United States Air Force Academy
Go to home pageEverything we do is designed to build leaders of character who exemplify courage, humility and a desire to serve others before themselves. Our cadets push themselves higher each day in pursuit of this goal. Take a peek into the lives they lead.
A cadet’s day starts early with time to get their room and personal issues in order and get dressed in the uniform of the day. Some mornings involve military training time for squadron meetings or other events, as well as random room inspections. There is a proper location for everything a cadet is allowed to have in his or her room, and cadets are expected to keep rooms in inspection order.
Cadets eat breakfast in Mitchell Hall, the cadet dining facility, which is the largest of its kind in the United States Air Force. During the academic year, the entire Cadet Wing (4,000+ students) assembles to eat family-style meals.
Cadets have two different, alternating class schedules – “M-Day Schedule” and “T-Day Schedule.” Depending on their schedule, cadets start their school day with morning classes at 0730.
Most academic classes and labs are located in Fairchild Hall.
Military training takes place on various Saturdays throughout the semester. Sundays are almost always reserved for personal time.
Cadets attend morning classes or study until just after 1100, when they return to their squadron area to prepare for the mandatory noon meal formation and lunch. At 1130, the Cadet Wing lines up by squadron, numerically in front of Vandenberg Hall. Then they march across The Terrazzo to eat lunch at Mitchell Hall. Visitors to the Academy can watch noon meal formation from the Honor Court wall overlooking the Terrazzo.
Afternoon classes begin at 1230. Cadets participate in military training, Commander’s Calls, briefings, commissioning education, or real-world research at one of 19 research centers. Cadets are required to complete 10 physical education classes, including boxing, water survival and team sports. Athletics are among the best team-building and leadership opportunities the Academy has to offer.
Cadets have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of clubs and activities, from cycling to combat shooting to chemistry. Many cadets also participate in airmanship programs like soaring, instructor pilot training or the Wings of Blue parachuting team.
Cadets involved in Division I athletics or intramural sports practice with their team in the afternoon.
Cadets also participate in evening military training time where briefings, lectures, ancillary training and other military duties take place. Fourth-class cadets study the Contrails, to learn about military life and the Academy. Upper-class cadets use this time to mentor younger students or meet to discuss upcoming events that impact their squadron, flight or element.
Cadets have the option to eat a buffet-style dinner from 1700-1900 in Mitchell Hall.
Each weeknight, cadets have personal development time, as well as free time to play volleyball with other cadets in the squadron, catch a home athletics event or compete in knowledge bowls against other classes. Cadets can also head to Arnold Hall for various performances or other free entertainment events.
A cadet’s day ends with Taps (the final bugle call of the day), but not before the Academic Call to Quarters (ACQ), or required study time. Fourth-class cadets (freshman), who are required to keep their door open starting at 0715, can now close their dorm door.