<ol>
<li><p>Pass ten PKTs with a 90% collective average. Each PKT is to consist of 10 questions from the appropriate section of the Bearing’s Book.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must honor and pay tribute to the 142 to the RC/RTO/RTOA’s approval.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must honor the victims of 9/11 to the RC/RTO/RTOA’s approval.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must spend three Saturdays performing three community service projects approved by the RTOA – this need not be done all on one Saturday. (ie. Henry Viscardi School, Soup Kitchens, Cleaning Great Neck Train Station)</p></li>
<li><p>The class must march a drill card to the RTO/RDCO/RTOA’s approval. Each company will compete against the rest.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must pay tribute to the armed services by singing each service’s hymn at lunch from memory.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must shine the War Memorial Bell and Reg Row Binnacle to the RTOA’s approval.</p></li>
<li><p>Each company will paint a merchant marine related mural approved by the RTO/RTOA.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must give five presentations on historical leaders with focus on each leadership style (RTO/RTOA to give first presentation as example).</p></li>
<li><p>The class must present a historical story of the seven cadets who earned the Merchant Marine’s Distinguished Service Medal.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must obtain a letter from the Superintendent stating that the plebe class has performed well and are deserving of recognition.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must draw the 1/c ring on Barney Square the Thursday night before Ring Dance.</p></li>
<li><p>Attend five Leadership Reaction Courses as designed by the RTO/RTOA to instill critical thinking, teamwork, and character development.</p></li>
<li><p>The class must pass three surprise, objective uniform inspections with a class average of 90%. The purpose of this is to create in the class a habit
of always maintaining a clean and professional uniform.</p></li>
<li><p>Each company must hold 10 debates, during tattoos, on current events/legislation, to encourage critical thinking and discussion.</p></li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><p>Spirit missions are to be done with the RTO/RTOA’s knowledge and explicit approval (in writing) and 85% of the class is to participate.</p></li>
<li><p>The following are items that the class must complete their plebe year but do not count as recognition steps:
o Design class shirt
o Design class ring
o The class must support all athletic teams and have each team captain sign off when they are satisfied with the class’s performance. All home events against USCGA must be attended.
o The class must return to their school and take part in the visitation program or work in Admissions by Christmas Break.
As you can see there is a lot more to being recognized than simply passing 10 PKTs. The cooperation and approval of the first class is essential. without their help it will not happen.
2012Mom to answer your question. Yes a saavy group who come together and accomplish all that they must can be recognized very early.
The class of 2010 was recognized on Febuary 12th. After that they become full members of the Regiment and most of the privleges of a midshipman are
conferred upon them. No more squaring corners, No more evening tatoos
and they can have a more casual relationships with upperclassmen.
My S said it was amazing to check “Facebook” and see all the new friends added to the 4th class pages after recognition.</p></li>
</ul>