Cadet DJs hone communication skills over the airwaves

Cadet 3rd Class Jude Sterling, KAFA disc jockey, records a radio show at Fairchild Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 20, 2026. Cadet DJs cover topics such as institutional events, parades, athletics and outstanding performers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn)

By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadet clubs at the U.S. Air Force Academy play a crucial role in developing leadership competencies beyond the classroom. The broadcast club, for one, enables cadets to hone their communication skills over the airwaves at the Air Force’s only radio station operated by cadets.

“Cadet clubs provide participants leadership and growth opportunities through representing the Academy to and interacting with the public at large,” said Maj. Joseph Hymel, Cadet Wing Deputy Chief, Support Branch. “This skillset is central to the development of professionals of the caliber expected of an Academy graduate and Air Force and Space Force officers.”

Voice of the Academy

Within Fairchild Hall, the Academy’s primary academic building, lies KAFA, a longtime radio station that airs on the frequency 97.7 FM in Colorado Springs.

“KAFA is a great way to spread the cadet story directly from the cadet’s perspective, uniquely capturing what happens here at the Academy,” said Cadet 3rd Class Jude Sterling, Cadet Disc Jockey and Military and Strategic Studies major. “We cover everything from athletic events, ceremonies, parades, academy history, outstanding performers, and more, capturing how the academy pushes cadets to develop into leaders of character.”

Cadet 3rd Class Jude Sterling, KAFA disc jockey, records a radio show at Fairchild Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 20, 2026. KAFA, the Academy’s longtime radio station, airs on the frequency, 97.7 FM in Colorado Springs and celebrated 55 years on air January 17. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn)

KAFA serves as the “Voice of the U.S. Air Force Academy” and a launch point for the broadcast club, which exists to share the Academy story and cadet journey.

“When I first heard about the club, it took a lot of convincing to get me to sign up,” said Sterling. “I was scared of the idea that thousands of people would be able to hear me all at once, but over time, I gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities to communicate clearly with character and consistency.”

A history of excellence

Since 1971, hundreds of cadets have served as DJs in the broadcast club, gaining experience that extends beyond the studio. Today, 12 cadets host pre-recorded, two-hour weekly shows, developing communication, leadership and mentorship skills along the way.

“The broadcast club is a great place to develop your public speaking and strategic messaging skills,” said Sterling. “Also, I learned how to be a better teacher through the club since as a three-degree [sophomore] cadet I took on the responsibility for training several of our new four-degree [freshmen] DJs.”

The broadcast club is one of more than 100 cadet clubs at the Academy that provides hands-on opportunities to develop academic, athletic, and military skills.

“We pride ourselves on developing warfighters, leaders and critical thinkers,” said Hymel. “Clubs provide cadets more avenues to connect with each other and grow those crucial character attributes throughout our four-year training cycle.”

Cadet 3rd Class Jude Sterling, KAFA disc jockey or DJ, records a radio show at Fairchild Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 20, 2026. KAFA allows cadet DJs an opportunity to hone their communication skills while telling the Academy story to thousands of worldwide listeners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn)

Reaching a global audience

In 2008, KAFA began streaming online thanks to contributions from the Association of Graduates, a partnership that continues to benefit the Academy’s community and cadets.

“Over my next two years, I’m hoping we can continue growing the club to the point that we can have DJs fill all of the timeslots to continue spreading the cadet story,” said Sterling. “I’m also looking forward to more opportunities to interview guests to showcase their expert perspectives on Academy events and activities.”

Today, KAFA broadcasts alternative rock programming across three platforms- terrestrial over-the-air radio, web and mobile reaching thousands of listeners and highlighting the nation’s only Air Force and Space Force military service academy.

Tune into our cadet voices on KAFA 97.7 FM.