Probation

From USAFA Folklore

Probation is a corrective measure placed on cadets who are deficient in one or more areas. It is primarily rehabilitative in nature, not punitive, despite the strict restrictions placed on cadets on probation. Its intent is to highlight deficient cadets to their commanders and recommend certain rehabilitative measures.

At one time, the parents of cadets placed on probation received a letter saying that there was a question whether their son or daughter was fit for commissioning. This could be worse than the punishment or probation itself. This would now be unlawful due to the Privacy Act. (For the same reason, grades are not mailed to the parents of cadets).

[edit] Categories of Probation

• Academic probation - for failing a class, academic deficiency (2 or more grades of D), or inability to maintain a 2.0 GPA.
• Athletic probation - for failing the PFT or AFT or failing a PE class, or inability to maintain a 2.0 PEA. Usually associated with reconditioning.
• Honor probation - in lieu of disenrollment for being found guilty of an Honor Code violation. Usually only available to third and fourth class cadets.
• Conduct probation - for insubordination, conduct unbecoming, excessive accrual of demerits, or gross or repeated willful violation of regs.
• Aptitude probation - for repeated inspection or Knowledge Test failure, inability to maintain a 2.0 MPA, or a demonstrated inability to meet standards or otherwise adapt to a military lifestyle. Simultaneous placement on two or more probations results in automatic aptitude probation. Conduct and aptitude probations are often issued concurrently.