August 18, 2025

U.S. Air Force Academy adapts to civilian workforce reduction, maintains academic excellence

On the first day of class for the academic year, cadets walk across the Terrazzo at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 7, 2025. Amid a Department of Defense-wide civilian workforce reduction, the Academy remains dedicated to its core mission of forging the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner) U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications A new academic year is underway at the U.S. Air Force Academy, with cadets attending classes, competing in athletics, participating in physical training, and advancing their military skills. Amid a Department of Defense-wide civilian...

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August 14, 2025

The Cadet Warfighter Instructor Course enhances basic warfighting skills

U.S. Air Force Academy upper-class cadets conduct a map reconnaissance of a potential ambush site during the Cadet Warfighter Instructor Course at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 31, 2025. This course gives cadet instructors the skills and confidence to train underclassmen cadets in basic warfighting to improve the quality of military training at the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Sonie Rathbun U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy recently concluded its inaugural Cadet Warfighter Instructor Course (CWIC), an 11-day program held from July 22...

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July 30, 2025

CSRP 2025: taking research beyond the classroom

Cadet 2nd Class Michael Fays poses for a picture with fellow Cadet Summer Research Program participants at NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany, June 12, 2025. As part of the Cadet Summer Research Program, Fays completed both the NATO Instructor Course and the NATO Strategic Operations Planning Course. (Courtesy photo provided by Michael Fays) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - More than 300 cadets participated in the Cadet Summer Research Program (CSRP), taking their research beyond the classroom and into real-world application. The Academy maintains more than 260 national and international...

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July 22, 2025

Basic soaring program introduces cadets to airmanship

Cadet 2nd Class Katherine Daley is prepared for takeoff in a TG-16 glider at Davis Airfield, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., July 8, 2025. Daley went through the basic soaring program before her sophomore year. Now, as a soaring instructor, she is responsible for exposing cadets to military aviation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - At the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets are exposed to aviation, learn the fundamentals of flight and develop airmindedness. Through the world’s largest glider operation, with more than 15,000...

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July 16, 2025

The breakdown: Class of 2029 in-processing stats

Appointees wait to board the bus that will take them to the footprints area, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 25, 2025. The Class of 2029 in-processing stats show cadets were admitted from every state, as well as the U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Class of 2029 appointees arrived for in-processing, followed by six weeks of Basic Cadet Training, on June 25, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado. Basic cadets are in their first phase...

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July 10, 2025

Cadet selected as Academy’s 27th Truman Scholar

Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang is the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 27th Truman Scholar. Tang plans to pursue a graduate degree in international security. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, Class of 2026, has been selected to receive the highly competitive Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The senior was named among 54 scholars selected from 743 applicants nominated by 288 colleges, universities and military service academies. The foundation selects Truman Scholars from finalists who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or...

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June 27, 2025

Class of 2029 appointees arrive for in-processing

A Class of 2029 basic cadet is learning to stand at attention on one of the footprints at the base of the core values ramp, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 25, 2025. He is receiving instructions and guidance from a member of the cadet cadre. U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – More than 1,100 Class of 2029 appointees took the first step in their journey to becoming U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force second lieutenants with their arrival at In-processing Day June 25, 2025, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. In-processing...

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June 18, 2025

Academy Military Trainers provide mentorship; discipline

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kimberly Kouete, Cadet Squadron 38 Academy Military Trainer, poses for a photo with her cadet squadron on the Terrazzo before the Founders’ Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 12, 2025. In her role as an AMT, Kouete shapes cadet leadership, discipline and officer development through mentorship. (Courtesy photo provided by Kimberly Kouete) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Academy Military Trainers, or AMTs, shape cadet development. These enlisted leaders provide real-world perspective, mentorship and leadership, often forming some of the most...

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June 9, 2025

Integrity first: 2nd Lt. Caleb Kavanaugh’s leadership path

Cadet 1st Class Caleb Kavanaugh, Class of 2025 president, speaks to graduates and audience members during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 2025 graduation ceremony held at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 29, 2025. (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 military trainer Master Sgt. Nicholas Filip first met 2nd Lt. Caleb Kavanaugh when Kavanaugh joined Cadet Squadron 6 four years ago as a four-degree. Filip appraised the prior-enlisted cadet from that first meeting as “the boldest and most confident...

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June 6, 2025

Service Before Self: 2nd Lt. Billie Botes’ combats veteran homelessness

Marine veteran Carl Lewis salutes Cadet 1st Class Billie Botes at the Cadet Squadron 14 commissioning ceremony at Arnold Hall in the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 28, 2025. Botes met Lewis while volunteering at Marian House Kitchen and requested that he render her a first salute as an Air Force officer to honor his positive influence on her life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sonie Munson) By Sonie Munson U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Marine veteran Carl Lewis renders a first salute to then Cadet 1st Class Billie Botes, Class of...

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