National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS)

The annual National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) is the United States Air Force Academy’s flagship event on character and leadership. It brings together distinguished scholars, military leaders, corporate executives and world-class athletes to motivate and equip participants for honorable living and effective leadership.

Each NCLS connects participants with powerful speakers from all walks of life, in presentations and discussion sessions, to encourage reflection and motivate personal action. By reinforcing Air Force Core Values of service, integrity and excellence, NCLS contributes to the Academy’s role as a unique and valuable character and leadership resource for both the Air Force, and the nation.

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NCLS at a glance:

• First held in 1993 and now attracts over 5,000 attendees annually
• One of the premier national symposia on character and leadership
• Theme changes each year in a deliberate cycle, to reflect the broader mission of the Academy and its relationship to serving in the Profession of Arms
• Cadets on the NCLS staff practice character-based leadership in a real-world context over the course of seven months, in a signature developmental opportunity that results in a major Academy event

The National Character & Leadership Symposium is held every year in February. To learn more, visit our NCLS event page or email ncls@usafa.edu.

NCLS Photo Galleries

NCLS 2017	NCLS 2016	NCLS 2015
NCLS 2014	NCLS 2013	NCLS 2012
NCLS 2011	NCLS 2010

NCLS Programs

NCLS 2016	NCLS 2016	NCLS 2015	NCLS 2014
NCLS 2013	NCLS 2012	NCLS 2011	NCLS 2010