United States Academy of Extranormal Studies

First seen in Legion of Lawndale Heroes 12.1, "The Wild and The Young", The United States Academy of Extranormal Studies is the nation's sixth federal academy, and dedicated to the training young men and women with metahuman abilities for career opportunities in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, as well as the various career options available in uniformed Federal Service, civilian National Service, the various law-enforcement organizations in the United States, and (for trainees hailing from nations eligible to send them to study) the ability to serve their respective homelands in similar venues.

Established on August 31, 1978, the Academy's motto is Memento Ad Vitam Paramus, which is Latin for 'Remember, we are preparing for life'. The Academy often is referred to simply as "The Axe". It is also called "The Academy" or "USAES". Because of comments by the Legionnaire Quinn Morgendorffer, USAES cadets adopted the title 'Axeheads'; usage of the term has been officially endorsed for use by all USAES athletic teams, and as reference to any USAES cadet. (it is actually surprising that USAES had no official 'nickname' like other academies. A pervasive school legend states that while such a name was under debate, the elite cadre was named 'The Phantom Eagles'; because of a rivalry within the Academy heads at the time (one of whom wanted to use that name for the entire Corps of Cadets, but was soundly overruled), it was decided that there would be no specific nickname, and until the present day, one never rose that was deemed acceptable, even with the name 'The Axe' as an unofficial name for the school.)

(In the upcoming Legion of Lawndale Heroes 'Mini' ' One Door Open, One Door Closed ', the academy's history is changed as a result of events spoken of in the LLH 'Mini ' Situation Update '. As a result, it is revealed that USAES was founded earlier - on August 31, 1919 - is slightly larger than was originally thought, and has traditionally been the predominant training academy for mystically-gifted cadets preparing for service in the U.S. Government, Federal law-enforcement agencies, and Armed Forces. This has caused a longstanding rivalry in the Corps of Cadets, as there has been an upsurge in cadets with mutant and metahuman powers in general since the late 1950's (and psionic powers in particular since the 1970's, who the mystic cadets have a special rivalry with). This is attributed to the increase in planetary background radiation since atomic testing on Earth began, the subsequent activation of latent mutant potentials (with the human genetic predetermination towards psionic abilities asserting itself), and the biological variant known as 'The Metagene'.)

Located just outside Evansville, Indiana, the Academy educates a student body of twelve hundred students (addressed as 'cadets') in two coeducational institutions located on the same campus. (In order to increase the academic experience for cadets as they move from First to Elite Academy, there are two separate educational staffs that focus on differing aspects and focus in aspects of academic study, athletic prowess, and training in the use of metahuman abilities.) Each year, the Academy accepts one hundred children into the First Academy (for cadets aged 10-19 years), and accepts one hundred successful cadets into the Elite Academy (for cadets 17-26 years of age). Acceptance into the USAES First Academy is dependent upon several factors, including a recommendation from a member of Congress or Governor of a state, in addition to competitive previous academic performance or entrance test scores, as well as the various metahuman abilities demonstrated by the potential attendee. (Special consideration is given to potential applicants with psionic/telepathic potentials, and the children of Medal of Honor awardees.)

Applicants who fail to gain admission at USAES are encouraged to re-apply for admission to the Academy; in addition, there are six-week 'special training seminars' for qualified applicants who have failed to gain receive appointments to the Corps of Cadets, as well as applicants who want to experience campus life and training. These seminars take place continuously through the calendar year; applicants who are accepted receive free room, board, clothing (including Academy-issue fatigues and running suits made from unstable molecules) and a $5000 stipend. They also receive free first-class travel accommodations to and from their exact place of residence; if the applicant has the means to arrive at and depart from USAES through their own means, they may receive the cash value of those travel expenses when they receive their stipend at the end of the seminar. An applicant may attend up to seven seminars upon failing to gain admission; at that time, if the applicant demonstrates any potential but still does not meet USAES standards, he or she may choose, upon reaching age seventeen, to enlist in the United States military, whereupon they will begin Basic training and Special Powers Training in one of several special training facilities for enlisted metahuman military personnel. At the successful completion of said training, the new soldier, etc. will receive a rank two grades above basic enlistment rank. At the end of their first tour of duty, the former applicant may choose the options of attempting to gain admission to the USAES Elite Academy (in pursuit of an officer's commission) or the United States Special Studies Center (in order to complete the NCO Special Powers program there).

