Class of 2030 In-processing Day begins 47-month journey
Basic cadets walk across the Terrazzo on In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. The red baseball caps worn by members of the Class of 2030 designate their class color, and for many, it is their first time wearing an Air Force uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)
By Tali Burress
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – More than 1,130 Class of 2030 appointees took the first step in their journey toward becoming Air Force and Space Force officers during In-processing Day June 24, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Selected from a pool of 10,970 applicants, the incoming class includes appointees from across the nation and 17 international appointees representing allied and partner nations around the world. The day marked the beginning of a 47-month journey that will challenge the newest members of the Cadet Wing academically, physically and militarily as they prepare to become leaders of character and warfighters ready to serve.
After arriving at the Holaday Athletic Center, appointees completed administrative and medical processing before taking their initial oath of service. They then met the Cadet Cadre, the upperclassmen that will be training them, for the first time and traveled to the Cadet Area, where they received instruction on military customs and courtesies, appearance standards and the expectations of Academy life.
“I-Day is a great day for the Academy, the young men and women that showed up today have taken their first steps toward becoming the warfighters and leaders of character the Air Force and Space Force needs,” said Commandant of Cadets Col. Brandon J. Tellez. “I-Day is where that transformation begins, it’s a milestone the Academy looks forward to every year.”
Basic cadets go through a gauntlet of cadre as they step off the bus on their way to the footprints at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. The encounter marks one of their first introductions to the pace and discipline of Basic Cadet Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
The journey begins
For appointees and their families, In-processing Day represented the culmination of years of preparation and the beginning of a new chapter. The day also marked an emotional milestone for families, who said goodbye before dropping off their appointees at the Holaday Athletic Center.
Following the oath, appointees earned the title of Basic Cadet and began the transition from civilian life to military service. The experience marks the start of Basic Cadet Training, a six-week program designed to build military skills, physical fitness, resilience and teamwork.
Basic Cadets from the Class of 2030 take the Oath of Office at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. Taking the oath marks their transition from appointees to basic cadets and their commitment to serve as members of the U.S. profession of arms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)
Different paths, one purpose
Among the members of the Class of 2030 was Diana Good of Wilmington, North Carolina, who has dreamed of attending the Academy since she was 12 years old.
A Cadet Lt Colonel and Cadet Commander in the Civil Air Patrol, Good was homeschooled and earned an associate degree with honors from Cape Fear Community College and graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Online Program while in high school. She said learning about the Air Force through Civil Air Patrol inspired her to pursue an appointment.
“The Academy is one of the few institutions where the connection between students is based on a shared goal of excellence, and that’s what makes USAFA so special to me,” Good said. “Being able to have a mission while simultaneously learning and working alongside incredible liberal arts and STEM professors is what separates USAFA from other universities.”
Philipp Bergmann of San Antonio, Texas, arrived at the Academy after spending the past six years attending a Department of Defense Education Activity school in the Netherlands. A varsity basketball team captain and Corps Commander in his Air Force Junior ROTC unit, Bergmann said his goal of serving as an Air Force officer and pilot motivated him to pursue an appointment.
“My decision to attend the United States Air Force Academy is driven by my goals since seventh grade to serve as an Air Force officer and pursue a career as a pilot,” Bergmann said.
A male basic cadet from the Class of 2030 receives a regulation haircut on In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. The haircut is one of the first steps in the transition from civilian life to military training during Basic Cadet Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene)
Ready for the challenge
Good said receiving her appointment was one of the most memorable moments of her life. She accepted her appointment during the Academy’s Admitted Students Day in April and arrived for In-processing Day eager to begin the next phase of her journey.
Good and Bergmann are part of what Academy leaders describe as one of the most competitive classes in Academy history.
“This year, we have admitted one of our most competitive classes in Academy history, with composite scores coming in seven percent higher than previous averages,” said Col. Candice L. Pipes, Academy director of admissions. “Our admissions team did a phenomenal job screening applicants to ensure we are selecting the nation’s best. These young men and women understand the rigor and the profound service obligation they are undertaking and actively chose to answer that call.”
While both Good and Bergmann acknowledged feeling some nerves on In-processing Day, they said they were eager to begin the journey ahead.
“I am feeling nervous but also excited to see what this new adventure holds for me,” Bergmann said.
Basic Cadets from the Class of 2030 stands at attention on one of the footprints at the base of the Core Values Ramp at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. The basic cadet receives instruction and guidance from a member of the cadet cadre during In-processing Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)
The path ahead
Basic Cadet Training runs for approximately six weeks and is designed to introduce Basic Cadets to military life, build physical and mental resilience, and establish the values that underpin service in the Air Force and Space Force.
The day following In-processing Day, basic cadets will ceremonially take the Oath of Office at Stillman Field before family and friends, formally affirming their commitment to military service.
Following Basic Cadet Training, the Class of 2030 will be formally welcomed into the Cadet Wing as fourth-class cadets during the Acceptance Day Parade on Aug. 5.
Although the transition comes with uncertainty, Good said she views the challenge ahead as an opportunity to grow alongside the other members of the Class of 2030.
“While I am nervous, I feel honored and ready to accomplish this mission alongside my squadron,” she said. “I am already praying for their success as well as my own.”
See additional Class of 2030 In-processing Day photos on Flickr.