November 1, 2017

Human-machine research teaches cadets design, human factors, culture

Jenn Kuster, U.S. Air Force Academy Dean of Faculty research publicist, Oct. 31, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The idea of an endearing, interactive and witty robot companion may elicit nostalgic flashbacks of Rosie and the Jetsons, but this is not 2062 and the star of the show is not a two-dimensional robot maid. The year is 2017 and autonomous systems are penetrating societies around the world: from self-driving vehicles and robot waiters in restaurants to robot wingmen flying alongside human pilots. Indeed, the United States Air Force’s vision is for humans and robots to partner as teammates for...

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November 1, 2017

Academy firefighters douse competition to take ‘World’s Best’ title

By Laurie Wilson, Nov. 1, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Firefighters assigned to the Air Force Academy beat the competition at the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge XXVI Worlds, Oct. 27 in Louisville, Kentucky. The annual challenge promotes physical fitness among firefighters and demonstrates the physical and mental stress firefighters can face on the job. Competing firefighters were protective suits and breathing apparatus while climbing a 5-story tower, dragging hoses and a 175-pound "victim" and racing against their opponents. The Over-40 relay team of 10th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighters Hans Barkley, Roy Dalton, Anthony McMurtry, Pat Kraft, and Fire Chief...

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October 31, 2017

Cadets from 94th FTS are the future of aviation

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs/Oct. 31, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The Future of Aviation is our theme this week as we gear up for the Air Force vs Army football game this weekend. We spoke to cadets across the Academy who want to be pilots, remotely piloted aircraft pilots or air battle managers. We asked them: What attracted you to the Academy? What has been your favorite experience related to the Aero research you've done? What career field do you want or are going into to? How do you think your Aero experience will contribute to...

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October 31, 2017

How the Air Force Academy’s Aeronautics Department Innovates

(Col. John Cinnamon/U.S. Air Force photo) Interview by Marsha Barancik, Oct. 30, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- In the last decade, the Air Force Academy’s Aeronautics Department, with the support of the $125 million Aeronautics Research Center/Aeronautics Lab and the High Performance Computing Research Center, has transformed itself from a traditional academic program into a unique modeling center that accelerates the development of innovative aeronautics solutions for U.S. military and other federal agencies. Col John Cinnamon, Permanent Professor and Head of the Department of Aeronautics shares how it enables cadets to reinforce warfighter capabilities. MB: How is the...

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October 27, 2017

10th ABW recognizes outstanding Airmen

By Laurie Wilson, Oct. 27, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The 10th Air Base Wing recognized 10 outstanding Airmen performers Oct. 19 at the Air Force Academy. Kelly Peterson, 10th Communications Squadron project manager, was nominated as the exceptional performer in the Senior Civilian category. “It was just so unexpected that it brought tears to my eyes,” she said. “It was humbling and appreciated.” Combined, the group of 20 civilian, enlisted and commissioned nominees completed 27 college hours, earned GPAs of 3.5 or higher and completed nearly 200 hours of continuing-education directly related to their Air Force specialties. One...

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October 26, 2017

Academy alumni, amputees return to duty

By Master Sgt. Brian Ferguson / Oct. 26, 2017 More than 1500 service members have lost limbs in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. For those faced with this traumatic injury, the Department of Defense medical system has adapted in the last 20 years to speed up the recovery process and improve prosthetics. “Our patients have challenged us by wanting more,” said Col. (Dr.) Mark Mavity, Air Force Surgeon General special assistant for Invisible Wounds and Wounded Warrior Program. “One of the unfortunate truths of war is that medicine does advance based on the large numbers of our...

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October 25, 2017

Academy cadet takes flight with falconry program

By Senior Airman Clayton Cupit / Oct. 25, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The falcon lunges by at speeds up to 250 miles per hour, pursuing the bait and nearly missing the senior cadet, as the massive crowd roars in excitement. A tradition that has been held since the beginning of the Air Force Academy in 1955, falcons are launched from the skies to impress the audiences of sporting events for years. Cadet 3rd Class James Barney never saw himself as a falconer until a simple email crossed his inbox about a unique Academy program. “I didn’t want...

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October 23, 2017

Astronaut shares space experience with cadets

By Ray Bowden, Oct. 23, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- How great is the view of Earth from space? In the words of one astronaut Oct. 20, “Absolutely spectacular.” “It’s a vibrant blue and white globe sitting in inky blackness,” said Kjell Lindgren, a 1995 graduate of the Air Force Academy with 141 days in space under his belt. Lindgren spent six months on the International Space Station with his ISS program partners completing dozens of scientific experiments in low-flight orbit. He said the highlight of his time in space was also his most challenging: stepping outside the ship...

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October 20, 2017

U.S. Air Force Academy combines USAFA Assembly, International Week

By Ray Bowden, Oct. 20, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Geopolitics was the hot topic this week when the Air Force Academy combined two high-level annual events. Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria said the U.S. Air Force Academy Assembly and International Week were combined to benefit cadets. “This is the first time we’ve brought all this together,” Silveria said to cadets, guest speakers and faculty, Oct. 18 in Exemplar Hall. “The combination allows for beneficial synergistic effects.” One effect, Silveria said, is that officers from other countries attending International Week can take part in Assembly discussions. “It’s a...

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October 18, 2017

Roadrunners on ‘Cloud 9’ after Commandant’s Challenge win

By Maureen Welch, Oct. 18, 2017 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet Squadron 32’s “Roadrunners” beat-out the competition to win the annual Commandant’s Challenge this month. The annual competition took place Oct. 12-14, pitting the 40 squadrons against each other. “The Roadrunners are on ‘Cloud 9” after their win,” said Master Sgt. John Phillips, an academy military trainer at the squadron. “They took the top spot with points to spare.” Senior cadet and “Roadrunner” Michelle Ingle, said CS-32 was unified in its desire to take first place. “We knew we had to be on the same page to get things...

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