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Academy News Quick news from around the Academy

December 9, 2025

Cadets use new technology to monitor the geospace environment

Cadet 2nd Class Anna Harden works with an event-based sensor, Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Sept. 16, 2025. The sensor is used to detect nuclear detonations when monitoring the geospace environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - In the Department of Physics and Meteorology at the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets gain experience building payloads. In the department’s Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC), their latest project in the International Space Station is the Falcon Optical Defense...

Continue Reading Cadets use new technology to monitor the geospace environment

Cadet 2nd Class Anna Harden works with an event-based sensor, Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center.
December 9, 2025

Academy cadet awarded post graduate Marshall Scholarship

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, a member of the Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious honor that provides full funding for two years of postgraduate study in the United Kingdom. By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship. Upon his graduation this May, Tang will commission into the U.S. Space Force, making him the Academy’s first Space Force Marshall Scholar. “I want to congratulate...

Continue Reading Academy cadet awarded post graduate Marshall Scholarship

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, a member of the Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious honor that provides full funding for two years of postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
December 1, 2025

USAFA Firmly on course as America’s Premier Military Service Academy: 2025 in Review

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 graduates toss their hats skyward in Falcon Stadium, May 29, 2025. The Class of 2025 includes 791 cadets who were commissioned into the Air Force, and 93 were commissioned into the Space Force as second lieutenants. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Brandon Lindner) USAFA firmly on course as America's Premier Military Service Academy: 2025 in Review By Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind As the calendar year draws to a close with cadets and permanent party preparing for the holiday season, we are taking stock of a demanding but decisive year and...

Continue Reading USAFA Firmly on course as America’s Premier Military Service Academy: 2025 in Review

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2025 graduates toss their hats skyward in Falcon Stadium, May 29, 2025. The Class of 2025 includes 791 cadets who were commissioned into the Air Force, and 93 were commissioned into the Space Force as second lieutenants. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Brandon Lindner)
November 24, 2025

Holly and Ivy concerts to be held at the Academy for first time

The U.S. Air Force Academy band performs their free annual Holly and Ivy concert at Cherokee Trail High School, Aurora, CO, Dec. 13, 2024. This year, the concert will be hosted in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by SMSgt Jeffery Valentine) By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - For the first time, the U.S. Air Force Academy is bringing its cherished annual holiday concerts “home,” inviting the local community to join us for a night of holiday music and festive fun. The Academy Band’s annual holiday concert,...

Continue Reading Holly and Ivy concerts to be held at the Academy for first time

The U.S. Air Force Academy band performs their free annual Holly and Ivy concert at Cherokee Trail High School, Aurora, CO.
November 18, 2025

Academic Excellence: Two Cadets Earn Rhodes Scholarships

Cadets 1st Class Robert J. Miller and Anirvin Puttur, recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, pose for a photograph prior to attending Ring Dance at the U.S. Air Force Academy, May 23, 2025. Miller and Puttur are the Academy’s 45th and 46th Rhodes Scholars. (Photo courtesy of Cadet 1st Class Robert J. Miller) By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets earned one of the oldest and most prestigious academic honors in America by being named Rhodes Scholars. Cadets 1st Class Robert J. Miller and Anirvin Puttur are among 32...

Continue Reading Academic Excellence: Two Cadets Earn Rhodes Scholarships

Cadets 1st Class Robert J. Miller and Anirvin Puttur, recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, pose for a photograph prior to attending Ring Dance at the U.S. Air Force Academy, May 23, 2025. Miller and Puttur are the Academy’s 45th and 46th Rhodes Scholars. (Photo courtesy of Cadet 1st Class Robert J. Miller)
September 30, 2025

Recurring seminar elevates cadet leadership and organizational results

Cadet 1st Class Robert (Jake) Miller, commander, Cadet Wing and Maj. Tara Holmes, cadet development chief for the Center for Character and Leadership Development, facilitate a discussion about lessons learned during the Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sept. 24, 2025. This recurring seminar equips cadet commanders with the tools to build and motivate effective teams while serving in their leadership roles at the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Sonie Rathbun U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadet wing, group, and squadron commanders, along with leaders...

Continue Reading Recurring seminar elevates cadet leadership and organizational results

Cadet 1st Class Robert (Jake) Miller, commander, Cadet Wing and Maj. Tara Holmes, cadet development chief for the Center for Character and Leadership Development, facilitate a discussion about lessons learned during the Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
September 29, 2025

POW Capt. Chuck Jackson laid to rest at Academy Cemetery

Capt. Charles A. "Chuck" Jackson's U.S. Air Force Academy graduation photo, Class of 1969. Jackson was laid to rest at the Academy cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 19, 2025. The date honored Jackson’s life and service and coincided with National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Photo courtesy of Marty Jackson) By Tech. Sgt. Sahara Fales U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Capt. Charles A. “Chuck” Jackson was laid to rest at the U.S. Air Force Academy cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 19, 2025. The date honored Jackson’s life and service and coincided with National...

Continue Reading POW Capt. Chuck Jackson laid to rest at Academy Cemetery

Chuck Jackson's U.S. Air Force Academy graduation photo. (Courtesy photo)
September 24, 2025

U.S. Air Force Academy Ranked Among Nation’s Best

U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized #USAFA as one of the nation’s top undergraduate institutions. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy continues its ascent as a premier undergraduate institution, achieving significant gains in the latest U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings, released online today. Key Highlights #2 Top Public School: Holding steady as one of the nation's leading public institutions. #5 National Liberal Arts College: A remarkable jump from #8 last year, #18 in 2022, and #39 in 2020, showcasing significant progress and commitment...

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U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized #USAFA as one of the nation’s top undergraduate institutions.
September 8, 2025

Former U.S. Air Force Academy Dean of Faculty Passes Away

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin J. Rokke, a distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1962 and former Dean of the Faculty at the Academy. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin J. Rokke, a distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1962 and former Dean of the Faculty at the Academy, died Sept. 5, 2025. Lt. Gen. Rokke’s wife, Pam, was with him at the time. “Lt. Gen. Rokke’s legacy is one of dedication to service, commitment to academic excellence, and contributions to developing leaders of character and quality. His influence...

Continue Reading Former U.S. Air Force Academy Dean of Faculty Passes Away

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin J. Rokke, a distinguished alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1962 and former Dean of the Faculty at the Academy.
August 20, 2025

A comprehensive approach to developing a cyber mindset

Cadet 2nd Class Caitlyn Budd and Cadet 1st Class Jaden Liu look at a control panel in the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo, Aug. 7, 2025. The panel is part of the Cross-domain Command and Control Lab where cadets develop a cyber mindset by learning how a user interface acts as a bridge to control a network's functionality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Sonie Rathbun U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy integrates cyber concepts into its curriculum to ensure every cadet develops...

Continue Reading A comprehensive approach to developing a cyber mindset

Cadet 2nd Class Caitlyn Budd and Cadet 1st Class Jaden Liu look at a control panel in the Madera Cyber Innovation Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.
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