Misplaced Pages

#246753

81-631: The U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School —usually referred to as "the Prep School" or "The P School"—was established in May 1961. The school's founder and first commander was Colonel Lee Charles Black. It is located on the campus of the United States Air Force Academy near the Community Center. The Prep School's mission is to prepare, motivate, and evaluate for admission to and success at

162-535: A Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force. The academy is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Colorado, attracting approximately a million visitors each year. Admission is competitive, with nominations divided equally among Congressional districts . Recent incoming classes have had about 1,200 cadets; since 2012, around 20% of each incoming class does not graduate. During their tenure at

243-578: 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 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

324-696: 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

405-585: 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, 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

486-475: 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. The Code itself is simple: We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. In 1984,

567-557: A civilian college. They are not referred to as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors , however, but as 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." Members of the three lower classes are also referred to as "4 degrees," "3 degrees" or "2 degrees" based on their class. First-class cadets (seniors) are referred to as "firsties." In

648-463: A controversial move following the 2003 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." With an enrollment of over 1300, Air Academy High School is the only high school in the United States built on a military academy. It ranks in

729-505: A detailed curriculum for the academy program. From 1954 to 1956, the newly created Colorado Land Acquisition Commission purchased parcels of land that would host the new academy. The first parcel purchased was the also the largest; it was the 4,630-acre (1,870 ha) Cathedral Rock Ranch, owned by Lawrence B. Lehman of the famous Lehman investment family . The purchase price was $ 300,000, or about $ 65 per 1-acre (4,000 m ). 140 different parcels were eventually purchased to make up what

810-405: 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. Academy facilities were likewise expanded, and training was modified to better meet the needs of the wartime Air Force. The Jacks Valley field training area

891-525: A short term fix, however, and disagreements between the services quickly led to the establishment of the Service Academy Board by 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 U.S. service academies and that an air force academy should be established. Following

SECTION 10

#1733092370247

972-545: Is a United States service academy in El Paso County , Colorado , immediately north of Colorado Springs . It educates cadets for service in the officer corps of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force . It is the youngest of the five service academies, having graduated its first class 65 years ago in 1959, but is the third in seniority. Graduates of the academy's four-year program receive

1053-454: Is a noncommissioned officer who supports the AOC and cadet candidates as well as mentoring over the 10-month program. Each squadron also has a cadet candidate squadron commander. Squadrons are further subdivided into three flights consisting of approximately 25 cadet candidates, each with their own cadet candidate commander. The academic program is 10 months long and is divided into four quarters. It

1134-505: Is at the cadet area. 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. The most controversial aspect of the SOM-designed Air Force Academy was its chapel . It was designed by SOM architect Walter Netsch, who at one point

1215-641: 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. 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

1296-463: Is focused on mathematics, English, and sciences. Prospective cadet candidates must: Like admission to the academy, admission to the Prep School is competitive, with selections made by the academy director of admissions. If a civilian or airman, either Active Duty or Reserve, applies for but does not receive a direct appointment to the Air Force Academy, they will automatically be considered for

1377-445: Is highly structured, with all cadet candidates taking the same classes for the first quarter. Each quarter, cadet candidates take classes in math (ranging from advanced algebra to calculus, and including applications in science and engineering), chemistry, physics, and English, as well as a one-time course in basic study skills and advanced reading skills. As at the academy, professors are a mix of civilians and Air Force officers. During

1458-516: Is not divided into divisions for football. Fort Scott terminated its football program on Nov. 8, 2021. From 2000 through the 2013 season, the regular-season champion was considered the Jayhawk Conference champion while the playoff champion was considered the Region VI champion. Prior to the 2014 season, the playoffs were eliminated from the schedule so that each Jayhawk Conference team could play

1539-595: Is now a nearly-18,500-acre (7,500 ha) government property. The early Air Force Academy leadership had the model of West Point and Annapolis in designing an appropriate curriculum, faculty, and campus. The academy's permanent site had not yet been completed when the first class entered, so the 306 cadets from the Class of 1959 were sworn in at a temporary site at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver on 11 July 1955. While at Lowry, they were housed in renovated World War II barracks . There were no upper class cadets to train

