Monday, July 26, 2010

Academy Life: Jack's Valley II

Explanation of Jacks Valley Activities

This is an explanation of Jacks valley Activities that I borrowed from the Webguy blog.

Real activities in Jacks Valley start on Day 2.  This is when they
begin cycling through all of the activities and courses.  You'll
eventually notice that they go to the same courses more than once.
That is because the first time is to get "acquainted with" the course
and what is expected.  The final time they go through a course is for
squadron competition.

Each year, WebGuy posts an explanation and rating of each
activity/course.  I've copied the entry from last year and place it
below.
Smile  Smile   Smile
Throughout 2nd BCT, the Basics will complete a number of "Courses" and activities. I will describe them below. On some courses, they will go through the same course a number of times. This allows them to get introduced to a course, learn it, then attempt to perform on it at max capaciity. (An example is the Obstacle Course)

Assault Course (Official Description) 
Mission: The Assault Course will teach hand-to-hand combat skills and rifle fighting techniques while allowing basic cadets to practice these elements in controlled scenarios and pugil-stick competitions. The second-half of the course will require basic cadets to demonstrate these skills by completing the pugil-stick competition and negotiating a course of 18 obstacles/stations and demonstrating hand-to-hand and rifle fighting techniques in a controlled, but mentally and physically challenging environment. The course is designed to assess basic cadets' mental and physical stamina and confidence.
WebGuy Translation:
You run around and hit stuff with your rifle. Then, for the pugil-stick competition, you get padded sticks and a helmet and you smack other basics .
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Assault Course is Negative 50.
Pugil-Stick Competition is 8 if you are landing blows, but Negative 8 if you are taking them.

Here you get to wear not only a stylish helmet, but also a bright orange mouthguard. (Caked in mud after slogging thru the trenches.)


























----------------------------------------------
CATM (Combat Arms Training and Maintenance)
Mission: The course will train basic cadets on the nomenclature, assembly/disassembly, and safe operation of the Colt M-16A2 rifle.  Basic cadets will fire the Air Force Qualification Course (AFQC). If basic cadets earn an expert rating for the M-16 AFQC, they will be authorized the wear of the USAF small arms expert ribbon.
WebGuy Translation
You get to shoot stuff.
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
CATM is 7.














---------------------------------------------------
Confidence Course
Mission: The Confidence Course will develop and assess basic cadets' self confidence and physical capabilities by guiding them, as individuals and teams, through a selected group of 15 obstacles which vary in height and difficulty. The course will require all basic cadets to demonstrate physical dexterity, teamwork, and cohesion to achieve successful outcomes.
WebGuy Translation
Climb around on high obstacles with classmates.
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Confidence Course is 8
















----------------------------------------------------
Leadership Reaction Course
Mission: The Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) will safely provide basic cadets experiences in functional leadership, effective followership, group and individual problem-solving, and group dynamics by working through 6 exercise scenarios. Assigned cadre will provide critiques after scenario completion to enhance the learning experience.
WebGuy Translation
Problem solving.
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Leadership Reaction Course is 8






























---------------------------------------------------
Self-Aid and Buddy Care Course
Mission: The Self-Aid and Buddy Care (SABC) Course will train basic cadets on the principles of SABC so they can satisfactorily demonstrate injury recognition, response, treatment, and transportation in a variety of situations. The training will culminate in a station-oriented exercise to test these skills in a field environment.
WebGuy Translation
You learn all that icky First Aid stuff. Necessary, but not pleasant.
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Self-Aid is 2

---------------------------------------------------
Airmanship Day
Mission: To provide motivational and informative airmanship displays for basic cadets.
WebGuy Translation
Go hang out at the airfield all day and learn about the Academy's airmanship programs up close.
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Airmanship Day is 8















Here are some shots on the parachuting side of the airfield.  Here are some basics getting off the OV-18B Twin Otter aircraft after having gone up to jump altitude.















Everyone gets to go up in a glider, whew, that's a lot!  No wonder they're there all day!
Let's relive a play by play, shall we?
First, Basic gets in the glider...
 (Again Dustin isn't in the action shots..=(  )

Then Basic shows some enthusiasm...


Next, Basic buckles up!


Then the upperclassman behind the Basic goes through the checklist which includes ensuring all the controls work.  The upperclassman will be controlling the glider, as the Basic experiences the controls moving.


Next, Basic must look cool while getting additional instructions from the upperclassman.


Then the Tow Plane gets in position.


Then the glider is connected to the Tow Plane.


Then they'r off!
---------------------------------------------------
Obstacle CourseMission: The Obstacle Course will teach and require basic cadets to negotiate 17 physically-challenging obstacles. It is designed to assess their physical fitness, agility, and confidence and increase awareness of personal capabilities.
WebGuy Translation
Climb, crawl, jump over and under obstacles. Think "Officer and a Gentleman" and war movies.
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Obstacle Course is 4










































































---------------------------------------------------
Latrine Details
Self-explanatory
WebGuy Translation
Self-explanatory
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Latrine Details are Negative 10 (Note: This is still better than the Assault Course)
---------------------------------------------------
Operation Warrior
Mission: OPERATION WARRIOR will train basic cadets on basic individual and team ground combat skills in accordance with USAF lesson plans and AFM 10-100, Airman's Manual. Skills will be assessed during training and highly controlled tactical scenarios.
WebGuy Translation
You get to play war like you did when you were growing up. Woohoo!
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Operation Warrior is 9











































































---------------------------------------------------
Warrior Photos
Individual photos of Basics will be taken.
WebGuy Translation
You get to "strike a pose" (thanks Madonna) and be Rambo.
WebGuy Rating (Fun Level Scale 1 - 10)
Warrior Photo is 7. Parents think it is 10.

No comments:

Post a Comment