March 24, 2026

Cadets develop critical thinking skills during engineering lab

Cadets view a force vs. displacement graph during a Mechanical Engineering 220 class at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., March 18, 2026. During the lab, cadets test, graph, and analyze data to determine if a metal alloy is suitable for a specific design application. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn) By TSgt Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy are honing their critical thinking skills in core classes like Mechanical Engineering 220: Fundamentals of Mechanics. Throughout the semester, cadets in the Academy’s...

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March 17, 2026

Brig. Gen. Valpiani Assumes Command as Academy’s 12th Dean of the Faculty

Chief Master Sgt. Micheal Dederich (left to right), Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Col. Steven C. M. Hasstedt, and Brig. Gen. James M. Valpiani stand at attention during the playing of the The Star-Spangled Banner at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s dean of the faculty change of command, here March 16, 2025. During the ceremony Brig. Gen. Valpiani became the Academy’s 12th Dean of the Faculty after taking command from Col. Hasstedt. Photo by Trevor Cokely. U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Brig. Gen. James M. Valpiani became the Academy’s 12th Dean of the Faculty during a ceremony in Fairchild Hall,...

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March 9, 2026

New Squadron Sharpens Cadet Warfighting Skills

Cadet 1st Class Dominic Senft participates in the Fall Validation Exercise (VALEX) at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Oct. 10, 2025. Training events like VALEX develop cadets’ warfighter skills and are part of the hands-on training the 34th Training Support Squadron (TRSS) supports across the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - A new squadron has been activated at the U.S. Air Force Academy to better prepare cadets for the complexities of modern warfare. The 34th Training Support Squadron (TRSS), activated on Feb. 23, 2026, will strengthen the Academy's officer-development mission...

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March 5, 2026

Silver weekend training builds cadet warfighting skills and leadership

Cadets participate in small-unit tactics scenarios as the Cadet Wing conducts silver weekend Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Feb. 6, 2026. The training reinforced military fundamentals and cadet-led competencies, including simulated weapons handling, land navigation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care and mission planning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Silver weekend training is a multi-day cadet-led, wing-directed military training event that engages thousands of cadets across the Cadet Wing simultaneously. It is designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and...

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February 23, 2026

Cadets deepen understanding of combat and crisis-tested character during annual symposium

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, staff, coaches and faculty attend the opening ceremony of the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Feb. 20, 2026. Reflecting the theme, “Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms: Combat & Crisis-Tested Character,” the symposium featured a warfighting-focused lineup of speakers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By TSgt Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Scores of cadets, faculty, service members, community leaders and visiting undergraduate students attended the 33rd annual National Character and Leadership...

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February 18, 2026

Silver Saturday training develops future warfighters at Prep School

Cadet candidates Shae Magley (left) and Mitchell Major rehearse their approach to a secured 360-degree perimeter during a Silver Saturday training exercise, at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado, Jan. 31, 2026. The training exercise aimed to sharpen communication and tactical awareness among the cadet candidates. (U.S. Air Force Photo by C/C Madison Harte) By SrA Gracie Nowlan U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School cadet candidates participated in a series of hands-on events designed to develop tactical warfighting proficiency, leadership skills and decision-making under pressure during...

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February 17, 2026

Class of 2026 celebrate 100s Night as they near graduation

Cadets 1st Class Raj Raghulan and Marguerite Niskanen celebrate during the Class of 2026 100s Night dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, Feb. 12, 2026. The ceremony recognizes cadets’ commitment and leadership development as they prepare to serve as commissioned officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By SrA Gracie Nowlan U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadets from the Class of 2026 marked the final 100 days before graduation during a 100s Night dining-in ceremony at Mitchell Hall, Feb. 12. Held annually approximately 100 days before commissioning, the...

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February 11, 2026

Nuclear Weapons and Strategy Minor builds strategic deterrence expertise

(From left to right) Cadets 1st Class Andrew Katz, Joseph Phetmixay, Maria Davison and Lilliana Turra pose in front of a government building in Helsinki, Finland, June 18, 2025. The cadets interviewed officials from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Finland’s internal posture and nuclear deterrence policy. (Photo by Dr. Shane Smith) By SSgt Michael Ward U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - As global deterrence dynamics continue to evolve, the Air Force is renewing its focus on strategic readiness. The Nuclear Weapons and Strategy minor at the U.S. Air Force Academy helps cadets develop...

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February 4, 2026

Cadet DJs hone communication skills over the airwaves

Cadet 3rd Class Jude Sterling, KAFA disc jockey, records a radio show at Fairchild Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Jan. 20, 2026. Cadet DJs cover topics such as institutional events, parades, athletics and outstanding performers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn) By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Cadet clubs at the U.S. Air Force Academy play a crucial role in developing leadership competencies beyond the classroom. The broadcast club, for one, enables cadets to hone their communication skills over the airwaves at the Air Force’s...

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January 29, 2026

Academy to welcome new Dean of the Faculty

Col. James M. Valpiani announced as the new Dean of the Faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – 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....

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