UNIVERSITY PARENT

GUIDE

2013
2014

United States
Air Force Academy

Campus Resources Local Insight Helpful Information

United States Air Force Academy

For more information, please contact

USAFA Parents Club

2304 Cadet Drive
Suite 351
USAF Academy, CO
80840-5002
(719) 333-3828
www.usafa.af.mil/superintendent/
development/parentsclubs.asp

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Boulder, CO 80301
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About this Guide

UniversityParent has published this guide in
partnership with the United States Air Force Academy
with the mission of helping you easily navigate your
students university with the most timely and relevant
information available.
Make the Most of this Guide
Use it! Inside youll find information thats useful all
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student to help them successfully navigate campus.
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2013 UniversityParent

contents

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Comprehensive advice, information for student success

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Welcome from the Director of Admissions

USAFA History
Academics
Leadership
About the Academy
Athletics
Clubs
Exposure to the World
Airmanship Programs
Life at the Academy
Why the Academy?
After the Academy
Frequently Asked Questions

Resources
Must-have knowledge to navigate your way
Communication
Websites & Phone Numbers
Academic Year Calendar
Campus Map
Proud Supporters of USAFA

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Welcome from the

Director of Admissions
Your son or daughter is about to embark upon one of the
most significant transitions of their life by entering college. We
are thankful for their interest in attending the U.S. Air Force
Academy and want to provide all the means possible in helping
you and your child understand all the Academy has to offer.
As a parent, you are one of the most
important counselors while your son
or daughter researches educational
institutions. The Academy is rather unique
from most colleges, and we hope this
guide will help you understand the vast
array of opportunities at the Academy
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and after graduation. While here, your

son or daughter will experience our
airmanship programs, gain valuable
leadership training and experience, earn
one of the best educations in the nation,
form friendships that will last the rest of
their lives, and have the opportunity to
United States Air Force Academy

serve their country after graduation, all

while earning a monthly salary. This only
vaguely touches upon a cadets Academy
experience. The Academy mainly focuses
on producing Air Force officers of
character with emphasis on academics,
leadership, military training, athletics and
character development. This brochure
explains the Academy in detail and also
provides important phone numbers and
websites, information about the local area,
and an academic calendar with yearly
highlights. We hope were able to answer
most of your questions, communicate the
mission and purpose of the Academy,
and describe the numerous valuable
opportunities the Academy has to offer
your child. Best of luck and warmest
wishes on your childs educational journey!

Col. Carolyn A.M. Benyshek

Academy Class of 1987
United States Air Force Academy
Director of Admissions
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Academics

USAFA History
As the youngest of the four service academies, the Air Force
Academys history is less extensive than the others since
powered flight only began in 1903 with the Wright Brothers
first powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight.
As aviation advanced, the nations
military aviation service followed
a growing lineage from 1907 until
1947, when the Air Force became a
separate service under the National
Security Act. Officials had discussed
the establishment of an aeronautical
academy much earlier, but it wasnt until
after 1947 that initial plans began.
After some time and planning, Congress
passed legislation in 1954 to begin
construction of the Air Force Academy.
Several locations were considered
and were eventually narrowed down
to three: Alton, Illinois; Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin; and the chosen site near
Colorado Springs, Colorado. The main
question of concern for the Colorado
location was if flight training would
be affected by the mountains or their
wind currents. Famous aviator Charles
Lindbergh rented a light plane and
flew over the proposed site. After his
analysis, he declared it fit for flying.
When it came time for the first class
to enter in 1955, construction was
incomplete. Therefore, Lowry Air
Force Base in Denver was designated
as a temporary site. The cadet wing
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moved to the present site in 1958, and

less than a year later, the Academy
received academic accreditation.
The first graduating class designated
the falcon as the mascot and
established the Honor Code, still a
vital segment of Academy life.
The Air Force Academy Preparatory
School, approximately five miles from the
Academys cadet area, was established
in May 1961 for applicants who did not
receive a direct appointment. The Prep
School is a 10-month program that
prepares cadet candidates academically,
athletically and militarily and is designed
to develop skills and character
necessary for success at the Academy.
In October 1975, President Gerald Ford
signed legislation authorizing women to
enter all U.S. service academies. In June
1976, the first 157 women entered the Air
Force Academy with the class of 1980.
As of May 29, 2013, 54 classes have
graduated, and the Academy has
produced nearly 43,000 officers
prepared to serve our nation.
United States Air Force Academy

