Basic Cadet Training

From USAFA Folklore

Basic cadets climb ropes under the supervision of cadre members

All new cadets undergo six weeks of Basic Cadet Training (BCT) upon entering the Academy.

[edit] Organization

Basic cadets are divided into Basic Cadet Squadrons of four flights each. Each flight corresponds to one Academic Year squadron.

[edit] First Beast

The first half of BCT is called "First Beast" and is held in the Cadet Area. First Beast starts on Inprocessing Day and lasts approximately three weeks. During First Beast, Basic Cadets learn Air Force and Academy history, learn how to march, take placement exams for their academic year classes, participate in intramurals and undergo a physical conditioning program. (The Class of 2010, however, did not have intramurals, but instead had "Airmanship Day", where they recieved incentive rides in gliders and had briefings about flying-related careers in the Real Air Force.)

In the early 70s, incoming cadets were not "trained" for the first two days but simply handled administratively. The real beginning of "First Beast" was what was referred to as a "Change of Command" ceremony. Before the evening meal, the Basic cadets were marched into Arnold Hall and lectured on the benefits of the rigorous training they were about to receive. They were then marched out and formed up on the Terrazzo in their basic cadet squadrons, facing Vandenberg Hall. Opposite them was the upperclass cadre. The chapel walls were generally lined with tourists, who must have known about the delightful spectacle about to begin. Once everyone was in formation, the Wing Commander ordered, "Upperclass, fall out and make corrections." At that command, pre-staged machine guns and assorted noisemakers on the grass began firing while the tidal wave of upperclass swarmed the basics with the usual litany of "sound off" , "chins in", "shoulders back and down", etc. This went on until every basic had been at least moderately scorched. The wing then formed up into its usual squadron formations and marched into Mitchell Hall, although any food served that evening was essentially wasted, since the entire meal was one huge training session. This continued non-stop through the exit from Mitchell Hall back to the squadrons and during the subsequent Shower drill/shower formation. The "Change of Command" ceremony was traumatic enough to usually convince more than a few cadets to disenrole, and as far as I know, it was discontinued by 1980. Quatermass '76

[edit] Second Beast

The majority of the second half of Basic Cadet Training ("Second Beast") is held in Jack's Valley. Basic Cadets march to and from Jack's Valley; while there, they erect tents, where they live during Second Beast. During this portion of BCT, basics complete the Obstacle Course, the Leadership Reaction Course, the Assault Course, the Confidence Course, and compete in the Big Bad Basic competition.

[edit] Checklist for Incoming Basics (taken from eDodo)

(But good enough that it needed to be posted here too.)

1. This is not a good time to stand out. If you screw up, you're a shit screen and the cadre will flame you. If you're perfect, you're an ass-boy and the cadre will flame you. For once in your life, this is a good time to stay in the fat part of the curve.
2. Everything you do will be wrong. It's designed that way. You won't know how to do anything, but the cadre will yell at you like you should. Deal with it.
3. Half the "advice" the Preppies give you is crap and half is good, hard-earned wisdom that will make your life easier.
4. There is no way to tell which is which until it's too late.
5. If you think you're the leader of your element, you probably aren't.
6. Take delight in small pleasures, because that's the only kind you're going to get.
7. No matter how well you clean your room for the SAMI, you're going to get yelled at.
8. Same as #7 above, except for marching, eating, sounding off, wearing your uniform, falling in, shining your shoes, learning your knowledge, and anything else you do.
9. The worst part of the Assault Course is the "warm up" session before you even run it.
10. But running it is still pretty bad.
11. If your sponsor for Doolie Dining Out is a real sadist, he'll stuff you full of burgers and ice cream until your shrunken stomach explodes.
12. The first time you shower with no hair is an amazing sensation.
13. The second time is just showering.
14. Go ahead and assume you're late.
15. Whatever motivational movie they show you in Arnold Hall, the time will be better spent sleeping.
16. Nothing good comes of being the guidon bearer.
17. Some of the cadre were toughened by their Beast and want you to feel the same pride of accomplishment that they feel.
18. Some of the cadre were humiliated and embittered by Beast and want to regain their lost self-esteem at your expense.
19. Both of these groups will flame and torment you.
20. Nobody wants to hear about what you did in high school.
21. Nobody wants to hear about your (soon to be ex) true love back home.
22. If you can smuggle enough donuts back to your tent, you will be a hero to your element.
23. If you get caught, you're on your own.
24. Cadre chicks are not interested in dating you.
25. Cadre guys might be.
26. If you can still walk, don't go on sick call (see #1 Above).
27. If you fuck up in a really unique way during Beast, you will hear about it for the rest of your life.