"Recognition" is being reinstated here after a three-year hiatus. Recognition 2006 events start after classes March 16 and conclude with a celebratory dinner March 18.

Recognition marks the transition of the fourth classmen to upper class status. It is the ceremonial acknowledgement that the fourth class as a whole has successfully met the military training requirements expected of it and is prepared to continue its four-year journey through the rigors of academy life.

In 2003, the decision was made to end Recognition as part of an overall culture and climate change at the academy. By professionally redesigning and executing it for the Class of 2009, cadets will develop an overall sense of accomplishment and pride in the achievements of the cadet wing and the shared heritage of Recognition, academy officials said.

In addition to challenging the Class of 2009, Recognition provides the three upper classes an opportunity to develop leadership skills by exercising their roles in relation to the officer development system and the personal, interpersonal, team and organizational leadership model.

Recognition consists of wing- and squadron-run activities. Wing-level events include the leadership course, assault course, chutes and ladders, academy tour course, as well as mandatory meal formations, a motivational speaker and “The Run to the Rock.” Squadron-level training events include three discretionary training time periods, theme rooms and squadron ceremonies.