View source for United States Air Force Academy

{{Short description|Military academy in El Paso County, Colorado, US}}
{{distinguish|Air University (United States Air Force)}}
{{redirect|Zoomie|the animal behavior|Zoomies}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = United States Air Force Academy
 | image                  = US-AirForceAcademy-Shield.svg
 | image_size             = 200px
 | motto                  = Integrity First, Service before self, Excellence in all we do
 | type                   = [[United States Service academies|U.S. Service Academy]]<ref name="afhra.af.mil">{{cite web| url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433412/united-states-air-force-academy-usaf/| title=United States Air Force Academy (USAF)| publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency| access-date=31 March 2025| archive-date=21 February 2025| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221180840/https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433412/united-states-air-force-academy-usaf/| url-status=live}}</ref>
 | established            = {{start date and age|1954|04|01}}
 | endowment              = $98.937 million (2019)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afacademyfoundation.org/s/1885/images/gid2/editor_documents/airforceacademyfoundation19_final.pdf?gid=2&pgid=61|format=PDF|title=Air Force Academy Foundation (Formerly Known as USAFA Endowment, Inc.) Financial Statements For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 And Independent Auditors' Report|website=Afacademyfoundation.org|access-date=2 March 2022}}</ref>
 | superintendent         = [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] [[Tony D. Bauernfeind]], [[United States Air Force|USAF]]
 | dean                   = [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] [[Steven Hasstedt]], USAF (acting)
 | head_label             = [[List of Commandants of Cadets of the United States Air Force Academy|Commandant of Cadets]]
 | head                   = Brigadier General [[Gavin Marks]], USAF<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usafa.edu/brig-gen-marks-takes-command-of-cadet-wing/|title=Brigadier General Marks Takes Command of Cadet Wing|website=United States Air Force Academy|date=June 21, 2023|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=25 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625025615/https://www.usafa.edu/brig-gen-marks-takes-command-of-cadet-wing/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 | faculty                = 570 (71% military; 29% civilian in 2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/MG1200/MG1237/RAND_MG1237.sum.pdf|title=The Rand Foundation|website=Rand.org|access-date=2 March 2022|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217212541/http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/MG1200/MG1237/RAND_MG1237.sum.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 | students               = 4,304 cadets (2021)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/united-states-air-force-academy-1369|title=United States Air Force Academy|work=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=2 March 2022|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301140839/https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/united-states-air-force-academy-1369|url-status=live}}</ref>
 | city                   = [[Air Force Academy, Colorado|Air Force Academy]]
 | state                  = [[Colorado]]
 | country                = U.S.
 | coordinates            = {{coord|38.9985|-104.8541|type:city_region:US-CO_source:GNIS-2512367|display=it}}
 | campus                 = Suburban
 | campus_size            = {{Convert|18500|acre}}
 | colors                 = Blue {{College color boxes|Air Force Falcons}} Gray<ref>{{cite web|title=Color Palette|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/goairforcefalcons.com/documents/2020/11/20/AF_Athletics_Style_Cheat_Sheet_FINAL.pdf#page=4|work=Air Force Athletics Style Cheat Sheet|date=20 November 2020|access-date=2 October 2021|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002031515/https://s3.amazonaws.com/goairforcefalcons.com/documents/2020/11/20/AF_Athletics_Style_Cheat_Sheet_FINAL.pdf#page=4|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | nickname               = [[Air Force Falcons|Falcons]]
 | sporting_affiliations  = [[NCAA Division I]] [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]] – [[Mountain West Conference|MW]] <br />[[Mountain Pacific Sports Federation|MPSF]], [[Big 12 Conference|Big 12]], [[Atlantic Sun Conference|ASUN]], [[Patriot Rifle Conference|PRC]], [[West Coast Conference|WCC]], [[Atlantic Hockey America|AHA]]
 | mascot                 = [[Air Force Falcons]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usafawebguy.com/Blog/Entry/2502 |title=Why a Falcon? |website=Usafawebguy.com |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=29 August 2022 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927080948/https://usafawebguy.com/Blog/Entry/2502 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Infobox |child=yes
| label1 = Decorations
|data1=[[File:US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - Stremer.jpg|200px]]<br />[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]<br />[[File:AFOEA Streamer.jpg|200px]]<br />[[Air Force Organizational Excellence Award]]<ref name="afhra.af.mil"/>
}}
 | sports_free_label      = Athletics
 | sports_free            = 27 varsity teams<br /> 17 men's and 10 women's
 | website                = {{URL|https://www.usafa.af.mil|usafa.af.mil}} (Military)<br />{{URL|https://www.usafa.edu|usafa.edu}} (Educational)
 | logo                   = USAF Academy logo.svg
 | logo_size              = 175px
}}
{{Location map
|USA
|relief     = 
|label      = U.S.&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Force&nbsp;Academy
|position   = top
|lat        = 38.9985
|long       = -104.8541
|caption    = Location in the [[United States]]
|marksize   = 5
|float      = 
|background = 
|width      = 240
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{{Location map
|USA Colorado
|relief     = 
|label      = U.S.&nbsp;Air&nbsp;Force Academy
|position   = top
|lat        = 38.9985
|long       = -104.8541
|caption    = Location in [[Colorado]]
|marksize   = 5
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The '''United States Air Force Academy''' ('''USAFA''') is a [[United States service academies|United States service academy]] in [[Air Force Academy, Colorado|Air Force Academy]], [[Colorado]], immediately north of [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]]. It educates [[cadet]]s for service in the [[Officer (armed forces)|officer corps]] of the [[United States Air Force]] and [[United States Space Force]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://velosteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Space-Force-Report.pdf |title=Comprehensive Plan for the Organizational Structure of the U.S. Space Force |publisher=Department of the Air Force |series=Report to Congressional Committees |date=February 2020 |access-date=5 February 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205024728/https://velosteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Space-Force-Report.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the youngest of the five service academies, having graduated its first class {{Time ago|1959}} in 1959, but is the third in seniority.<ref>{{USC|10|118}} (prior section 133b renumbered in 1986); [http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/websites/dodandmilitaryejournals/www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html2/d10058x.htm DoD Directive 1005.8 dated 31 October 77] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203031801/http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/websites/dodandmilitaryejournals/www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html2/d10058x.htm |date=3 February 2016 }} and [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/R600_25.pdf AR 600-25]</ref><ref name=aahfgrd>{{cite web |url=https://www.news.google.com/newspapers?id=8DNWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7066%2C942763 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |agency=Associated Press |title=Air academy holds first graduation |date=4 June 1959 |page=3 |access-date=29 August 2022 |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829125647/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8DNWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7066,942763 |url-status=live }}</ref> Graduates of the academy's four-year program receive a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree and are commissioned as [[US Second Lieutenant|second lieutenants]] in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.<ref>Cadets have also been able to "cross-commission" into the [[United States Army|Army]], [[United States Navy|Navy]], [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], or [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]], and each year a small number of graduates do so, usually in a one-for-one "trade" with similarly inclined cadets or midshipmen at the other service academies. Graduates who have lost their medical qualification for commissioning while at their final semester at academy (a small number each year) may receive a degree but are not commissioned. Foreign cadets will commission into their home country's armed forces.</ref> The academy is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Colorado, attracting approximately a million visitors each year.<ref name="Quick Look">{{cite web |url=http://www.usafa.edu/superintendent/pa/factsheets/quick.htm |title=A Quick Look at the U.S. Air Force Academy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723022158/http://www.usafa.edu/superintendent/pa/ |archive-date=23 July 2010 |series=USAFA Fact Sheet |publisher=United States Air Force Academy |date=May 2008}}</ref>

Admission is competitive, with nominations divided equally among [[Congressional districts of the United States|Congressional districts]]. Recent incoming classes have had about 1,200 cadets; since 2012, around 20% of each incoming class does not graduate.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Zubeck |first1=Pam |title=Air Force Academy shows improvement in wash-out rate |url=https://m.csindy.com/TheWire/archives/2018/05/22/air-force-academy-shows-improvement-in-wash-out-rate |publisher=Colorado Springs Independent |access-date=15 October 2019 |date=22 May 2018 |archive-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015025406/https://m.csindy.com/TheWire/archives/2018/05/22/air-force-academy-shows-improvement-in-wash-out-rate |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zubeck |first1=Pam |title=Air Force Academy loses men, women cadets at different rates |url=https://m.csindy.com/coloradosprings/air-force-academy-loses-men-women-cadets-at-different-rates/Content?oid=4247542 |publisher=Colorado Springs Independent |access-date=15 October 2019 |date=28 December 2016 |archive-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015025511/https://m.csindy.com/coloradosprings/air-force-academy-loses-men-women-cadets-at-different-rates/Content?oid=4247542 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During their tenure at the academy, cadets receive tuition, room and board, and a monthly stipend all paid for by the Air Force. On the first day of a cadet's second class year, cadets commit to serving a number of years as a commissioned officer in the Air Force or Space Force. Non-graduates after that point are expected to fulfill their obligations in enlisted service or pay back full tuition. The commitment is normally five years of active duty and three years in the reserves, although it has varied depending on the graduate's [[Air Force Specialty Code]] or [https://veteran.com/space-force-specialty-codes/ Space Force Specialty Code].

==History==

===Establishment===
Air power advocates had pushed for a separate Air Force Academy to complement the U.S. Military Academy (founded in 1802) and Naval Academy (1845) almost since the dawn of military aviation. In 1918, Lieutenant Colonel A.J. Hanlon wrote, "As the Military and Naval Academies are the backbone of the Army and Navy, so must the Aeronautical Academy be the backbone of the Air Service. No service can flourish without some such institution to inculcate into its embryonic officers love of country, proper conception of duty, and highest regard for honor."<ref name="Simon">Steven A. Simon, "A Half-Century of History," ''Fifty Years of Excellence: Building Leaders of Character for the Nation,'' 2004.</ref> Other officials expressed similar sentiments. In 1919, Representative [[Charles F. Curry]] introduced legislation providing for an Academy, but concerns about cost, curriculum and location led to its demise.<ref name="Simon" /> In 1925, air power pioneer General [[Billy Mitchell]] testified on [[Capitol Hill]] that it was necessary "to have an air academy to form a basis for the permanent backbone of your air service and to attend to the ... organizational part of it, very much the same way that [[United States Military Academy|West Point]] does for the Army, or that [[United States Naval Academy|Annapolis]] does for the Navy."<ref name="Simon" /><ref>M. Hamlin Cannon and Henry S. Fellerman, ''Quest for an Air Force Academy,'' 1974. (ASIN: B00071G1T6)</ref> Mitchell's arguments did not gain traction with legislators, and it was not until the late 1940s that the concept of the United States Air Force Academy began to take shape.<ref name="Simon" />

Support for an air academy got a boost with the [[National Security Act of 1947]], which provided for the establishment of a separate air force within the [[United States military]]. As an initial measure, [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]] [[W. Stuart Symington]] negotiated an agreement where up to a quarter of West Point and Annapolis graduates could volunteer to receive their commissions in the newly established Air Force. This was only intended to be a short-term fix, however, and disagreements between the services quickly led to the establishment of the Service Academy Board by [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[James Forrestal]]. In January 1950, the Service Academy Board, headed by [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], then president of [[Columbia University]], concluded that the needs of the Air Force could not be met by the two existing [[United States military academies|U.S. service academies]] and that an air force academy should be established.<ref name="Simon" />

Following the recommendation of the board, [[United States Congress|Congress]] passed legislation in 1954 to begin the construction of the Air Force Academy, and President Eisenhower signed it into law on 1 April of that year.<ref name= aaactsbe>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9G8pAAAAIBAJ&pg=6899%2C3318710|newspaper=Spokesman-Review|location=Spokane, Washington|agency=Associated Press|title=Air Force Academy Act signed by Eisenhower|date=2 April 1954|page=1|archive-date=27 February 2021|access-date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227145749/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9G8pAAAAIBAJ&pg=6899%2C3318710|url-status=live}}</ref> The legislation established an advisory commission to determine the site of the new school. Among the panel members were [[Charles Lindbergh]], General [[Carl Spaatz]], and Lieutenant General [[Hubert R. Harmon]], who later became the academy's first superintendent. The original 582 sites considered were winnowed to three: [[Alton, Illinois]] (by purchasing [[Principia College]]);<ref>{{cite web |last1=Emery |first1=Tom |title=Air Force Academy in Elsah? When Great River Road was nearly transformed, with help from Charles Lindbergh |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Air-Force-Academy-in-Elsah-When-Great-River-Road-13838371.php |website=The Telegraph |access-date=29 June 2023 |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011615/https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Air-Force-Academy-in-Elsah-When-Great-River-Road-13838371.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin|Lake Geneva]], [[Wisconsin]] (near [[Big Foot Beach State Park]]);<ref>{{cite web |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f034b42a052970d1caad67d/t/5f09e9bbb7e70d0ea187c780/1594485181942/Town-of-Linn.pdf |url-status=live |archive-date=Jun 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629011615/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f034b42a052970d1caad67d/t/5f09e9bbb7e70d0ea187c780/1594485181942/Town-of-Linn.pdf |language=en |access-date=4 August 2023 |title=Town of Linn}}</ref> and the ultimate site at [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]], Colorado.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r69aAAAAIBAJ&pg=5821,6251051&dq=air+force+prescott+600&hl=en|title=Prescott Evening Courier|last=Associated Press|date=3 June 1954|access-date=27 Oct 2016|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224150605/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r69aAAAAIBAJ&pg=5821%2C6251051&dq=air%20force%20prescott%20600&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The Secretary of the Air Force, [[Harold E. Talbott]], announced the winning site on 24 June 1954.<ref name=ctgasch>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=0klj8wIChNAC&dat=19540625&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|newspaper=Spokesman-Review|location=Spokane, Washington|agency=Associated Press|title=Colorado town gets air school|date=25 June 1954|page=1|archive-date=27 July 2022|access-date=27 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727021548/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=0klj8wIChNAC&dat=19540625&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=wpofair>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=ddB7do2jUx8C&dat=19540625&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=Spokane, Washington|agency=United Press|title=West Point of air to rise on Colorado's rugged land|date=25 June 1954 |page=2}}</ref> Meanwhile, [[Air Training Command]] (ATC) began developing a detailed curriculum for the academy program.<ref name="Simon" />

