A roof stomp is a

tradition A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common examples include holidays or ...

in the

United States Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal ...

in which servicemen within the unit mount the roof of the home of a new unit commander,

colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge of ...

, or other higher-ranking officer and stomp on the roof. The event originated as a "no-notice

hospitality Hospitality is the relationship between a guest and a host, wherein the host receives the guest with some amount of goodwill, including the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Louis de Jaucourt, Louis, chevalier de J ...

check" in flying units, where pilots proceeded to a commander's residence to check their ability to entertain the group with beverages, food, and entertainment. Frequently, the location or target is determined based on not being present when the majority of a

squadron Squadron may refer to: * Squadron (army), a military unit of cavalry, tanks, or equivalent subdivided into troops or tank companies * Squadron (aviation), a military unit that consists of three or four flights with a total of 12 to 24 aircraft, de ...

determines a squadron party needs to happen. Members proceed directly to their squadron mate's house and stomp on the roof in an attempt to be let in. Originally these events were intended as surprises, but more frequently now, the member's significant other is notified so that he or she can prepare and make necessary arrangements for the gathering. It is an "informal celebration recognizing a new

commander Commander (commonly abbreviated as Cmdr.) is a common naval officer rank. Commander is also used as a rank or title in other formal organizations, including several police forces. In several countries this naval rank is termed frigate captain. ...

, a

retirement Retirement is the withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from one's active working life. A person may also semi-retire by reducing work hours or workload. Many people choose to retire when they are elderly or incapable of doing their j ...

or other special event." A variation of the roof stomp tradition is the "

porch A porch (from Old French ''porche'', from Latin ''porticus'' "colonnade", from ''porta'' "passage") is a room or gallery located in front of an entrance of a building. A porch is placed in front of the facade of a building it commands, and form ...

stomp". According to Greg Tims,

Traditionally, a roof stomp is where you greet a new commander or celebrate some sort of special occasion by climbing up on the commander's roof and begin to make a LOT of noise while others are outside banging on the windows and doors. When he or she opens the door, the commander invites the group in for food and drink.

References

{{Reflist

External links

"Glossary"
(2008), ''4 Military Families.com''. Archived 2 April 2012. Military traditions United States Air Force