The Class of 2030 Earns Place in Academy’s Cadet Wing

Members of the Class of 2030 march on Stillman Field during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. The Acceptance Day Parade marks the completion of Basic Cadet Training and the formal transition of fourth-class cadets into the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

By Harry Lundy
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – More than 1,100 fourth-class cadets officially joined the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing during the Acceptance Day Parade on Stillman Field, marking the completion of Basic Cadet Training and the beginning of the academic year.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the Class of 2030,” said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind. “They earned the highest Physical Fitness Test scores of any incoming class in the past decade, reflecting the commitment, discipline and determination they demonstrated throughout Basic Cadet Training. Their performance sets a strong foundation as they begin the next phase of their Academy journey as members of the Cadet Wing.”

The Acceptance Day Parade marked the conclusion of Basic Cadet Training and the beginning of the academic year. Families attended the ceremony, which included the administration of the Honor Code Oath and the presentation of fourth-class shoulder boards. For many families, it was the first opportunity to see their cadets since In-Processing Day in June.

Brig. Gen. Brandon Tellez’s family pins on his first star during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. Tellez is the commandant of cadets and is responsible for the Academy’s military education. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

From appointees to fourth-class cadets

The Class of 2030 arrived at the Academy as civilian appointees June 24 to begin their transformation into fourth-class cadets. More than an orientation program, BCT instills discipline, resilience and foundational leadership skills required of future Air Force and Space Force officers.

During BCT, members of the Class of 2030 learned military customs and courtesies, the Honor Code, Air Force and Space Force heritage, and physical fitness standards before deploying to Jacks Valley for field training. There they qualified on M-4 carbine, practiced tactical combat casualty care, negotiated obstacle and assault courses, and culminated the program with a comprehensive field training exercise.

Brig. Gen. Brandon Tellez, commandant of cadets, pinned on his first star during the Acceptance Day Parade.

“The young men and women of Class of 2030 came to the Academy as one of the most competitive classes in Academy history, they arrived prepared to be challenged, and they met that challenge every day,” said Tellez. “Our Military Training Instructors and Cadet Cadre did an extraordinary job transforming the Class of 2030 from civilians to fourth-class cadets ready for the challenges of Academy life.”

A fourth-class cadet receives shoulder boards during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. The presentation of fourth-class shoulder boards signifies the cadet’s acceptance into the Cadet Wing following the successful completion of Basic Cadet Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

Completion of Basic Cadet Training

Basic Cadet Training is led by the Cadet Cadre; upper-class cadets specially selected and trained to mentor and lead incoming cadets under the supervision of Military Trainer Instructors and Academy leadership. The experience develops the newest cadets while providing Cadet Cadre members with one of the Academy’s most significant leadership opportunities.

Acceptance Day recognizes more than the completion of six weeks of training—it marks the transformation of the Class of 2030 into members of the Cadet Wing. Cadet 1st Class Simeon Nate, Cadet Basic Training chief of staff, said the experience is designed to develop individuals into a unified team.

“When we receive incoming Basics, they bring their unique backgrounds, life experiences, strengths and weaknesses,” Nate said. “Over the course of Basic Cadet Training, we identify their weaknesses and then build them up as a team that weaves together their strengths and closes those gaps.”

The arrival of the Class of 2030 coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary and reflects the Academy’s continued emphasis on developing warfighters and leaders prepared to meet the demands of an evolving global security environment.

Check out the Flickr album to see photographs from the Acceptance Day Parade and take a virtual tour of the Academy.