From 1954 to 1956, the new Colorado Land Acquisition Commission purchased parcels of land that would host the new academy. The first parcel purchased was also the largest; it was the {{Convert|4,630|acre|adj=on}} Cathedral Rock Ranch, owned by Lawrence B. Lehman of the [[Lehman family|Lehman investment family]]. The purchase price was $300,000, or about $65 per {{Convert|1|acre|sqm|adj=on}}. 140 parcels were eventually purchased to create what is now a nearly-{{Convert|18,500|acre|adj=on}} government property.<ref name="USAFA library">{{cite web |last1=Fagan |first1=George V. |title=Air Force Academy Heritage – The Early Years |url=http://www.usafalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AFA-Heritage-Fagan.pdf |website=usafalibrary.com |publisher=Fulcrum Publishing |access-date=15 October 2019 |pages=106–107 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015024515/http://www.usafalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AFA-Heritage-Fagan.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Early years===
[[File:Air Force Academy Cadets physical training.jpg|thumb|alt=Cadets lined up for physical training|Cadets from the first USAFA class lined up for physical training at [[Lowry AFB]] in 1955]]

Early Air Force Academy leaders could look at West Point and Annapolis in designing an appropriate curriculum, faculty, and campus. The academy's permanent site had not been completed when the first class entered, so the 306&nbsp;cadets from the Class of 1959 were sworn in at a temporary site at [[Lowry Air Force Base]] in [[Denver]] on 11 July 1955.<ref name=aaalor>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8NInAAAAIBAJ&pg=3383%2C4006619 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |agency=Associated Press |title=Air Force Academy dedicated at Lowry |date=12 July 1955 |page=1 |archive-date=1 March 2021 |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301163751/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8NInAAAAIBAJ&pg=3383,4006619 |url-status=live }}</ref> While at Lowry, they were housed in renovated [[World War II]] [[barracks]].<ref name=sdriow>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fWQrAAAAIBAJ&pg=4105%2C2967626 |newspaper=Spencer Daily Reporter |location=Iowa |title=Air Force Academy seeks new tradition |last=Boyle |first=Hal |agency=Associated Press |date=20 February 1956 |page=8 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225061501/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fWQrAAAAIBAJ&pg=4105%2C2967626 |url-status=live }}</ref> There were no upper-class cadets to train the new cadets, so the Air Force appointed a [[Cadre (military)|cadre]] of "[[Air Training Officer]]s" (ATOs) to conduct training. The ATOs were junior officers, many of whom were graduates of West Point, Annapolis, [[Virginia Military Institute|VMI]], and [[The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina|The Citadel]]. They acted as surrogate upper-class cadets until the upper classes could be populated over the next several years.<ref name="Simon" /> The academy's dedication ceremony took place on that first day and was broadcast live on national television, with [[Walter Cronkite]] covering the event.<ref name="Simon" /> [[Arnold W. Braswell]] was commander of the original four cadet squadrons at the academy 1955 to 1958.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mindenmemories.org/Lt%20General%20Arnold%20W%20Braswell.htm|title=Arnold W. Braswell|publisher=mindenmemories.org|access-date=1 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531191050/http://www.mindenmemories.org/Lt%20General%20Arnold%20W%20Braswell.htm|archive-date=31 May 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In developing a distinctive uniform for cadets, the Air Force turned to [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]]. Film director [[Cecil B. DeMille]] designed the cadet parade uniform still in use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://75bestalive.org/history_pages/history_uniforms.html |title=The Distinctive Cadet Uniforms |publisher=Class of Seventy-Five |access-date=10 August 2018 |archive-date=10 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810205159/http://75bestalive.org/history_pages/history_uniforms.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Class of 1959 established many other important traditions. The first class adopted the [[Cadet Honor Code]], and chose the [[falcon]] as the [[The Bird (mascot)|Academy's mascot]]. On 29 August 1958, the [[wing (air force unit)|wing]] of 1,145 cadets moved to the present site near Colorado Springs,<ref name= mtnewst>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D_ZVAAAAIBAJ&pg=1270%2C4737243 |newspaper=Eugene register-Guard |location=Oregon |agency=Associated Press |title=Air Force cadets move to new site |date=29 August 1958 |page=1A |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227232032/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D_ZVAAAAIBAJ&pg=1270,4737243 |url-status=live }}</ref> and less than a year later the academy received accreditation. The first USAFA class graduated and was commissioned on 3 June 1959.<ref name=aahfgrd/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/428274/air-force-academy-history/|title=Air Force Academy history|website=United States Air Force Academy|access-date=1 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215525/https://www.usafa.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/428274/air-force-academy-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Vietnam===
The [[Vietnam War]] was the first war in which academy graduates fought and died. As such, it had a profound effect on the development of the character of the academy. Due to the need for more pilots, academy enrollment grew significantly during this time. The size of the graduating classes went from 217 cadets in 1961 to 745 cadets in 1970.<ref name="McKeown">Bill McKeown, "Cadets Learned True Meaning of Service During Vietnam War," ''(Colorado Springs) Gazette,'' USAF Academy 50th Anniversary Edition, Spring 2004.</ref> Academy facilities were likewise expanded, and training was modified to better meet the needs of the wartime Air Force. The [[Jacks Valley (United States Air Force Academy)|Jacks Valley]] field training area was added, the [[Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape]] (SERE) program was expanded, and light aircraft training started in 1968.<ref name="McKeown" />

Many academy graduates of this era served with distinction in the [[Vietnam War]]. [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 Phantom II]] pilot [[R. Stephen Ritchie|Steve Ritchie]] '64 and <!--F-4 Phantom II-->[[weapon systems officer]] [[Jeffrey Feinstein]] '68 each became [[flying ace|aces]] by downing five enemy aircraft in [[combat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/history/person.asp?dec=&pid=123006498|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022060247/http://www.af.mil/history/person.asp?dec=&pid=123006498|url-status=dead|title=USAF Bio: Richard S. Ritchie|website=Af.mil|archive-date=22 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afa.org/magazine/Sept2004/0904aces.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217033941/http://www.afa.org/magazine/Sept2004/0904aces.asp|url-status=dead|title=Rebecca Grant, "The Missing Aces," ''Air Force Magazine,'' Sep. 2004.|archive-date=17 February 2012}}</ref> 141 graduates died in the conflict; 32 graduates became [[prisoner of war|prisoners of war]]. [[Lance Sijan]], '65, fell into both categories and became the first academy graduate to be awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] due to his heroism while evading capture and in captivity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=1130 |title=''Air Force Museum Fact Sheet: Capt. Lance P. Sijan,'' |publisher=Nationalmuseum.af.mil |access-date=2012-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824184425/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=1130 |archive-date=24 August 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Sijan Hall, one of the cadet dormitories, is named in his memory.

The effects of the anti-war movement were felt at the academy as well. Because the academy grounds are generally open to the public, the academy often became a site for protests by anti-war demonstrators.<ref name="McKeown" />

===Women at the academy===
[[File:SpaceForceCadets_USAFA2020.jpg|thumb|The academy's class of 2020 was the first to graduate new officers into the [[United States Space Force]].]]

One of the most significant events in the history of the academy was the admission of women.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stiehm |first=Judith |title=Bring Me Men and Women: Mandated Change at the U.S. Air Force Academy |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |year=1981 |isbn=9780520040458 |language=en}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}<ref>Katherine L. Schifani, "Bring Me Men: Intertextual Identity Formation at the US Air Force Academy." (Masters Theses, U of Massachusetts-Amherst, 2008): [http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1268&context=theses online free] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927191558/https://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1268&context=theses |date=27 September 2021 }}</ref> On 7&nbsp;October 1975, President [[Gerald R. Ford]] signed legislation permitting women to enter the United States service academies. On 28 June 1976, 157 women entered the Air Force Academy with the Class of 1980. Because there were no female upper class cadets, the [[Air Training Officer]] model used in the early years of the academy was revived, and fifteen young female officers were brought in to help with the integration process. The female cadets were initially segregated from the rest of the Cadet Wing but were fully integrated into their assigned squadrons after their first semester. On 28&nbsp;May 1980, 97 of the original female cadets completed the program and graduated from the academy—just over 10% of the graduating class. Women have made up just over 20% of the most recent classes, with the class of 2016 having the highest proportion of any class, 25%.<ref name="Admissions">{{cite web|url=http://www.academyadmissions.com/news.php#ranking|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627042430/http://www.academyadmissions.com/news.php|url-status=dead|title=Air Force Academy Admissions Web site, last visited 22 Mar 2007.|archive-date=27 June 2009}}</ref>

Many of the women from those early classes went on to achieve success within the Cadet Wing and after graduation (see list of Academy graduates below). Despite these successes, integration issues were long apparent. Female cadets have had consistently higher dropout rates than men and have left the Air Force in higher numbers than men.<ref name="Zubeck">Pam Zubeck, Women, Blacks Face Different Obstacles," ''(Colorado Springs) Gazette,'' USAF Academy 50th Anniversary Celebration, Spring 2004.</ref>
{{check quotation}}

===Recent history===
In response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the academy graduated the Class of 2020 six weeks early. This was the first time that any USAFA class was ever commissioned early, and the first time for any military academy since the [[Vietnam War]]. This was also the first time that cadets were commissioned into the [[U.S. Space Force]], with [[John W. Raymond|General Jay Raymond]] administering the oath of office to 86 graduates.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/18/air-force-graduates-early-amid-coronavirus-first-space-force-officers.html |title=Air Force Academy graduates cadets early amid coronavirus outbreak, first Space Force officers join the ranks |last=Maclas |first=Amanda |date=April 18, 2020 |work=CNBC |access-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-date=9 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509064850/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/18/air-force-graduates-early-amid-coronavirus-first-space-force-officers.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The US Space Force established its first unit at the academy when Detachment 1 of [[Space Delta 13]] was activated in November 2021. It is expected that approximately 10% of graduates at the academy will enter the Space Force.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2836648/space-force-detachment-opens-at-academy-with-high-altitude-celebration/ |title=Space Force detachment opens at Academy with high-altitude celebration |last=Bowden |first=Ray |date=November 8, 2021 |website=US Air Force Academy |access-date=November 10, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2025, the academy dropped "educate" from its mission statement.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gazette.com/military/new-air-force-academy-mission-statement-drops-educate-adds-a-different-focus/article_336714ab-e82f-401d-9ae2-085056524a57.html/ |title=New Air Force Academy mission statement drops 'educate,' adds a different focus |last=Shinn |first=Mary |date=August 7, 2025 |website=The Denver Gazette |access-date=September 16, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Campus and facilities==
[[File:AFA protestant chapel.jpg|thumb|right|Interior of [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel|Cadet Chapel]]]]

The campus of the academy covers {{convert|18,455|acre|sqmi km2|0}} on the east side of the [[Rampart Range]] of the [[Rocky Mountains]], just north of [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]].<ref name="NPS">{{cite web| url =https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/b41bd68a-28e8-4c87-a096-d5b9621d6640|title=NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK NOMINATION|work=[[National Park Service]]|page=4|last1=Hosington|first1=Daniel J.|last2=Sprinkle|first2=John H.|date=2 June 2003|access-date= 13 January 2019}}</ref> Its [[elevation]] is normally given as {{convert|7258|ft}} above [[sea level]], which is at the cadet area.<!-- actually closer to 7160 ft - (USGS topo)--> The academy was designed by [[Skidmore, Owings and Merrill]] (SOM) and lead architect [[Walter Netsch]]. SOM partner [[John O. Merrill]] moved from Chicago to a Colorado Springs field office to oversee the construction and to act as a spokesman for the project.<ref>Nauman, Robert Allen. (2004). {{Google books|urylSyuA3zwC|''On the Wings of Modernism: the United States Air Force Academy,'' pp. 72–80.|page=72}}</ref>

The most controversial aspect of the SOM-designed Air Force Academy was its [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel|chapel]].<ref>Wilkes, Joseph A. and Robert T. Packard. (1989). ''Encyclopedia of Architecture: Design, Engineering & Construction,'' p. 454.</ref> It was designed by SOM architect Walter Netsch, who at one point was prepared to abandon the design;<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1955/07/04/archives/radical-design-dropped-for-air-academy-chapel.html?sq=john+o+merrill&scp=3&st=p "Radical Design Dropped For Air Academy Chapel,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723004742/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/07/04/archives/radical-design-dropped-for-air-academy-chapel.html?sq=john+o+merrill&scp=3&st=p |date=23 July 2018 }} ''New York Times.'' 4 July 1955.</ref> but the accordion-like structure is acknowledged as an iconic symbol of the academy campus.

