Basic Cadet Day Out

Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 6 a.m.
Location: U.S. Air Force Academy

The U.S. Air Force Academy Sponsor Program is thrilled to announce this year’s Basic Cadet Day Out (BDO) will take place Saturday, July 26.

This event offers basic cadets from the Class of 2029 their first chance to leave the Academy since the beginning of Basic Cadet Training. It is a full day dedicated to relaxation, support, and meaningful connections with local sponsor families.

As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to host one or more basic cadets in your home for the day to provide them with a much-needed break before they head into the academic year. This is also a great opportunity to gain insight into the cadet experience and consider continuing your role as a sponsor and mentor throughout their journey.

If you are already an active sponsor, email the Cadet Sponsor Office to confirm your status and your desire to participate in this year’s BDO. The deadline for participating is July 1.

If you are ready to become a sponsor, contact the office to get started.

• Military/DoD Rank Requirements:
  • O-3 or above
  • E-6 or above
  • GS-5 or above
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 28 years old
• Additional Requirements:
  • Submit a family introduction letter
  • Pass a background check

Learn more about the cadet sponsor program and check out the academic calendar.

Check out our base access information.

Cadet Sponsor Program Office
cadet.sponsor@afacademy.af.edu
(719) 333-2727

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March Out to Jacks Valley

Sunday, July 13, 2025
Location: U.S. Air Force Academy

Cadets march to Jack’s Valley for the second part of Basic Cadet Training.

While there, basic cadets assemble and reside in tents. Second BCT includes outdoor challenges such as the assault course, obstacle course, and leadership reaction course. It also introduces cadets to small-unit tactics and firearms. 

Learn more about Basic Cadet Training!

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Class of 2029 Swearing-In Ceremony

Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Location: Stillman Field

The basic cadets’ swearing-in ceremony is typically held the day after In-processing Day and is conducted by the commandant of cadets. Appointees take the oath of allegiance to become a basic cadet.

Family and guests are welcome to attend the event. Basic cadets form up on the parade field, starting with the first flight (A) on the left to the last flight, usually H, on the right. To ensure you’re sitting in the best location to see your cadet, verify flight information before attending. No contact with cadets will be allowed.

Cadet Oath of Allegiance
“I,________ , having been appointed an Air Force cadet in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of which I am about to enter (So help me God).”

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Acceptance Day Parade

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Location: Stillman Field

Base access information coming soon!

During the ceremony, basic cadets are accepted into the Cadet Wing. They become fourth-class cadets (freshmen) and are placed into their academic year Cadet Squadron. The parade is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

Food trucks will be available in the upper Stillman parking lot, and cadets are authorized to have a picnic with their families anywhere within the installation after the parade ends.

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March Back from Jacks Valley

Friday, July 25, 2025
Location: U.S. Air Force Academy

Basic cadets from the Class of 2029 will march back from Jacks Valley to the main campus after completing field training.

During that time, cadets honed the mental, teamwork, and physical conditioning skills critical to becoming fourth-class cadets. They tackled the challenges of the leadership reaction course and ran the confidence and assault courses. They also conducted first aid and combat arms training.

Academy graduates are invited to march back with the cadets and can register as part of the Long Blue Line Weekend.

For more information about marching with the basic cadets, contact Jennifer Cooper at the Association of Graduates at (719) 247-8737.

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In-processing Day

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Location: Holaday Athletic Center

In-processing Day (I-Day) begins with our four-degree (freshman) cadet-appointees getting dropped off at the Holaday Athletic Center to begin their official in-processing activities. After processing through various stations, including a medical review and taking the oath of office, they become basic cadets.

Basic Cadets will travel by bus to the Cadet Area and immediately begin receiving instruction from upperclassmen before heading up the Core Value Ramp for the first time. This will be proceeded by haircuts and the issuance of uniforms and dorms. The commandant conducts a ceremonial class swearing-in ceremony the following day, formally kicking off six weeks of Basic Cadet Training (BCT).

Family members will have the opportunity to attend an information fair in Arnold Hall. There will be base agencies and vendors who provide information and answer questions, with free giveaways to make learning about the Academy entertaining. The Planetarium and Visitor Center will be open. Also, the Colorado Parents’ Club will host a picnic and you can write a letter to your Basic Cadet, which is delivered the same day!

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