The Air Force Academy is a fully accredited institution of

higher learning and is recognized as having one of the most
prestigious and respected academic programs available. Cadets
complete a balanced sequence of core curriculum, including
courses in sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences,
military studies and physical education. Cadets choose a main
academic path from various majors, and have the option to
minor in a foreign language, philosophy, or religion studies.
An Academy education is tailored to develop future Air Force
officers with innovative, analytical and resourceful minds.
Here is a list of the majors and minors from which cadets may choose:

Majors
Aeronautical Engineering
Astronautical Engineering
Basic Science
Behavioral Sciences & Leadership
Biology
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Economics
Electrical Engineering
English
Environmental Engineering
Foreign Area Studies
General Engineering
Geospatial Science
History
Humanities

The faculty consists of approximately

550 professors and instructors under
the direction of the Dean of the Faculty.
The academic faculty consists of Air
Force officers, sister service officers,
foreign officers, permanent civilian
faculty and visiting professors from
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Legal Studies
Management
Mathematical Sciences
Mechanical Engineering
Meteorology
Military Strategic Studies
Operations Research
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Social Sciences
Space Operations
Systems Engineering

Minors
Philosophy
Foreign Language
Religion Studies

civilian institutions. Faculty is comprised

of approximately 66 percent military
and 34 percent civilian professors.
The academic chance to succeed is
presented readily to every cadet. A
student to faculty ratio of 8:1 means
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learning is more specialized and
convenient. The average class size (15-20
cadets), makes discussion more practical
and ensures each has the chance to
receive additional help if needed. When
not teaching, instructors make themselves
readily available for extra instruction.
The main academic building, Fairchild
Hall, is located a short walk from
both dorms and houses academic
classrooms, laboratories, research

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facilities, faculty offices and the Robert
F. McDermott Library. Many of the
academic departments have their own
specialized state-of-the art laboratories.
But academic opportunity doesnt end
here. Many graduate scholarships and
fellowships are awarded every year
including, Rhodes, Marshall, Truman,
and NCAA. Up to three percent of each
graduating class is selected to attend
medical, nursing or dental school.

Leadership
The cadet wing simulates the same structure and organization
as an operational Air Force wing. The 4,000 cadets are
organized into four groups, with 1,000 cadets per group. Each
group contains 10 squadrons, with 100 cadets per squadron.
Class designation is somewhat different
from a traditional college. Instead of
freshmen, first-year cadets are referred
to as four degrees or fourth-class
cadets; sophomores are three degrees
or third-class cadets; juniors are two
degrees or second-class cadets; and
seniors are first-class cadets or firsties.
The Academy forms the leadership
foundation cadets will carry into
and continue to build upon in the
operational Air Force. Each squadron
houses members from all four classes,
and each class has a different degree
of responsibility that is tailored to
slowly build ones leadership skills.
Four degrees (freshmen) have a loyal
followership role. This roles purpose
is to learn to support the mission, learn
chain of command and standards, and
having designated time to master primary
responsibilities, skills and knowledge.
During three-degree year, one focuses
on being a coach and role model for the
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four degrees while preparing to take on

training responsibilities. Two degrees
provide supervision and training for
the lower two classes. And lastly, first
degrees hold various primary roles
while providing leadership, motivation
and direction for the cadet wing.
Cadets have different leadership positions
every semester and fulfill duties existing
in active-duty Air Force squadrons, such
as: squadron commander, operations
officer, first sergeant, etc. The cadet wing
is run solely by cadets with each squadron
supervised by an Air Officer Commanding
(AOC) and two Academy Military Training
(AMT) noncommissioned officers.
AOCs are active-duty Air Force majors,
who counsel cadets on leadership and
military career issues, oversee military
training, and serve as role models for
the future officers. AMTs are activeduty Air Force senior noncommissioned
officers who provide feedback and
mentorship and coach cadets on
situational circumstances.
United States Air Force Academy

