April 9, 2026
In preparation for a change of command ceremony next month, Col. Brandon J. Tellez, Class of ’01, has been assigned as the Academy’s 32nd Commandant of Cadets, succeeding Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks, who will retire this summer after a distinguished Air Force career. Col. Tellez is currently serving as Senior Executive Officer to the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, where he advises and assists the Vice Chief in the administration of the...
Continue reading Colonel Tellez to Succeed Brigadier General Marks as Commandant, Reinforcing Warfighter Focus at the Academy
March 1, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy has implemented updated installation access procedures, effective March 1, based on the current world situation. While there is no credible threat, these adjustments, in accordance with U.S. Northern Command directives for installations within the continental United States, enhance the safety and security of personnel, facilities, and the entire installation. Key adjustments impacting public access include the suspension of the Trusted Traveler program, increased wait times for passes and inspections, and the closure of the Santa...
Continue reading U.S. Air Force Academy Adjusts Installation Access Procedures, Suspends Trusted Traveler Program
February 4, 2026
The 33rd Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) is scheduled to take place Feb. 20 and 21 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. This year’s theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-tested Character,” honors the Academy’s legacy of producing courageous leaders who have defended the nation in combat. Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, the symposium offers cadets, faculty, and visiting students a chance to engage with a variety of speakers and participate in group...
Continue reading Academy’s Character and Leadership Symposium Explores Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms
January 29, 2026
The Department of the Air Force has named Col. James M. Valpiani as the institution’s next Dean of the Faculty. This selection reinforces the Academy’s standing as a nationally-recognized leader in higher education and its mission to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force as they fight and win the nation’s wars. Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Academy Superintendent, welcomed Valpiani’s appointment. “Col. Valpiani’s experience in...
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January 14, 2026
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Alexandra Skeen, Class of 2026, has been selected for the Holaday Scholarship, a fully-funded, two-year postgraduate program in the United Kingdom. “Cadet Skeen’s selection as a Holaday Scholar is a testament to her exceptional character and the world-class mentorship provided by our faculty, staff, coaches, and command teams,” said U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “Her success shows what happens when a cadet’s immense potential is paired with hard work...
Continue reading Academy cadet selected for Holaday Scholarship
December 9, 2025
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship. Upon his graduation this May, Tang will commission into the U.S. Space Force, making him the Academy’s first Space Force Marshall Scholar. “I want to congratulate Cadet Tang for capturing a Marshall Scholarship,” said U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “Cadet Tang is a great example of a warrior-scholar that has forged his own path to excellence...
Continue reading Academy Cadet awarded post-graduate Marshall Scholarship
December 5, 2025
The U.S. Air Force Academy released its 2025 in Review, showcasing significant achievements in its mission to forge leaders of character who are prepared to lead in air, space and cyberspace. The review, authored by U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, underscores the Academy's commitment to excellence across its military, academic and athletic mission sets. The 2025 in Review details key accomplishments, including: • Year-round Military Training and Warrior Ethos: Cadets undertook realistic and adversary-focused training experiences...
Continue reading U.S. Air Force Academy releases “2025 in Review”
November 19, 2025
For the first time, the Academy is bringing its cherished annual holiday concerts “home,” inviting the local community to join us for a night of holiday music and festive fun. The Academy Band’s annual holiday concert, “Holly & Ivy,” will be performed on Dec. 3, 4, and 9 in Arnold Hall Theatre. The program includes a pre-concert reception, which will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature multiple cadet musical performing groups and opportunities to interact with cadets and learn...
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November 18, 2025
Two U.S. Air Force Academy cadets earned one of the oldest and most prestigious academic honors in America by being named the Academy’s Rhodes Scholars. Cadets First Class Robert J. Miller and Anirvin Puttur are among 32 Americans that will attend the fully funded postgraduate program in the United Kingdom at the University of Oxford beginning in October 2026. The Rhodes Scholars program received applications from nearly 2,800 students representing 264 institutions. “This exceptional accomplishment by Cadet Miller and Cadet...
Continue reading Air Force Academy cadets achieve academic excellence, earning Rhodes Scholarships
October 22, 2025
Due to the government shutdown, the U.S. Air Force Academy will be pausing its Gate Support Program beginning Oct. 23, 2025, until further notice. Employees and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional time for entry. Security Forces personnel are working diligently to maintain the safety and security of the installation while managing these short-term manning constraints. Expect delays at both the North and South gates during peak hours and surrounding special events such as football games or...
Continue reading Academy Gate Support paused—Expect Delays when Entering the Installation
