Academy. The Air Force Academy graduated its first class in 1959. Read more
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Welcome Parents, Family and Friends of the USAFA Class of 2014
We
encourage you to visit this website regularly for updates on the
latest parent support activities and other items of interest.
Foremost on the minds of the cadets is the next major milestone:
Thank you!
COMMITMENT
Commitment refers the first day of a cadet's second class year--the point at which the cadet is obligated to serve time in the active duty Air Force. If a cadet resigns or is disenrolled before Graduation, but after Commitment, he will be required to serve some amount of time in the enlisted force, depending on when he leaves the Academy. There is a Commitment ceremony where the entire second class re-takes the Oath of Office.
What is a Challenge Coin...
Custom military coins were born in WW1 and still used today. Some American WW1 volunteers came from wealthy families and one particular wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze carrying the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. This was the day that custom military coins were born. Many units, squadrons, departments and agencies still carry on this tradition to identify their unit.
So when did they start using Military Coins as a challenge?
Unit leaders generally put their values & logo within this coin and want their soldiers to remember those values and symbols at all times. To ensure they are carrying their military challenge coin, a tradition was born.
A challenger asks to show the coin. Generally commanders, unit leaders, etc. ask to see the custom military coin where fellow soldiers will pull out their coin and begin to tap the coin on a table. If the challenged can not produce his coin, he is required to buy a drink of choice for the member(s) who challenged him. If the challenged member produces his coin, the challenging member(s) is required to pay for the drink. Failure to buy a round is a despicable crime and will require that you turn in your coin to the issuing agency.
Military Coin checks are permitted, any time, any place. There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted one step and an arms reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it—Sorry About That!
THE SILVER DOLLAR TRADITION
The United States Air Force is filled with many traditions. One that has stood the test of time is that of the Silver Dollar Salute.
The tradition is that of newly appointed officer giving a silver dollar to the first enlisted person to salute them after they have received their commission. When an enlisted member salutes an officer, they are demonstrating deference to the senior rank, not inferiority to the person being saluted.
Authorized by Congress on April 2, 1792, the silver dollar traditionally is the only coin given in exchange for the first salute. The coin should represent more than a dollar in currency. To every new officer, it has a special significance. It represents the symbolic receipt of respect due a newly earned rank and position. It signifies a deep sense of gratitude for the knowledge-enlisted personnel, especially NCOs, have passed on to them during training. It's an acknowledgement from one professional to another saying, "Welcome to our service and to the profession of arms."