About the Academy

The United States Air Force Academy is a four-year military
service academy, located just north of Colorado Springs,
Colorado, where cadets earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
Upon graduation, cadets are
commissioned as second lieutenants in
the Air Force. Typically, more than 50
percent of each graduating class is sent
to pilot training. There are numerous
other career fields the Air Force offers,
ranging from engineering and acquisitions
to intelligence and public affairs. The
mission of the Academy is: To educate,
train and inspire men and women to
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become officers of character motivated to

lead the United States Air Force in service
to our nation. The Academys core values
are: Integrity First, Service Before Self,
and Excellence in All We Do The Honor
Code states: We will not lie, steal or
cheat nor tolerate among us anyone who
does. Academy mascot: Falcon Unofficial
Academy song: The Air Force Song

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Intramural Sports
Cadets must participate in an
intercollegiate or intramural sport each
semester. Intramural sports include:
basketball, mens boxing, cross country,
flag football, flickerballl, mens rugby,
womens rugby, soccer, softball, team
handball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee,
volleyball and wally ball. Squadrons field
teams for each sport, and they compete
against each other until group intramural
championships, which then leads to
the wing intramural championship.

Physical Education Courses

Athletics
Our extensive athletic program includes intercollegiate and
intramural sports, physical education courses and physical
fitness tests. These programs help prepare cadets for Air
Force leadership by building confidence, emotional control,
physical courage, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Intercollegiate Sports
The Academy has 10 womens and 17 mens National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) teams that compete at the highest level, Division I.
Most sports are members of the Mountain West Conference.

The mens teams include:

Baseball
Basketball
Boxing
Cross Country
Fencing
Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Rifle
Soccer
Swimming and Diving
Tennis

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Track and Field

Water Polo
Wrestling

The womens teams include:

Basketball
Cross Country
Fencing
Gymnastics
Rifle
Soccer
Swimming and Diving
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball

United States Air Force Academy

Cadets must complete 10 physical

education courses during their time at
the Academy. All must complete certain
core classes which include: boxing
(males only), self defense (females only),
swimming, and unarmed combat I and II.
After taking the required courses, cadets
may take basketball, golf, racquetball,
scuba, soccer, softball, tennis or volleyball.

of athletic fieldsvarsity baseball, soccer,

and lacrosse stadiums, and a new outdoor
Track and Field complex renovated
in 2011. A nearly 50,000-square-foot
addition to the west end of the Cadet
Gymnasium added a fitness center and
fencing facility in spring 2012.

Physical Fitness Tests

Two fitness tests are administered each
semester. The Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
tests overall strength and endurance and
includes pull-ups, a standing long jump,
crunches, push-ups and a 600-yard run.
The Aerobic Fitness Test (AFT), a one-anda-half mile run, tests aerobic fitness levels.
Physical fitness is important not only
to pass the tests, but to maximize
fitness, develop a foundation for a
lifetime of fitness, and recognize those
who excel in personal fitness. Cadets
receiving a score above 450 on the
PFT or AFT are exempt from taking that
particular test the following semester.

Facilities
The Academy maintains some of the
finest athletic facilities in the nation. This
complex includes the Cadet Gymnasium,
Cadet Field House, Falcon Athletic
Center, and the Holaday Athletic Center
(92,000-square-foot indoor training
facility). The complex includes 150 acres
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Exposure to the World

The Air Force Academy offers several programs giving cadets
the opportunity to see more of the world and learn from the
experience. They may experience the traditions and cultures of
foreign countries by participating in one of the following programs:

Clubs
It may seem like the schedule is too rigid to accommodate personal
interests, but most find time to enjoy the Academys clubs.
More than 80 active clubs are offered
to develop talents and satisfy hobbies.
Not only do the clubs serve to gratify
ones interests, they also foster
friendships, personal development
and character development. Clubs
fall into three categories: mission,
competitive, and recreational.