In addition to the standard one hundred slots for cadets (per class), there are one hundred slots open in both First and Elite Academies for eligible applicants from other nations, and one hundred more clots in both Academies available for eligible civilians who are active members of other organizations (such as the Legion, law-enforcement, etc.) who do not wish to specifically enter into Federal Service. (These slots are open to any eligible person; however, persons involved in training at USAES are usually under the age of twenty-six. Older candidates usually train at the Special Studies Center.

Upon completion of their training, these persons (of U.S. citizenship) are classified as part of the Inactive Ready Reserve or as inactive U.S. Special Deputy Marshals, and can be called into active duty in 'times of great national need' for a period of up to ten years after graduation. In addition, these graduates must remain in the the physical condition required of all members of the active military, and are required to spend a three-week period on active duty annually, where they will undergo reorientation training. If they remain compliant with the terms of their service contract, these graduates are paid at the same rate as Ensigns/2nd Lieutenants/Special Deputy Marshals.

Most cadets exhibit their powers between the ages of eleven to fifteen; students are officially admitted to the Academy at the beginning of the school year (in the last week of August); however, students can enter in January at the beginning of the spring semester (the Academy operates on the semester system). There are extraordinary instances where individuals were admitted to the USAES Corps of Cadets outside of the normal admission ages for the First Academy; Julia Carlyle, for example, was admitted to USAES just after her eighth birthday.) However, those cadets are expected to maintain the same academic regimen as any other student; in the area of physical fitness and development; younger students are placed in special physical development courses designed to help younger cadets develop the physical and mental development needed to ensure that they can eventually undergo the same training regimen of any Academy cadet.

To the average person, the Academy is simply another elite government military academy, and as having the Academy gives the city of Evansville a financial boost and other amenities, there have always been friendly relations between the Academy and the city leaders of Evansville (who are aware of what the Academy does, and know it's in their best interest to maintain the secrecy). Several institutions within the City of Evansville have special agreements with the Academy; the local hospitals have a partnership with the Academy medical group under which critical cases can be brought to the Academy's hospital wing, and Academy students trained in emergency medicine or psionic/biophysical field trauma (the technical term for 'healers') can be called into service in times of great emergency.

In addition, the Academy (because of its student body and status as a military installation of special interests and operations) has a permanent United States Marine Corps security force garrisoned on the campus grounds, which includes a small helicopter fleet (among the helicopters kept on station are two VH-3A VIP transport helicopters and three NX-60 'Fire Hawk' utility/assault helicopters, which were specially reverse-engineered and rebuilt by engineering, aviation and special design studies cadets in the late 1990's).

The First Academy is a six-year program that provides basic and advanced educational needs, as well as a comprehensive instructional program designed to instruct cadets on how to effectively deal with the physical, psychological, social and legal problems/issues that arise with the possession and use of metahuman abilities in the modern world.

When first arriving at the Academy for 'Foal Summer', new cadets are tested for ability and power rank potential on the Claremont-Byrne rating scale, (preliminary testings are required for acceptance into USAES) which measures both the power level that the cadet's power manifested at and the 'maturation probability' (the probable extent of the cadet's ability, should he/she seek to achieve that level through training and other means). The ratings are graded along the lines of weapons systems-equivalents:

Class One - civilian self-defense armaments (non-lethal/less-lethal weapons and small-caliber firearms); examples - civilian-issue tasers, slingshots, .22 LR, .38 and 9MM handguns

Class Two - armaments available to law-enforcement, criminal elements, 'armed citizens', and medium/large-game hunters; examples - 12-gauge shotgun, .357 Magnun/.40 caliber/.45 ACP handguns, .223 carbines, any hunting rifle below .308 caliber

