Acceptance vs. Recognition

HueyNation

USAFA '16
10-Year Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2011
Messages
160
What's the difference between 'Acceptance' and 'Recognition'?
 
Acceptance means you made it through basic and that happens in the beginning of August. Recognition means that you have almost completed your freshman year and you go through two and half days of hell and high water to prove that you belong to the upper three classes that you belong. You are no longer a SMACK, doolie, freshman, etc. when it is over. It might be one of the most miserable thing you have to do because for every one freshman there are three upperclassmen, but it is also the most rewarding experience to finish. What it consists of, I can't tell you. That's for you to see when you make it that far. Good luck.
 
Acceptance also means you are a Cadet versus a Basic. This is when the class is accepted into the Cadet Wing.
 
... You are no longer a SMACK, doolie, freshman, etc. when it is over.

I vividly remember a 2* telling me the following in April or May of my 4* year: "You're still a SMAK 'till you see a new SMAK." :wink:

To the question, you earn your shoulder boards on Acceptance day, signifying the end of BCT and your "acceptance" into the Cadet Wing. You earn your prop and wings after Recognition, and earn back most of the "privileges" you have not had since before inprocessing.
 
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