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Academy updates Core Values Ramp to reflect role as the Department of the Air Force’s service academy

Basic Cadets from the Class of 2023 walk up the Core Values Ramp toward the Cadet Area during In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 27, 2019. The appointees will complete six weeks of Basic Cadet Training before joining the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darcie L. Ibidapo)
Basic Cadets from the Class of 2023 walk up the Core Values Ramp toward the Cadet Area during In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, June 27, 2019. The appointees will complete six weeks of Basic Cadet Training before joining the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darcie L. Ibidapo)

U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – As a primary commissioning source for two military branches, the U.S. Air Force Academy is updating its installation to physically reflect support and representation for both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force.

The Air Force and Space Force Core Values are prominently reflected at the Academy’s North and South gates and updates to the Core Values Ramp are likewise designed specifically to highlight the institution’s role as the Department of the Air Force’s service academy. Renovations to the ramp are currently underway and the installation of the core values is expected to be complete by June 22, just prior to In-processing Day for the incoming Class of 2030.

To ensure the core values of both services remain a prominent fixture, the enduring Air Force Core Values—Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do—are being relocated to the inside left wall of the ramp. Furthermore, to reflect the Academy’s dual-service mission, the Space Force Core Values—Character Above All, Connection Toward Unity, Commitment to Mastery, Courage To Be Bold—are being added to the inside right wall.

“Adding the Space Force Core Values alongside the enduring Air Force Core Values ensures our institution physically represents both branches our graduates will serve,” Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said. “It celebrates our rich heritage while upholding the values that guide our future Airmen and Guardians.”

By moving the Air Force and Space Force core values to the inside walls of the Core Values Ramp, it creates an opportunity to place new messaging on the ramp’s header. While the relocation of the core values is underway, the final decision regarding the specific messaging and signage to be placed on the ramp is undergoing thorough discussion and will be determined at a later date.

The core values remain the absolute foundation; placing them on the interior walls keeps them in close physical proximity to cadets, serving as a constant reminder of how they must lead their daily lives.