===The Cadet Area===
{{Main|United States Air Force Academy, Cadet Area}}

The buildings in the Cadet Area were designed in a distinct, modernist style, and make extensive use of aluminum on building exteriors, suggesting the outer skin of aircraft or spacecraft.<ref>Particularly in the early days, cadets at the other service academies teasingly referred to USAFA as "Alcoa U" or "Aluminum U."</ref> On 1 April 2004, fifty years after Congress authorized the building of the academy, the Cadet Area at the academy was designated a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref name="nhlsum">{{cite web |url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1086183845&ResourceType=District |title=United States Air Force Academy, Cadet Area |access-date=16 October 2007 |work=National Historic Landmark summary listing |publisher=National Park Service |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113055523/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1086183845&ResourceType=District |archive-date=13 November 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="NHL Study">John H. Sprinkle, Ed., "[http://www.cr.nps.gov/nhl/designations/samples/co/USAFA.pdf National Historic Landmark Nomination Study, US Air Force Academy ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205152254/http://www.cr.nps.gov/nhl/designations/samples/co/USAFA.pdf |date=5 February 2007 }}", ''[[National Park Service]]'', 1 April 2004</ref>

The main buildings in the Cadet Area are set around a large, square pavilion known as the "Terrazzo," and the most recognizable is the 17-spired [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel|Cadet Chapel]].<ref>Although the number of spires is only significant to the architectural proportions of the chapel, cadets and chaplains sometimes joke that the seventeen spires represent the "12 [[Twelve Apostles|Apostles]] and the 5 [[Joint Chiefs of Staff|Chiefs of Staff]]." The original reference was to the Chiefs of Staff of the four major branches of the US armed services and the [[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff|Chairman of the Joint Chiefs]]. With the addition of a [[Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff|Vice Chairman]] in the late 1980s changing the number to six, the reference came to be thought of as the five [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Air Force Chiefs of Staff]] in the USAF's history up until the completion of the chapel in 1963.</ref> The subject of controversy when it was first built, it is now considered among the most prominent examples of modern American academic architecture. Other buildings on the Terrazzo include Vandenberg Hall and Sijan Hall, the two dormitories; Mitchell Hall, the cadet dining facility; and Fairchild Hall, the main academic building, which houses academic classrooms, laboratories, research facilities, faculty offices and the [[Robert F. McDermott]] Library.

The Aeronautics Research Center (also known as the "Aero Lab") contains numerous aeronautical research facilities, including transonic, subsonic, low speed, and cascade [[wind tunnel]]s; engine and rocket test cells; and simulators.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usafa.af.mil/df/dfan/research_centers/aero_research_center.cfm |title=USAFA Department of Aeronautics, Aero Research Center |date=30 March 2008 |access-date=2012-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410082124/http://www.usafa.af.mil/df/dfan/research_centers/aero_research_center.cfm |archive-date=10 April 2009 }}</ref> Gregory Hall was built in 1997 as an annex to Fairchild Hall. It contains chemistry and biology classrooms and labs, medical and dental clinics, and civil engineering and astronautics laboratories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=zach |date=2021-09-17 |title=Academy names learning center after '64 grad, astronaut |url=https://www.usafa.edu/academy-names-learning-center-after-64-grad-astronaut/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=United States Air Force Academy |language=en-US}}</ref> The Cadet Area also contains an observatory for astronomy research.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Astronomical Research Group and Observatory |url=https://www.usafa.edu/research/research-centers/astronomical-research-group-observatory/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=United States Air Force Academy |language=en-US |archive-date=19 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319235702/https://www.usafa.edu/research/research-centers/astronomical-research-group-observatory/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A planetarium just outside the Cadet Area, originally built for navigation training, was closed in 2004 and reopened in 2019 for use in academics, community outreach, and cadet entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Planetarium |url=https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=United States Air Force Academy |language=en-US |archive-date=12 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312132934/https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The cadet social center is Arnold Hall, located just outside the Cadet Area, which houses a 2700-seat theater, a ballroom, a number of lounges, and dining and recreation facilities for cadets and visitors. Harmon Hall is the primary administration building, which houses the offices of the [[List of Superintendents of the United States Air Force Academy|Superintendent]] and the Superintendent's staff.

The Cadet Area also contains extensive facilities for use by cadets participating in intercollegiate athletics, intramural athletics, physical education classes and other physical training. Set amid numerous outdoor athletic fields are the ''Cadet Gymnasium'' and the Cadet Fieldhouse. The Fieldhouse is the home to [[Clune Arena]], the [[Cadet Field House Ice Arena|ice hockey rink]] and an indoor track, which doubles as an indoor practice facility for a number of sports. [[Falcon Stadium]], located outside of the Cadet Area, is the [[American football|football]] field and site of the graduation ceremonies.<ref name="Quick Look" />

===Commemorative displays===
[[File:USAFA Class Wall.jpg|thumb|right|The Class Wall is located just below the Cadet Chapel.]]

Many displays around the Cadet Area commemorate heroes and air power pioneers, and serve as an inspiration to cadets. The ''War Memorial'', a black marble wall located just under the flagpole on the Terrazzo, is etched with the names of academy graduates who have been killed in combat. The ''Honor Wall'', overlooking the [[Terrazzo]], is inscribed with the [[Cadet Honor Code]]: "We will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." Just under the Cadet Chapel, the ''Class Wall'' bears the crests of each of the academy's graduating classes. The crest of the current first (senior) class is displayed in the center position. Another display often used as a symbol of the academy, the ''Eagle and Fledglings Statue'' was given as a gift to the academy in 1958 by the personnel of [[Air Training Command]]. It contains the inscription by Austin Dusty Miller, "Man's flight through life is sustained by the power of his knowledge."  Static air- and spacecraft displays on the academy grounds include a [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4C]], [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15A]], [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|YF-16A]] and [[Republic F-105 Thunderchief|F-105D]] on the commandant's lawn; a [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52]] by the north gate; a [[Northrop T-38 Talon|T-38]] and an [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10A]] at the [[United States Air Force Academy Airfield|academy airfield]]; an [[North American F-100 Super Sabre|F-100D]] by the preparatory school; a [[Martin-Marietta X-24|SV-5J lifting body]] next to the aeronautics laboratory; and a [[LGM-30 Minuteman#Minuteman-III (LGM-30)|Minuteman III]] [[Intercontinental ballistic missile|missile]] in front of the fieldhouse.  The Minuteman III was removed {{Time ago|2008}} in August 2008 due to rusting and other internal damage.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

The "Core Values Ramp" (formerly known as the "Bring Me Men Ramp") leads down from the main terrazzo level toward the parade field. On in-processing day, new cadets arrive at the base of the ramp and start their transition into military and academy life by ascending the ramp to the [[Terrazzo]]. From 1964 to 2004, the portal at the base of the ramp was inscribed with the words "Bring me men ..." taken from the poem, "The Coming American," by [[Sam Walter Foss|Samuel Walter Foss]]. In a controversial move following the 2003 [[Air Force Academy sexual assault scandal|sexual assault scandal]], the words "Bring me men ..." were taken down and replaced with the academy's (later adopted as the Air Force's) core values: "Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do."<ref name="Quick Look"/>

===Education of dependent children===
{{main|Academy School District 20}}

USAFA is within the [[Academy School District 20]].<ref>{{cite map|author=Geography Division|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08041_el_paso/DC20SD_C08041.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: El Paso County, CO|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|date=December 17, 2020|access-date=2025-08-04}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08041_el_paso/DC20SD_C08041_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref> The zoned schools for areas on post are: Douglass Valley Elementary, Eagle View Middle School, and [[Air Academy High School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/military-installation/usaf-academy/education/education|title=USAF Academy Education|publisher=[[Militaryonesource]]|access-date=2025-08-04}}</ref>

With an enrollment of over 1300, Air Academy High School is the only [[High school (North America)|high school]] in the United States built on a military academy. It ranks in the top ten in the state in academic standards. Part of School District 20 (D20), its [[marching band]] regularly places in the top ten in state championships. D20 also maintains an [[elementary school]] on the academy grounds.

===Other locations on campus===
[[File:AFA Glider.jpg|thumb|left|Cadets have the opportunity to fly gliders as part of their training.]]

Other locations on campus serve support roles for cadet training and other base functions. Doolittle Hall is the headquarters of the academy's Association of Graduates and also serves as the initial reception point for new cadets arriving for Basic Cadet Training. It is named after [[Jimmy Doolittle|General Jimmy Doolittle]]. The Goldwater Visitor Center,  named after longtime proponent of the academy [[United States Senator]] [[Barry Goldwater]], is the focal point for family, friends and tourists visiting the academy grounds. The [[United States Air Force Academy Airfield|Academy Airfield]] is used for training cadets in airmanship courses, including parachute training, soaring and powered flight. Interment at the [[United States Air Force Academy Cemetery|Academy Cemetery]] is limited to academy cadets and graduates, certain senior officers, certain academy staff members, and certain other family members. Air power notables [[Carl Spaatz]], [[Curtis E. LeMay]] and [[Robin Olds]], are interred here.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

The [[United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School]] (usually referred to as the "Prep School") is a program offered to selected individuals who were not able to obtain appointments directly to the academy. The program involves intense academic preparation (particularly in English, math and science), along with athletic and military training, meant to prepare the students for appointment to the academy. A high percentage of [[United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School|USAFA Preparatory School]] students (known as "Preppies") earn appointments to the academy following their year at the Prep School.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

==The Honor Code and character education==
[[File:Air Force Academy Oath of Office.jpg|thumb|right|More than 1,300 basic cadets salute during the ceremonial Oath of Office formation on 26 June 2009. The [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel|Cadet Chapel]] is in the background.]]

The [[Cadet Honor Code]] is the cornerstone of a cadet's professional training and development – the minimum standard of ethical conduct that cadets expect of themselves and their fellow cadets. The Honor Code was developed and adopted by the Class of 1959, the first class to graduate from the academy and has been handed down to every subsequent class.<ref name="honorcode">"[http://www.usafa.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9427 ''The Honor Code,'' ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626141648/http://www.usafa.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9427 |date=26 June 2010 }}" USAFA Fact Sheet, April 2009, Retrieved 3 April 2010</ref><ref name="Honor Code Handbook">"[http://www.usafa.edu/Commandant/cwc/cwch/HCHandbook_Vol02.pdf Honor Code Reference Handbook- Volume II – The Honor System ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728205421/http://www.usafa.edu/Commandant/cwc/cwch/HCHandbook_Vol02.pdf |date=28 July 2010 }}", (646 KB) ''USAFA'', August 2008, Retrieved 3 April 2010 – Although the original code adopted was identical to West Point's Honor Code ("We will not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate among us those who do."), it was modified slightly in 1960–61 to its current wording.</ref>  The Code itself is simple:

<blockquote>''We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.''<ref name="honorcode"/>  </blockquote>

In 1984, the Cadet Wing voted to add an "Honor Oath," which was to be taken by all cadets. The oath is administered to fourth class cadets (freshmen) when they are formally accepted into the Wing at the conclusion of Basic Cadet Training.<ref name="Honor Code Handbook"/> The oath remains unchanged since its adoption in 1984 and consists of a statement of the code, followed by a resolution to live honorably (the phrase "So help me God" is now optional):

{{blockquote|''We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and to live honorably, (so help me God).''|"Honor Code Handbook"}}

Cadets are considered the "guardians and stewards" of the code. Cadet honor representatives are chosen by senior leadership, and oversee the honor system by conducting education classes and investigating suspected honor violations. Cadets throughout the Wing are expected to sit on Honor Boards as [[jury|juries]] that determine whether their fellow cadets violated the code. Cadets also recommend sanctions for violations. The presumed sanction for an honor violation is disenrollment, but mitigating factors may result in the violator being placed in a probationary status for some period of time. This "honor probation" is usually only reserved for cadets in their first two years at the academy.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

To reinforce the importance of honor, character and integrity to future officers, cadets are given an extensive character and leadership curriculum. The academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development provides classroom, seminar, workshop and experiential-based learning programs to all cadets, beginning when they enter Basic Cadet Training and continuing each year through their last semester at the academy. The center's programs, when coupled with the Honor Code and Honor System, establish a foundation for the "leaders of character" that the academy aspires to produce.<ref>[http://ccld.usafa.org/Project.aspx Center for Character and Leadership Development, Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216065031/http://ccld.usafa.org/Project.aspx |date=16 December 2010 }}, U.S. Air Force Academy CCLD. Retrieved 26 October 2013</ref>

==Organization==
The academy's organization is unusual in a number of respects. Because it is primarily a military unit, much of the academy's structure is set up like that of any other Air Force Base.  This is particularly true of the non-cadet units—most assigned to the [[10th Air Base Wing]]—that provide base services such as security, communications, and engineering.  Because the academy is also a university, however, the organization of the faculty and the Cadet Wing have some aspects that are more similar to the faculty and student body at a civilian college.

