Squadron Questions

Can someone explain to me how the squadrons work. Do you stay in the same one all four years? Switch every year? How does it all work?

You have one as a 4th Degree (freshman), then you get a new one for the next three years after your 4deg year.

packermatt7 said:

You have one as a 4th Degree (freshman), then you get a new one for the next three years after your 4deg year.

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so for my 3rd, 2nd and 1st degree years it is the same squadron? why not the same all 4 years?

I think it's theoretical purpose is to break the "4 degree" stereotype that you've had since you began right after basic... Its almost a fresh start for the newly recognized cadets.

My son just found out in the last couple of days what his new squadron will be. I believe that basically the only say so you have is if you are a legacy. (Or if you have a problem with certain squadron personnel, which you don't want to have). So yes, you stay with the new squadron for the next 3 years. And part of that is to teach you about working/leading a squadron. You'll start getting squadron jobs and enlisted ranks; then officer ranks. You'll be working at the squadron, group, and wing levels. You need to keep people together for 3 years to have effective training in those areas. The 4th year cadet has too many variables. It's easier to move them from BCT to cadet in the same squadron. This way those you made it through 6 weeks of BCT with, can be part of your support system for the next 6-7 months until recognition.

After that, you get to "experience" what it's like to "PCS" (Permanent Change of Station). You get a new squadron. New people. New leadership. Build New Pride. etc.... Part of the academy's training is to simulate the real Air force. Like I said; you "BECOME" enlisted grades. You'll then become officer grades. You'll perform similar duties to those of the people you will some day lead. You'll change squadron's after the 1st year just like you will have to do in the future. (Trivia Military History: I'll look up a source later; but PCS'ing developed basically during the roman empire time. "Might have been earlier, but I think Roman". Purpose was for the soldier to NOT GET EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED to the local community and it's people. When a war would start, they didn't want the soldiers to refuse to go off and fight because they wanted to STAY and protect THEIR COMMUNITY and families. So, don't let them have a family or emotional ties.)

Anyway; part of military life is to PCS. New squadron, new leaders, new friends, new commander, new dorm, etc... And a normal PCS (When budget cuts aren't kicking in) are anywhere from 2-4 years. So playing "Real" military is one of the reasons for the squadron changes. later.... mike....

Ok, so my squadron during my indoc summer is going to be my squadron my four* year?

That is correct. However; realize that there is a different structure during BMT. In BCT, there are 10 squadrons; A-J. Within each squadron, there are 4 flights. However, the flight numbers will eventually correspond with your 4th year REAL squadron. So; it's A1-A4; B5-B8; C9-C12....... J37-J40.

In basic, my son was in the "Interceptors". And he was in the 4th flight of the interceptors. So that equated to #36 because "J" is J33-J36. So when he graduated basic, he was in squadron #36 as a "Real" cadet.

And remember, in BCT, there are only a max of around 1400 trainees. Which means 140 per squadron (A-J) in BCT. To make individual flights of 35. But after graduation, those 35 become part of the REAL squadron which is made up of max of around 100. These are rough numbers. Actual numbers are a bit less. Especially the C2C and C1C year. Hope that explains it. later.... mike.....

they played around over the years with how to change squadrons. some classes stayed in the same place all 4 years. some split 2 and 2. Navy right now keeps it the same all 4 years.

personally, i think its best to change after one year because it lets you "start anew" after 4 dig year, and it doesn't leave a tendancy for upperclassmen to try to friend you since they know u'll be with them the year or two after

minor correction to my above post. it should read

"So that equated to #36 because "I" is I33-I36."

"J" is actually 37-40

Christcorp said:

minor correction to my above post. it should read

"So that equated to #36 because "I" is I33-I36."

"J" is actually 37-40

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Well, that shows how "convoluted" or "prone to change" things are over the years.

I was in "E" and went to CS34.

And during my stay at Camp USAFA, we swapped after 3* year.