1620-510: 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

1701-478: 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

SECTION 20

#1733092370247

1782-407: The 10th Air Base Wing . All cadet candidates are in the group with their own cadet candidate group commander. They are then divided into three squadrons, Alpha, Bravo and Charlie, each having their own Air Officer Commanding (AOC) and an Academy Military Training (AMT) enlisted member. AOCs are generally Majors and/or Captains and are in charge of cadet candidates' training and discipline. The AMT

1863-518: 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 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

1944-551: The 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. 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

2025-467: The Air Force Academy . Students at the prep school are referred to as "cadet candidates" or more informally as "preppies." The prep school has a staff of 57 people and offers a 10-month program of intense academic preparation, military training, and athletic conditioning, designed to develop in cadet candidates the skills and character necessary to be successful at the academy. The academic curriculum

2106-544: 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 General Jay Raymond administering the oath of office to 86 graduates. The US Space Force established its first unit at

2187-577: The Cadet Gymnasium and the Cadet Fieldhouse. The Fieldhouse is the home to Clune Arena , the 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 football field and site of the graduation ceremonies. Many displays around the Cadet Area commemorate heroes and air power pioneers, and serve as an inspiration to cadets. The War Memorial ,

2268-700: 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" and "typically held at least twice annually with one meeting being at the USAF Academy". The Board prepares semi-annual reports containing its views and recommendations submitted concurrently to

2349-698: The Rhodes Scholarship , Fulbright Scholarship , Order of the Daedalians Scholarship, and the Guggenheim Fellowship . A number of Prep School graduates have gone on to become general officers, Air Force Cross and Silver Star recipients, and astronauts. Other honors earned by Prep School graduates include a White House fellowship, becoming a Thunderbirds pilot and a winner of the coveted Jabara Award . United States Air Force Academy The United States Air Force Academy ( USAFA )

2430-862: The 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 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

2511-426: 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 Samuel Walter Foss . In

United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School - Misplaced Pages Continue

2592-486: 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 juries that determine whether their fellow cadets violated the code. Cadets also recommend sanctions for violations. The presumed sanction for an honor violation

2673-827: The Air Force . 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 or brigadier general , as well as the director of athletics, the commander of the 10th Air Base Wing and the commander of the Prep School , each of whom typically holds the rank of 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

2754-585: The Air Force Reserves while attending the Prep School. Successful completion of the Prep School program improves one's chance for an appointment to the academy but does not guarantee it. If not selected, prior enlisted are assigned to other duties, usually their previous AFSC, while previous civilian cadet candidates are discharged from the Reserves with no further obligation to the Air Force. Between 75 and 80 percent of all entering students earn an appointment to

2835-763: The BoV, the first openly gay person to serve on a service academy's advisory board. 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. President Biden asked them to resign in September 2021. Stirrup sued the Defense Department in July 2021 over

2916-410: The Cadet Area at the academy was designated a National Historic Landmark . 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 Cadet Chapel . 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

2997-592: 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. 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): 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). Cadets are considered

3078-518: The Division I level. Hesston is the only member that competes in Division II baseball. Independence and Northwest Kansas Technical are the only members that do not field a baseball team. In other sports, the schools are split between Division I and Division II status. Only seven of the schools have football: Butler, Coffeyville, Dodge City, Garden City, Hutchinson, Highland, and Independence. The conference

3159-489: The Prep School. Air Force enlisted personnel may apply directly to the Prep School via Air Force Form 1786, submitted through the unit commander and MPF. AFI 36-2021 should be consulted for details. Enlisted members from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps are not eligible for nomination but can be considered as civilians. Approximately 240 cadet candidates enter the Prep School each summer. Civilian selectees are placed on active duty in

3240-607: The Summer of 2020, cadets participated in Expeditionary and Survival Training. From the late 1960s until the mid-1990s, cadets also completed SERE training in the 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

