The Academy releases 2-minute news briefs everyday that provide a daily summary of athletic events, academic achievements, campus activities and historical facts. These news briefs are only available on Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart speakers. To download the free apps, click here.

We also post daily updates to our official social media networks, to include Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

With a robust in-house team of professional photographers, we document the cadet experience of each class by attending all major events. We then publish the high-resolution pictures for free on Flickr, which are available to print and download. To view our past albums, click here.

For a fee, our Association of Graduates offer membership access for additional photos and videos of cadets. To learn more about this service, click here.

The 10th Force Support Squadron (10 FSS) supports cadet activities through the sale of class photos and yearbooks. To learn more about this service, click here.

If you suspect your cadet may have a drinking problem, it’s important to initiate a conversation and offer your assistance, as well as inform them of resources on base. This is a complex topic, to become more familiar with tools and resources, click here.

To help you better communicate with your cadet, we encourage you to become familiar with the standard Air Force acronyms. To get started, click here.

The Falcon Alert is a program will send text notifications to cadets making them aware of inclement weather, base exercises, and emergency situations. Cadets may sign up their parent’s cell phone numbers as well.

If you wish to pursue a news article about your cadet’s achievements, the cadet must fill out a Hometown News Release to release their Privacy Act Information. This requires a CAC identification card (Active Duty ID). It is the local publisher’s discretion if they wish to run the article. To start the release process, click here.

Applying and receiving appointment to the Academy is more involved than applying to a typical college or university. There are many steps and important deadlines to meet. It’s critically important to understand the application process. To learn more, click here.

The Appointee Guide on the Admissions Portal has an abundance of information to help prepare for arrival and success at the Academy.

The Preparatory School Cadet Candidate Appointee Guide on the Admissions Portal has an abundance of information to help prepare for arrival and success at the Academy.

Appointees are assigned a sponsor family after arrival at the Academy. For more information about Sponsor families, click here.

Our sponsor family program is made up of local Academy supporters who are willing to provide a home-away-from-home to cadets. If you’re interested in volunteering, click here.

The Preparatory School has a separate sponsor family program. To participate, Cadet Candidates and sponsor families can email PrepInfo@usafa.edu.

While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that appointees purchase one (1) pair of boots and wear them for 2-4 weeks prior to their arrival at the Academy. The boots must meet the following specifications: coyote brown in color, rubber sole, and 8 – 10” high waterproof upper bootie (Gore-tex or similar material). The boots must NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers. There are multiple options available to purchase. A few that meet Academy requirements are: Rocky S2V RKC050, Bellville model C790, NIKE SFB Field 2, 8″ boots (COYOTE) and Danner RIVOT TFX 8″ coyote. All basic cadets will be issued boots at the Academy to ensure that they have two (2) pairs of serviceable boots to wear during Basic Cadet Training.

Parents and family members are welcome to travel to the Academy with their appointee for In-processing Day and are invited to stay and take part in the Parent Program, which includes introductions to Academy leadership and lunch.

Preparatory School students who are accepted into the Academy can bring their OCPs, boots, and leather shoes; however, they will also be issued new uniforms. Cadet uniforms are completely different from those issued at the Preparatory School.

The Swearing-In Ceremony for the basic cadets is typically held the day after In-Processing Day at Stillman Field Parade Field. Family and guests are welcome to attend the event where basic cadets form up on the parade field starting with the first flight (A) on the left (or, east) to the last flight (usually, H) on the right (west). To ensure you’re sitting in the best location to see your cadet, verify their flight information prior to attending.

Signs of encouragement are welcome at the Swearing-In Ceremony. Please be conscientious of the size and placement of any signs while in the stands so not to obstruct others view.

BCT Part 1 is conducted in the Academy’s campus area, otherwise known as “on the hill”. During BCT Part 1, basic cadets have medical exams, placement tests, room inspections, and security paperwork. They will learn basic military skills to include marching and saluting, and receive a book called Contrails that has quotes and military knowledge. Also, basic cadets will take a baseline athletic fitness test (AFT) and physical fitness test (PFT). BCT Part 2 is located in Jacks Valley where the basic cadets assemble and reside in tents. BCT Part 2 includes outdoor challenges such as the assault course, obstacle course, and leadership course.

With some limitations, guests can watch the cadets march to/from Jacks Valley. The USAFA Parent Liaison will provide instructions on where you can congregate to observe the march out and march back. As the basic cadets are still in training during the marches, there will be no contact.

Cadets who were administratively turned back and are returning may not be provided squadron information prior to In-processing Day. Turnback cadets can in-process at any time on In-processing day. Returning cadets with specific questions should contact Cadet Personnel at 719-333-1043.

