<p>No, it's just a model. There are only two F-35s that are currently flying, so I doubt they'd bring one out here for cadets to mess with, even during an event as important as Corona. It was driven here without any wings and some F-35 engineer types put it together in about an hour. They had it sitting on the north side of the air gardens, but it was moved last night to the south bridge to Fairchild, a few hundred feet away. By the time I went to my first class this morning, it was back in its original spot unharmed.</p>
<p>Speaking of CORONA, I got to meet and speak with LtGen Regni, Gen Schwartz (new CSAF), and the (as of today confirmed by the Senate) Secretary Donley and their wives at LtGen Regni's house with 13 other cadets. Very enjoyable and the food was delicious! :)</p>
<p>The F-35 model is mostly wood and plexiglass.</p>
<p>Sent out this morning from the vice wing commander:</p>
<p>Cadet Wing,</p>
<p>As I said this morning at breakfast, all spirit missions are suspended until further notice due to a failure to follow the guidance regarding spirit missions. Although there have been a number of unauthorized spirit missions, moving the F-35 was specifically prohibited. I have lost faith in the ability of the Wing to follow my guidance and intent. In a flying squadron, when a string of problematic events happens, the squadron stops flying to evaluate and address the problem. In a similar way, I have stopped all spirit missions until we can address this problem, and I can regain faith in the Cadet Wings ability to follow their commander.</p>
<p>As the acting-Cadet Wing Commander, the following policies are effective immediately:
All future spirit missions will not happen, and all current spirit missions will cease immediately. This includes all uniforms being returned to midshipmen.
Any spirit mission conducted during this time will result in a minimum of a 30/30/Y but may be punished by UCMJ action for failure to obey a direct order. Anything that would not be done on a normal basis, such as taking shoes, throwing midshipmen in the fountain, and shaving cream bombs, will be considered a spirit mission. If there is any question as to whether it is a spirit mission, assume that it is a spirit mission.
Although a final determination has not been made, there is a chance that the spirit dinner and bonfire planned for Friday will be cancelled.</p>
<p>Very respectfully,
xxxx</p>
<p>** Written by a 3 dig from 18 (the perpetrators of crime)in response to that email (not without consequence, of course)**</p>
<p>Cadet xxx:</p>
<p>Sir,</p>
<p>This recent guidance has made it impossible for me as a member of the Cadet Wing to stand by and let this destruction of tradition occur at the worlds most prestigious military technical school. As a descendant of the extremely traditional Class of 79, I found the prestige and appeal of the United States Air Force Academy not in its excellent education system nor in its tried and true system to develop character, but in the priceless value found in the epitome of pride as a member of the Air Force Academy: Spirit Missions.</p>
<p>I can guarantee you that most graduates of our institution over the age of 30, when confronted with a situation similar to one you have posed to us, will respond with a prompt **** you. And frankly, I value their judgments way more than yours. Actually, since Im being frank, I value the judgments of many of my classmates, many other constantly inebriated members of colleges across our Nation, and every 4-year old across America and some parts of the Philippines more than I value your judgment. It is obviously a spur of the moment overreaction to a harmless action performed by a small group of the Nations best and brightest. You may argue that the decision has been thought through by many people, but even as the high and mighty Vice Wing Commander of the best and brightest, I doubt you were able to exercise your best and brightest judgment in the space of time in between you observing the pristine model of the F-35 and you announcing the denouncement of Spirit Missions.</p>
<p>This condemnation of all future spirit missions and all current spirit missions is an impossible proclamation to enforce. Merely by the fact that you, as our leader, have failed to define Spirit Mission for your subordinates. Every action we do as a proud member of the Air Force is a Spirit Mission. The combined linguistical genius of Merriam and Webster have defined Mission as a specific task with which a person or group is charged. Every day you and your fellow cadets get up every morning and put on this uniform with pride: a spirit mission. Every day, four thousand of us go to class every day in order to achieve our ultimate goal of becoming educated leaders of the Air Force: a spirit mission. Three times a week, 40 groups of extremely well dressed individuals march with pride, even if no one is there to watch them: a spirit mission. ALMOST EVERY OTHER WEEK, CADETS GET UP IN THE MORNING TO PUT ON A UNIFORM, MARCH INTO FALCON STADIUM, AND CHEER ON THEIR FOOTBALL TEAM: A SPIRIT MISSION. I ask you, are we as a cadet wing done with school? With uniforms? Parades? FOOTBALL GAMES? You may say that I am taking this too far, but you clearly understand the path you have taken my Air Force Academy by threatening us with the cancellation of the spirit dinner and bonfire.</p>
