Class of 2029 appointees arrive for in-processing

A Class of 2029 basic cadet is learning to stand at attention on one of the footprints at the base of the core values ramp, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 25, 2025. He is receiving instructions and guidance from a member of the cadet cadre.

U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – More than 1,100 Class of 2029 appointees took the first step in their journey to becoming U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force second lieutenants with their arrival at In-processing Day June 25, 2025, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

In-processing Day, also known as I-Day , began promptly at 7 a.m. when the first wave of appointees were dropped off by relatives or friends at the Holaday Athletic Center. Buses took them to the Cadet Area, where upperclassmen gave them instructions at the footprints at the base of the Core Values Ramp.

Appointee Maheen Khan of Colorado Springs, Colo., said the Academy has been her dream school for many years. She is excited about the space-related career field opportunities offered.

Khan recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and feels ready to in-process with her fellow preppies. She said the 10 months at the Prep School have prepared her to be successful at the Academy.

“Because of this program, I feel confident that I can achieve anything at the Academy,” she said. “Additionally, I attended Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) here in Colorado Springs, completing an Associate of Science degree in engineering.”

Khan’s advice to highschoolers considering a military service academy is to go for it.

“Sometimes the reason for dismissing a potential future of attendance at USAFA or another military service academy is due to the military aspect,” she said. “If you asked me three years ago if I saw myself being in the military, I would have said no. But I realized that serving is a privilege not everyone gets to experience.”

Cadet 1st Class David Sorrelle, Class of 2026, completed in-processing three years ago. While reflecting on his time at the Academy, he called In-processing Day the most intense experience of his time here, only rivaled by jumping out of an airplane or flying an F-16.

“The energy that day was unmatched, something I’ll never forget, as it marked the start of a new chapter for me and proved that USAFA is not for the weak, but for those who choose to rise to a higher calling,” Said Sorrelle.

On In-Processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy parents and family members can say goodbye to their appointees at the Academic Overlook, June 25, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

The next time these family will reconnect will be on August 6, 2025 after the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

Class of 2029 appointees are dropped off at the Holaday Athletic Center on In-processing Day. Family members and friends cannot exit their vehicle at the drop-off location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

An appointee fist bumps a faculty member as she walks up the stairs of the Holaday Athletic Center. This is the first step in her journey toward becoming a second lieutenant in the Air Force or Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

At the Cadet Gymnasium U.S. Air Force Academy Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks talks to Class of 2029 (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

U.S. Air Force Academy Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks talks to Class of 2029 appointees before administering the Oath of Office. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)

Taking the Oath of Office is a lifelong commitment upon all who seek to join the U.S. Profession of Arms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)

The Class of 2029 takes the Oath of Office. At this point they are no longer appointees but rather basic cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

On the bus, the cadet cadre provide instruction on the seven basic responses, which basic cadets are expected to memorize and use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

The cadet cadre waits to greet basic cadets from the Class of 2029 by the footprints at the base of the Core Values Ramp. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

Basic cadets go through a gauntlet of cadre on their way to the footprints. They basics are told to hurry up. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)

The Class of 2029 learn to stand at attention during In-processing Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Class of 2029 Basic Cadets learn to listen and take orders from the cadet cadre as they stand at attention on the footprints. There are 42 silver painted footprints. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

Basic cadets are supposed to stand with their heels together and feet at a 22-degree angle. They perfect this stance using the painted footprint as a guide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Basic cadets walk up the Core Values Ramp for the first time on In-processing Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

Basic cadets walk up the Core Values Ramp towards the cadet area on In-processing Day. U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

All basic male basic cadets get their hair shaved on In-processing Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

Female basic cadets receive instruction on Air Force hairstyles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Basic cadets stand in a line in the cadet area. They are on their way to receive their uniforms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Basic cadets on In-processing Day walk in a straight line along the Terrazzo. For many, this was their first time wearing an Air Force uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

Basic cadets are issued their uniform items and bedding inside a green duffle bag. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

Basic cadets continue to receive instructions from cadet cadre throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jonathan Suni)

See more photos of the Class of 2029 appointees during in-processing on Flickr and watch the In-processing Day video on YouTube.