Guard, Soaring, Wings of Blue

Affinity & Culture Hispanic/Latino, Native
American Heritage Club, Way of Life
Academic/Professional Astronomy
and Physics, Cyber Warfare, Forensics,
Mock Trial, Rocket Society

SPORTS CLUBS:

For a more comprehensive list,

visit academyadmissions.com.

Cycling, Fast Pitch Softball,

Marathon, Mens & Womens Rugby,
Ski (Alpine & Nordic), Triathlon

MISSION CLUBS:

RECREATIONAL CLUBS:

Support - Chorale, Drum and Bugle,

Falconry, Flying Team, Honor

Bluebards, Car Club, Chess, Equestrian,

Karate, Model Engineering, Paintball

Foreign Academy Visits

Summer Language Immersion

In this program, cadets, faculty and

staff travel to international academies
on short-duration exchange visits.
Typically, each trip consists of four cadets
and one faculty escort. Trips normally
last 7-10 days and provide cultural
immersion and familiarization with foreign
militaries. In recent years, cadets visited
more than 40 different countries.

Each summer approximately 200 cadets

and select faculty escorts participate in
four- to six-week language immersion
programs in Arabic, Chinese, French,
German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian
and Spanish. Cadets in this program
must give up part of their summer
leave. Partner countries include:
Brazil, Peru, Chile, Portugal, Morocco,
Germany, France, Russia, Spain,
Ukraine, China, Japan, to name a few.

Study Abroad
Selected cadets studying Arabic,
Chinese, Japanese, or Russian
experience a semester-long study abroad
program at foreign civilian universities.
Current programs exist with Arab
American Language Institute (AALIM),
in partnership with the University of
Moulay Ismail (UMI) in Morroco, Kansai
Gaidai University in Japan, Nanjing
University in China, and Petrozavodsk
State University (PSU) in Russia. We
continue to explore opportunities in
other countries for other languages.

Interservice Exchange
During the fall semester, a small selection
of second-class cadets exchange
places with counterparts from West
Point, Annapolis and the Coast Guard
Academy. The exchange provides better
understanding of the other services and
develops uniformity among programs
at all the service academies.

Olmsted Cultural Immersion

During spring break and summer
periods, cadets may attend one of
several immersion opportunities to Asia,
Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Africa,
the Middle East and Latin America.
In 2012, 19 cadets and 6 permanent
party escorts travelled to 5 countries to
experience other cultures and languages.
Opportunities were funded through the
Olmsted Foundation visiting Armenia,
Ethiopia, Germany, Poland, and Turkey.

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Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Airmanship
Programs
The Air Force Academys
airmanship programs form a
vital part of the curriculum and
further distinguish it from other
institutes of higher learning.
Airmanship courses entail basic
and advanced instruction in
parachuting, gliders, powered
aircraft and unmanned aircraft.
All airmanship operations are
conducted simultaneously
at the Academys airfield.
Parachuting Programs

Aero Club
dominated national intercollegiate
parachuting championships, winning
decisively over 40 other schools. The
demonstration team performs at about
50 local, national and international public
events annually, including sporting
events, ceremonies and air shows.

Over 700 cadets complete basic freefall parachuting each year. To earn the
basic parachutist badge, each must
complete five jumps dropping from
4,500 feet while administering proper
procedures for employing the parachute
to proper landing techniques.

Soaring Program

Cadets earning the basic parachutist

badge are eligible for the advanced
training necessary to upgrade to the
Academy parachute team, the Wings of
Blue. The advanced training consists
of more than 150 free-fall jumps that
teaches techniques required to control
bodies in free-fall. This training allows
jumpers to perform maneuvers such
as turns, front and back loops, barrel
rolls and relative work formations.

Each year approximately 70 cadets are

chosen to enter a semester-long instructor
pilot upgrade course. After an average
of 80 training flights and many hours of
strenuous ground school, they are ready
to wear instructor pilot wings and become
qualified instructor pilots in the TG-16A.