<p>I, and many of my fellow cadets, are deeply disappointed, not only in your annulment of the deeply hoped for spirit dinner and bonfire, but of this institutions greatest form of pride: spirit missions. No irreparable damage was caused to the F-35, let alone to any spirit missions this year. Matter of fact, damage caused this year was actually approved through various chains-of-command and the unapproved transportation of the F-35 was completely harmless. Even if it was damaged, Im sure the millions of dollars wasted every year to provide a nice looking lawn on the Terrazzo as a show to any visitors could easily be reallocated to the extremely fake show of an F-35 that we have been graciously provided with. </p>
<p>I write this not only to ask you to revoke your decision, but also to take the first step in bringing this Air Force Academy to the way it was originally planned. We do not necessarily have to get rid of approval of spirit missions, your ridiculous Class of 09, or women right away. I only say all that to say this: youre a *****.</p>
<p>Have a great Air Force day.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration.</p>
<p>Very Respectfully,
xxx</p>
<p>I know the F-35 is made of wood and fiberglass but I found out today the model coats 8 million dollars. A lot of dough for a model.</p>
<p>Holy Crap! that person's judgement is ... out there. I can't believe somebody would actually say that to the Vice Wing commander!!</p>
<p>He didn't actually send it to the CWV, but it spread throughout the Wing instantly. He'll be in some trouble, but my classmates and I are all impressed with him for having the cajones to say what we were all thinking. Everyone's sort of proud of him for being man enough to take the heat for the rest of the Wing.</p>
<p>There's now a picture too, relating the last line before "Have a great AF day" to the spirit of the immortal Robin Olds. It really was an Olds-like display of audacity, sincerity, political incorrectness, and speaking one's mind.</p>
<p>And Viper, it would have been far worse if it had come from a four degree. Uppers have a little bit more leeway in what they can get away with saying to other (even senior) cadets. Still, it probably won't be pretty for C3C X. He's our hero, but leadership will hang him to make an example. Bring on the politics.</p>
<p>Final point: He's actually not in CS-18 (the guilty party), but rather in CS-04. He had no connection with the F-35 spirit mission; he was just bold enough to stand up and say something.</p>
<p>(note: language)</p>
<p>A: That kid will be seeing the Commandant soon.
B: I can clearly see a difference in opinion between upper two vs lower two classes. Most of my classmates and I want to shoot this kid.
C: The CWV had to meet the Commandant this morning, that came from her, not him. He is not a bad guy, but the 4 digs in CS18 put him and the entire wing in a bad spot.</p>
<p>It's hard for me to express my anger upon seeing the F-35 moved this morning for so many reasons. Then people like this make me even more angry. We keep our privileges if we do what's right and lose them when we screw up. Perfect example in this case.</p>
<p>See, that's the entire problem. It feels like it's been "us vs. them" recently... the lower three (and especially the lower two) against senior leadership and the heinous new restrictions being imposed everywhere. I have so much less respect for this semester's upper cadet leadership than I did last year. Still, things are getting out of hand...</p>
<p>ehh just from my perspective, doesnt seem like that at all in the squad. just a general feeling of discontent from having to get every little thing approved, but it's felt by all classes, not only the lower two. once again, just what i can see..</p>
<p>Was that SSS e-mail about certain Wing positions being year long suppose to be sent out to the entire CW? I was surprised it was.</p>
<p>Things will be getting tougher before they get better, I can tell yall that.</p>
<p>If people would do missions that weren't destructive or disrespectful, then this wouldn't be such an issue. But Group 2 ruining Group 1 wall murals, moving an $8m model graciously brought for us to view by Lockheed Martin, and then blatantly disrespecting a senior leader in the Wing are not tolerated anywhere, so there's no reason it should be tolerated here. Hanging banners in Mitch's/on the chapel, sudsing up the fountains, giant mock-ups on the TZO are fun, hilarious, and harmless ways to show spirit. Even the Navy mission got permission. They aren't going to ban everything, just destructive activity.</p>
