cadet Wing. The new fourth class cadets then join the Wing in the inverted wedge formation. The outermost squadron's fourth class cadets leave first to join their squadron's formation in the Wing. The next outermost squadrons follow a few steps thereafter, and so on, with the centermost squadrons marching last, making the entire formation look like a giant chevron. This is the opposite of the flying wedge formation, which is used during the Graduation Parade during June Week when graduating firsties leave the Wing.

Once the fourth class cadets have joined the Wing, the rest of the parade proceeds as normal, with a pass in review, and a march up the Bring Me Men Ramp. Once the formations reach the Terrazzo, the fourth class are normally awarded their shoulderboards by squadron as a sign of their acceptance into the Wing.