Cadet candidates arrive for Prep School in-processing
More than 225 Class of 2024 cadet candidates arrive for U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School In-processing Day July 7, 2023. The Prep School gives candidates who fell short of admission standards another opportunity to earn a possible Academy appointment after a 10-month program of academic, military, and physical training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)
By Randy Roughton
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.– Mohammad Khaliq II arrived at U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School In-processing Day July 7, 2023, prepared to begin making his dream of one day becoming a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot a reality.
“I feel very excited,” Khaliq said. “I’ve always dreamed of one day being a part of the U.S. Air Force Academy. I’m ready to get started with the Prep School and show what I’m made of.”
Khaliq’s testing scores fell short of the Academy admission standard. He said he considered attending the Prep School his second chance.
The Prep School offers a way for students like Khaliq to work on areas that may need a little improvement to help them succeed at the Academy as cadets. Academics, test scores and overall athletic fitness are all areas candidates can focus on. Once candidates complete their year at the Prep School, they can choose to reapply to the Academy.
U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidates Leon Russell, Joseph Ayavaca-Llivichuzhca and Annaise Jabour of Alpha Squadron, and Luke Anderson of Bravo wait for instructions during In-processing Day July 9, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rayna Schmidt)
Preparing for the rigors of the Academy
While success in the 10-month program does not guarantee cadet candidates an appointment to the Academy, it can earn extra consideration and a recommendation from Preparatory School Commander Col. Michael Cornelius. Approximately 80% of each incoming Prep School class are offered Academy appointments, said Joe Dague, Prep School deputy director.
“For 62 years, the Prep School mission has remained the same,” Dague said. “The mission is to prepare the cadet candidates for the academic, athletic and military rigors of the Academy. It’s what our 10-month program is all about.”
Students cannot apply directly to the Prep School. Instead, everyone who applies for admission to the Academy and does not receive a direct appointment is automatically considered for placement in the Prep School.
“I definitely know that I have hard work in front of me,” Khaliq said. “I expect there will be great competition in the next 10 months and earn my place at the Academy. My mindset will carry me through all of the struggles.”
High school basketball teammates Kyle Marshall and Eli Robinson also arrived at Black Field for Preparatory School In-processing Day.
Marshall said he was excited and ready to hit the ground running.
“I’m really not that nervous,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for the chance to come to the Air Force Academy. I expect it to be a little tough but I think I’m ready.”
Robinson, the son of 2003 Academy graduate Lt. Col. Matt Robinson, admitted to more nervous feelings than his friend. His father, now assigned to the Academy’s Cadet Wing, said the chance to become Academy cadets will make any struggles worth it.
“It’s exciting for both of them,” said Robinson’s father. “There are a ton of opportunities waiting for them.”
U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidate take the Oath of Enlistment during their In-processing Day July 9, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rayna Schmidt)
Preppies took the oath
On I-Day, cadet candidates received physical training gear, boots, winter jackets, hats and uniforms. The preppies later took the Oath of Enlistment. At this point, they became Air Force Reserve enlisted members.
Representing a commitment to our country, the preppies acknowledged that they are “all-in” as Prep School cadet candidates. At this point, they became enlisted members of the Air Force Reserve and were placed on active duty for training.
Basic military training
The day after I-Day, the cadet candidates began 18 days of basic military training. This training prepares them for Air Force life with deliberate and objective-based training. During BMT, trainees also take an aerobic fitness test and a physical fitness test.
About 60 Academy and ROTC cadet cadre—many of them former Preppies themselves—are the BMT trainers, along with numerous skilled enlisted and officer instructors, Dague said.
“It’s a great opportunity for cadets to experience leadership opportunities,” Dague said. “They’re training to be leaders themselves.”
Cadet 2nd Class Anuhea Alama observes cadet candidates arriving for U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School In-processing Day July 9, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rayna Schmidt)
See more photos from Prep School In-processing Day activities at Flickr.