<p>On another note, leadership worried that 2010 would become a rowdy and disrespectful class due to our choice of Frank Luke as exemplar. Hasn't been an issue in the slightest, at least using him as a role model to do stupid stuff, "Frank Luke would have done it!" But, seems as though many in 2011 are using Gen Olds as an excuse to disrespect others and do idiotic things.</p>
<p>Just my 2c.</p>
<p>hornetguy, i saw you when i was goin to my squad to get my wheelcap before NMF.. didnt realize who you were til i'd already greeted you! </p>
<p>this place is crawling with people today.. geez. it's packed</p>
<p>Were you the loner next to the air garden running fast back?</p>
<p>In response to the OP's original question: USAFA if you like to fly; USNA if you like to swim or float.</p>
<p>
[quote]
They aren't going to ban everything, just destructive activity.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That message is a direct contradiction to the policy sent down. So which is it?</p>
<p>Like the seasons and the classes this will pass. There will always be people and events that push the envelope. The reactions all part of the give and take trying to find a balance. The boundries seem to have been pretty clear "Don't move the model", but that also seems like a putting down a challenge. (two wrongs?).</p>
<p>The punishment shoud be expected especially when the boundries were set. The consequence of executing the guy who stole a piece of pizza might easily be a loss in the authority to lead. You cannot have people breaking into your house and tagging the walls without expecting a reaction though. If the police don't arrest the guy, the homeowner might take more drastic measures. </p>
<p>In the civilian world it has become acceptable to challenge people in authority with some of the worst attacks. it is in bad taste, but the cost of the freedoms we enjoy. In the military it is not only bad taste, but disruptive to good discipline and order. When you are out in the feild and you get that order telling you do something you don't like, and react by denegrating the people who issued the orders irrepairable harm is done. Instead of taking the fight to the enemy the fight comes home. Good people get lost.</p>
<p>Just some food for thought from an old retired guy. You all seem to have a few hard days ahead, and a lot of bridges to mend. Be part of the solution.</p>
<p>Alright, back from the airfield, time for more thoughts.</p>
<p>First issue, the moving of the F-35. Yes, CS-18's four degrees violated a direct order - there's no question about that. This is a discipline issue and they should be punished. My problem is with the completely disproportionate response from Wing. You know, if you think people have gone too far and you want to temporarily suspend all spirit missions, fine. I can live with that. But you just don't threaten UCMJ action for something as harmless as wearing a squid's sweatshirt around. First of all, this threat of punishment is not anywhere near appropriate for the severity of the crime. 99.9% of regulations violations here will get you either tours, confinements, probation, etc. but this punishment stays here at the Academy. You are reprimanded for your action, you (hopefully) learn your lesson, and you move on. The only things that would get you a more serious punishment, one that would stay with you for the rest of your career or life, are rape, murder, DUI, and now spirit missions. Honestly, do they really even fit into the same category? CWV's threat was to charge the disobeyal of a direct order, which carries a maximum sentence of dismissal and several years confinement, also known as jail. You're going to send people to jail for having a little spirit during Navy Week? Now at this point, you're probably saying "Well yes, Petko, this is a serious disciplinary infraction that needs to be corrected." I agree and disagree to a certain extent. Let's look at this from a legal standpoint. Aggravation: The four digs violated a direct order. Mitigation: No damage was done. No one was injured or put in an unsafe situation. It was back in place within an hour. It's just a model, expensive as it may be. In the good old days, real aircraft were moved much further away on a seemingly weekly basis. It's Navy Week, and some mischievousness should be expected. I guess my point is that I don't believe it's as big a deal as Wing is making it out to be. Punish 18's four digs, sure, but leave it at that. Don't threaten to ruin careers and lives in the name of spirit (which, by the way, can and should not happen. Disobeying an order from a cadet is not a UCMJ-able offense. No cadet has that authority, and I don't believe that the order came from General Desjardins.). There are rumors floating around that all of 2nd Group may be restricted until Thanksgiving Break. This makes no sense to me at all. Why are you even contemplating restricting myself, my classmates, and my squadmates when we had no connection whatsoever with the guilty party or the crime itself? It's irresponsible leadership, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Next point: The destruction of certain murals in 1st Group by some four degrees from 2nd Group. Believe it or not, this was an approved spirit mission. Glad to see that approval brings some sanity to this institution.</p>