3321-625: 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 tunnels ; engine and rocket test cells; and simulators. The Consolidated Education and Training Facility (CETF)

United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School - Misplaced Pages Continue

3402-532: The U.S. Army's Airborne School at Fort Moore , Georgia, or the Air Assault School , at Fort Campbell , Kentucky. During the academic year, all cadets take formal classes in military theory, operations and leadership. Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference The KJCCC currently has 21 full members, all are public schools except for Hesston College. All KJCCC schools which compete in football, wrestling, track and field, and cross country do so at

3483-674: The academy grounds include an F-4 , F-15 , F-16 and F-105 on the Terrazzo ; a B-52 by the North Gate; a T-38 and A-10 at the Academy Airfield ; an F-100 by the preparatory school; a SV-5J lifting body next to the aeronautics laboratory; and a Minuteman III missile in front of the Fieldhouse. The Minuteman III was removed 16 years ago in August 2008 due to rusting and other internal damage. The "Core Values Ramp" (formerly known as

3564-454: 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 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

3645-664: 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. The campus of the academy covers 18,455 acres (29 sq mi; 75 km ) on the east side of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains , just north of Colorado Springs . Its elevation is normally given as 7,258 feet (2,212 m) above sea level , which

3726-425: The academy's first superintendent. The original 582 sites considered were winnowed to three: Alton, Illinois (by purchasing Principia College ); Lake Geneva , Wisconsin (near Big Foot Beach State Park ); and the ultimate site at Colorado Springs , Colorado. The Secretary of the Air Force, Harold E. Talbott , announced the winning site on 24 June 1954. Meanwhile, Air Training Command (ATC) began developing

3807-479: 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. Basic cadets learn military customs and courtesies, proper wear of

3888-447: 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

3969-456: 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. 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

4050-485: 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. 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

4131-463: 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 USAFA Preparatory School students (known as "Preppies") earn appointments to the academy following their year at the Prep School. The Cadet Honor Code is the cornerstone of

SECTION 50

#1733092370247

4212-534: The academy. To qualify for an appointment, students must successfully complete the Prep School programs in academics and military training, pass the Cadet Physical Fitness Test, exhibit strong ethical character, receive a recommendation from a Congressman or the Prep School commander, and be approved by the academy board. Like the main Academy, the Prep School is set up as a military unit. Services, engineering, communications, and security are provided by

4293-549: 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." Other officials expressed similar sentiments. In 1919, Congressman Charles F. Curry introduced legislation providing for an Academy, but concerns about cost, curriculum and location led to its demise. In 1925, air power pioneer General Billy Mitchell testified on Capitol Hill that it

4374-517: The cadet candidates' choosing. The football team usually plays community colleges from the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC). Many Prep School graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves in military and academic areas at the academy. Nine Prep School graduates have held the Cadet Wing's top leadership position as cadet wing commander, and Prep School graduates have earned prestigious awards, including

4455-506: The case of a cadet squadron, the AOC is normally an active duty Air Force or Space Force major or 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 . 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

4536-511: 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

4617-451: The first academy graduate to be awarded the Medal of Honor due to his heroism while evading capture and in captivity. 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. One of

4698-434: 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

4779-422: The fourth-class year are relaxed. 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 gliders , cyber-warfare training, satellite and space operations, unmanned systems, or free-fall parachute training . Until

4860-504: The future officers. 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. 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 . The superintendent's role

4941-469: The initial reception point for new cadets arriving for Basic Cadet Training. It is named after 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 Academy Airfield is used for training cadets in airmanship courses, including parachute training, soaring and powered flight. Interment at

SECTION 60

#1733092370247

5022-572: The last quarter, qualified students can take Calculus 141 at the academy instead of taking the Prep School trigonometry and calculus courses. Students will receive Academy credit for the class if they pass the placement exam. Upon arriving at the Prep School, cadet candidates go through an 18-day course in Basic Military Training (BMT). Training focuses on teaching basic military history, drill and ceremonies, military customs and courtesies, proper uniform wear, and physical fitness. Throughout