Mail is the only way to communicate with basic cadets during Basic Cadet Training (BCT). We encourage you to mail letters and cards often. We suggest numbering the correspondence you send (e.g., Letter #2) and annotate your cadet’s BCT squadron after their name to help mail reach them faster. Basic cadets will have time to write letters during BCT and are encouraged to do so by their trainers.

Personal cell phone and mobile devices are prohibited during Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Basic cadets typically have their cell phones returned shortly after returning from Jacks Valley, prior to Acceptance Day.

If you have a family emergency while your cadet is participating in Basic Cadet Training (BCT) and lack access to their personal cell phone, contact the USAFA Parent Liaison at 1-877-268-3383 or your cadet’s Air Officer Commanding (AOC) or Academy Military Trainer (AMT) at 719-333-3828. If the Parent Liaison is out of the office, call the Command Post at 719-333-2910.

Doolie Day Out is a day of rest for basic cadets where they can go to a sponsor family’s home to eat, sleep, and relax. The Doolie Day Out assigned sponsor family may or may not be their permanent sponsor family. If you (parent) are local, you must become your cadet’s sponsor to be authorized to pick them up on Doolie Day Out. Parents and family from out-of-state should not return to meet their cadet. Cadets will; however, have access to their cell phones if you wish to speak.

Acceptance Day occurs once the basic cadet passes Basic Cadet Training (BCT). This takes place prior to the start of the academic year and is celebrated with a parade. During the ceremony, basic cadets are accepted into the Cadet Wing, become fourth-class cadets (freshman) and are placed into their academic year Cadet Squadron. Due to the on-going threat of COVID-19, this parade will be closed to the public this year. Photos and videos from the event will be released on official social media channels the same day.

To access this year’s academic calendar, click here.

At the end of each semester, we will publish the official Honors List that reflects superior performances by cadets from the previous semester. To see the latest list, click here.

To order a transcript that can be picked up at the Registrar’s office in Fairchild Hall, cadets must fill out and submit a Transcript/Records Request form.

Yes, fourth-class (freshman) and third-class (sophomore) cadets may leave or disenroll from the Academy with no penalty. Before a third-class cadet’s junior year begins, they will attend Commitment Dinner where they will formally commit to the service of their country. After commitment, if a cadet leaves or is disenrolled from the Academy they may incur an active duty service commitment and be responsible for reimbursing the government for their educational costs either monetarily or by serving as an enlisted member in the Air Force or Space Force.

Parents Weekend is typically held Labor Day weekend. For more information and a schedule of events, click here.

Purchasing hotel/lodging reservations for Parents Weekend is a personal/family decision; however, many parents make reservations a year out.

Fourth-class cadets (freshman) must wear their uniform during Parents Weekend. Cadets can request special permission from their Air Officer Commanding (AOC) to wear sports-related attire to participate in activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and skiing.

Cadets are permitted to leave the Academy with parents/guests on Friday and return before the football game on Saturday. After the football game, cadets will be released for the weekend and must return on Monday evening. For more information and a schedule of events, click here.

For Fall/Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Break, the 10th Force Support Squadron (10 FSS) Outdoor Recreation office provides a fee-for-service shuttle bus for cadets to Colorado Springs and Denver Airports. Shuttle bus service is not available for summer breaks. For questions and to purchase tickets, call the Outdoor Recreation Office at 719-333-4602.

Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased by someone other than a cadet by calling 719-333-4602. You must have their airline reservation information to purchase a ticket. Once booked, the cadet must pick up their ticket from the Outdoor Recreation office in Vandenberg Hall.

2020 Cadet Winter Break Bus Transportation Schedule

2020 Prep School Winter Break Bus Transportation Schedule

Last Military Duty (LMD) is the last official duty of the day and must be completed prior to a cadet departing the Academy. It varies based on each cadet’s individual schedule. Please check with your cadet for their exact schedule. This is especially important to know before purchasing any shuttle service or airline tickets.

It is important to ask your cadet when they must be back at the Academy, as cadets may have different requirements. Generally, cadets should plan to land at Denver Airport no later than 3 hours prior to check-in time (usually at 7 pm) and Colorado Springs Airport no later than 1 hour prior to check-in time.

Usually in September, cadets can access the student database and look up when each of their final exams are scheduled. Cadets are typically permitted to leave after their Last Military Duty (LMD) on the release date. For example, if a cadet has their last final on Wednesday, then they may leave after that final with their Air Officer Commanding’s permission. Cadets may not move up or reschedule finals for airline tickets.

