March 30, 2026

Cadets focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Cadet 1st Class Lauren Mirande, left, and Cadet 2nd Class Abigail Anderson, right, learn about volcanic rock types in the Geospatial Science Laboratory, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., March 19, 2026. Mirande and Anderson are learning to interpret and analyze data for future operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy is a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics institution, frequently ranked among the nation’s top STEM programs. Cadets develop analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills to operate...

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March 30, 2026

From enlisted service to commission: a cadet’s path to leadership

Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Canfield poses for a photo at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in this 2018 image. Canfield, now a Cadet 1st Class, earned her appointment through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development (LEAD) program. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Canfield) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - For Cadet 1st Class Elizabeth Canfield, the path to becoming an Air Force officer did not begin with a lifelong plan to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Instead, it began with a television show, a close friend and a willingness to step into...

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March 24, 2026

Cadets develop critical thinking skills during engineering lab

Cadets view a force vs. displacement graph during a Mechanical Engineering 220 class at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., March 18, 2026. During the lab, cadets test, graph, and analyze data to determine if a metal alloy is suitable for a specific design application. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn) By TSgt Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy are honing their critical thinking skills in core classes like Mechanical Engineering 220: Fundamentals of Mechanics. Throughout the semester, cadets in the Academy’s...

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March 17, 2026

Brig. Gen. Valpiani Assumes Command as Academy’s 12th Dean of the Faculty

Chief Master Sgt. Micheal Dederich (left to right), Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Col. Steven C. M. Hasstedt, and Brig. Gen. James M. Valpiani stand at attention during the playing of the The Star-Spangled Banner at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s dean of the faculty change of command, here March 16, 2025. During the ceremony Brig. Gen. Valpiani became the Academy’s 12th Dean of the Faculty after taking command from Col. Hasstedt. Photo by Trevor Cokely. U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Brig. Gen. James M. Valpiani became the Academy’s 12th Dean of the Faculty during a ceremony in Fairchild Hall,...

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March 9, 2026

New Squadron Sharpens Cadet Warfighting Skills

Cadet 1st Class Dominic Senft participates in the Fall Validation Exercise (VALEX) at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Oct. 10, 2025. Training events like VALEX develop cadets’ warfighter skills and are part of the hands-on training the 34th Training Support Squadron (TRSS) supports across the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - A new squadron has been activated at the U.S. Air Force Academy to better prepare cadets for the complexities of modern warfare. The 34th Training Support Squadron (TRSS), activated on Feb. 23, 2026, will strengthen the Academy's officer-development mission...

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March 5, 2026

Silver weekend training builds cadet warfighting skills and leadership

Cadets participate in small-unit tactics scenarios as the Cadet Wing conducts silver weekend Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Feb. 6, 2026. The training reinforced military fundamentals and cadet-led competencies, including simulated weapons handling, land navigation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care and mission planning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Silver weekend training is a multi-day cadet-led, wing-directed military training event that engages thousands of cadets across the Cadet Wing simultaneously. It is designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and...

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February 23, 2026

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...

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February 18, 2026

Silver Saturday training develops future warfighters at Prep School

Cadet candidates Shae Magley (left) and Mitchell Major rehearse their approach to a secured 360-degree perimeter during a Silver Saturday training exercise, at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado, Jan. 31, 2026. The training exercise aimed to sharpen communication and tactical awareness among the cadet candidates. (U.S. Air Force Photo by C/C Madison Harte) By SrA Gracie Nowlan U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidates participated in a series of hands-on events designed to develop tactical warfighting proficiency, leadership skills and decision-making under pressure during...

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February 17, 2026

Class of 2026 celebrate 100s Night as they near graduation

Cadets 1st Class Raj Raghulan and Marguerite Niskanen celebrate during the Class of 2026 100s Night dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Feb. 12, 2026. The ceremony recognizes cadets’ commitment and leadership development as they prepare to serve as commissioned officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SrA Gracie Nowlan U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadets from the Class of 2026 marked the final 100 days before graduation during a 100s Night dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, Feb. 12. Held annually approximately 100 days before commissioning, the...

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February 11, 2026

Nuclear Weapons and Strategy Minor builds strategic deterrence expertise

(From left to right) Cadets 1st Class Andrew Katz, Joseph Phetmixay, Maria Davison and Lilliana Turra pose in front of a government building in Helsinki, Finland, June 18, 2025. The cadets interviewed officials from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Finland’s internal posture and nuclear deterrence policy. (Photo by Dr. Shane Smith) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - As global deterrence dynamics continue to evolve, the Air Force is renewing its focus on strategic readiness. The Nuclear Weapons and Strategy minor at the U.S. Air Force Academy helps cadets develop...

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