Honor Division     The Air Force Academy exists to produce individuals inspired to lead and serve our nation. An individual's ability to lead hinges upon the individual's ability to gain the respect of the people they find themselves surrounded by. Without respect there can be no leadership, and without integrity an individual has no hope of gaining the respect of others. Thus, it is imperative that, as an institution which seeks to produce leaders, we actively commit ourselves to integrity.     Habits foster character, which, when grown, determines a person's destiny. Consequently, it is necessary to strive daily to develop habits of uprightness so as to build a foundation of forthright integrity. An individual who has not yet committed to living with integrity will rarely choose to do such when placed in a precarious situation. Rather, it is the person who has already decided to live with integrity, and reinforced that decision with their daily actions, that will maintain their honor when placed under great stress. We should not fear the Honor Code. On the contrary the Honor Code provides the precepts necessary to develop habits of integrity. Hopefully by embracing the Honor Code for the four years we spend at the Academy we will gain the foundation that is necessary for a life of integrity and leadership.

Honor Code Reference Handbook - Volume 01 Honor Code Reference Handbook - Volume 02

Ethical foundation - The Code is the foundation upon which each cadet builds a personal concept of professional ethics and a minimum standard of integrity. Living by the code fosters a feeling of mutual trust and respect which grows throughout a cadet's Academy years and beyond.

Spirit of the Code - The Code is based on a fundamental, positive principles of honesty, respect, fairness, and support. The Spirit of the Code is succinctly stated as: Do the Right Thing and Live Honorably. The spirit of these words demand strength, courage, and dedication to a cause greater than self. They are a statement of the most important single aspect of Academy life and are at the Center of our core values.

Living Under the Code - The Code demands complete integrity in word and deed. Cadets are expected to report themselves for any Code violation. Furthermore, they must consult with any other cadet they believe may have violated the Code, and encourage that cadet to turn themselves in or report the incident if the situation is not resolved. This standard is tough. However, living in an environment which accepts this standard creates an atmosphere of trust unparalleled at other institutions.

Code Administration - Adjudicating possible violations is accomplished through the Cadet Honor Committee which is composed of first- and second-class cadets elected from each squadron. They form the Honor Code instructor cadre and initiate action should a cadet violate the Code. Officers in the Honor Division oversee this process with the Commandant or the Superintendent making final sanction decision. Although the presumptive sanction is disenrollment, the Commandant may suspend the disenrollment for a designated period on a case-by-case basis via the Honor Probation system.


    The bedrock of moral character education begins with a solid understanding and internalization of the cadet honor code. Classroom instruction on the Code, system processing, and the Honor probation program begin during BCT, and continue throughout a cadets' four years at the Academy. In the first two years, instruction focuses on understanding and living under the Code. In the final two years, emphasis is placed on cadets living an honorable life, while helping others to do the same.


    Cadets found to have violated the Code can be offered honor probation. The probationary period provides the cadet time to reflect and rehabilitate with the ultimate goal of restoring their standing in the Cadet Wing. A senior officer mentor is selected and special counseling is provided to guide each cadet throughout the process. To complete the program, cadets must successfully accomplish daily ethical journals, honor projects, a calendar and unit briefings as well as receive positive recommendations from their mentors and commanders.

U.S. Air Force Academy, USAFA, CO 80840, (719) 333-1110 DSN: 333-1110, Updated: 19 Mar 10