===The Cadet Wing===
{{Main|United States Air Force Academy Cadet Wing}}

[[File:AFA Graduates.jpg|thumb|Air Force Academy cadets celebrate after graduation.]]

The student body of the academy is known as the Cadet Wing. The students, called "cadets", are divided into four classes, based on their year in school, much like a civilian college. They are not referred to as [[student|freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors]], however, but as [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Insignia|fourth-, third-, second- and first class cadets]], respectively. Fourth class cadets (freshmen) are often referred to as "doolies," a term derived from the Greek word δοῦλος ("doulos") meaning "slave" or "servant."<ref>Don Hall, Class of '76, created the popular character Waldo F. Dumbsquat, whose [[Svejk]]-like innocence and good intentions overcome his abysmal ineptitude.</ref> Members of the three lower classes are also referred to as "4 degrees," "3 degrees" or "2 degrees" based on their class.<ref>The "degree" terminology comes from a generic [[ordinal indicator]] used for classes in the early years of the academy – for example, "2°" was read as "second class." In recent years, "degree" has been further shortened to "dig", as in "4 digs", "3 digs", etc.</ref> First-class cadets (seniors) are referred to as "firsties." In the military structure of the Cadet Wing, first class cadets hold the positions of cadet officers, second class cadets act as the cadet non-commissioned officers and third class cadets represent the cadet junior non-commissioned officers.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

The Cadet Wing is divided into four [[group (air force unit)|groups]], of ten cadet [[Squadron (aviation)|squadron]]s each. Each cadet squadron consists of about 110 cadets, roughly evenly distributed among the four classes. Selected first-, second- and third-class cadets hold leadership, operational and support jobs at the squadron, group and wing levels. Cadets live, march and eat meals with members of their squadrons. Military training and intramural athletics are conducted by squadron as well. Each cadet squadron and cadet group is supervised by a specially selected active duty officer called an [[Air Officer Commanding]] (AOC). In the case of a cadet squadron, the AOC is normally an active duty Air Force or Space Force [[Major (United States)|major]] or [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]]. Occasionally, officers of equivalent rank from the Army, Navy, or Marines may be selected as an AOC for a squadron while on active duty at the academy. For a cadet group, the AOC is normally an active-duty [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]]. These officers have command authority over the cadets, counsel cadets on leadership and military career issues, oversee military training and serve as role models for the future officers.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} In addition to an AOC, cadet squadrons and groups are also supervised by an active duty non-commissioned officer known as an Academy Military Trainer (AMT), who fulfills a similar job as the AOC.

===Base organization===
The [[superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy]] is the commander and senior officer. The position of superintendent is normally held by an active-duty [[Lieutenant General (United States)|lieutenant general]]. The superintendent's role is roughly similar to that of the president of a civilian university. As such, the superintendent oversees all aspects of the academy, including military training, academics, athletics, admissions and also functions as the installation commander of the Academy Reservation. The academy is a [[Direct Reporting Unit]] within the Air Force, so the superintendent reports directly to the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff of the Air Force]].<ref>[https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afmd12/afmd12.pdf Air Force Mission Directive 12] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306211500/https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afmd12/afmd12.pdf |date=6 March 2025 }}, paragraph 2.1</ref>

Those reporting to the superintendent include the vice superintendent, dean of the faculty, commandant of cadets, each of whom typically holds the rank of [[Major general (United States)|major general]] or [[brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]], as well as the director of athletics, the commander of the [[10th Air Base Wing]] and the commander of the [[United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School|Prep School]], each of whom typically holds the rank of [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]]. The 10th Air Base Wing provides all base support functions that exist at other air force bases, including civil engineering, communications, medical support, personnel, administration, security and base services. The Preparatory School provides an academic, athletic and military program for qualified young men and women who may need certain additional preparation prior to acceptance to the academy. All flying programs at the academy are run by the [[306th Flying Training Group]], which reports to the [[Air Education and Training Command]], ensuring uniformity of flight training with the rest of the Air Force.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

===Board of Visitors===
Congressional oversight of the academy is exercised through a 15-member Board of Visitors (BoV), established under Title 10, United States Code, Section 9455, and governed by the [[Federal Advisory Committee Act]] and the BoV Charter. The board inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters relating to the academy. The board " shall visit the Academy annually"<ref>10 USC 9455 (d)</ref> and "typically held at least twice annually with one meeting being at the USAF Academy".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facadatabase.gov/FACA/apex/FACACommitteeLevelReportAsPDF?id=a10t0000001gzoOAAQ |title=2022 Federal Advisory Committee Act report on the USAFA BoV |access-date=14 August 2022 |archive-date=9 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909054436/https://www.facadatabase.gov/FACA/apex/FACACommitteeLevelReportAsPDF?id=a10t0000001gzoOAAQ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Board prepares semi-annual reports containing its views and recommendations submitted concurrently to the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]], the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]], and the [[House Armed Services Committee]]. The 15 members of the BoV are appointed by the president of the United States, the vice president, the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, and the [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the House of Representatives]]. Since 2006, the board has been required to include at least two academy graduates. In July 2009, Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] appointed Colorado Congressman [[Jared Polis]] to the BoV, the first openly gay person to serve on a service academy's advisory board.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kristen |last=Wyatt |title=First openly gay member, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, joins Air Force Academy board |url=http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/first-openly-gay-member-us-rep-jared-polis-joins-air-force-academy-board.html |quote="Polis said he expects that Congress will start debating as soon as this fall a repeal of the 1993 ban on gay service members." |agency=Associated Press |date=24 July 2009 |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-date=27 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727004750/http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/07/first-openly-gay-member-us-rep-jared-polis-joins-air-force-academy-board.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

There was controversy in December 2020 when President Trump made two lame duck appointments to the BoV: [[Kellyanne Conway]] and [[Heidi Stirrup]]. Secretary of Defense Austin suspended Defense advisory boards for a review in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toropin |first=Konstantin |date=2021-09-09 |title=Biden Orders 18 Trump Appointees Off Service Academy Boards |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/09/08/biden-orders-18-trump-appointees-off-service-academy-boards.html |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=Military.com |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928231149/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/09/08/biden-orders-18-trump-appointees-off-service-academy-boards.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  President Biden asked them to resign in September 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gazette.com/military/trump-appointees-to-air-force-academy-advisory-board-told-to-resign-or-be-dismissed/article_40855ce0-10e5-11ec-bc39-833b1b8b1a95.html |title=Trump appointees to Air Force Academy advisory board told to resign or be dismissed |work=The Gazette |last=Bitton |first=David |date=16 September 2021 |access-date=29 August 2022 |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316042219/https://gazette.com/military/trump-appointees-to-air-force-academy-advisory-board-told-to-resign-or-be-dismissed/article_40855ce0-10e5-11ec-bc39-833b1b8b1a95.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Stirrup sued the Defense Department in July 2021 over the suspension of the board and in an attempt to remain on the board,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/15/trump-appointee-claims-race-theory-pushed-air-force-cadets/7979663002/ |title=Trump appointee claims race theory pushed on Air Force cadets |work=The Detroit News |last=Dolmetsch |first=Chris |date=15 July 2021 |access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref> however, the lawsuit was dismissed on May 9, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Docket for STIRRUP v. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, 1:21-cv-01893 - CourtListener.com |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60059630/stirrup-v-united-states-department-of-defense/ |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=CourtListener |language=en-us}}</ref>

In March 2025, Donald Trump assigned Sen. [[Tommy Tuberville]], Doug Nikolai, Dan Clark, conservative activist [[Charlie Kirk]], and Dina Powell to the board.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/usafa-board-of-visitors-appointment-trump/ |title=Trump Appoints 5 New Members to USAFA Board of Visitors |access-date=14 April 2025 |archive-date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404194915/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/usafa-board-of-visitors-appointment-trump/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Based units ==
Numerous regular USAF units are based at the academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/Units/US-Air-Force-Academy-Headquarters/|title=Units|website=U.S. Air Force Academy|publisher=U.S. Air Force|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831173804/https://www.usafa.af.mil/Units/|archive-date=31 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Units marked GSU are Geographically Separate Units, which, although based at the U.S. Air Force Academy, are subordinate to a parent unit based at another location.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}

=== United States Air Force ===
'''[[Direct reporting unit|Direct Reporting Unit]]'''

* United States Air Force Academy
** [[10th Air Base Wing]] (Host Wing)
*** 10th Medical Group
**** 10th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
**** 10th Dental Squadron
**** 10th Medical Operations Squadron
**** 10th Medical Support Squadron
**** 10th Surgical Operations Squadron
*** 10th Mission Support Group
**** 10th Civil Engineering Squadron
**** 10th Communications Squadron
**** 10th Contracting Squadron
**** 10th Force Support Squadron
**** 10th Logistics Readiness Squadron
**** 10th Security Forces Squadron

'''[[Air Education and Training Command]]''' '''(AETC)'''

* [[Nineteenth Air Force]]
** [[12th Flying Training Wing]]
*** 306th Flying Training Group (GSU)
**** [[94th Flying Training Squadron]] – TG-15A Duo Discus, [[Schempp-Hirth TG-15B Discus 2|TG-15B Discus 2]], [[DG Flugzeugbau TG-16A|TG-16A]]
**** [[98th Flying Training Squadron]] – [[UV-18 Twin Otter|UV-18B Twin Otter]]
**** 306th Operations Support Squadron
**** [[557th Flying Training Squadron]] – [[Cirrus SR20|T-53A]]
{{Col-break}}

=== United States Space Force ===
'''[[Space Training and Readiness Command]] (STARCOM)'''
* [[Space Delta 10]]
* [[Space Delta 13]]
** Detachment 1
{{Col-end}}

== Military training ==
{{See also-text|[[Sandhurst Competition]] (a military skills event)}}
{{more citations needed section|date=January 2025}}
[[File:N681BA RIAT Bthebest.JPG|thumb|DA40 of USAFA at [[Royal International Air Tattoo|RIAT]] 2010]]

Cadets' military training occurs throughout their time at the academy, but is especially intense during their four summers. The first military experience for new cadets (called "basic cadets") occurs during the six weeks of Basic Cadet Training (BCT), in the summer before their fourth class (freshman) year. During BCT, also known as "beast," cadets learn the fundamentals of military and Academy life under the leadership of a cadre of first and second class cadets.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SwPpREqLxaAC&q=air+force+academy+beast&pg=PA92 |title=Idiots Guide to Careers in the Military |access-date=2012-02-20|isbn=9780028643816 |year=2002 |last1=Harris |first1=Bill |publisher=Penguin }}</ref>  Basic cadets learn military customs and courtesies, proper wear of the uniform, drill and ceremony, and study military knowledge and undergo a rigorous physical training program based on Air Force fitness standards.<ref>https://afptcalculator.com/ U.S. Air Force PT Test Calculator – Provides details about physical training standards used in Air Force readiness assessments.
</ref> During the second half of BCT, basic cadets march to [[Jacks Valley (United States Air Force Academy)|Jacks Valley]], where they complete the program in a field encampment environment. Upon completion of BCT, basic cadets receive their fourth-class [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Insignia|shoulder boards]], take the Honor Oath and are formally accepted as members of the Cadet Wing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academyadmissions.com/the-experience/military/basic-training/|title=Basic Cadet Training – Air Force Academy|website=Air Force Academy|access-date=28 October 2016|archive-date=28 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028082323/http://www.academyadmissions.com/the-experience/military/basic-training|url-status=live}}</ref>

The fourth-class (freshman) year is traditionally the most difficult at the academy, militarily. In addition to their full academic course loads, heavy demands are placed on fourth-class cadets outside of class. Fourth-class cadets are expected to learn an extensive amount of military and Academy-related knowledge and have significant restrictions placed on their movement and actions—traversing the Cadet Area only by approved routes (including staying on the marble "strips" on the Terrazzo) and interacting with upper class cadets using a very specific decorum. The fourth-class year ends with "Recognition," a physically and mentally demanding several-day event which culminates in the award of the [[Prop and Wings]] insignia to the fourth-class cadets, signifying their ascension to the ranks of upper class cadets. After Recognition, the stringent rules of the fourth-class year are relaxed.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

After the first year, cadets have more options for summer military training. Between their fourth and third class years, cadets undergo training in interpersonal and small team unit training during Adventure Based Learning (ABL) and may participate in flying [[glider (sailplane)|gliders]], cyber-warfare training, satellite and space operations, unmanned systems, or free-fall [[parachuting|parachute training]]. Until the Summer of 2020, cadets participated in Expeditionary and Survival Training. From the late 1960s until the mid-1990s, cadets also completed [[Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape|SERE]] training in the [[Jacks Valley (United States Air Force Academy)|Jacks Valley]] complex between their fourth- and third-class years.  This program was replaced with Combat Survival Training (CST) in 1995 and done away with entirely in 2005. In the summer of 2008, the CST program was reintroduced, but was cut again in 2011 and replaced with Expeditionary, Survival, and Evasion Training (ESET) for the summer of 2012 (the Class of 2015 was the first to participate in ESET). During their last two summers, cadets may serve as BCT cadre, travel to active duty Air Force bases and participate in a variety of other research, aviation and leadership programs. They may also be able to take courses offered by other military services, such as the U.S. Army's [[United States Army Airborne School|Airborne School]] at [[Fort Moore]], Georgia, or the [[United States Army Air Assault School|Air Assault School]], at [[Fort Campbell]], Kentucky. During the academic year, all cadets take formal classes in military theory, operations and leadership.

