pre-recognition?

thepetester

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Mar 31, 2014
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Anyone have any information on what pre-recognition and pre-recognition testing is? DS is going crazy worrying about it saying that he could be kicked out no matter how well he is doing in everything else.
 
The phase system has a few focuses, including military proficiency, physical abilities, and a subjective view from your commander. A few 4*s in the wing have already been identified as deficient in one of those areas, and they are aware of their standing. Squadron commanders and their training staffs have about 6 more weeks to identify 4*s as currently "un-recognizable", and remediation plans will be put in place in an attempt to get them up to speed. Unless he has already been told/warned that he is on a path to not be recognized, he has nothing to worry about currently. Just stay on top of knowledge, his ROEs, and physical fitness - he'll be fine!
 
They did this to the doolies last year, too. I remember my DD being really stressed out about passing some sort of checklist. Turned out just fine.

I do know that there were a handful that didn't get Recognized with the class along with some ICs (they weren't there.) This group gets another chance at a make-up Recognition. I don't think my DD mentioned that anyone didn't ultimately pass.
 
This year is running a little bit differently than last year in that if a four degree is not on the path to be recognized, it is up to that individual and their leadership to get them up to speed. If the four degree is still considered to be deficient when the time comes, they will not participate in recognition, and there will be no make up recognition. But like zachtx already said, these four degrees should already be aware of their deficiencies, and each of these cadets is capable of bouncing back and being ready to rock when 10 March comes.
Ultimately, it comes down to putting in the work. If a four degree is borderline, there are improvements that need to be made to their attitude, aptitude, etc. In the end, there should not be a significant number of four degrees who are at risk for this. Their supervisors should be doing everything they can to help these 19ers get on track, but it is also important to note that they themselves need to want it as well. This is a much better system in that it gives leadership the opportunity to really develop their followers, and offers the 4 degree in question a chance to grow and develop.
With all of this in mind, I doubt that your cadet is at risk for not being recognized. He or she may be stressed about all of the training sessions and requirements leading up to it, but is absolutely able to meet the standard. Best of luck and I hope this was helpful in some way!
 
I wouldn't worry too much about it. Recognition is more about attitude than performance (both WILL be demanded and tested).
Unless your cadet has attitude issues or is already on some sort of probation for military/athletic/academic issues, they shouldn't worry about not being recognized.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about it. Recognition is more about attitude than performance (both WILL be demanded and tested).
Unless your cadet has attitude issues or is already on some sort of probation for military/athletic/academic issues, they shouldn't worry about not being recognized.
So if a cadet has an issue with PFT they won't be recognized?
 
This year is running a little bit differently than last year in that if a four degree is not on the path to be recognized, it is up to that individual and their leadership to get them up to speed. If the four degree is still considered to be deficient when the time comes, they will not participate in recognition, and there will be no make up recognition. But like zachtx already said, these four degrees should already be aware of their deficiencies, and each of these cadets is capable of bouncing back and being ready to rock when 10 March comes.
Ultimately, it comes down to putting in the work. If a four degree is borderline, there are improvements that need to be made to their attitude, aptitude, etc. In the end, there should not be a significant number of four degrees who are at risk for this. Their supervisors should be doing everything they can to help these 19ers get on track, but it is also important to note that they themselves need to want it as well. This is a much better system in that it gives leadership the opportunity to really develop their followers, and offers the 4 degree in question a chance to grow and develop.
With all of this in mind, I doubt that your cadet is at risk for not being recognized. He or she may be stressed about all of the training sessions and requirements leading up to it, but is absolutely able to meet the standard. Best of luck and I hope this was helpful in some way!

This is why I like to see these sorts of questions answered by current cadets. Things have already changed from what 2018 went through just a year prior. I remember one graduate parent advising new parents to buy the $5 football tickets which haven’t existed during my ’16 kid’s tenure at USAFA. It cost more than that now just to park.
 
Failing the PFT is a red flag, but it does not automatically equal failing Recognition. Anyone who failed the pre-Recognition evaluation knows they failed it. Failing that does not automatically cause you to fail Recognition, but it does make you eligible. The Squadron Commander and Training Officer advise the AOC, who makes the final call on being recognized or not.
 
This is why I like to see these sorts of questions answered by current cadets. Things have already changed from what 2018 went through just a year prior. I remember one graduate parent advising new parents to buy the $5 football tickets which haven’t existed during my ’16 kid’s tenure at USAFA. It cost more than that now just to park.
True (things change). But parking is free when you have a cadet in the car!
 
