Cadets deepen understanding of combat and crisis-tested character during annual symposium

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, staff, coaches and faculty attend the opening ceremony of the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 20, 2026. Reflecting the theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” the symposium featured a warfighting-focused lineup of speakers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

By TSgt Zach Vaughn
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Scores of cadets, faculty, service members, community leaders and visiting undergraduate students attended the 33rd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 20-21, 2026.

This year’s theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” paid homage to the Academy’s tradition of producing warfighters, leaders and critical thinkers who have defended the nation in combat.

During the opening ceremony, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Academy superintendent, emphasized that courage is not merely a theme of the symposium but a foundational expectation for those who choose to serve.

“The Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms is not an abstract concept; it is your sworn duty,” said Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind. “Your courage will be tested in both combat and crisis, and it’s your character that will be your foundation and your strength.”

Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, the symposium offered attendees a chance to engage with a variety of speakers and participate in group discussions.

Cadets, faculty and distinguished guests attend the opening ceremony of the National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 20, 2026. The event reflected this year’s theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” highlighting the importance of warfighting leadership and moral courage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Voices of experience across the Joint Force

Featured speakers included U.S. Air Force astronaut and Academy graduate Lt. Col. Nicole Ayres and retired U.S. Navy Captain Charlie Plumb alongside esteemed military leaders such as retired Generals Marc Sasseville, Edward Mechenbier, and Austin Miller. They were joined by warrior leaders like 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing Commander Col. John Blocher, U.S. Northern Command’s Col. Justin J. Elliott, and retired Master Sgt. Israel “DT” Del Toro, Jr., among others.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command Commander Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David R. Wolfe, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna were also on hand for the event.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dr. Monte Anderson, Class of 1992, leads the workshop “Leveraging the Martial Way: Forging ‘Whole’ Warriors to Lead in Future Conflicts” in the Polaris Forum at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 20, 2026. The session reinforced the National Character and Leadership Symposium theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” examining martial arts as disciplines that build judgment, emotional regulation, adaptability and confidence under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith)

Workshops that challenge and engage

The two-day event began with interactive workshops before transitioning into keynote and panel sessions that connected attendees with examples of physical and moral courage.

The workshops encouraged attendees to think critically, ask questions and develop solutions through group discussion while engaging with subject matter experts shaping leadership in the profession of arms.

Cadet 3rd Class Scarlett Marez attended the workshop “Leveraging the Martial Way: Forging ‘Whole’ Warriors to Lead in Future Conflicts.” Alongside fellow participants, she explored Judo and Taekwondo as martial traditions connected to military training and leadership development. Rather than focusing on sport, the session examined martial arts as disciplines that build judgment, emotional regulation, adaptability and confidence under pressure.

Reflecting on what she learned, Marez said the session challenged her to confront personal fears and embrace greater responsibility.

“Conquering your own fears and taking on those challenges, especially graduating from USAFA and stepping into bigger leadership roles and responsibilities,” said Manez. “I want to start my career as that second lieutenant who seeks out new responsibilities and leads people decisively, and not be passive. I definitely want to lead our Air Force through whatever challenges we might face in the future.”

Master Sgt. (Ret.) George Vera delivers a keynote address, “Courage Under Fire: Leading Soldiers in Contact,” during the National Character and Leadership Symposium at Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 21, 2026. Drawing on his combat experience, Vera reinforced the symposium theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” highlighting the demands of leadership under fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Leadership in the crucible of combat

The second day of the symposium opened with a keynote from Master Sgt. (Ret.) George Vera, whose presentation, “Courage Under Fire: Leading Soldiers in Contact,” grounded the audience in the realities of combat leadership. Drawing from a 90-minute insurgent attack during his deployment, when he was shot multiple times while continuing to lead his soldiers, Vera shared firsthand lessons on decision-making in chaos and the weight of responsibility when lives hang in the balance.

Reflecting on both that engagement and his continued Army service, he emphasized accountability, teamwork and resilience not only to survive severe injury, but to continue leading with clarity and purpose. His remarks offered a powerful examination of leadership under pressure and the moral courage demanded in moments of crisis.

“Hearing how he continued to lead after being wounded was incredibly impactful,” said Cadet 1st Class Jamie Snyder. “We talk a lot about leadership in theory, but his story showed what it looks like when the stakes are real. It reinforced that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s making the right decision for your team when everything around you is uncertain.”

Gen. (Ret.) Austin Scott Miller delivers a keynote address in Arnold Hall during the National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 21, 2026. His presentation reinforced the symposium theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” drawing on decades of experience in special operations and command to highlight leadership under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

The Weight of Command

In another keynote, Gen. (Ret.) Austin Scott Miller presented “Trusted to Perform: Courageous Leadership at the Highest Level,” drawing on decades of special operations and command experience. From leading elite forces in urban combat to commanding U.S. and coalition forces during America’s longest war, Miller reflected on leadership under pressure, decision-making amid uncertainty and the human cost of war.

He pointed to the lessons of the Battle of Mogadishu, commonly known as Black Hawk Down, as a defining moment in his understanding of leadership and trust.

“What was it that really struck me about it? It was the trust amongst Task Force Rangers. I saw extreme trust,” Miller said. “You’re going to go through your training and lead the men and women of the United States of America, and it’s implicit that you’re going to drive trust in your organization. Trust is an absolute necessity in our line of work.”

Cadet 2nd Class Michael Graham, an NCLS attendee, said the keynote reinforced the importance of applying those lessons beyond the symposium.

“All of these leadership lessons are only valuable if we take them and actually employ them,” Graham said. “We can attend these sessions and hear great ideas, but we need to focus on incorporating those lessons into our everyday lives as leaders.”

Carrying the legacy forward

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the nation reflects on the enduring courage that secured its independence and continues to shape its character. From the earliest battles fought to win freedom, generations of warfighters have defended and preserved the liberties Americans cherish.

Throughout the symposium, speakers underscored that courage in the profession of arms remains as vital today as it was at the nation’s founding. During the opening ceremony, Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind connected the symposium’s focus on combat- and crisis-tested character to the enduring principles that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years.

“We are not just celebrating a historical event; we are reaffirming our commitment to the principles that have guided our nation for two and a half centuries,” said the superintendent. “Today’s men and women in uniform, and every generation of American service members before them, have defended those founding principles and been willing to give their last full measure to protect those promises.”

The Academy advances that legacy by developing the warrior leaders the nation requires, now and for generations to come. The National Character and Leadership Symposium is the first in a series of events planned to commemorate and honor America’s 250th anniversary.

Photos from the Symposium are available on Flickr.