The Wings of Blue is divided into a

demonstration team and a competition
team. The competition team is one of
the most outstanding parachute units
in the nation. Since 1967, cadets have
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This program develops future

leadership in relevant, dynamic, realistic
air combat training environments.
Cadets are exposed to real-world
systems, concepts, and combat air
operations. The program emphasizes
development of combat leadership,
while providing specific academic
knowledge, experiential learning, and
operational familiarization. Entirely cadet
led, under mentorship of officers with
actual combat RPA experience, it offers
cadets completing the basic course in
an exceptional manner the possibility
to upgrade to RPA instructor pilot.

Basic soaring training includes

instruction in the TG-16A glider, and after
approximately 14 flights, depending on
the level of proficiency, cadets may be
qualified to fly solo. The basic soaring
course trains about 550 cadets annually.

Two advanced programs that field

teams to compete regionally and
nationally are available for those cadet
instructor pilots who excel; the Glider
Aerobatic Team and the Sailplane
Racing Team. The Aerobatic Team
conducts exhibitions across the nation
and competes in regional competitions.
The Sailplane Racing Team competes
United States Air Force Academy

in regional and national competitions

striving for state and national records.

Powered Flight Programs (PFP,

Flying team, AE-456)
The Powered Flight Program (PFP)
provides exposure to Air Force flying
operations, and an opportunity for
cadets to solo their first powered Air
Force aircraft. This aviation program
is designed to challenge cadets as
they pursue a rated career opportunity
as future commissioned officers. The
Academy Flying Team is a select group
of 27 cadets who hold Federal Aviation
Administration Private Pilot Certificates
or higher. The team uses T-41 and
T-51 aircraft to compete against 144
colleges nationwide in regional and
national competitions. They compete in
nine demanding ground and precision
flying events. The team has won 26
straight Region 1 championships and is a
consistent top-10 finisher at Nationals.

Cadets can learn to fly club-owned

aircraft during their free time at the
Academys Aero Club. As a member of
the club, cadets receive discounts and
privileges on certain aviation activities,
including the chance to earn Federal
Aviation Administration ratings.

AE-456 is an aeronautical course

where cadets design their own flight
test profiles and then participate in
the T-41 with Air Force test pilots to
accomplish this academic requirement.
This is the only collegiate-level flight
test program in the United States.

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Life at the Academy

Every cadets time at the Academy begins with Basic Cadet
Training (BCT), more familiarly called beast. This 37-day training
program run by upper class cadets is very physically, emotionally
and mentally challenging for all, regardless of background.
The first three weeks of BCT take place
at the cadet area, where basic cadets are
taught marching, saluting, customs and
courtesies, uniform wear, honor lessons,
team exercises and more. The second
half of BCT begins with a march to Jacks
Valley, training grounds about five miles
from the cadet area. Here, cadets set up
large tents, which will be home for the
next two weeks. At the conclusion of
BCT basic cadets are accepted into the
cadet wing with a swearing-in ceremony.
After BCT, fourth-class cadets transition
to assigned squadrons and prepare for
the academic year. Each has a roommate
and lives in one of two dormitories,
Vandenberg Hall or Sijan Hall. Rooms must
be in first-rate order, and everybody must
wear uniforms throughout duty hours.

A typical weekday for cadets is extremely

busybreakfast, classes, lunch,
military training time, more classes,
intercollegiate or intramural sports,
dinner and academic call to quarters
until lights out. Cadets awake the next
morning to begin the cycle again.
After the academic year is over, cadets
participate in summer programs which
are divided into three-week periods. They
complete programs like Expeditionary
Survival and Evasion Training (ESET),
jump, soaring, cultural immersions
and Operation Air Force (OpsAF).
Cadets reach many rewarding
milestones in between the demanding
days. Some of the milestones are BCT,
Parents Weekend, Recognition, 100s

Night, Ring Dance, and ultimately

ending with Graduation Day. Each
milestone represents another step
closer to graduation and a celebration
of past hard work and dedication.
As fourth-class cadets, freedoms and
liberties are granted minimally, but as
each year progresses, they gain more
freedom to enjoy the local area and
Colorado. The Academys location
makes camping, hiking, horseback

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riding, mountain climbing, skiing,

snowboarding and white-water rafting
highly accessible. The immediate area
hosts numerous restaurants, the latest
movies in theaters, plenty of malls with
the latest fashions, and a downtown
area with many quaint establishments.
Cadets are assigned sponsor families
who provide a home away from home.
In addition to Thanksgiving, winter and
spring break leave, most will be granted
three weeks of leave each summer.