<p>Third point: Respect for the current regime. C3C X, who we mentioned on the last page, was disrespectful to cadet leadership and should be punished, even though the e-mail was never sent to the Vice. (Rumor has it that he'll be receiving an LOR from General Desjardins. Not sure how I feel about that yet.) His e-mail was over the top to a farcical extent, but was still inappropriate and should never have been written. Nonetheless, the sentiment among my class is almost universal now. Let me share the opinions and perspectives of an average three degree. There are only two possible types of Wing Commanders. There are those who genuinely want to help their fellows cadets, and there are those who are interested in wielding power. The first type earns our respect, while the second type demands it. My classmates and I were lucky enough to have two great Wing Commanders last year. Some of the restrictions they imposed may have been tough, but they were always fair and necessary. You see, the Wing Commander really only has one important function. He or she is our link between cadets and senior permanent party. A good Wing King, like the ones from '08 last year, is one who will go to General Desjardins and say "Ma'am, here is what the Cadet Wing wants and why we think we deserve it." They were our representatives. They worked for us, and they earned our respect. We feel that we've essentially been told by the current administration that "you will respect us, or else." Every time they impose new rules, which often seem unneeded and senseless, they earn less and less respect from the average cadet, and so they have to flex their muscles and make up more rules to remind us how powerful they are. The whole thing cycles downward and everything gets worse. I can honestly not think of a single positive thing that our current Wing Commander has done for us this year. My classmates and I feel as though senior cadet leadership cares solely about how permanent party feels rather than about our wellbeing. They keep us on a short leash, and permanent party gives them a pat on the back, which they eat right up. It feels like senior cadet leadership is asking General D, "ma'am, what would you like me to do to them next?" rather than fighting for the very few, generally reasonable things which we desire. Problems which have never been problems before are suddenly heinous violations of good order and discipline. We've now got stan/eval checking names at the gates, trying to catch people who aren't signed out properly, others turning people away from Mitchell Hall for not having their proxy cards, and officers sniping cadets on the terrazzo from the 6th floor of Fairchild for things like unauthorized backpacks. You can't go anywhere anymore without being under the microscope of '09. I feel safe in saying that morale would be greatly improved if they cared less about their MPAs and more about the effects of their actions on the Wing. The new SSS from the Wing Director of Stan/Eval isn't helping their case. In the past, every position in the Wing has changed every semester. The only person who held a job for the entire year was the Wing Honor Chairman, which was needed for continuity in honor cases. Now, those currently in power are asking permanent party for permission to retain their positions and power for the entire year. They want to change the way that things have worked from the beginning just to retain control. Personally, this seems reminiscent of a dictator/president/head of state rewriting the Constitution so that they can retain their power for life. It's unbelievable and unnerving, especially considering the current unhappiness with their performance.</p>
<p>Fourth point: General Olds is not an excuse. This is not a case of "Hey, he was a bad***, so let's go break all the rules." Instead, it was a cadet voicing his discontent, inappropriate as it may have been, and someone else realizing that this was something that Olds himself would have done. It's not like 2011 is guilty of everything wrong that goes on here. We've got one guy who was disrespectful. That's it. Don't lump everyone together and spread the blame for all this onto my classmates and I.</p>
<p>And fifth point: Raimius is absolutely right, they banned everything.</p>
<p>I think I'm done. I just never thought I would see such a low level of morale and such a high level of cynicism here. The worst part is that it's completely preventable. Put the blame on whoever you want, but at the end of the day, leadership must be held accountable for the issues that occur under their command. From my perspective, Wing Staff's leadership style this semester has not been at all effective. I'd give them failing marks.</p>
<p>V/R,</p>
<p>Petko</p>