Thank you for the info and so quickly too! It's good to know the opportunity is still there.
Failing the PFT is a red flag, but it does not automatically equal failing Recognition. Anyone who failed the pre-Recognition evaluation knows they failed it. Failing that does not automatically cause you to fail Recognition, but it does make you eligible. The Squadron Commander and Training Officer advise the AOC, who makes the final call on being recognized or not.
ha
 
I was the parent who advised buying those $5 tickets. Shame they're not still available. Close to the bathroom, and let's face it: it's not Steeler football (especially during parents weekend.).

On the topic at hand, as a parent, please please please: your son or daughter has been at USAFA for close to nine months now. S/he is not even close to the same person who graduated last June and got on the plane three days later. You son/daughter will encounter incredible stress during recognition (my son did it with a 103* fever). If he is feeling stress before hand, well, he should.

And as a parent, you might want to consider saying something like: "Oh son, I know it's tough but you can do it!"
 
An update on the situation, given that my previous post is now a little outdated: every four degree will go through recognition. Whether or not they get recognized, however, is completely dependent on their performance and ability to work with the team. As zachtx said, the AOC has the final say on whether or not a four degree has earned the prop & wings.
 
If your cadet did not go through a SCRB, they will likely be recognized (provided they meet the requirements of the actual weekend). If they did go through a SCRB, then it is possible they have been informed they will not be recognized. It is also possible they were SCRB'd and will be recognized (again provided they meet requirements)
 
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As a follow-on to Fencer,

2019 parents need to take a deep breath...your Cadet will do fine, yes this is a stressful time..but the main point was made by Haleym, this is another step in a long line of EARNED advances. However the stress level can be acute when what is being attempted is not earned every step of the way leading up to Recognition, entering Recognition with a bad attitude, deficient AFT and grades and squad deportment will necessarily cause stress and undue attention by the upperclass.
Remember the upperclass is desiring Air U as much as your C4C...probably even more!!
Just as the need to excel and depend on your wingmen and Squadmates in Basic, so to is that during Recognition and probably even greater since the class of 2019 knows so much more of what is expected of them than they did last summer during Basic.

They will go dark later this week and you will not hear from them until it is all over...what you will receive on Sunday will be a very tired and exhausted individual....but in their voice you will hear the wonderful confidence of a newly minted Upperclassman...and the victory will be so sweet because they EARNED IT and they will KNOW they EARNED IT! Go AF!
 
thanks for all of the replies. He was almost SCRBd at the end of last semester but ended up passing his final k-tests. Other than calc and chem, that is the only thing he really struggles with. He is an IC on one of the more strenuous sports, so physically/athletically he has no problems whatsoever. He never mentioned that he was approached about not being 'recognizable.' He was most worried about the k-tests and his grades. He went from a 4.2 in HS to a 2.4 at the AFA and he has to work really hard at math/science, so he is always worried about that. He works very well on the team, so it really was just his performance on the k-tests that had him worried mostly.
 
The average gpa at graduation is a 2.8.... This ain't your mama's calc classes.

Unless she went to USAFA, then I guess it is... But you know what I mean.
 
An update on the situation, given that my previous post is now a little outdated: every four degree will go through recognition. Whether or not they get recognized, however, is completely dependent on their performance and ability to work with the team. As zachtx said, the AOC has the final say on whether or not a four degree has earned the prop & wings.
What happens if they don't get recognized?
 
Sorry if this is a dudb question... But im atillnnot quite sure I understand. What exactly is recognition and what is the point of it?
 
Sorry if this is a dudb question... But im atillnnot quite sure I understand. What exactly is recognition and what is the point of it?

Recognition is the formal finale of the fourth-class year when the fourth-class cadets are “recognized” as upperclass cadets and are allowed to wear the Prop and Wings insignia on their flight caps. It is a vital and traditional segment of the Academy experience and is a ceremonial acknowledgement that the fourth-class has successfully met the military training requirements and is prepared to continue the rigorous Academy journey.

Recognition consists of several activities including a leadership course, an assault course and “The Run to the Rock.” In addition to challenging the fourth-class cadets, recognition provides the three upper classes an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Individual squadron ceremonies and a wing-wide celebratory evening meal mark the end of Recognition.

Once "recognized", fourth-class cadets earn many of the privileges that upperclassmen have such as the ability to wear their backpacks vs. carrying in their left hands, can talk at meals without asking for permission, can wear civilian clothes on weekends, don't have to run on the TZO, can greet others by their first names, etc. It is a major milestone in their time at USAFA and something that will push them beyond what they think they are capable of. Some of quoted it as "it is the most fun I never want to have again"......
 
Is the recognition concept strictly USAFA or do WEST POINT and USNA have similar events/traditions?
 
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