U.S. Air Force Academy Overview
The staff and faculty of the U.S. Air Force Academy, in the interest of our future national security, molds our future leaders into outstanding young men and women into Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline; motivated to lead the worlds' greatest aerospace force in service to the nation. Before its graduates enter various flying and support specialties, the Academy trains them to be, first and foremost, Air Force officers. Of the more than 35,009 cadets have graduated in 44 classes, more than 51.2 percent are still on active duty.

During its history, the Academy has become a leader among undergraduate institutions. Thirty-two cadets have earned Rhodes Scholarships. Five cadets have accepted Marshall Scholarships. Ninety-two cadets have been accepted as Guggenheim Fellows. Seventy-two cadets have been selected as National Science Foundation Fellows. Thirty-one cadets have accepted Fulbright-Hays Scholarships. Eighty-five cadets have accepted scholarships to attend Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Thirty-six cadets have been selected as Hertz Fellows. And 593 cadets have entered medical school.

Cadets complete four years of studies leading to a bachelor of science degree. Emphasis is given to academics, military training, athletic conditioning, and spiritual and ethical development. Academics include classes in the basic sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and military art and science. Within this framework, all cadets complete a core curriculum consisting of 112 semester hours. They can specialize in any of 30 academic majors and 4 minors.

Nearly all Academy professors wear the uniform of the U.S. Air Force, a constant reminder that the instructors are teaching their students to become military officers. In 1993 civilian instructors joined our faculty and currently number nearly 20 percent. They strengthen our bonds with the civilian academic community and increase the diversity of the experience offered to our cadets.

Military development is central to the Academy experience and distinguishes it from other institutions of higher learning. Four primary areas are stressed: professional military studies, theoretical and applied leadership experiences, aviation science and airmanship programs, and military training. The intent is to provide cadets the knowledge, skills, values, and behavior patterns necessary to meet the leadership challenges of the 21st century.

Within the airmanship area, most cadets complete the sailplane program, more than half earn parachuting badges, and all cadets intending to become pilots complete introductory flight training. Starting with the class of 2000, the pilot training commitment will be 10 years.


Previous Page