February 11, 2025

Course gives cadets foundation for economics, critical thinking

Cadets in the Introduction to Economics course begin an exercise about production processes at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Feb. 4, 2025. The exercise trains cadets in the efficient allocation of resources and strategic decision-making future military leaders need. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The future of air and space power demands leaders who understand the intricate relationship between economics and national security. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Introduction to Economics course prepares cadets for resource allocation challenges in modern warfare. In this core course,...

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February 10, 2025

Laser and optics: cadets solve problems to advance research

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadets 3rd Class Delaney Finley, left, and Annabelle Towles adjust a vacuum system that produces and traps a beam of silicon atoms in the U.S. Air Force Academy Laser and Optics Research Center, Jan. 22, 2025. The cadets’ project uses specific laser frequencies to cool and trap silicon atoms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy cadets are at the forefront of innovation as they solve real-world problems at the Laser and Optics Research Center. If successful,...

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February 6, 2025

Cadets advance unmanned aircraft systems technology

Cadet 1st Class Junhyung Park tests his capstone team’s counter-unmanned aircraft system in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Jan. 15, 2025. Capstone projects like this demonstrate cadets’ problem-solving skills while they conduct research that supports warfighting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadets in the U.S. Air Force Academy Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research solve complex problems to shape the future of unmanned aerial vehicle technology. They demonstrate their problem-solving skills while conducting meaningful research to support...

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January 28, 2025

Cadets aim to make explosive ordnance operations safer

Cadet 1st Class Simon Gott, left, and Cadet 1st Class Gunnar Gott discuss their electronic wire stabilization and cutting tool project in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Jan. 16, 2025. The brothers have applied for a provisional patent and hope their project is added to a list of 60 Academy patents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – A cadet brother team developed an electronic wire stabilization and cutting tool that could revolutionize explosive ordnance operations. Military members are...

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January 28, 2025

Squadron’s inauguration trip continues Academy tradition

Cadet Squadron 36 poses in front of the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., Jan. 20, 2025. The trip to Washington, D.C., was planned for the cadets to attend inauguration events, continuing a U.S. Air Force Academy tradition dating back to 1957. (Courtesy photo provided by Cadet 1st Class Landon Adkins) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Since President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second inauguration parade in 1957, U.S. Air Force Academy cadets have participated in the nation’s transfer of power. Cadet Squadron 36 became the latest cohort of cadets to be...

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January 23, 2025

Academy professor shapes tomorrow’s cyber leaders

Dr. Shannon Beck, U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences assistant professor, poses for a photo at the Academy, Colo., Jan. 17, 2025. Combining her passion for teaching with a wealth of real-world experience, Beck plays a critical role in developing the next generation of leaders in an increasingly digital world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adalyn Greene). By Mackenzie Mendez U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Dr. Shannon Beck, Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences assistant professor, is a key leader in shaping the future of cadets at the U.S....

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January 17, 2025

Cadets tackle mistletoe mitigation to fight forest decline

Cadet 1st Class Camryn Miller and Cadet 2nd Class Adam Rouse spot signs of dwarf mistletoe infestation in a ponderosa pine on the southern side of the U.S. Air Force Academy Jan. 16, 2025. The cadets created a Geospatial Science plan to map the parasite that affects trees on the installation during a Department of Economics and Geosciences sustainability course during the 2023-24 academic year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Two cadets made their mark on the conservation of Rocky Mountain forests in...

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January 17, 2025

Professor’s classroom is where critical thinking meets space policy

Department of Political Science Professor Madison Walker introduces her Space Policy game to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets Oct. 1, 2024. The space policy professor and Stanton Fellow introduces the game in class and in the Academy’s Azimuth summer space program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Cadets from different academic disciplines credit U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Political Science Professor Madison Walker with stoking their passion for space law, policy and research. Cadet 1st Class Anjulina Abdon, a Political Science major, worked...

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January 13, 2025

Human Performance Lab helps cadets improve strength, durability

Human Performance Lab Director Dr. Matthew Hawkey applies Cadet 1st Class Andrew Lu’s mask before his VO2 max training Jan. 3, 2025. The U.S. Air Force Academy boxer has experienced performance improvement from the testing that measures cardiovascular endurance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The staff at the Human Performance Lab facilitate the physiological development and performance of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets. “We facilitate the development of future warfighters through the science and practice of high-performance approaches for building strength, durability and...

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January 6, 2025

Seminar course empowers cadets with core engineering skills

Cadet 2nd Class Joshua Dibb practices welding skills in the Engineering Skills Seminar Dec. 9, 2024. The course functions as a shop class because it teaches cadets the foundational mechanical skills to progress in their major. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy cadets strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the Engineering Tools Seminar while learning fundamental shop skills. The Department of Mechanical Engineering course integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on application of 3D printing, machining, welding and woodworking skills...

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