Class Three - military-grade tactical armaments (this includes weapons available to SWAT teams, civilian militias, regular military and National Guard/Air National Guard forces); examples - 7.62 assault rifles, armor-piercing ammunition (of ANY caliber), man-portable rockets, existing man-portable energy weapons (ncluding PFT-M1 to M3 variants)

Class Four - items of military-grade strategic ordinance that do not qualify as WMD's; examples - fighter aircraft, long-distance missiles, tanks/tracked weaponry, napalm/white phosphorus, energy weapons (including plasma beams, concussion rifles and PFT-M4/M5 rifles) and Gauss rifles

Class Five - weapons of mass destruction; examples - nuclear/biological/chemical weapons, Gauss cannons/mass drivers/railguns, energy weapons capable of delivering near-nuclear destructive effects

A number of special seminars, varying in length and content, are mandatory for cadets during their time of study at USAES. One such seminar is the all-inclusive one-semester Human Sexuality seminar, which Cadets Fourth Year and Second Year (as well as 'non-traditional entry' cadets in their first semester of study) are required to attend. It is mandatory for all Elite Academy cadets in their first semester repeat this seminar.

In addition to their academic and metahuman studies, all cadets are required to be active in some form of extracurricular athletic and social-oriented activities.

Cadets also receive intensive training in self-defensive techniques. Throughout the course of their first two years at USAES, all cadets are required to attend four-week introductory courses in various forms of armed and unarmed self-defense; the average cadet will attend between six to ten introductory courses per year. Cadets who show an aptitude for specific skills or courses can be allowed to repeat the course up to three times. If the student elects to attempt the Pass/Fail proficiency test offered at the end of the course and passes all three attempts, the courses will count as an additional one-half Independent Study credit in the course passed.

Cadets are required by USAES guidelines to study and demonstrate advanced proficiency in self-defense techniques. While most choose to fulfill this requirement through the study of hand-to-hand combat techniques (usually some form of martial arts), the study and mastery of melee weapons or small arms (usually handguns) can also count towards the cadet's proficiency requirement.

A partial listing of available courses includes:

Basic Firearms/Handguns
Basic Firearms/Rifle-Shotgun (mandatory course)
Edged Weapons/Short (blades shorter than 12 inches) (mandatory course)
Edged Weapons/Long (blades longer than 12 inches)
Melee Weapons/Blunt Weapons (mandatory course)
Martial Arts (this is broken down into a number of classes including Okinawan, Japanese, Chinese and American-forms of Karate, various forms of Kung Fu, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kun Do, Savate, Hapikdo, Krav Maga, ninjitsu, and so forth.)
Boxing
Wrestling
Parkour
Archery (this includes use of the crossbow)
Basic Psionic Defense (mandatory course)
Conflict Resolution (mandatory course)
Passive Psionic Defense
Metagenetics

Cadets who successfully complete their studies in the First Academy are given the option to apply for acceptance into the Elite Academy, which offers advanced training in metahuman abilities with a concentration towards the use of such abilities in military service, law enforcement, specialized search and rescue, diplomatic affairs and many other concentrations - as well as standard collegiate studies - leading to the awarding of a Bachelor's Degree). Ggraduating First Academy cadets also are given preferential treatment at the U.S. Service academies, many Ivy League and Division I schools, and with international academise such as the Horizon Institute for Valor and Excellence (also known as 'the HIVE').

The Elite Academy's five-year program consist of four years of college courses; at the completion of the second year, cadets begin a one-year internship program (arranged by the Academy and the student)in a field directly associated with the cadet's expressed career goals. This is preceded, however, by the cadet undergoing the basic training regimen according to the cadet's choice of service concentration (see below). For example, cadets who have signed letters of intent for the United States Marine Corps will be sent to the appropriate USMC training school for their primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), whereas potential FBI applicants will be sent to the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. In addition, those cadets who are going to intern in the private sector will be provided with appropriate transportation and lodging in the area where their internship is to take place. These cadets will be considered as active-duty/fully employed for the duration of their internship period and will be paid as such; in order to alleviate any financial hindrances during this period, all USAES cadet stipends and payments to families are continued.