==Academics==
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2025}}
[[File:USAFA air gardens.jpg|thumb|right|The Eagle and Fledglings Statue at the south end of the Air Gardens is inscribed with the quote, "Man's flight through life is sustained by the power of his knowledge".]]

The Air Force Academy is an accredited four-year university offering bachelor's degrees in a variety of subjects. Active-duty Air Force and Space Force officers make up approximately 70 percent of the faculty, with the balance long-term civilian professors, visiting professors from civilian universities and instructors from other U.S. and allied foreign military services. In recent years, civilians have become a growing portion of senior faculty.

Every dean of the faculty (equivalent to a provost at most universities) has always been an active-duty brigadier general, although technically, a civilian may hold the position. The dean, the vice dean, and each academic department chair hold the academic rank of permanent professor.  Permanent professors are nominated by the president of the United States and approved by the Senate, and can serve until age 64.  The current dean of the faculty is Brigadier General [[Linell Letendre]].

All graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree, regardless of major, because of the technical content of the core requirements. Cadets may choose from a variety of majors, including engineering, the basic sciences, social sciences and humanities, as well as in a variety of divisional or inter-disciplinary subjects. The academic program has an extensive core curriculum, in which all cadets take required courses in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, military studies and physical education. Approximately sixty percent of a cadet's course load is mandated by the core curriculum. As a result, most of a cadet's first two years are spent in core classes. While core requirements remain significant during the third and fourth years, cadets have more flexibility to focus in their major areas of study, allowing them to participate in international and inter-service Academy exchange programs.

Traditionally, the academic program at the Air Force Academy (as with military academies in general) has focused heavily on science and engineering, with the idea that many graduates would be expected to manage complex air, space and information technology systems. As a result, the academy's engineering programs have traditionally been ranked highly. Over time, however, the academy broadened its humanities offerings.  About 47% of cadets typically select majors in non-technical disciplines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/united-states-air-force-academy?searchtype=college&q=United+States+Air+Force+Academy(CO)|title=United States Air Force Academy &#124; USAFA &#124; The College Board|website=bigfuture.collegeboard.org|access-date=1 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213951/https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/united-states-air-force-academy?searchtype=college&q=United+States+Air+Force+Academy(CO)|url-status=live}}</ref>  The academy's recent implementation of a computer and network security program may represent a return to form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csbj.com/2016/03/18/afa-to-award-new-cybersecurity-degree/|title=AFA to award new cybersecurity degree|last=Baillie|first=Amber|date=2016-03-18|website=The Colorado Springs Business Journal|access-date=2016-06-27|archive-date=5 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805105404/http://www.csbj.com/2016/03/18/afa-to-award-new-cybersecurity-degree/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Externally funded research at the Air Force Academy has been a large and growing part of the technical majors.  Air Force has ranked highest of all undergraduate-only universities in federally funded research as reported by the National Science Foundation, surpassing $60 million in 2010. {{Citation needed|date=October 2012}}  Many cadets are involved in research via their major, coordinated in more than a dozen Academy research centers, including the Institute for Information Technology Applications, the Institute for National Security Studies, the Air Force Humanities Institute, the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies, the Life Sciences Research Center, the Academy Center for Physics Education Research, among others.

=== Cyber Competition Team ===
The Air Force Academy has a Cyber Competition team that operates under the Dean of the Faculty and the Department of Computer and Cyber Science.

In November 2017, teams from the Air Force Academy took both first and second in a competition against the [[U.S. Military Academy]], the [[U.S. Naval Academy]], and the [[U.S. Coast Guard Academy]] at the CyberStakes Live competition in Las Vegas, Nevada.<ref name="endowmentcyberstakes" />

In March 2019, the team won the Atlantic Council's national Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in Washington, DC.<ref name="cyber912">{{cite web |last1=Zimmerman |first1=Jared |title=7th Annual DC Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/past-events/7th-annual-dc-cyber-9-12-strategy-challenge |website=Atlantic Council |date=21 March 2019 |access-date=18 June 2019 |language=en-gb |archive-date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618045253/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/past-events/7th-annual-dc-cyber-9-12-strategy-challenge |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2019, the [[National Security Agency]] announced that the U.S. Air Force Academy was the winner of the 2019 NSA Cyber Exercise.  The events included forensics, cyber policy, data analysis, software development, and a cyber combat scenario.<ref name="nsancx">{{cite web |last1=Biemer |first1=Kelly |title=National Security Agency Names U.S. Air Force Academy 2019 NSA Cyber E |url=https://www.nsa.gov/news-features/press-room/Article/1816286/national-security-agency-names-us-air-force-academy-2019-nsa-cyber-exercise-cha/ |website=National Security Agency |access-date=18 June 2019 |archive-date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618040158/https://www.nsa.gov/news-features/press-room/Article/1816286/national-security-agency-names-us-air-force-academy-2019-nsa-cyber-exercise-cha/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2018, the USAFA Class of 1968 announced that they would adopt the Cyber Team, with the goal of raising over $500,000 to establish a permanent endowment to cover travel expenses and other costs.<ref name="endowmentcyberstakes">{{cite web |title=Cyber Competition Team wins big in CyberStakes Live |url=https://www.usafa.org/news/cybercompetitionteam |website=Usafa.org |access-date=18 June 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410184052/https://www.usafa.org/news/cybercompetitionteam |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Athletics==
{{Main|Air Force Falcons}}

[[File:AFA The Bird chute.jpg|thumb|upright|United States Air Force Academy mascot]]
[[File:Thorfalcon.jpg|thumb|right|Echo, one of USAFA's trained prairie falcon mascots]]

All cadets at the academy take part in the school's extensive athletic program. The program is designed to enhance the physical conditioning of all cadets, to develop the physical skills necessary for officership, to teach leadership in a competitive environment and to build character.<ref name="Athletic Fact Sheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/pa/factsheets/athletic.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109022528/http://www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/pa/factsheets/athletic.htm|url-status=dead|title=''Athletics,'' USAFA Fact Sheet, April 2006|archive-date=9 January 2009}}</ref> The primary elements of the athletic program are intercollegiate athletics, intramural athletics, [[physical education]], and the physical fitness tests.

===Physical education===
Cadets are required to take physical education courses in each of their four years at the academy. All fourth-class cadets are required to take [[Boxing]] and Physical Development. All third-class cadets are required to take Swimming (or Basic Swimming), Water Survival, and an individual sport elective such as tennis, racquetball, golf, indoor rock climbing, or Warrior Enhancement Yoga. Second-class cadets are required to take Combatives I & II (unarmed combat) and a team sports elective such as volleyball, basketball, softball, or soccer. First-class cadets are required to take two open elective courses such as Introduction to Combatives, Functional Fitness, Team or Individual Sport Elective(s), Independent Exercise (C1C/C2C cadets only) or Cadet Instructor (C1C/C2C cadets only).<ref>{{cite web|title=Physical Education|url=https://goairforcefalcons.com/sports/2018/6/21/ot-afa-phys-ed-html.aspx|website=Air Force Academy Athletics|language=en|access-date=2020-05-30|archive-date=30 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530042250/https://goairforcefalcons.com/sports/2018/6/21/ot-afa-phys-ed-html.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Cadets participating in inter-collegiate sports typically have a modified course schedule for completing their required PE courses.

===Physical fitness tests===
Each semester, cadets must pass two athletic fitness tests, the AFT and PFT: a {{convert|1.5|mi|km|abbr=on}} run to measure [[VO2 max|aerobic fitness]], and a 15-minute, 5-event, physical fitness test consisting of [[Chin-up bar|pull-ups]], a [[standing long jump]], [[sit-up (exercise)|sit-up]]s, [[Press up|push-ups]] and a {{convert|600|yd|m|abbr=on}} [[sprint (running)|sprint]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academyadmissions.com/the-experience/athletics/physical-fitness/|title=Physical Fitness|work=Air Force Academy|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=24 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424100811/http://www.academyadmissions.com/the-experience/athletics/physical-fitness|url-status=live}}</ref> Failure to pass a fitness test usually results in the cadet being assigned to a reconditioning course until they can pass the test. Repeated failures can lead to disenrollment by the Physical Education Review Committee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Governance|url=https://www.usafa.edu/about/governance/|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-30}}</ref>

===Intramural athletics===
All cadets are required to compete in [[intramural]] athletics for their entire time at the academy, unless they are on-season for intercollegiate athletics. Intramural sports put cadet squadrons against one another in many sports, including basketball, [[cross country running|cross-country]], [[flag football]], [[ice hockey]], [[racquetball]], [[flickerball]], [[rugby union]], [[boxing]], soccer, [[mountain biking]], [[softball]], [[team handball]], tennis, [[Ultimate (sport)|Ultimate]], [[wallyball]] and volleyball. Winning the Wing Championship in a given sport is a particular source of pride for a cadet squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lowryfoundation.org/lowryafb/air_force_academy_extended.htm|title=air_force_academy_extended|website=Lowryfoundation.org|access-date=2020-01-27|archive-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127125234/https://www.lowryfoundation.org/lowryafb/air_force_academy_extended.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Intercollegiate athletics===
{{See also|Air Force Falcons}}
[[File:Bunt (16872768421).jpg|thumb|right|An [[Air Force Falcons baseball]] player attempts a [[bunt (baseball)|bunt]] during a 2015 game]]
The academy's intercollegiate program has 17 men's and 10 women's NCAA sanctioned teams, nicknamed the ''Falcons.''<ref name="Athletic Fact Sheet" /> Men's teams compete in [[college football|football]], baseball, basketball, ice hockey, [[Cross country running|cross-country]], [[collegiate fencing|fencing]], golf, gymnastics, indoor and outdoor track, [[lacrosse]], soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, water polo and [[collegiate wrestling|wrestling]]. In 1991 the wrestling team won the WAC championship, which was the first ever by any USAFA sports team. Women's teams include basketball, cross-country, fencing, gymnastics, indoor and outdoor track, swimming and diving, soccer, tennis and volleyball. The academy fields a coeducational team in [[Shooting sports|rifle]]. In addition, the academy also sponsors two non-NCAA programs: [[cheerleading]] and [[boxing]]. The academy also has several club sports, such as rugby, that compete at an intercollegiate level outside of the NCAA.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usafa.edu/cadet-life/clubs/ |title=Clubs • United States Air Force Academy |website=United States Air Force Academy |access-date=4 November 2021 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102045921/https://www.usafa.edu/cadet-life/clubs/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The men's and women's programs compete in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]'s Division I, with the football team competing in [[Division I FBS]]. Most teams are in the [[Mountain West Conference]]; however, the wrestling team competes in the [[Big 12 Conference]], the men's gymnastics and coeducational fencing teams compete in the [[Mountain Pacific Sports Federation]]; the men's [[Association football|soccer]] team competes in the [[Western Athletic Conference]];<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.wacsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10100&ATCLID=205894860 |title=WAC Adds Men's Soccer |publisher=Western Athletic Conference |date=9 January 2013 |access-date=20 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119075534/http://www.wacsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10100&ATCLID=205894860 |archive-date=19 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> the men's [[ice hockey|hockey]] team competes in [[Atlantic Hockey America]], the [[water polo]] team competes in the [[West Coast Conference]], the coeducational rifle team competes in the [[Patriot Rifle Conference]], and the men's lacrosse team competes in the [[Atlantic Sun Conference]]. The men's [[boxing]] team competes in the [[National Collegiate Boxing Association]]. For a number of years, only the men's teams competed in Division I. Women's teams competed in Division II and were once members of the Continental Divide Conference, then the Colorado Athletic Conference. With new NCAA legislation, beginning in 1996, women's teams started competing in Division I.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

[[File:Trump presents CINC Trophy to USAFA 03.jpg|thumb|Presentation of the Commander in Chief's Trophy to the Air Force Falcons, 2 May 2017]]

