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Academy News Quick news from around the Academy

October 28, 2026

Academic minors broaden cadets’ perspectives beyond their majors

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd Class Patrick Denham takes notes during a philosophy class at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Oct. 22, 2026. Denham, a Systems Engineering major, is pursuing minors in French and Religion Studies to explore language, philosophy and religious traditions beyond his technical field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By SSgt Brandon Schneider U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy cadets broaden their education beyond their chosen majors through academic minors that allow them to explore different disciplines and develop broader perspectives as future Air...

Continue Reading Academic minors broaden cadets’ perspectives beyond their majors

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd Class Patrick Denham takes notes during a philosophy class at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Oct. 22, 2026. Denham, a Systems Engineering major, is pursuing minors in French and Religion Studies to explore language, philosophy and religious traditions beyond his technical field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
October 20, 2026

Cadets Explore Human-Machine Teaming Through Hands-On Research

Cadets interact with Pepper, a humanoid robot, at the Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Oct. 14, 2026. Researchers use Pepper to study human-machine teaming and how people interact with autonomous and artificial intelligence-enabled systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy cadets are exploring how emerging technologies influence human behavior and decision-making through hands-on research with humanoid robots and robotic dogs. The research gives cadets opportunities to apply academic knowledge to practical challenges and examine...

Continue Reading Cadets Explore Human-Machine Teaming Through Hands-On Research

Cadets interact with Pepper, a humanoid robot, at the Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Oct. 14, 2026. Researchers use Pepper to study human-machine teaming and how people interact with autonomous and artificial intelligence-enabled systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
October 8, 2026

Space Education prepares cadets for future missions

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets work on FalconSAT 11 during a capstone class at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 23, 2026. Space-related capstone projects give cadets opportunities to apply classroom learning through hands-on technical work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SSgt Brandon Schneider U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Space education at the U.S. Air Force Academy extends beyond cadets preparing to become Guardians. Cadets encounter the space domain through academics, research, extracurricular opportunities and military training that prepare them for service in the Air Force and Space Force. Space...

Continue Reading Space Education prepares cadets for future missions

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets work on FalconSAT 11 during a capstone class at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 23, 2026. Space-related capstone projects give cadets opportunities to apply classroom learning through hands-on technical work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
October 6, 2026

Arctic security research takes cadets beyond the classroom

Cadet 1st Class Katherine Longuil, left, and Cadet 1st Class Gavin Dustin, right, walk beneath a B-52 Stratofortress at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Sept. 16, 2026. As part of their Homeland Defense Institute experience, the cadets explored strategic bombing and its role in the broader history of homeland defense. By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy cadets explored Arctic security through the Homeland Defense Institute (HDI), researching Russian and Chinese activity in the region and engaging with military organizations, researchers and regional stakeholders across Alaska. The...

Continue Reading Arctic security research takes cadets beyond the classroom

Cadet 1st Class Katherine Longuil, left, and Cadet 1st Class Gavin Dustin, right, walk beneath a B-52 Stratofortress at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Sept. 16, 2026. As part of their Homeland Defense Institute experience, the cadets explored strategic bombing and its role in the broader history of homeland defense.
September 17, 2026

Future Conflict Minor prepares cadets to navigate uncertainty

Cadet 1st Class Hunter Levett and fellow cadets participate in a Future Conflict Minor class at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Sept. 14, 2026. The interdisciplinary program develops critical-thinking skills through the study of strategic behavior, emerging technologies and complex challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Developing officers who can think critically, challenge assumptions and make decisions in complex environments is part of the U.S. Air Force Academy's mission to prepare cadets for future service. One way the Academy develops those skills...

Continue Reading Future Conflict Minor prepares cadets to navigate uncertainty

Cadet 1st Class Hunter Levett and fellow cadets participate in a Future Conflict Minor class at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Sept. 14, 2026. The interdisciplinary program develops critical-thinking skills through the study of strategic behavior, emerging technologies and complex challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
September 11, 2026

25 years later: USAFA remembers Sept. 11

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march to the Academy cemetery during Sept. 11 remembrance activities at the Academy, Colo., Sept. 11, 2026. The USAFA Sept. 11 remembrance included a Cadet Wing march and memorial ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) By Anthony Mayne U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Sept. 11, 2026, marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. At the U.S. Air Force...