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After the
Academy
Sometimes finding a job after
college can be difficult, and
so can sustaining a job after
college with the uncertainty of
job security. Upon graduation
from the Air Force Academy,
your son or daughter will
receive a Bachelor of Science
degree and is guaranteed a
profession as an officer in the
United States Air Force.

Why the Academy?

Air Force Academy cadets receive a world-class education, learn and experience
valuable leadership skills, further define and sharpen their character and hone their
physical fitness capabilities. Additionally cadets are provided for as much as possible
so they can focus on their coursework, daily military tasks and athletic competitions.
The Academy provides a full scholarship. In addition to free-tuition, cadets receive
free room and board, meals and medical and dental care. As a result, they have less
stress in terms of renewing scholarships, worrying about future student loans or
maintaining after-school employment. Each cadet is also paid a monthly stipend.

There are many varied specialties

from which to choose. Many will go
on to become pilots, navigators,
contracting officers, public affairs
officers, intelligence officers, doctors,
engineers, special forces. . . the list
is long. Post-graduation Air Force
commitment is five years for most career
fields, but the commitment for pilots
and navigators is based on the needs
of the Air Force following graduation.
Besides a guaranteed profession, officer
pay is very attractive and competitive to
equivalent civilian careers. In addition
to pay, officers receive a monthly taxfree housing and food allowance based
upon rank and geographic cost of
living. All military members receive 30
days of paid vacation each year and
comprehensive medical and dental care.
Air Force officers are eligible for
retirement after 20 years of service, one
of the earliest retirements available. If
they separate from the Air Force once
their commitment is complete, your

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child will have invaluable years of job

experience which they can use to build
a resume for a civilian sector job.
The Air Force Academy experience itself
provides a world of new opportunities.
After the Academy, graduates take
individual paths where experiences are
immeasurable. Each has a unique story,
with different paths, opportunities, and
the only limitations are those they set.
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from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Unless
teaching or in a meeting, instructors
are available for extra instruction.
Additionally, most teachers will
provide a contact number and e-mail
address for after-hours questions.

Is it possible to be recruited for

a sport by the Academy?
Yes, it is possible to be recruited for an
intercollegiate sport, but recruited athletes
receive the same general scholarship
as every cadet. By receiving a general
scholarship, if you should ever become
injured while playing a sport and can
no longer participate, you will not lose
your general Academy scholarship.

Where can cadets go if overwhelmed,

stressed-out or having difficulty
adjusting to the Academy?

What is the purpose of Basic

Cadet Training (BCT)?

When can I send my cadet

care packages?

The BCT program tests cadets mental

and physical abilities and helps them
transition from civilian to military life.
This foundational leadership training
helps develops alertness, physical
endurance, emotional stability, selfreliance and individual initiative.

Cadets going through BCT are not

allowed to receive care packages.
However, upon completion of training,
they are allowed to receive care packages
from family or friends at any time.

Cadets have access to many helpful

agencies, including the Academys
Peak Performance Center. The center
provides a full range of counseling and
performance enhancement services
to meet the developmental, emotional,
psychological and leadership needs of the
cadet wing. Students often experience
transitional stress due to new challenges
or face difficult decisions regarding a wide
spectrum of normal developmental issues.
In addition, each squadron has two cadet
PEERs, Personal Ethics and Education
Representatives, to help address concerns
and seek professional guidance.

Are cadets counseled on the

selection of a major?

When and where are cadets permitted

to practice their faith of choice?

Are parents permitted to contact

cadets by phone during BCT?

Yes, cadets are guided by academic

advisors who discuss the academic
majors in relation to career areas and
opportunities in the Air Force. After
selecting a major, cadets are assigned
to a faculty advisor who will assist
with course selections, schedules
and other academic matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, parents should refrain from calling

during BCT. Cadets are instructed to
write home soon after BCT begins
to give parents the name and phone
numbers of their Air Officer Commanding,
or AOC, who directly supervises their
squadron. Cadets and parents are
strongly encouraged to communicate
through cards and letters.