Air Force has traditional service academy rivalries with [[United States Naval Academy|Navy]] and [[United States Military Academy|Army]]. The three service academies compete for the [[Commander-in-Chief's Trophy]] in [[American football|football]] each year. [[Air Force Falcons football]] has had the best showing of the three, winning the trophy 18 of its 34 years. The academy also has an in-state [[Air Force–Colorado State football rivalry|rivalry with Colorado State Rams football]], which is located in [[Fort Collins]] and is a fellow member of the [[Mountain West Conference]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://themw.com/index.aspx?path=colos|title=Mountain West Conference|website=themw.com|language=en|access-date=2018-02-26|archive-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211631/http://themw.com/index.aspx?path=colos|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Air Force Falcons boxing|boxing team]], led for 31 years by Coach [[Ed Weichers]], has won 18 national championships.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goairforcefalcons.cstv.com/sports/m-box/mtt/weichers_eddie00.html |title=Profile: Coach Ed Weichers, USAFA Sports Site |publisher=Goairforcefalcons.cstv.com |access-date=2012-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510183426/http://goairforcefalcons.cstv.com/sports/m-box/mtt/weichers_eddie00.html |archive-date=10 May 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Zoomie Rugby Football Club|Academy's men's and women's rugby teams]] have each won multiple national championships and the women's side recently had two players selected for the United States national team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airforcerugby.com/AboutUs|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070929011647/http://www.airforcerugby.com/AboutUs|url-status=dead|title=Air Force Academy Rugby|date=29 September 2007|archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref> The [[Air Force Falcons football|football team]] has played in 17 [[bowl game]]s and the [[Air Force Falcons men's basketball|basketball team]] has had strong showings in the last several years, qualifying for the NCAA tournament and, most recently, making the final four of the [[2007 National Invitation Tournament|2007 NIT Tournament]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goairforcefalcons.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032807aaa.html |title="Comeback Effort Falls Just Short, 68–67," AP Wire Story |publisher=Goairforcefalcons.cstv.com |date=27 March 2007 |access-date=2012-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015054028/http://goairforcefalcons.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032807aaa.html |archive-date=15 October 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey|men's ice hockey team]] won the last two Atlantic Hockey conference tournaments, made the first ever appearance by a service academy in the NCAA hockey tournament in 2007, and made a repeat appearance in 2008. The Air Force Academy's Men's Hockey team recently lost in the "Elite Eight" of hockey in double overtime. This marked the farthest they had gone in the post-season in school history and the longest an Atlantic Hockey Association team has made it into the post-season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=2802614 |title=David Albright, "Gophers Earn NCAA Hockey No. 1 Overall Seed," ESPN.com, accessed Apr. 9, 2007 |publisher=ESPN |date=18 March 2007 |access-date=2012-02-20 |archive-date=20 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220085506/https://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=2802614 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The track and field team has had national and international success. Three women won Division II NCAA titles before the women's team moved to Division I competition: Gail Conway (outdoor [[400 metres|400 meters]] in 1983, outdoor [[800 metres|800 meters]] in 1984); Jill Wood (indoor [[1500 metres|1500 meters]] in 1988); and Callie Calhoun (indoor and outdoor [[3000 metres|3000 meters]] and outdoor [[5000 metres|5000 meters]] in 1990, indoor 3000 meters and outdoor [[10,000 metres|10,000 meters]] in 1991).<ref>{{cite web|title=Air Force Track and Field 2020–2021 Information Guide|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/goairforcefalcons.com/documents/2020/12/4/Information_Guide_for_2021.pdf|access-date=2021-06-13|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029141012/https://s3.amazonaws.com/goairforcefalcons.com/documents/2020/12/4/Information_Guide_for_2021.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Three athletes have also won Division I NCAA outdoor titles: Jim Murphy in the 5000 meters in 1964, [[Dana Pounds]] in the [[Javelin throw|javelin]] in [[2005 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships|2005]] and [[2006 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships|2006]], and Mahala Norris in the [[3000 metres steeplechase|steeplechase]] in [[2021 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships|2021]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=A new Space Force officer is the surprise NCAA champion in the steeplechase|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/06/13/ncaa-steeplechase-champion-space-force/|access-date=2021-06-13|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> 1983 alumnus [[Alonzo Babers]] won [[Olympic medal|gold medals]] in the 400 meters and the [[4 × 400 metres relay|4x400 meter relay]] at the [[1984 Summer Olympics|1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Alonzo Babers|url=https://www.coloradosports.org/hall-of-fame/athletes/2020-inductees/alonzo-babers/|access-date=2021-06-13|website=Colorado Sports Hall of Fame|language=en-US|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618171422/https://www.coloradosports.org/hall-of-fame/athletes/2020-inductees/alonzo-babers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson responded to reports of allegations of sexual assault and drug use at a December 2011 party by calling for a review of the athletic department by the inspector general.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://gazette.com/air-force-academy-superintendent-orders-investigation-of-athletic-department-after-gazette-inquiry/article/1534906 |title=Air Force Academy superintendent orders investigation of athletic department after Gazette inquiry |last1=Roeder |first1=Tom |date=2 August 2014 |website=gazette.com |publisher=Colorado Springs Gazette |access-date=3 August 2014 |archive-date=3 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803173131/http://gazette.com/air-force-academy-superintendent-orders-investigation-of-athletic-department-after-gazette-inquiry/article/1534906 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Airmanship==
[[File:USAFA Flying Team T-41D.jpg|thumb|[[Cessna T-41 Mescalero|Cessna T-41D]] of the [[557th Flying Training Squadron]]]]
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2015}}

Cadets have the opportunity to take part in several airmanship activities to include soaring, parachuting, and powered flight. Airmanship activities at the academy are primarily conducted by the [[306th Flying Training Group]].

The [[94th Flying Training Squadron]] trains cadets in basic airmanship principles through several flights in [[DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000|TG-16A]] sailplanes. Each year, several soaring students are selected to become instructor pilots to teach new classes of soaring students. Some of these cadet instructor pilots also compete on the Soaring Racing Team or Acrobatics Team in national  competitions.

Cadets also have the opportunity to take a parachuting course conducted by the [[98th Flying Training Squadron]]. Each year, hundreds of cadets earn their [[Parachutist Badge (United States)|Basic Parachutist Badge]] by completing five jumps in the program. A number of cadets are selected for further training and become members of The Wings of Blue, the U.S. Air Force Parachute Team.

A powered flight program is conducted under the [[557th Flying Training Squadron]] to expose cadets to the basics of powered flight. The program uses [[Cirrus SR20|T-53A]] aircraft to offer cadets basic flight training and the opportunity to solo. The U.S. Air Force Academy Flying Team is composed of ~26 cadets selected to compete in [[National Intercollegiate Flying Association]] competitions. The Flying Team uses [[Cessna T-41 Mescalero|T-41D]] and [[Cessna 150|T-51A]] aircraft to compete in precision landing, navigation, and message drop events.

==Admissions==
{| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible"; text-align:right; font-size:80%;"
|+ style="font-size:90%" |Undergraduate demographics as of November 22, 2024
{{check quotation}}|-
! Race and ethnicity<ref>{{cite web |title=College Scorecard: United States Air Force Academy|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?128328-United-States-Air-Force-Academy |publisher=[[United States Department of Education]] |access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref>
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic whites|White]]
|align=right| {{bartable|63|%|2||background:gray}}
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]]
|align=right| {{bartable|12|%|2||background:green}}
|-
| Other{{efn|Other consists of [[Multiracial Americans]] & those who prefer to not say.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|9|%|2||background:brown}}
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]]
|align=right| {{bartable|7|%|2||background:purple}}
|-
| [[African Americans|Black]]
|align=right| {{bartable|6|%|2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| [[Foreign national]]
|align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:orange}}
|-
! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |[[Economic diversity]]
|-
| colspan="4" align="center"| '''Data Not Available'''
|}
To be eligible to enter the academy, a candidate must:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/eligibility/index.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627042245/http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/eligibility/index.php|url-status=dead|title=USAFA Admissions Eligibility|archive-date=27 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/pa/factsheets/admissions.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503065738/http://www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/pa/factsheets/admissions.htm|url-status=dead|title=''U.S. Air Force Academy Admissions Philosophy,'' USAFA Fact Sheet, April 2006.|archive-date=3 May 2009}}</ref>

* Be a [[United States nationality law|citizen of the United States]] (unless nominated by an official of a country invited by the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/howtoapply/international.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430103142/http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/howtoapply/international.php|url-status=dead|title=USAFA Admissions: International Student Guidelines|archive-date=30 April 2009}}</ref>
* Be unmarried with no dependents
* Be of good [[moral character]]
* Be at least 17, but less than 23 years of age by 1 July of the year of entry
* Meet high leadership, academic, physical and medical standards

In addition to the normal application process, all candidates must secure a nomination to the academy, normally from a [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] or [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]]. Each member of [[Congress of the United States|Congress]] and the vice president can have five appointees attending the Air Force Academy at any time. The process for obtaining a congressional nomination is not political and candidates do not have to know their senator or representative to secure a nomination. Additional nomination slots are available for children of career military personnel, children of disabled [[veteran]]s or veterans who were [[killed in action]], or children of [[Medal of Honor]] recipients. The admissions process is a lengthy one and applicants usually begin the paperwork during their junior year of high school.<ref>{{cite web|title=Air Force Academy|publisher=Admissions team, United States Air Force Academy|url=http://www.academyadmissions.com/|access-date=9 May 2005|archive-date=12 May 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050512001537/http://www.academyadmissions.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Class size===
There were 306 cadets admitted for the first class (class of 1959).<ref name="Simon" /> By 1961, class size was down to 271, but due to the need for officers in the Vietnam War, grew to 745 admittees in 1970,<ref name="McKeown" /> and peaking in 1974, with 1,620, and 1975, with 1,626, the largest number ever admitted.<ref name="Roeder">{{Cite news|author=Roeder, Tom|date=13 June 2005|title=AFA class size grows as Air Force downsizes|newspaper=The Gazette|location=Colorado Springs|url=http://gazette.com/afa-class-size-grows-as-air-force-downsizes/article/8005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223194329/http://gazette.com/afa-class-size-grows-as-air-force-downsizes/article/8005|archive-date=23 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> After that class sizes shrank down to about 1,300 before spiking to 1,485 in 1988 (class of 1992).<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Staff|year=1983|title=Military Schools Are Again Popular With Students|journal=Education Week|issue=19 January 1983|url=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1983/01/19/03040015.h02.html|archive-date=24 December 2013|access-date=23 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224114357/http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1983/01/19/03040015.h02.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|author=United States General Accounting Office|year=1992|title=Service Academies: Historical Proportion of New Officers During Benchmark Periods (GAO/NSIAD-92-90)|location=Washington, D.C.|publisher=U.S. General Accounting Office|url=http://archive.gao.gov/t2pbat6/146056.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112181615/http://archive.gao.gov/t2pbat6/146056.pdf|archive-date=12 November 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=23 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Class Facts {{!}} US Air Force Academy AOG & Endowment|url=https://www2.usafa.org/ClassData/Index/1992|access-date=2020-12-05|website=2.usafa.org|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921200359/https://www2.usafa.org/ClassData/Index/1992|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite a peak of 1,350 (admitted 2004) and 1,418 (admitted 2005), from 1995 to 2005 class size averaged about 1,250 freshmen.<ref name="Roeder" /> From 2005 to 2010 class sizes were slightly down from the 2005 peak. The 2013 class (beginning 2009) had 1,286<ref>{{cite magazine|date=5 August 2009|title=America's Best Colleges: #7 United States Air Force Academy|magazine=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/94/colleges-09_United-States-Air-Force-Academy_94419.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809125053/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/94/colleges-09_United-States-Air-Force-Academy_94419.html|archive-date=9 August 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> and the 2014 class (beginning Fall 2010) had 1,285.<ref name="Gould">{{Cite news|author=Staff|date=7 February 2011|title=Academy told to cut enrollment to save money|newspaper=The Gazette|location=Colorado Springs|url=http://gazette.com/article/112453|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223190306/http://gazette.com/article/112453|archive-date=23 December 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=23 December 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Cutbacks were ordered in 2011, so by 2012, the entering class (class of 2016) was down to about 1,050.<ref name="Gould" /> The class 2022 began with 1,286 students, lowered to 1,282 by the end of BCT. The class of 2023 began with 1159, and ended BCT with approximately 1150.{{Citation needed||date=November 2020}}

==Traditions==

===Nicknames===
Alumni of the academy are referred to as the Long Blue Line.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kktv.com/content/news/James-Mattis-tells-Air-Force-Academy-graduating-class-your-primary-weapons-system-now-is-your-attitude-483534221.html|title=James Mattis tells Air Force Academy graduating class 'your primary weapons system now is your attitude'|website=Kktv.com|date=24 May 2018|access-date=1 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214220/https://www.kktv.com/content/news/James-Mattis-tells-Air-Force-Academy-graduating-class-your-primary-weapons-system-now-is-your-attitude-483534221.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Cadets and alumni are also known as Zoomies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.academyadmissions.com/contact/glossary/|title=Air Force Academy Glossary|website=academyadmissions.com|date=13 May 2023|access-date=13 May 2023|archive-date=13 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513141520/https://www.academyadmissions.com/contact/glossary/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Prop and Wings===
[[File:Prop and wings.svg|thumb|right|Traditional Prop and Wings insignia, currently used at the U.S. Air Force Academy]]

The [[Prop and Wings]] insignia of the [[United States Army Air Service|Air Service]] (1918–26), [[United States Army Air Corps|Air Corps]] (1926–41), and [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Forces]] (1941–47) became the insignia of upperclass cadets at the Air Force Academy beginning with the first class, 1959.  The insignia is given to fourth class (freshmen) cadets at the Recognition Ceremony near the end of their first year rite of passage.  The standard insignia uses the design of the Air Corps Prop and Wings, except that it is all silver instead of the gold wings and silver prop of the earlier design.  Cadets who have ancestors who served in the Air Service, Air Corps, or Army Air Forces, or those who are direct descendants of Air Force Academy graduates, are eligible to wear a different set of props and wings consisting of a silver prop and gold wings.

