<p>From a lot of the posts I’ve read there seem to be some HUGE differences between each of the squadrons: like cell phone use, taps enforcement, pre-recognition privileges, beat-downs, etc. etc. I guess my question is, why arent the rules standard in each squad. It seems like the people who get in a, dare I say, hard squad are very unfortunate? . . .
Also, I know you get shuffled into a new squad after basic, but do you get put into a new one at the start of every ac year?</p>
<p>Things aren't the same because that's unfortunately how things work. The attitude of the AOC (and AMTs) is perhaps the biggest factor: if he wants things done in a "tough" manner, then that's how it's going to be. Second factor is the cadet leadership (squadron commander and his assistants), who can have a big impact on how the squadron is run. Finally, the demographics of your squadron can make a big difference. My squadron has an unusually large number of ICs and people on probation (and an unusually small number who excel), which amounts to both a smaller squadron than normal, less interest in the daily squadron affairs, and an overall slack, could-care-less attitude. </p>
<p>As for changing squadrons, you get put into one freshman year, then moved to a new one sophomore year. You stay in that second squadron for the rest of your time at the Academy.</p>
<p>and the sqaudron selection is completely random, right? meaning, there is nothing i can do to get into a certain squadron, or even a certain "type" of squadron. </p>
<p>by the way, it was a real pleasure to meet you in person Guy4Christ! are you going to be one of the cadre?</p>
<p>Remember that your squad assignment during Basic will determine your squad assignment for your 4 dig academic year. For example, those in Cobra squadron B-flight will be assigned to CS-10 or Tiger Ten.</p>
<p>A lot of your 4 degree year does depend on what squadron you're in. For example, my squadron had a beat session every single day first semester, while other squads hardly ever got beat. Maybe once every few weeks. But then there are a lot of upperclassmen in my squad on academic probation, and they made rules accordingly, so any 4 degree on ac pro was still allowed to sign out after sitting their WACQs. (WACQs are Weekend Academic Call to Quarters... one hour of mandatory study time on the weekends for each class that you're deficient in.) Overall my squad was pretty tough prior to Recognition. We couldn't cross the hallways, had to stay in UOD till TAPS, had to do 50 pushups anytime we entered or left the squadron, had to greet people all year by full name, rank, job title, and hometown, and got trained ALL the time. But in hindsight, I'm glad we had it hard, because we are now way more badass than our classmates who had it easy. ;) No, but really Recognition does mean so much more coming from a strict squad, and now that we're Recognized, my squad is really chill.</p>
<p>flyboy:</p>
<p>The selection is random unless you have a legacy squadron (dad, uncle, brother, etc. was here before you), in which case you'll go to that squadron your sophomore year.</p>
<p>Was nice to meet you too, and yes, I am one of the cadre. If you should find yourself in Interceptors C flight, well...run for your life when 2nd BCT comes around. ;)</p>
<p>the main reason i see for differences is b/c this is a place of development and learning. not only 4 degrees, but also upperclassmen. the cadet command each semester brings its own issues, successes, and failures. If a squadron's upperclassmen do not believe in tougher restrictions, they won't enforce it. if they do, they will. its a major learning environment for upperclassmen. they'll make mistakes (just ask any of my freshmen and they can talk to you for hours on it). they'll try different approaches to try to see what works, and then learn from it</p>
<p>In general are there squadrons notorious for being slackers, or really upright? Or does it just change every year?</p>
<p>It tends to change, but there are certainly some with a reputation, whether true or not. For instance, my squadron (35) or squadron 32 are generally known as slackers, while squadron 1 is known as being uptight.</p>
<p>Sometimes it changes...last year 37 was known as one of the most relaxed and slack squadrons in the wing, and this year it's much more strict from what my buddy in it tells me.</p>
<p>There are traditionally harder squads, but it can also change from year to year (new cadet leadership, new AMTs, new AOCs). For example, 24 is traditionally strict. CS-14 was fairly chill, but I've heard that the new AOC is stricter than the old one--can I get some confirmation on that, eagle?</p>
<p>There are some changes from year to year. Right now I'd say 1, 2, 21, 22, and 24 (and 25! right redhead?) have reputations for being among the tougher squads, while 33 (and from what I hear, most of fourth group actually) is more relaxed. This is a fairly large generalization, but I'd say that first group tends to be the strictest, followed by third, then second, then fourth.</p>
<p>Keep in mind though that I've only really experienced one squad this year (I'm in 12). My perception is just from what I've heard, and will be different for everybody.</p>
<p>Actually, as hard as 24 was last semester and this semester, we're not much tougher, when it comes to rules, than the average squadron now that we have a new AOC. At the same time, coming in to 24, my squad had the highest average PFT score in the Wing, making us one of the most physical squadrons. So when it came time for a beat-session, you better run for your life. But in terms of rules, probies are the only ones who really have it that hard. Once again, that's comparing 24 to the average squadron though.</p>
<p>This is a little off topic, but I was also wondering how much sleep one could expect to get while at the academy. Does 6 hours sound about right for BCT (of course Im talking about per night . . . not total . . . I hope!), and what about during the regular school year?</p>
<p>HAHA! NO! 25 is not hard at all. Unless you're an unrecognized 4 degree. It is probably one of the most stealth squads in the wing. If you come into 25 as an upperclassman... you're lucky. :)</p>
<p>Oh and the whole sleep issue... in basic I got very little sleep, maybe 4 hours a night, but that's because I was up late writing letters while I was ironing my uniforms. They give you really crappy irons, so it will take a while.</p>
<p>Now during the ac year, I get a lot of sleep. Just manage your time well. If you're in honor guard or you're married to video games, you'll probably be one of those people who falls asleep in every class. ;)</p>
<p>I might add that my squad, Tiger Ten, now is the top athletic squad in the wing by PFT/AFT scores. :) ;)</p>
<p>What does "beat down" or "beat" mean? </p>
<p>Are IC's generally the first to go on some type of academic probation? Is that a GPA (academic or the accumulative one) of less than 2.0?</p>
<p>"beat" is to train (push-ups, flutter kicks, etc.)</p>
<p>Not sure if IC's have a greater percentage of ac pro, but many people, regardless of the program end up on ac pro.</p>
<p>and ac pro is a GPA (either semester OR cum) below 2.0, failing one class, or getting 2 Ds. So, even if your GPA is somehow a 3.0, but you failed one class, you go on ac pro.</p>
<p>14 is still a very chill squad. they care about paperwork and writing MFRs, and thats about it. our freshmen had it easy compared to other squadrons, comparable to Easy Eight</p>
<p>country club eight? wow, that's shocking!</p>