Continue Reading 25 years later: USAFA remembers Sept. 11

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march to the Academy cemetery during Sept. 11 remembrance activities at the Academy, Colo., Sept. 11, 2026. The USAFA Sept. 11 remembrance included a Cadet Wing march and memorial ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
September 1, 2026

Academy dedicates Rokke Drive in honor of former Dean

From left-to-right: Lisa Belt, daughter of retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ervin J. Rokke; Pam Rokke, his wife; Susan Rokke, his daughter-in-law; and three cadets pose beneath the Rokke Drive sign at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 24, 2026. Academy officials dedicated the road to Rokke, a 1962 graduate and the first Academy alumnus to serve as dean of the faculty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy dedicated Rokke Drive during a July 24 ceremony honoring former Dean of the...

Continue Reading Academy dedicates Rokke Drive in honor of former Dean

From left-to-right: Lisa Belt, daughter of retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ervin J. Rokke; Pam Rokke, his wife; Susan Rokke, his daughter-in-law; and three cadets pose beneath the Rokke Drive sign at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 24, 2026. Academy officials dedicated the road to Rokke, a 1962 graduate and the first Academy alumnus to serve as dean of the faculty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
August 19, 2026

First Blue Tape Ceremony connects Guardian selects with Space Force mentors

U.S. Air Force Academy Guardian selects replace their Air Force name tape with a Space Force blue name tape during the inaugural Blue Tape Ceremony at Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 17, 2026. The ceremony welcomed Guardian selects and connected them with active-duty Guardian mentors as they prepare to commission into the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael Ward) By Tali Burress U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy cadets selected to join the U.S. Space Force took another step toward becoming...

Continue Reading First Blue Tape Ceremony connects Guardian selects with Space Force mentors

U.S. Air Force Academy Guardian selects replace their Air Force name tape with a Space Force blue name tape during the inaugural Blue Tape Ceremony at Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 17, 2026. The ceremony welcomed Guardian selects and connected them with active-duty Guardian mentors as they prepare to commission into the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael Ward)
August 14, 2026

Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 prepares cadets for future missions

Cadet 1st Class Garrett Clark operates an F-35 simulator during his Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 experience at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to contributing to the ePilot research project, Clark gained exposure to aerospace engineering and aircraft design through hands-on experiences with industry professionals. (Photo courtesy of Garrett Clark) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - During summer 2026, 287 USAFA cadets participated in Cadet Summer Research Program (CSRP), conducting research through more than 100 partnerships with military, government and industry organizations. Cadets worked on projects spanning the...

Continue Reading Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 prepares cadets for future missions

Cadet 2nd Class Garrett Clark operates an F-35 simulator during his Cadet Summer Research Program 2026 experience at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to contributing to the ePilot research project, Clark gained exposure to aerospace engineering and aircraft design through hands-on experiences with industry professionals. (Photo courtesy of Garrett Clark)
August 10, 2026

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind Retires, Closing 34-Year Career, From Cadet to Air Commando and Academy Superintendent

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, left, presents the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind during Bauernfeind's retirement ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 7, 2026. The ceremony marked the culmination of more than three decades of service that took Bauernfeind from the cockpit of MC-130 Combat Talons to the highest levels of Air Force Special Operations Command and back to lead his alma mater. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The career of Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, the 22nd Superintendent of the U.S. Air...

Continue Reading Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind Retires, Closing 34-Year Career, From Cadet to Air Commando and Academy Superintendent

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, left, presents the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind during Bauernfeind's retirement ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony marked the culmination of more than three decades of service that took Bauernfeind from the cockpit of MC-130 Combat Talons to the highest levels of Air Force Special Operations Command and back to lead his alma mater.
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