(At the end of the cadet's internship year, he/she is contractually obligated to Federal Service, and are listed as probationary members of the agency/O-1 grade officers in the branch of military service they have chosen; the cadet's training stipend is transferred to the cadet's family for the remainder of his/her Academy time, while the cadet begins to draw his/her standard monthly salary (see below). Cadets who are discharged from USAES after this period in their studies have the option to continue their studies at the United States Special Studies Center (and possibly continue on in their chosen field/career plans), or enter the U.S. Army as a Warrant Officer (grade W-2) after Special Powers Training at Fort Tolnai in Puerto Rico.

On very rare occasions, cadets have had the opportunity to resign their appointment to the USAES Corps of Cadets. This option can only be explored up until the midpoint of the Cadet's final year and must be approved by a Special Academy Panel; the final decision for the cadet's separation must be approved in writing by the highest ranking member of the cadet's chosen agency/service branch (for example, the Secretary of the Navy, the Director of the FBI, etc.). In such rare cases, the cadet must have an exceptionally compelling reason from wishing to separate from service that meets the criteria set down for such separations. In addition, the cadet must agree to some form of independent contractor agreement with the Federal Government regarding the use of his/her abilities; usually, such agreements include a standard 'non-competition' clause forbidding the now-former cadet from seeking employment based on the use of his/her powers for a period of at least the period they spent in the Elite Academy, plus twelve months.

The option also exists for a cadet to fully separate from Federal Service through financial restitution; cadets who choose this option will be required to pay a sum designated by the agency/branch of service usually calculated as one and one-half to twice the full amount of their complete federal training (First and Elite Academies, as well as all expenses incurred during their internship period). One-half of this sum must be paid before the cadet is separated from his/her legal obligations and duties as a USAES cadet; the remainder must be paid within thirty days, or the cadet will be considered in violation of Article 87 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In either event, the cadet will subject to administration of a long-duration dose of 'flush' before separation (depresses powers for thirty days). The former cadet must be take 'flush' for the next twelve months (in order to comply with the non-competition mindset); these applications must be made by Federal personnel. If the former cadet exhibits outstanding behavior for nine months after separation, the decision can be made to declare the former cadets' obligations fulfilled at that time.

Because of the varying length of basic skills training regimens, the actual length of a cadet's internship year can vary from between nine to eleven and one/half months. (Cadets are allowed any time during their year after completion as 'vacation time', and may spend it as they see fit; they are afforded the continued status/rank/privileges during that year until they return to the Academy for classes, and are financially compensated at that rank/status.) After completion of their internship year, cadets in appropriate service concentrations who have completed specific training or certifications may elect to wear appropriate uniforms or other apparel to official USAES functions and other formal events. For example, FBI trainees who have completed training at Quantico and have been awarded Special Agent status as a result may elect to wear civilian formal wear or their USAES uniforms (and retain their Special Agent credentials and service weapons), whereas cadets who were in special training requiring officer's rank (flight training, for example) may wear the appropriate dress uniform of their chosen branch, with all appropriate decorations.

Upon acceptance into the Elite Academy, cadets are given the choice of service concentrations; this focuses the academic and metahuman training electives the cadet may take in those concentrations. Those are:

Armed Forces Service Track - this is for cadets who choose to enter the seven uniformed services of the United States (ex. United States Marine Corps).

Federal Service Track - this is for cadets who choose to enter the law-enforcement, foreign-service and intelligence organizations that serve the United States (ex. Federal Bureau of Investigation).

National Service Track - this track is for cadets who choose to enter the civilian-oriented and domestic-related organizations that serve the United States (ex. National Parks Service).

After selecting their service track, cadets may select their academic studies concentration from a list of fifty majors available to cadets. In addition, cadets select a metahuman studies concentration from a list of twenty categories that all metahuman abilities are listed under; cadets then choose a specialization from within the concentration based upon their specific abilities, test scores (in relation to potential ability levels) and preferences (if circumstances permit). An example of such selections for an incoming cadet would be:

Academic Course Concentration - Marine Engineering
Metahuman Course Concentration - Mental Enhancement
Metahuman Studies Concentration - Tactical Psionic Operations

In some cases, potential cadets may declare a 'Diversified' metahuman course concentration, which allows them study in a wide variety of areas; this is the equivalent to a 'General Education' major at many other universities. As in the Air Force Academy, all USAES graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree (regardless of major) because of the technical content of the core requirements.