5103-501: 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

5184-401: 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. The Cadet Wing is divided into four groups , of ten cadet squadrons each. Each cadet squadron consists of about 110 cadets, roughly evenly distributed among

5265-455: The most recent classes, with the class of 2016 having the highest proportion of any class, 25%. 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. In response to

5346-473: The most significant events in the history of the academy was the admission of women. On 7 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

5427-403: The new cadets, so the Air Force appointed a cadre of " Air Training Officers " (ATOs) to conduct training. The ATOs were junior officers, many of whom were graduates of West Point, Annapolis, VMI , and The Citadel . They acted as surrogate upper class cadets until the upper classes could be populated over the next several years. The academy's dedication ceremony took place on that first day and

5508-487: The present. The first class adopted the Cadet Honor Code , and chose the falcon as the Academy's mascot . On 29 August 1958, the wing of 1,145 cadets moved to the present site near Colorado Springs, and less than a year later the academy received accreditation. The first USAFA class graduated and was commissioned on 3 June 1959. The Vietnam War was the first war in which academy graduates fought and died. As such, it had

5589-541: The previous 10 months. Just like cadets at the academy, all Prep School cadet candidates are required to participate in athletics. The Prep School has a number of varsity sports, including football, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's basketball. Teams compete against a number of different colleges throughout the state and region. There are also a variety of intramural sports available. Not all athletic time must be spent on organized sports; it may also include weight lifting, running, or another physical activity of

5670-417: The recommendation of the board, 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. 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

5751-531: The reserves, although it has varied depending on the graduate's Air Force Specialty Code or Space Force Specialty Code . Prior to the academy's establishment, air power advocates had been pushing for a separate Air Force Academy for decades. As early as 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

5832-543: The suspension of the board and in an attempt to remain on the board, however, the lawsuit was dismissed on May 9, 2022. Numerous regular USAF units are based at the academy. 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. Direct Reporting Unit Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) Cadets' military training occurs throughout their time at

5913-414: 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 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

5994-495: The uniform, drill and ceremony, and study military knowledge and undergo a rigorous physical training program. During the second half of BCT, basic cadets march to Jacks Valley , where they complete the program in a field encampment environment. Upon completion of BCT, basic cadets receive their fourth-class shoulder boards , take the Honor Oath and are formally accepted as members of the Cadet Wing. The fourth-class (freshman) year

6075-542: The year, military training time is reserved every weekday afternoon following academics, usually lasting about an hour. It is used at the discretion of the Prep School commander, the squadron commanders, or the cadet candidate flight commanders. Activities range from guest speakers, drill or parade practice, to room inspections. At the end of the school year, cadet candidates go through a three-day high intensity field training exercise (FTX). FTX focuses on teamwork and on utilizing knowledge and leadership experience gained over

6156-559: Was added, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) program was expanded, and light aircraft training started in 1968. Many academy graduates of this era served with distinction in the Vietnam War . F-4 Phantom II pilot Steve Ritchie '64 and weapon systems officer Jeffrey Feinstein '68 each became aces by downing five enemy aircraft in combat . 141 graduates died in the conflict; 32 graduates became prisoners of war . Lance Sijan , '65, fell into both categories and became

6237-441: Was broadcast live on national television, with Walter Cronkite covering the event. Arnold W. Braswell was commander of the original four cadet squadrons at the academy 1955 to 1958. In developing a distinctive uniform for cadets, the Air Force turned to Hollywood . Film director Cecil B. DeMille designed the cadet parade uniform still in use. The Class of 1959 established many other important traditions that continue until

6318-401: 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. The Cadet Area also contains an observatory and a planetarium for academic use and navigation training. The cadet social center is Arnold Hall, located just outside the Cadet Area, which houses a 2700-seat theater,

6399-484: 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

6480-509: 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 West Point does for the Army, or that Annapolis does for the Navy." 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. Support for an air academy got

6561-404: Was prepared to abandon the design; but the accordion-like structure is acknowledged as an iconic symbol of the academy campus. 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. On 1 April 2004, fifty years after Congress authorized the building of the academy,

#246753