20

How accessible are the instructors?

The instructors at the Academy maintain
office hours Monday through Friday
United States Air Force Academy

Worship attendance at the cadet chapel

is voluntary. The chapel has dedicated
worship areas for Protestant, Catholic,
Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faith groups,
as well as an all-faiths room for other
worshiping traditions. In addition, an
outdoor area for Earth-based religions
was recently added near the cadet
area. The cadet chapel releases weekly
worship schedules, and cadets are also
permitted to attend a place of worship
of choice in the local community. Cadets
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may participate in other religious activities

including choirs, study groups, daily
worship and fellowship organizations.

How can parents help their son or

daughter excel in the cadet wing?
Parents can encourage cadets to put
forth their best efforts in all areas, and
particularly, to abide by cadet wing
regulations, take responsibility for their
actions, and be accountable to themselves
and their supervisors. Parental support
has been found to be a strong motivator
toward positive performance. Conversely,
parents who condone violations will
undermine the Academys efforts and
leave their son or daughter open to
punishment and possible disenrollment.

What leave periods do cadets have?

Cadets have a leave period over
Thanksgiving, two-and-a-half weeks for
winter break, and one week in the spring
semester. During the summer, most cadets
have approximately three weeks of leave.

As a parent, is there a local

support group I can join?
There are more than 90 Air Force
Academy parent clubs in the United
States, with every state having
representation. For more information,
please call (719) 333-3828
or (877) 268-3383.

Do graduates have a chance to

obtain an advanced degree?
Graduates can receive scholarships
to attend civilian graduate schools
immediately after graduation. Graduates
in the top 15 percent of their class are
typically prime candidates for postgraduate education programs. Other
graduates may also have opportunities
for graduate education through the Air
Force Institute of Technology program.

Can graduates enter medical school?

The Academy may send up to three
percent of each graduating class directly
to medical, nursing or dental school.
21

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

Communication
The Air Force Academy years will be an interesting time in your son
or daughters life to say the least. Even immediately after BCT, your
son or daughter will call home with greater maturity, an increased
sense of responsibility and expanded insight. They will have many
acronyms mixed throughout their speech, which might be hard
at first, but with time you will understand what theyre saying.
Cadets lead very busy lives. Practically
every moment of their day is accounted
for from the moment they awake
until they go to bed. And if theyre
not active with academics, athletics
or military duties, theyre busy
fitting in personal interest time.
Even though contact may be sparse at
times, its important for parents to stay
involved in their cadets life, communicate
and remain supportive. Receiving a simple
letter or card from friends and family
22

This is an essential time for growth and

independence in your childs life. Parents
can become easily discouraged with the
lack of regular contact with their son or
daughter. A childs safety is a concern
for all parents. The Academy maintains
precise accountability of contact phone

numbers, and if your childs safety is ever

in question, well call you immediately.
In case of a family emergency and
you need to contact your child, its
important to have your childs squadron
AOC contact information handy.

during BCT can lift spirits, at least for a

moment. Even if cadets are unable to
reply to letters, they still yearn for letters
from you. Its a way for them to have
communication from the outside world,
which sometimes becomes minimal with
strict Academy routines and demands.
After BCT, e-mail is the quickest way
to communicate and cadets personal
computers become a huge part of their
daily lives. Many cadets are allowed
cell phone privileges after BCT.
United States Air Force Academy

www.universityparent.com/usafa

23

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

Websites & Phone Numbers

Websites

Phone Numbers [Note: area code is (719)]

academyadmissions.com

USAFA Info Center

facebook.com/academyadmissions

Facebook Page

Admissions:

1 (800) 443-9266

airforce.com

General AF Information

www.usafa.af.mil/news/academyspirit.asp

Base Newspaper

goairforcefalcons.com

Athletic Information Center

todaysmilitary.com

General Military Information

usafa.af.mil
usafa.org

You will be directed to

your counselor. Last name/
address will be required.