In December of a third-class cadet’s junior year, the class ring vendor will be on campus for cadets to view and reserve genuine stones for their rings. In January, the class ring vendor will return and cadets will select their ring metal and may order their class ring. During these events, an Association of Graduates (AOG) representative will oversee the selection and purchasing processes, ensuring cadets are well-informed. After the class ring vendor departs, cadets have up to three days to order their ring.

Prior to Graduation in May, third-class cadets (juniors) attend the Ring Dining Out and Dance. This formal dinner is held in Arnold Hall and is typically one of the most memorable moments of a cadet’s time at the Academy. Cadets and their dates/significant others enjoy dinner, receive their class rings, and attend the Ring Dance. Dining Out also takes place at the event when the official class painting is unveiled and presented to the entire class.

Tickets to attend graduation are free. All guests must have a ticket to enter Falcon Stadium for the graduation ceremony. Each cadet is provided 20 tickets for family and guests. If they require more tickets – not a problem, they must obtain through their Squadron, Group or Cadet Wing leadership.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, caps, sunscreen and layers of clothing, as weather conditions can change quickly. It is also highly advised to have plenty of water with you at all times due to the high elevation. To find the latest information and appropriate dress for Graduation Week events, click here.

The Academy does not issue handicapped equipment such as wheelchairs or oxygen tanks. Please bring your own handicapped placard for your vehicle. For more information, click here.

The graduation ceremony is live-streamed in its entirety and made available for on-demand viewing afterwards. To watch the graduation ceremony on your computer or mobile device, click here.

Throughout Graduation Week, guests may enter the Academy through either the North Gate or South Gate by showing a driver’s license or a military ID. All vehicles are subject to inspection by security personnel. You may be asked to show proof of insurance, a valid vehicle registration, and a rental car agreement (if applicable). Guests should refrain from bringing large bags, coolers, backpacks or other items that will require additional scrutiny or searches from security personnel.

The Academy is a challenging environment with high expectations and demands. To aid cadets and cadet candidates, we offer a comprehensive set of programs to enhance their physical, spiritual, social, and mental walks of life. We strive to provide reliable access to safe, quality care for all that we serve. To learn more, click here.

Each day, three well-balanced meals are provided to cadets by the cadet dining facility, Mitchell Hall. Mitchell Hall offers vegetarian menus to cadets for religious faith requirements or for individual convictions during Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Nutrition screening and counseling is provided to basic cadets requiring personal attention. During the academic year, Mitchell Hall offers light and vegetarian menus, and accommodates the Muslim faith during Ramadan and Jewish faith during Passover. If a cadet anticipates a faith-based dietary concern, call the Cadet Chaplains Office at 719-333-2636. For further dietary questions or concerns, call Mitchell Hall at 719-333-3663.

Proof of medical coverage is obtained through Tricare. To learn more, click here. For urgent requests, call the Beneficiary Line at 1-800-538-9552.

Cadet, cadet candidates and their parents/guardians may contact for Tricare medical coverage is Glenda Phillips, who can be reached by emailing Glenda.phillips@us.af.mil or calling 719-333-5281.

Once a cadet candidate in-processes at the Preparatory School, they will be enrolled in Tricare Prime. Tricare Prime is similar to a civilian HMO, as the cadet candidate will be assigned to a Primary Care Manager and will receive all of their primary care/specialty care at the USAFA Military Treatment Facility.

While assigned to the Academy as an active student, cadets are entitled by law (Authority is 10.U.S.C. 1074, 6201-6203; 31 U.S.C. 1535) to the following military medical care: Direct outpatient Care, Aeromedical Evacuation, Dental Care, Emergency Care, Immunizations, and Prosthetic Devices (includes hearing aids).

Tricare does not cover the cost of contact lenses and cadets will have to purchase them. However, if a cadet provides a paper prescription, Tricare will load the prescription into the cadet’s medical records and the clinic will then have the ability to renew the prescription for future contact purchases.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to maintain health insurance coverage for their cadet in the event that they are disenrolled or develop catastrophic illnesses (e.g., liver transplant, potential heart transplant). On average, 40 cadets are medically disqualified from the Academy annually and the Air Force has no financial obligation once the cadet is disenrolled (medically or otherwise). However, your cadet may qualify for Veterans Administration (VA) outpatient/inpatient care.

If after hours or a cadet is unsure if they need medical attention, call the Tricare Nurse Advice Line that’s available 24/7 at 1-800-874-2273 and choose Option 1. It is important for a cadet to receive authorization prior to being see by any doctor off the Academy. Failure to do so could result in a Point of Service charge where the cadet is responsible for the bill. If this occurs, the cadet could submit the claim through their parent’s medical insurance if they are still a covered beneficiary. If a cadet is seen off-base for any medical treatment, a Cadet Clinic provider must see that cadet the next duty day after their return to the Academy.

