I'm in a training squadron where the bulk of the IPs are fighter guys. The rest are mostly bomber guys; some FAIPs too.

Good dudes all, and a HUGE push, at least once month, to do all the things the "traditional" way: roll-call, penalty shots, naming ceremonies, etc. Hell, we even have piano-burnings. The last crud tourny on-base (not my squadron) resulted in a broken nose for either the Commander, or DO; I'm hazy on the details (I wasn't there, just like Tail Hook '91).

As a result, there are at least 100 pilots a year headed to the Combat Units who know the meaning of true camaraderie, friendship, and a sense of purpose and belonging in a warfighting unit. They are the nucleus of the only hope I have left for the Air Force.

Whenever a new guy shows up? "Tell us about yourself!!" The fearful look of "Should I?" Then, the inevitable:

"Sit the [expletive] down!!"

To quote from Monty Python, in regards to tradition:

"I'm not dead yet!"