Question 1

COMMUNICATION, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Answer

What’s the best way to stay informed of the latest news and events?
The U.S. Air Force 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. Download the Academy’s free apps.We also post daily updates to our official social media networks, to include Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.
How do I update my contact information?
Where can I get pictures of my cadet?
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. Be sure to view our past albums and bookmark the page. For a fee, our Association of Graduates offer membership access for additional photos and videos of cadets. Learn more about this service.
How do I purchase class photos and yearbooks?
How can I learn the military acronyms?
What are Falcon Alerts?
How can our local newspaper publish articles about our cadet?

Question 2

APPLICATIONS AND APPOINTEE PREPARATION

Answer

How can my child apply?
How can I help my appointee prepare for their arrival?
Where can I find the Preparatory Cadet Candidate Appointee Guide?
How does a cadet request a sponsor family?
Can I become a sponsor family?
Does the Preparatory School have a sponsor family program for Cadet Candidates?
Should an appointee purchase specific combat boots prior to arriving?
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.

Question 3

ACADEMICS

Answer

Where can I find the Academic Calendar?
How can my cadet get their transcript?
Can my cadet choose to leave or disenroll?
Yes, fourth-class (freshman) and third-class (sophomore) cadets may leave or disenroll from the Academy with no penalty. When cadets attend Commitment Dinner 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.

Question 4

PARENTS' WEEKEND

Answer

Does the Academy offer cadets transport to local airports for school breaks?
Can I purchase shuttle bus tickets on my cadet’s behalf?
What is Last Military Duty and why is it important for school breaks?
When must cadets return to the Academy from school breaks?
When can I purchase airline tickets for my cadet for Winter Break?
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.

Answer

How do cadets order their class ring?
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.
When is the Ring Dance?
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.

Answer

How do I get tickets to my cadet’s graduation?
Is there a dress code for Graduation Week activities?
Does the Academy provide handicapped equipment?
Will the graduation ceremony be live-streamed for those unable to attend?
How do we get on base during Graduation Week?
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.

Answer

Can I send packages to my cadet?
What is the U.S. Postal System mailing address for my cadet?
What address do I use to send packages by private delivery services?
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 80841Preparatory School Street Address:
John Doe
5136 Community Center Dr., #XXXX (cadet’s post office box number)
USAF Academy CO 80840
Can I send packages to basic cadets during Basic Cadet Training?
How can I have treats delivered to my cadet?
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.
I’d like to purchase a gift card for my cadet. Any suggestions?
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.

Question 5

SCHOOL BREAKS

Question 6

CLASS RINGS AND RING DANCE

Question 7

GRADUATION

Question 8

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Question 9

MAIL AND PACKAGE DELIVERY

Frequently Asked Questions