In LLH 13:7, 'Express Yourself', it was revealed that the USAES administration had authorized the creation of a fourth service concentration for cadets:

Metahuman Special Operations Track - this track is for cadets who specifically intend to become part of a metahuman special operations unit (i.e. the Legion, a DELPHI P.O.G.O. group, etc.) as opposed to specifically military- or law-enforcement-related metahuman operations duties.

Cadets are also offered the option of attending one of the four other military academies. Those cadets who accept this option are bound to complete the required internship period directly after commencement, and must also attend summer classes at the Academy. Those cadets classified as Cadets Third Class during their summer sessions, and upon completion of their internship, enter service as First Lieutenants/Lieutenants Junior Grade, or at a service level one rank above entry level (for Federal/National Service track cadets).

Cadets also have the option of applying for attendance in the Elite Academy's non-comissioned officer's program (two years, plus the one-year internship); successful completion will allow the graduate to enter the branch of the Armed Forces of his/her choice at E-6 (Staff Sergeant/Petty Officer 1st Class/Tech. Sergeant), or into Federal/National Service at a rank two to three grades above a new inductee into the agency of his/her choice.

Families of attending cadets family receive a $7500 monthly stipend during the school year; if the student attends summer classes, the family receives an $18,000 stipend for the ten-week session.

Eligible cadets can apply for 'financial aid' programs at the Academy (those whose powers make them eligible can apply for part-time jobs on the Academy campus where they can use their abilities for research and practical applications; they are paid the same rate as civilian contractors with similar talents and powers). The Academy keeps one-third of the money made by the cadet, and the cadet can use up to one-third in any way he or she sees fit (the remaining money is held in a trust until the cadet graduates from the First Academy). In the cadet's final semester from the First Academy, he or she must take a seminar on financial matters to help with the decision on how to use the money wisely. Elite Academy cadets are allowed to keep 75% of their earnings (the Academy keeps 25%), and if they use their internship year for work in the private sector or as a civilian contractor for the Federal Government or the Armed Forces, they keep all of their earnings.

(Before the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', outed cadets were subjected to immediate dismissal from the USAES Corps of Cadets and one of three options:

reassignment to the U.S. Army Special Powers Program at Camp Tolnai in Puerto Rico as enlisted soldiers, to be given menial duties and help out of general circulation until their period of obligatory service (per their USAES cadet contracts) has expired, at which point they will be given a general administrative discharge (if their behavior during their enlistment does not warrant a more severe separation process)

If possible through the former cadet's abilities and inclusion in the USAES Financial Aid Program (or the former cadet's own financial situation), repayment of all expenses incurred by the U.S. Government towards the former cadet's training and upkeep to the point of dismissal from the Academy. If this option is selected and accomplished as directed, the head authority of the agency/branch of service that the former cadet would have transitioned into following commencement from the Academy has the discretionary authority to recommend that the former cadet be separated from National or Federal Service with a Clemency Discharge (allowing them a path to possible future National or Federal service). This form of discharge is also possible (but extremely rarely exercised) for former cadets who choose the first option; only cadets who perform service above and beyond the call of duty throughout their service obligation may hope for this outcome.

immediate incarceration in the Special Incarceration Section at Gitmo North - the former Thomas Correctional Center, in Illinois, for a period of one day for every three days they were enrolled at USAES beginning with the first day of their time as a Cadet Second Year. At the completion of their sentence, the former cadet be separated from National or Federal Service with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) orBad Conduct Discharge (BCD) (depending upon the manner in which their separation from USAES occurred, and their behavior while incarcerated). While incarcerated, former cadets may be subject to involuntary power nullification by use of 'flush' and the use of Mark 40 or 50 compliance bands. For former cadets whose powers are vital for their continued good health, they will be subject to containment in sensory deprivation.