A medical emergency is defined as risk of loss of limb, limb, or eyesight. If this occurs, cadets should go to the nearest emergency room for care, or call an ambulance if the situation supports it. As soon as the medical situation has been stabilized, the cadet should report the visit to the Cadet/Flight Medicine Clinic (719-333-5180) and Benefit Support Office (719-333-5281) for insurance purposes.

Cadets may seek emergency dental care at a civilian provider to eliminate or prevent undue pain and suffering; however, they must first call the Cadet Dental Clinic at 719-333-5190 for pre-authorization. Cadets should use the nearest military medical treatment facility for non-emergent dental care.

A cadet may use a civilian dentist; however, it is the cadet’s responsibility to pay the cost of the treatment rendered by the civilian dentist. The military will not reimburse any expenses that are incurred. Cadets receive routine and specialized dental treatment at the Academy at no cost. If a cadet does opt to receive treatment by a civilian dentist, they must bring documentation of the treatment received so it can be incorporated into their military dental treatment record.

If a cadet candidate is disenrolled from the Academy, it is in their best interest to ensure all medical treatment is received prior to separation. Any continued care post-separation will be authorized only on a case-by-case basis (predominantly coordinated prior to separation). If a cadet candidate separates they must understand that further medical care is their financial responsibility, unless they are eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) medical benefits due to prior military service.

If you have a medical, fire or police emergency, call 911 immediately. There are several major medical facilities in Colorado Springs: Memorial Hospital Central (719-365-5000), Memorial Hospital North (719- 364-5000), Penrose-St. Francis (719-776-5000), and St. Francis Medical Center (719-571-1000). On base, you may contact Security Forces at 719-333-2000.

If you are unable to reach your cadet on their cell phone, you may reach out directly to their Air Officer Commanding (AOC) or Academy Military Trainer (AMT).

You can send proceeds to Cadet Pay by check made payable to: “US TREASURY”, and mail the check to: HQ USAFA/FMF, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2200, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5035. For questions, call 719-333-4994.

Scholarship payments are accepted after Aug 15 for fourth-class cadets (freshman) and anytime for third-class (sophomore), second-class (junior), and first-class cadets (seniors). Agencies should issue scholarship proceeds directly to the cadet. When a scholarship agency is unable to make payment directly to the cadet, the scholarship may be accepted for credit to the cadet’s pay account provided there are no restrictions on the scholarship and the check is payable to “US TREASURY” and then mail to: HQ USAFA/FMF, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2200, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5035. For questions, call 719-333-4994. It is recommended that the cadet’s full name and social security number be annotated in the memo line of the check. Restrictions are conditions or limitations that specific agencies place on the use of their scholarship funds. Restrictions examples include “must be used for tuition, room and/or board”, “student is required to maintain a specific GPA”, or “scholarship funds will be paid back if cadet candidate disenrolls”. Scholarships without restrictions will be treated as non-restrictive and accepted. Once a scholarship is accepted is it never refunded to the agency granting the scholarship, even if the cadet or cadet candidate disenrolls.

First, check with your individual state regarding Educational 528s/EE bonds, as each state adheres to different rules. Cadet Pay cannot accept checks or bonds directly from an investment business. Cadets or parents must cash the checks or bonds first and then write a personal check payable to: “US TREASURY” and mail to: HQ USAFA/FMF, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2200, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5035. It is recommended that the cadet’s full name and social security number be annotated in the memo line of the check. For questions, call 719-333-4994.

Cadets earn approximately $1,040 per month in basic pay. This covers the majority of school related expenses. However, most expenses are incurred within the first eight months (uniforms, computer, textbooks, etc.) and therefore, cadets receive an advance of pay (interest free government loan) to cover these mandatory expenses. The advance is automatically collected back within two years by payroll deduction. Parents can send checks to help with the loan, if they wish. Please have the check made payable to: “US TREASURY” and then mail the check to: HQ USAFA/FMF, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2200, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5035. It is recommended that the cadet’s full name and social security number be annotated in the memo line of the check. For questions, call 719-333-4994.

There are several fees and expenses required to be paid by all Preparatory School students upon arrival. The approximate amount is $1,400 and must be paid by check upon arrival at In-Processing. A breakdown is in the Cadet Candidate Appointee Guide. For questions about specific costs, email the Preparatory School at Prep@usafa.edu.

Yes, cadets pay taxes. Most cadets do not have many deductions and file an EZ form. Income Tax assistance is available through USAFA Legal office, located in Harmon Hall, and available by phone at 719-333-3940.