=== Acceptance Parade and Parents' Weekend ===
The Acceptance Parade celebrates the end of Basic Cadet Training (BCT) for incoming fourth-class cadets. At the Parade, fourth-class cadets are awarded their uniform shoulder boards in recognition of completing BCT and being accepted into the Cadet Wing. Fourth-class cadets formally take the USAFA Honor Code Oath. The Legacy class, the class that graduated 50 years prior to the incoming class' graduation, presents a copy of the Contrails book to the outstanding Basic Cadet from each of the ten BCT squadrons.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Traditions|url=https://www.usafa.edu/about/traditions/|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-31|archive-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529025443/https://www.usafa.edu/about/traditions/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Air Force Academy basic trainees to join Cadet Wing at Acceptance Parade|url=https://www.usafa.edu/news/air-force-academy-basic-trainees-to-join-cadet-wing-at-acceptance-parade/|date=2018-08-03|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-31|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809223833/https://www.usafa.edu/news/air-force-academy-basic-trainees-to-join-cadet-wing-at-acceptance-parade/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A few weeks later, over the Labor Day weekend, the Cadet Wing participates in Parents' Weekend. This event marks the first time that fourth-class cadets are able to see their families since Inprocessing Day. After the Cadet Wing Parade, families are invited into the Cadet Wing to attend open houses.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parents' Weekend|url=https://www.usafa.edu/about/traditions/parents-weekend/|website=United States Air Force Academy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref>

=== Class exemplar ===
During the fall semester of the third-class year, cadets choose a [[USAFA Class exemplar|class exemplar]] who becomes the class' namesake. The exemplar is typically a deceased member of the Air Force, [[United States Army Air Forces|Army Air Force]], or [[United States Army Air Service|Army Air Service]], with a few notable exceptions like the [[Wright brothers|Wright Brothers]] and [[Neil Armstrong]]. The tradition began with the Class of 2000. The selection of the class exemplar is celebrated with a formal class-wide dinner.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|title=USAFA Class Exemplars {{!}} US Air Force Academy AOG & Endowment|url=https://www2.usafa.org/Connect/ClassExemplars|website=2.usafa.org|access-date=2020-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605210849/https://www2.usafa.org/Connect/ClassExemplars|archive-date=5 June 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Commitment Dinner ===
Commitment Dinner takes place prior to the first day of classes at the start of the second-class fall semester. By attending the dinner, second-class cadets are formally committing serving in the Air Force or Space Force upon graduation.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Legacy Events {{!}} US Air Force Academy AOG & Foundation|url=https://www.usafa.org/Events/Legacy|website=Usafa.org|language=en|access-date=2020-05-31|archive-date=14 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514055839/https://www.usafa.org/Events/Legacy|url-status=live}}</ref> Up until this point, fourth-class or third-class cadets may withdraw from the academy without incurring any financial or military obligations. After Commitment, cadets leaving the academy may incur financial penalties or be required to serve on active duty in the Air Force or Space Force.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commitment & Benefits|url=https://www.academyadmissions.com/apply/commitment/|website=U.S. Air Force Academy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-31|archive-date=17 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517204509/https://www.academyadmissions.com/apply/commitment/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Class crest ===
Each class of cadets designs its own class crest; the only requirements being that each crest include all the elements on the Class of 1959's crest: the class number, the class year, the Polaris star, and the eagle.<ref name=":0" /> The final crest is unveiled during the Ring Dance when second-degree cadets receive their class rings. During the first-degree year, the crest is on prominent display on the Crest Wall on the Terrazzo.<ref>{{cite web|title=USAF Academy Class Crests|url=https://www.jamesnancesculpture.com/usaf-academy-class-crests/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815095201/https://www.jamesnancesculpture.com/usaf-academy-class-crests/|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 August 2020|website=James Nance Sculpture Studio|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref>

===Class ring===
The American college tradition of the [[United States Military Academy class ring|class ring]] began with the class of 1835 at the [[U.S. Military Academy]]. From there, it spread to the U.S. Naval Academy in the class of 1869.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usna.com/SSLPage.aspx?rss=whatsnew_arch&pid=5270 |title=Commissioning Week Traditions |publisher=Usna.com |access-date=2011-12-10}}</ref>  The Air Force Academy continued the tradition, beginning with the first class, 1959, and so is the only service academy to have had class rings for every class since its founding.  The Air Force ring is distinctive for being white gold instead of the yellow gold used at the other academies. One side of the ring bears the academy crest, while the other side bears the class crest; the center bezel  bears the words United States Air Force Academy. Cadets choose their own stones for the center of the ring. The rings are received during their second-degree (junior) year at the Ring Dance, at the beginning of Graduation Week festivities for the class ahead.  The rings traditionally are placed in glasses of champagne and are caught in the teeth following a toast.  During the cadet's first-degree (senior) year, the ring is worn with the class crest facing the wearer; following graduation, the ring is turned so that the class crest faces out.  The rings of all the academies were originally designed to be worn on the left hand, so that the wearer reads the name of the academy on the bezel while a cadet or midshipman and others can read it after graduation, the rings are now worn on either hand.  The academy's Association of Graduates (AOG) accepts rings of deceased graduates which are melted down to form an ingot of white gold from which a portion of all future rings are made.<ref>{{cite web|title=Class Ring Heritage|publisher=Association of Graduates, United States Air Force Academy |url=http://www.usafa.org/Heritage/ClassRingHeritage.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726105329/http://www.usafa.org/Heritage/ClassRingHeritage.aspx|archive-date=26 July 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Both the academy's Association of Graduates and the academy library maintain displays of class rings.

=== 100’s Night ===
100's Night takes place 100 nights before first-class cadets ("firsties") are set to graduate. It is a formal dinner in celebration of all they have accomplished up to this point in their cadet career and their impending commission as Second Lieutenants in the Air Force or Space Force. After the dinner, Firsties are given leave for the weekend to celebrate. While the Firsties are gone, fourth-class cadets decorate their rooms to celebrate.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|title=100s Night 2011: File under "All in good fun" > United States Air Force Academy > Features|url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/News/Features/Article/429571/100s-night-2011-file-under-all-in-good-fun/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021050223/https://www.usafa.af.mil/News/Features/Article/429571/100s-night-2011-file-under-all-in-good-fun/|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 October 2020|website=Usafa.af.mil|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref>

===Music===
[[File:The U.S. Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps performs prior to the start of the Air Force Falcons opening football game against the Idaho State Bengals at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept 120901-F-ZJ145-438.jpg|thumb|The [[United States Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps]] performing prior to the start of a USAFA football game against [[Idaho State University]] at [[Falcon Stadium]]]]

The [[United States Air Force Academy Band]] provides all ceremonial and musical support for the cadet wing of the academy. It is an active duty band that is composed of full-time musicians, not USAFA cadets. Established in 1948 in [[Washington, D.C.]], the [[United States Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps]] on the other hand is staffed by cadets of the academy and provides support for all academy events such as football and basketball games. It served the entire Air Force from the capital until its reassignment to the academy in 1963 and the cadet wing in 1972.

The two bands wear different uniforms when performing, with the academy band performing in a specialized [[full dress uniform]] while the drum and bugle corps march in standard cadet uniforms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usafa.af.mil/News/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/428295/drum-and-bugle-corps/ |title=Drum and Bugle Corps |date=13 April 2009 |website=United States Air Force Academy |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524141426/https://www.usafa.af.mil/News/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/428295/drum-and-bugle-corps/ |archive-date=24 May 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Controversies==

===Honor scandals===
The first honor scandal broke in 1965, when a resigning cadet reported knowing of more than 100 cadets who had been involved in a cheating ring. 109 cadets were ultimately expelled. Cheating scandals plagued the academy again in 1967, 1972, 1984, 2004,<ref>[http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5180255 Erin Emery, 19 AFA Cadets Admit Cheating, ''Denver Post,'' 8 Feb. 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217072608/http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5180255 |date=17 February 2007 }} In April 2004, cadets were given a military knowledge test over the computer in cadet dorms. An estimated 265 cadets were questioned for cheating then, when academy officials noticed it took only three minutes for cadets to take a 25-question test. Several cadets resigned during the investigation.</ref> 2007,<ref>{{cite news |title=Cheating Scandal Rocks Air Force Academy |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cheating-scandal-rocks-air-force-academy/ |access-date=29 July 2022 |agency=AP |publisher=CBS News |date=14 February 2007|quote=Approximately 28 freshmen cadets, including 19 varsity athletes, were investigated for possible cheating on a military knowledge test. The answers were reportedly posted on a social-networking Web site.}}</ref> 2012, 2014, 2019, 2020, and 2025.

In April 2022, 22 cadets were permanently expelled from the academy due to a May 2020 final exams cheating scandal in which 245 cadets were investigated.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/04/14/air-force-academy-expels-22-cadets-for-2020-cheating-scandal/|title= Air Force Academy expels 22 cadets for 2020 cheating scandal |first=Rachel |last=Cohen |date=19 April 2022 |access-date=3 May 2022 |work=[[Air Force Times]]}}</ref>

===Allegations of sexual harassment, assault and gender bias===
{{see also|2003 United States Air Force Academy sexual assault scandal}}
The sexual assault scandal that broke in 2003 forced the academy to look more closely at how effectively women had been integrated into cadet life; concerns with sexual assault, [[hazing]] of male cadets, and the disciplinary process during this period were detailed in a 2010 book by a former cadet.<ref>{{Cite book
| edition = 1st
| publisher = Wheatmark
| isbn = 9781604943955
| last = Graney
| first = David W.
| title = Rogue institution: vigilante injustice, lawlessness, and disorder at the Air Force Academy
| location = Tucson, AZ
| date = 2010
}}</ref> Following the scandal and rising concerns about sexual assault throughout the U.S. military, the Department of Defense established a task force to investigate sexual harassment and assault at each of the United States service academies. The report also revealed 92 incidents of reported [[sexual assault]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/dtfs/doc_recd/High_GPO_RRC_tx.pdf |title=Report of the Defense Task Force on Sexual Assault and Violence at the Service Academies, June 2005 |access-date=2012-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019132701/http://www.dtic.mil/dtfs/doc_recd/High_GPO_RRC_tx.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> At the same time, the academy implemented programs to combat sexual assault, harassment and gender bias. The new programs actively encourage prompt sexual assault reporting. The academy's decisive actions of zero tolerance were praised by officials and experts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aimpoints.hq.af.mil/display.cfm?id=7030 |title=David Kassabian, "Experts Praise AFA's Steps Against Sex Assault," ''Aimpoints,'' Oct. 7, 2005 |publisher=Aimpoints.hq.af.mil |date=7 October 2005 |access-date=2012-02-20 }}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Following the 2003 crisis, the Department of Defense directed its attention to the problem of sexual harassment and assault at the military academies. The Department of Defense claimed that the program was successful although during the school year 2010–11 there were increased reports of sexual assault at the academy; however, one goal of the program is increased reporting.<ref name=DOD20102011>{{cite web |title=Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies Academic Program Year 2010–2011: Report to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives |url=https://www.sapr.mil/public/docs/reports/FINAL_APY_10-11_MSA_Report.pdf |publisher=United States Department of Defense |access-date=27 December 2011 |date=21 October 2011 |quote=The 65 reports represent an increase from the 41 reports made in APY 09-10. The Department does not have the ability to conclusively identify the reasons for this increase in reporting behavior. However, in prior years' assessments, the Department identified steps the academies could take to encourage more victims to report. Some of the increased reporting of sexual assault may be attributed to these efforts as well as many other factors. |archive-date=9 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909160308/http://www.sapr.mil/public/docs/reports/FINAL_APY_10-11_MSA_Report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> There have been several attempts to prosecute cadets for rape since 2003,{{citation needed |date=April 2023}}{{when |date=April 2023}} but only three have resulted in convictions, citing the confidential informant program that ran from 2011 to 2012. The informant program was led by former AFOSI agent Brandon Enos, AFOSI's most successful agent in Air Force Academy's history in combating sexual assault and drug use among cadets. After the confidential informant program was mysteriously disbanded in 2013 on orders from General Johnson, sexual assault reporting fell by half. On 5 January 2012 rape charges were referred against cadets in three unrelated cases.<ref name=AFARape>{{cite news|title=3 AFA cadets charged with rape|url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/rape-131225-academy-story.html|access-date=5 January 2012|newspaper=The Colorado Springs Gazette|date=5 January 2012|author=Tom Roeder|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109035406/http://www.gazette.com/articles/rape-131225-academy-story.html|archive-date=9 January 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>  To help combat these problems, the [[United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations]] (AFOSI) created a system of cadet informants to hunt for misconduct among students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gazette.com/honor-and-deception-a-secretive-air-force-program-recruits-academy-students-to-inform-on-fellow-cadets-and-disavows-them-afterward/article/1510262 |title=HONOR AND DECEPTION: A secretive Air Force program recruits academy students to inform on fellow cadets and disavows them afterward |last1=Philipps |first1=Dave |date=1 December 2013 |website=gazette.com |publisher=Colorado Springs Gazette |access-date=1 December 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011128/http://gazette.com/honor-and-deception-a-secretive-air-force-program-recruits-academy-students-to-inform-on-fellow-cadets-and-disavows-them-afterward/article/1510262 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'' in academic year 2014, "after the informant program ended with no further convictions, reports fell by half."<ref name=Times08102014>{{cite news |title=Informant Debate Renewed as Air Force Revisits Cadet Misconduct |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/us/informant-debate-renewed-as-air-force-revisits-cadet-misconduct.html |first=Dave |last=Phillips |date=9 August 2014 |website=The New York Times |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=12 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812135551/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/us/informant-debate-renewed-as-air-force-revisits-cadet-misconduct.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

