I've heard of a tradition where family members 'tap out' a new recruit in some branch of the U.S. military. Can somebody please give details about this practice? Which branch does this occur in, and what's the relevance or symbolic meaning behind it?
The tradition of tapping out is primarily associated with the United States Air Force, specifically in Basic Military Training (BMT) graduations. It's a ceremony that depicts the transition from trainee to airmen.
After completing all the challenges and rigors of the BMT, graduates are put to sleep where they're told to stay at attention with their eyes closed. Family members or loved ones, who have been specially invited, then approach the sleeping trainee and 'tap them out,' at which point they can open their eyes and break their standing position.
The symbolic relevance behind this practice is profound. It is representative of the trainee's transition from one phase of life to another. Furthermore, by enlisting the participation of loved ones, the military recognizes the sacrifices not just of the trainee, but also the support systems that stand behind them. It's an acknowledgement of the trainee's accomplishment and thoughtfulness of the collective effort from the family to get them through training.
The tapping out practice may vary across different training centers and over time. It might not be a universal tradition across all units or branches due to various practical considerations. Remember to check with the specific military branch and training center regarding such practices.
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