If you need a proof of attendance to claim part of the year for your fourth-class cadet (freshman), your cadet must request and pick up a letter from the Registrar office. To learn more, click here.

Yes, you can claim your cadet for the time they lived with you on your taxes if the amount you have provided meets the legal criteria. The amount of support contributed by the cadet for one semester of education, food, lodging, cadet pay, etc., is $32,385. Compare this figure to the amount of support provided by the parents. If the parent’s figure is higher, then the parents can claim the cadet as a dependent on their income tax return and the cadet cannot claim a personal exemption. If the figure is larger than the amount provided by the parents, then the cadet will claim a personal exemption on their income tax return, and the parents cannot claim the cadet as a dependent on their income tax return.

Cadets attending the Academy are excluded from receiving Social Security benefits. Current Social Security regulations state Cadets and Midshipmen of the service academies are in the same situation as military personnel attending schools operated by the Armed Forces such as officer candidate schools, electronic schools, etc. They are considered to be on active duty in the armed forces while they are attending the academies and are, therefore, employees of the United States. They are entitled to basic pay at a monthly rate specified by law and are required to complete the courses of instruction at the Academies.

Cadets are not eligible to participate in the Thrift Saving Plan (TSP). 37 USC 211 allows members to participate in TSP IAW 5 USC 8440e. In 5 USC 8440e, members of the uniformed services may participate in TSP when “base pay” is payable under 37 USC 204. Cadets receive “base pay” under 37 USC 203 and therefore ineligible to participate in TSP. When cadets are commissioned they may participate in TSP.

Cadets are automatically enrolled in the Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) at the rate of $400,000. If a cadet wishes to lower their coverage, they must do so through Cadet Personnel in Vandenberg Hall, suite 3C24. For more information on SGLI benefits, click here.

After the class of 2021, all cadets commissioned are automatically enrolled in the Blended Retirement System (BRS) which is similar to a 401k program. The class of 2021 is grandfathered and can choose the old retirement system (serve 20 years and received 50% of base pay). For more information on Blended Retirement, click here.

Cadets may access their past leave and earning statements by visiting the MyPay website.

The “.EDU” is the official academic network and is only to be used for educational purposes; therefore, cadets are only authorized to connect issued or officially authorized computers to the network. For a small fee, commercial Wi-Fi is available to cadets for personal/non-official internet access, such as streaming television and playing video games.

For detailed information click here.

For detailed information click here.

A private post office box is assigned to each cadet for their personal mail. The post office box number is available on the appointee’s admissions portal. We request that you limit packages during August and January to allow for the mailroom to focus on distributing textbooks to the cadets.

To properly address mail to your cadets, utilize the following addresses:

Cadet Postal Address:
John Doe
P.O. Box XXXX (cadet’s post office box number)
USAF Academy CO 80841-XXXX (cadet’s post office box number)

Preparatory School Postal Address:
John Doe
P.O. Box XXXX (cadet’s post office box number)
USAF Academy CO 80840-XXXX (cadet’s post office box number)

For mail delivery by companies such as FedEx and UPS, use the post office street address. Cadets sign a form authorizing the post office to accept packages on their behalf. A notification to pick up the package will be left in the cadet’s mailbox.

Cadet Street Address:
John Doe
2360 Vandenberg, #XXXX (cadet’s post office box number)
USAF Academy CO 80840

Preparatory School Street Address:
John Doe
5136 Community Center Dr., #XXXX (cadet’s post office box number)
USAF Academy CO 80840

Basic cadets will not have access to any packages until after completing Basic Cadet Training (BCT). We request that family and friends do not send packages during that time.

The Academy has a full-service flower shop on base that offers flowers, plants and goodie baskets for special occasions. To start shopping, click here.

Deliveries from businesses located off base must be sent to Arnold Hall for cadets to pick-up. Online orders sent by FedEx, UPS, etc. must go through the Cadet Post Office. The address for local deliveries is 10 FSS/FSL, 2302 Cadet Dr., USAF Academy CO 80840. Please ensure your cadet’s name and squadron are on the delivery receipt to facilitate pick-up. Please note: delivery of packages is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

AAFES gift cards can be used at the Cadet Store, Arnold Hall and at the Base Exchange store and restaurants. To order by phone, call 719-472-1953. To order online, click here.

10th Force Support Squadron (10 FSS) gift cards can be used at the Arnold Hall coffee shop, HAPS Cadet Lounge, and all 10 FSS activities, such as Outdoor Recreation, Bowling, Golf Course, Horseback riding, Arts & Crafts center. To order by phone, call 719-472-7930.