USAFA Class of 2020 to Graduate Early

No surprise to see this. It’s the prudent thing to do, and I am sure similar scenarios have been discussed at other SAs. Health and mission accomplishment (producing new officers to meet AF needs) are the drivers in the must-have category. Everything else is in the nice to do category. It will be a tough pill to swallow after 4 years of hard work to not have the same week of events as previous classes. 2020 has an opportunity to distinguish itself by rising to the occasion.
 
No surprise to see this. It’s the prudent thing to do, and I am sure similar scenarios have been discussed at other SAs. Health and mission accomplishment (producing new officers to meet AF needs) are the drivers in the must-have category. Everything else is in the nice to do category. It will be a tough pill to swallow after 4 years of hard work to not have the same week of events as previous classes. 2020 has an opportunity to distinguish itself by rising to the occasion.

For many, there were celebrations last night; for others, like you said, it is a hard pill to swallow. The "others" wanted to properly complete courses, have the extra 40 days to prepare for outprocessing, next base, select next years cadet leadership, etc.
Not only are they not able to complete the traditions of graduation week, but they were also never able to "recognize" their Doolies in March nor will they be able to "pass the saber" to the next class.

They are a strong class and will rise to the occassion and needs of the AF and country.
It is a history making class; let's hope for the best.
 
I read somewhere on this forum (but can't find it) that on March 30th, the Sec. of the AF, Barbara Barrett, the Chief of Staff, Gen. Goldfein, and the Chief of Space Operations, General Raymond, flew out to the Academy to speak to the class. Today their graduation date of April 18th was announced. I believe this was a direct result of that meeting. It gives the Cadets a morale boost with the knowledge that their careers, the start of which is like no other, are in motion. I am glad for them & wish all the best.
 
Yes, they flew out to speak to the class. During that conversation, cadets presented ideas that would boost morale and make their situation better. The Supt acted on these suggestions and here is the list that was communicated to the first class cadets PRIOR to the change in graduation date (which seems to have been in the works as they processed how they could make that one happen) -

- Wear civies on Fridays, expect an announcement. ( be reasonable in what you wear)

- We can expect more nights of Ballroom Haps being open—we are working with FSS. I opened it tonight and will work on the schedule.

- We can expect to open the golf course for Cadets only this weekend- more to follow.

- We can expect to open the bowling alley some this weekend for Cadets only.

- You can go off base to get drive through and carry out only.

- You can go to the stables if you would like.

- 70k worth of gym-in-a-box and TRXs are inbound to Vandy and Sijan.

- We will adjust the Microsoft Teams policy so Cadets can plan meetings not just permanent party. You will get unrestricted access and it should be set up by noon tomorrow. Talk to anyone and set up many groups as you choose.

- We will change the restrictions on visiting friends in isolation at the TLF. If anyone tells you that you can’t, text my cell. If they are COVID positive you need to get extra guidelines.

- No alcohol in the dorms or buildings in the Cadet area but if you want to drink somewhere, anywhere, on the USAFA reservation it is approved, you just have to tell your AOC prior. (The Dean says that you must be of age and not in a car)

- We will allow more permanent party to bring dogs in the Cadet area-yes dogs are mission essential and allowed anytime!

- We will figure out how to have an outdoor blowup-movie screen movie this weekend. (Maybe on the T-Zo)

- No one is being punished for social distancing violations. Be smart!

- Plan bbqs, use quads, fam camp, my front yard, the Comm’s yard (she has a zipline) or the Deans yard...

- We need Cadets to organize with the local school districts to mentor/tutor school kids via video-chat. Send a volunteer note to me—I will push it to the right person. You are amazing people that can help a lot of kids in the area

- Grades: the Dean is working furiously though all options—she will get you a note tonight. (spoiler alert-expect it to go in your favor by the end of the week)

- Please give me a couple days to work through the question of whether and what conditions first class Cadets can depart to go home.
 
I thought the graduation was beautiful. Watched all of it. I know it wasn't what families and cadets would have wanted, but it gave me chills and they sure looked enthusiastic throwing those caps (and holding them on in the wind).
Well done USAFA, congrats to the 86 Space Force officers and congrats to the class of 2020!
 
so sad for all those graduating and their families to not get to participate in this long awaited ceremony
Compared to the USNA Virtual graduation, it looks like they made out the best of any graduating Service Academy class in 2020.
1) Vice Presidential Address
2) Demonstration team flyover
3) Chance to see your classmates before you are sent out into the force
4) First class to graduate from the Terrazzo
5) First class to graduate on a Saturday
6) Earliest graduation date in the history of USAFA
7) First to graduate members into Space Force (and those silver sashes were awesome!)

and there are many more to list. Certainly it isn't what you expected, but in hindsight, it was better than it could have been.
 
Bravo Zulu Mid'n Harwood, Bravo Zulu!

Classy!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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