Honor

Honor fosters, in every cadet, the habits of living honorably and the relentless pursuit of an identity of a leader of character. Honor education at the U.S. Air Force Academy is continuous, beginning with a solid understanding and internalization of the Honor Code and it’s associated Honor Oath.

Honor Code Oath

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).

The Honor Oath is administered during a ceremony associated with the Acceptance Day Parade, when basic cadets are formally recognized as fourth-class cadets after completion of Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Once the oath is administered, each cadet is expected to live up to the letter and spirit of the code.

To set the tone for all cadets to come after them, the first graduating class at the Academy, the Class of 1959, adopted the Honor Code based on the Code at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point– a cadet owned system. Being honorable implies much more than a person who doesn’t lie, cheat, steal or tolerate among us anyone who does, and our Honor Education lessons expand on what it really means to be an honorable person.

Cadets are expected to report themselves for any violation. In addition, they must confront any other cadet they believe may have violated the Honor Code and report the incident if the situation is not resolved. This creates an atmosphere of trust that is absolutely essential for future military service.

Learn more about the Honor Code system and case processing by downloading the Honor Code Handbook.

Spirit of the Code

Do the right thing and live honorably.