''The New York Times'' cited a letter to Congress from former AFOSI Agent, Staff Sergeant Brandon Enos, who said that Lieutenant General [[Michael C. Gould]], the superintendent from 2009 to 2013 and a former quarterback on the team, had repeatedly interfered in cases involving football players. In turn Gould said to the Times that the suggestion that he had interfered with the investigation "preposterous."<ref name=Times08102014/> Gould was found guilty by a report from the Pentagon in June 2016 of interfering with AFOSI investigations from 2011 to 2012, including blocking an investigation into the football coaches.  Gould was subsequently removed from the College Football Selection Committee.<ref name="cfpsc">{{cite web |title=College Football Playoff Selection Committee |url=https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2017/10/16/selection-committee.aspx |website=College Football Playoff |access-date=5 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512034945/https://collegefootballplayoff.com/sports/2017/10/16/selection-committee.aspx |archive-date=12 May 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

These and other problems again rose to national prominence in the summer of 2014 when ''[[The Gazette (Colorado Springs)|The Gazette]]'' broke an investigation into behavior by Academy cadets and faculty that included allegations of drug use, alcohol abuse, cheating, and sexual assault.  This behavior, described as "so wild that AFOSI leaders canceled a planned 2012 sting out of concern that undercover agents and confidential informants at a party wouldn't be enough to protect women from rape," prompted the academy superintendent to call for an investigation of the academy's athletic department.<ref name=Gazette_2014>{{cite web |url=http://gazette.com/broken-code-afa-superintendent-calls-for-investigation-of-athletic-transgressions/article/1534978 |title=Broken Code: AFA superintendent calls for investigation of athletic transgressions |author=Tom Roeder |publisher=[[The Gazette (Colorado Springs)|The Gazette]] |date=4 August 2014 |access-date=4 August 2014 |archive-date=4 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804032642/http://gazette.com/broken-code-afa-superintendent-calls-for-investigation-of-athletic-transgressions/article/1534978 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A 2023 survey found 22% of female cadets and 4% of male cadets had experienced unwanted sexual contact, ranging from touching to rape.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/04/06/1168490365/reports-of-sexual-assault-at-u-s-military-academies-have-significantly-increased |title=Reports of sexual assault at U.S. military academies have significantly increased |website=[[NPR]] |access-date=8 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408051653/https://www.npr.org/2023/04/06/1168490365/reports-of-sexual-assault-at-u-s-military-academies-have-significantly-increased |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Religious atmosphere===
In 2005, allegations surfaced that some [[evangelical Christian]] cadets and staff were effectively engaging in religious proselytizing at the academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C17F73A5C0C728DDDAF0894DD404482 |title=Zealots at the Air Force Academy, editorial, ''New York Times,'' Jun. 11, 2005 |publisher=Select.nytimes.com |date=11 June 2005 |access-date=2012-02-20 |archive-date=15 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615215521/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C17F73A5C0C728DDDAF0894DD404482 |url-status=live }}</ref>  These allegations, along with concerns over how the Air Force handles other religious issues, prompted Academy graduate Michael L. Weinstein to file a lawsuit against the Air Force.<ref>Weinstein's 2006 book ''With God on Our Side'' ({{ISBN|0-312-36143-2}}) details the alleged proselytization and harassment at the academy.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/06/national/main919947.shtml |title=Air Force Sued over Religion, CBS News, Oct. 6, 2005 |publisher=Cbsnews.com |date=11 February 2009 |access-date=2012-02-20 |archive-date=14 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614203713/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/06/national/main919947.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>  An Air Force panel investigated the accusations and issued a report on 22 June 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/pdf/HQ_Review_Group_Report.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325190319/http://www.af.mil/pdf/HQ_Review_Group_Report.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Report of HQ Review Group Concerning the Religious Climate at the U.S. Air Force Academy, 22 June 2005.|archive-date=25 March 2009}}</ref> The panel's investigation found a "religious climate that does not involve overt religious discrimination, but a failure to fully accommodate all members' needs and a lack of awareness over where the line is drawn between permissible and impermissible expression of beliefs."  Evidence discovered during the investigation included [[antisemitism|antisemitic]] remarks, official sponsorship of a showing of  the film ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'' and a locker room banner that said academy athletes played for "Team Jesus." In response to the panel's findings, the Air Force released new guidelines to discourage public prayers at official events or meetings and to facilitate worship by non-Christian religions.<ref>Banerjee, Neela, "Religion and Its Role Are in Dispute at the Service Academies", ''[[New York Times]]'', 25 June 2008</ref>

In 2010 the academy set up an outdoor worship area for cadets following [[Wicca]], [[Neo-Druidism]], or other earth-based religions to practice their faiths.<ref>[[Associated Press]], "Colorado: Academy Accommodates Wiccans", ''[[New York Times]]'', 2 February 2010.</ref><ref>Correll, DeeDee, "Cross Found At Air Force Pagan Center", ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 3 February 2010, p. 8.</ref> A survey conducted that same year found that 41 percent of academy cadets who identified themselves as non-Christian reported they were subjected to unwanted religious proselytizing at least once or twice last year at the school.  The survey's results, however, showed that the number of cadets who felt pressured to join in religious activities had declined from previous years.  Colorado congressman [[Mike Coffman]] criticized the academy for resisting calls to release details of the survey's results.<ref>Elliot, Dan, "41% Of Non-Christian AF Cadets Cite Proselytizing", ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'', 29 October 2010.</ref><ref>Benzel, Lance, "AFASurvey: Cadets Fear Racial, Religious Bias", ''[[Colorado Springs Gazette]]'', 30 October 2010.</ref> Two years later, 66 House Republicans complained about policies set in place the last September to curtail requirements to attend religious events.<ref>Lisee, Chris. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/debate-reignites-over-religion-at-air-force-academy/2012/07/16/gJQAvB0PpW_story.html "Debate reignites over religion at Air Force Academy."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228223151/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/debate-reignites-over-religion-at-air-force-academy/2012/07/16/gJQAvB0PpW_story.html |date=28 December 2018 }} ''Religion News Service'', 16 July 2012.</ref>

=== Hazing incidents ===
Beginning in 2012, the Air Force Academy began to receive sustained, negative attention for unofficial [[hazing]] rituals carried out by cadets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gazette.com/news/afa-cadets-injured-in-hazing-during-first-snow/article_21b6ef29-9fa4-5875-a6bf-0c18e4215dcf.html|title=27 AFA cadets injured in hazing during first snow|last=Handy|first=Ryan|date=31 Oct 2012|work=Colorado Springs Gazette|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en|archive-date=24 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824034054/https://gazette.com/news/afa-cadets-injured-in-hazing-during-first-snow/article_21b6ef29-9fa4-5875-a6bf-0c18e4215dcf.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the 2014 investigation into hazing, alcohol abuse, and cheating on the academy's football team, further investigations in 2017 and 2018 into other teams in the athletic department uncovered similar behavior on the academy's men's lacrosse and men's swimming teams.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.krdo.com/news/military/authorities-investigate-allegations-of-hazing-cheating-at-usafa/638916497|title=Authorities investigate allegations of hazing, cheating at USAFA|last=Sikora|first=Colleen|date=2017-10-17|work=KRDO|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824045622/https://www.krdo.com/news/military/authorities-investigate-allegations-of-hazing-cheating-at-usafa/638916497|archive-date=24 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/06/06/air-force-academy-busts-dozens-of-athletes-for-hazing-now-some-of-them-may-not-graduate/|title=Air Force Academy busts dozens of athletes for hazing — now some of them may not graduate|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=2018-06-06|work=Air Force Times|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to suspending the coaching staff of the lacrosse team, senior cadets on both the lacrosse and swimming teams have had their graduation and commissioning delayed, and potentially revoked, as the Air Force proceeds with its internal investigations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2018/06/06/air-force-lacrosse-hazing/678868002/|title=Air Force Academy lacrosse players disciplined in hazing scandal|last=Gardner|first=Steve|date=6 June 2018|work=USA TODAY|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en|archive-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823210649/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2018/06/06/air-force-lacrosse-hazing/678868002/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an April 2018 statement made on the hazing scandal to the Board of Visitors, which reports its findings to the Pentagon and Congress, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria stated, "Times have changed, and some of these rituals hang on that are completely, ridiculously inappropriate."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gazette.com/military/air-force-academy-cracks-down-on-hazing-reports-progress-on/article_fb55d571-18ed-5b9b-8e05-e63235ad4616.html|title=Air Force Academy cracks down on hazing, reports progress on sexual assault prevention|last=Roeder|first=Tom|date=26 Apr 2018|work=Colorado Springs Gazette|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en|archive-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823210417/https://gazette.com/military/air-force-academy-cracks-down-on-hazing-reports-progress-on/article_fb55d571-18ed-5b9b-8e05-e63235ad4616.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notable alumni==
{{Main|List of United States Air Force Academy alumni}}

==See also==
{{portal bar|Education|United States|Colorado}}
*[[United States service academies]]
** United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
** [[United States Coast Guard Academy]] (USCGA)
** [[United States Merchant Marine Academy]] (USMMA)
** [[United States Military Academy]] (USMA; Army)
** [[United States Naval Academy]] (USNA)
*[[List of colleges and universities in Colorado]]
<!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order & add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
*[[Air Force Academy, Colorado]]
*[[Jabara Award]]
*[[KAFA-FM]] radio
<!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Additional sources==
* Bruegmann, Robert. ''Modernism at Mid-Century: The Architecture of the United States Air Force Academy.'' University of Chicago Press: 1995. {{ISBN|0-226-07693-8}}.
* Celebrating the U.S. Air Force Academy's Golden Anniversary, ''(Colorado Springs) Gazette,'' Special Edition, Spring 2004.
* ''Contrails'' (various years)
* Fagan, George V. ''Air Force Academy: An Illustrated History.'' Johnson Books: 1988. {{ISBN|1-55566-032-0}}.
* ''Fifty Years of Excellence: Building Leaders of Character for the Nation,'' 2004.
* Lui, Elizabeth Gill. ''Spirit and Flight: A Photographic Salute to the United States Air Force Academy.'' 1996. {{ISBN|0-9652585-0-5}}.
* Nauman, Robert Allen. (2004). [https://books.google.com/books?id=urylSyuA3zwC&q=air+force+academy+merrill  ''On the Wings of Modernism: the United States Air Force Academy.''] Urbana: [[University of Illinois Press]]. {{ISBN|978-0-252-02891-5}}; [https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/52542599  OCLC 52542599]
*Pendlebury, J. (2018). "This Is a Man's Job": Challenging the Masculine "Warrior Culture" at the U.S. Air Force Academy. ''Armed Forces & Society.'' [https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X18806524 "This Is a Man’s Job": Challenging the Masculine "Warrior Culture" at the U.S. Air Force Academy]
* Schemo, Diana Jean.  ''Skies to Conquer: A Year Inside the Air Force Academy.''  John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: 2010.
* Schifani, Katherine L.  "Bring Me Men: Intertextual Identity Formation at the US Air Force Academy." (Masters Theses, U of Massachusetts-Amherst, 2008): [http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1268&context=theses online free]

==External links==
{{sister project links|auto=yes}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://goairforcefalcons.com/ Athletics website]

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