<p>Awww, the Russsian Flu Epidemic of January 1978. It brings back such fond memories--a classic study in epidemiology. Two weeks after the return from the holidays (perfect for explosive incubation), a VERY cold sub-zero streak of weather to keep everyone indoors, Saturday training on the first two weekends to make sure no one left, and then on the first Monday of "the Plague" 200 cadets showed up to the clinic with fever, chills, vomiting, etc. by Tuesday morning 10% of the Wing was on bed rest. Cadets, always looking for the lighter side, were pulling carts full of box lunches back to their squadrons for the sick, ringing bells and screaming "Bring Out Yer Dead!!!" 25% of the Wing was down by that evening and the next morning the Academy was quarantined and classes canceled by noon. No one could leave. The doolies were put at rest--everyone was too sick to train them. We played poker, Monopoly, and Risk for hours and days. Classes stayed cancelled through the weekend when the epidemic broke. Most everything was back to normal the next Monday. All told, nearly 90% of the Wing got sick. No fatalities, only a few hospitalizations.</p>
<p>Those of us doolies that didn't get sick had a great time. In the fashion of USAFA, however, we made up those missed class days with two days of Saturday classes later in the semester. A 6-day school week twice in one semester does indeed suck...</p>
<p>Hot dogs aren't so bad, but the flu epidemic sounds terrible. What did they do/do they do about missed classes because of illness, especially for an extended amount of time?</p>
<p>"What did they do/do they do about missed classes because of illness, especially for an extended amount of time?"</p>
<p>You make up what you missed. Especially for difficult classes, you better have good classmates who are willing to keep you updated on what goes on. Hopefully prior to this you've also remained in your instructors' good graces; they should be of assistance regardless, but it'll be more pleasant if you've made a conscious effort up to that point to be prepared in class.</p>
<p>My recollection of the Flu epidemic of 1978 was that the bug was introduced to USAFA by a USNA athletic team (don't recall which one).</p>
<p>I also recall standing in line to get the Swine Flu vaccine.....every 5th or 6th cadet would faint from the triple dose of vaccine they decided to test out on us.</p>
<p>Also a couple of enterprising cadets opening up the fire hydrants on the terazzo one January evening thinking that we could get out of marching to meals due to the ice....problem was the leadership wasn't going for it and made us march anyway.....entire ranks of cadets went down when they encountered the ice.</p>
<p>Recognition is the process 4* go through so that they can be "recognized" or associated with the upper classmen. The big dealio is that 4* year the freshmen are only allowed to "hang out" with other freshmen because of something called fraternization...this was sort of mentioned before, but in dating terms.</p>
<p>Do cadets get a military ID card considering they are tech. on "active duty." (is this the card that they wear except when off campus?). Also why do the Cadets have to take their ID cards off when they go to sport fields and such-- My tour said it was a security issue to have them visible (maybe so they won't be stolen?); i'm pretty sure an enemy could tell who the cadets are by the shaved heads and "USAFA" printed on thier workout clothes...</p>
<p>Yeah, we get military ID and proxy cards. The ID is kinda like a driver's license (not really, but that's the only way I know how to describe it) and a proxy card is more like an access card...it has a bar code or something that you swipe to get into places life the cadet area and the t-zo. Like if you've ever visited the Academy and you've gone to the chapel there's a fence that tourists and regular civilians can't get into (I think that particular gate is next to Sijan Hall). Basically everything restrictive (like not having your proxy card visible) is a security issue. I think the reason why it is specifically stated for cadets not to wear their cards other places is also because inside USAFA you are supposed to wear it...</p>
<p>Concerning Recognition, I thought I alreay answered this, but I think it was in one of the threads that mysteriously disappeared a few days ago. What specifically went on during my class's Recognition isn't really relevant to explain. One reason for this is becuase certain things will most likely be different when it comes back. Secondly, and in my opinion more importantly, the element of surprise is part of what makes it worthwhile and memorable. My class's Recognition occurred in mid-March and lasted a few days. Those few days were exhausting in every sense of the word, and despite that some people stood out at the beginning as being able to do more pushups or run faster than other cadets, toward the end, everyone hit the same point. It was then that teamwork was huge and everyone realized that they'd all get through it or fail together and that no one could do it all alone. Personal differences were put aside and we all worked together with the people we'd gone through the previous nine months with. At the end of Recognition, there was a run to the rock (Cathedral Rock) with just the firsties (class of 03) and the four degrees. FOllowing that was a very meaningful prop and wings ceremony. Recognition was a time when people could totally turn their reputations around (for good or bad) and respect was earned. Afterward, we finally had privileges.</p>
<p>Concerning e-mail addresses, your e-mail address will end in @usafa.af.mil (and if mail gets sent to @usafa.edu you get it too).</p>
<p>Concerning military IDs, yes, you do get them. These are different from the badges everyone was wearing around, called proxy cards. Proxy cards establish who in the cadet area is authorized to be there; they're also needed to open doors at the bottom of the dorms and a few other places. the reason we take them off when we're outside of the cadet area is due to security, such as having it fall off and someone gaining some access to places they potentially shouldn't. Proxy cards are somewhat new; they've only been around for about 2 and a half years.</p>
<p>While nothing here is 100% guaranteed until it happens, Gen. Desjardins told the entire classes of 06 anf 07 on Tuesday that it WAS coming back and verbatim The class of 2009 will be recognized --UNcynical</p>
<p>Wow. Just yesterday Col. Woltering told the class of 2009 that it was still in the process of being approved at the Pentagon level. He emphasized over and over and even made us repeat after him: it is not a done deal. No wonder nobody knows anything around here, I dont think they even know at the top! </p>
<p>i can't help the fact that my class or '07 were not recognized. i would accept anyday the challenge of recognition. don't think it makes you better than those that weren't even given the opportunity. it wasn't our choice! ZeroEight</p>
<p>Yeah, I understand. My class used to get crap about our basic being easy all the time, and we replied in exactly the same way. Its not our fault we arent being challenged more. </p>
<p>Also a couple of enterprising cadets opening up the fire hydrants on the terazzo one January evening thinking that we could get out of marching to meals due to the ice....problem was the leadership wasn't going for it and made us march anyway.....entire ranks of cadets went down when they encountered the ice. CollegeDad</p>
<p>Thats hilarious. Just today we were marching on ice. Nothing as bad as what you were talking about, but its great to see people going down and formations cracking up right in front of the graders.</p>
<p>I just got a phone call from a school I looked into way back in November, and the lady asked me if I was still interested. I tols her about my appointment and she said, "Well keep us in mind if it's...hard." </p>
<p>For at least some portion of your four degree year you won't be allowed music privileges. However, you will have a sponsor family and you can keep music at their house.</p>