Cadets are guided to lunch by the giant voice system |
Cadets on leave are in a state of panic. At the Academy, daily ques are given to cadets via the Falcon Voice system to direct them through their day. In the morning, a 5 minute warning to MAF followed by a start to MAF announcement are made. A bugle sounds for class, ACQ, MCQ, taps, reveille, and lunch. When cadets go home, they find it difficult to adjust to a life of relative independence.
We followed one cadet, Errand Queen, for the story. "I was lying in bed when I noticed the time was 8:15 AM. I realized I had missed MAf" stated Queen, a half assing 19er. "I texted my element leader, but no response. Accountability is a growing issue at USAFA" remarked Queen. When asked how he responded, he stated that he would be writing himself a form 10, but would not provide any further information.
Another cadet, Kayla Elms, stated that lunch time was quite confusing for her as well. "After I finished memorizing the details of the noon meal, I realized there was no information update to discuss the formation" Elms stated. "I frantically assumed it had been cancelled and productively used the time to get ahead".
Disgruntled cadet Steve Miller discussed issues with his sleeping schedule. "It felt like I had been up awhile, but I thought little of it. Then, I saw the sun rise. It was then I realized that TAPS never played" remarked Miller. "I find it difficult to sleep without the sweet sound of TAPS, and my parents do not want to play it for me" He stated.
Another cadet who wished to remain anonymous was spotted standing at attention at 4:45 outside of his home in Tennessee. "This is when retreat normally sounds" remarked the anonymous cadet. "I'd like to think that even though I can't hear the national anthem, it's playing somewhere, so I'd better stop and honor it" he continued.
As Cadets return to the academy, the sweet comforting sound of the Falcon Giant Voice system gives them hope. "This is a test of the base giant voice system. this is only a test" blares the loudspeakers. Cadets erupt into a thunderous applause as their hero returns. Mitches tables were hoisted higher than ever, and for some unknown reason, all the freshmen were frantically chugging hot sauce. "The Giant Voice System reminds me what I'm working towards while I'm here" remarked Queen. "I can rest assured knowing that I'm safely under it's care".