Command Post:

(719) 333-2910/11/12

Medical Status:

(719) 333-3562

Academys Homepage

Parents Club Liaison:

(719) 333-3828 or (877) 268-3383

Association of Graduates

Preparatory School:

1 (800) 443-9266

Regional area counselor

Student Record Status:

1 (800) 443-9266

Regional area counselor

Department of Defense
Medical Examination Review
Board (DODMERB)

Tours for candidates/students and parents are offered during the academic
year. Please visit academyadmissions.com for more information.

24

United States Air Force Academy

www.universityparent.com/usafa

25

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

Academic Year Calendar

2013

26

2014

August 3

BCT ends Cadet Wing returns 1900

January 1

New Years Day Holiday

August 8

Classes Begin

January 2

Cadet Wing returns 1900

August 30

Parents Weekend Begins

January 6

Classes resume

August 31

Air Force Colgate football (HOME)

January 20

Martin Luther King Holiday (no classes)

September 2

Labor Day Holiday (no classes)

February 17

Presidents Day Holiday (no classes)

September 7

Air Force Utah State football (HOME)

February 26-28

September 12-13

Commandants Training Day (no classes)

National Character & Leadership

Symposium (NCLS) (no classes)

September 13

Air Force Boise State football night game

March 13-15

Recognition Training

September 18-20

Falcon Heritage Forum

March 21-29

Spring Break

September 21

Air Force - Wyoming football (HOME)

March 30

Cadet Wing returns 1900

September 28

Air Force - Nevada football

October 4

(no classes)

October 5

Air Force Navy football morning game

October 10

Air Force San Diego State football (HOME)

October 14

Columbus Day Holiday (no classes)

October 26

Air Force Notre Dame football (HOME)

November 1

Commandants Training Day (no classes)

November 2

Air Force - Army football (HOME)

November 8

Air Force New Mexico football night game

November 11

Veterans Day Holiday (no classes)

November 21

Air Force - UNLV football (HOME) night game

November 23

Commandants Training Day

November 23-30

Thanksgiving leave

November 28

Thanksgiving Day

November 30

Air Force Colorado State football

December 1

Cadet Wing returns 1900

December 14-15

Deans weekend

December 21, 2013-Jan 2, 2014

Winter Break

United States Air Force Academy

www.universityparent.com/usafa

27

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

(Academic Year Calendar continued. . .)

28

March 31

Classes resume

April 16-18

Falcon Heritage Forum

May 10-11

Deans Weekend

May 12-16

Finals

May 19-22

Summer Prep Week

May 23-26

Graduation Week

May 26

Memorial Day Holiday

May 28

Graduation Day

May 31

1st Summer Period begins

June 21

1st Summer Period ends 2nd

Summer period begins

June 26

Class of 2018 enters/BCT begins

August 2

BCT ends Cadet Wing returns 1900

August 7

Classes begin

United States Air Force Academy

Campus Map

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29

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Antlers Hilton Hotel

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The Inn at Palmer Divide

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(719) 481-1800
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The Lodge at Garden

of the Gods Club

3320 Mesa Rd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80904
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Old Town Guest House

115 S. 26th St.

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Sundance Mountain Lodge

1865 Woodmoor Dr.

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What to See & Do

Experience Colorado Springs
515 S. Cascade Avenue,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(800) 888-4748 ext. 0
www.VisitCOS.com
Please see ad on p. 27.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Seven Falls

4218 County Rd. 3A

Canon City, CO 81212
(888) 333-5597
www.royalgorgebridge.com
Please see ad on p. 12.

2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Rd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 632-0765
www.sevenfalls.com
Please see ad on facing page.

From-Mom.com Care Packages

UniversityParent College
Laundry Bag

Where to Shop
Dell

(800) 695-8133
www.Dell.com/universityparent
Please see ad on back cover.

store.universityparent.
com/gift-baskets

store.universityparent.com

Student Services
Colorado Springs Shuttle

1207 S. Nevada Ave., Unit B

Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 687-3456
www.coloradoshuttle.com
Please see ad on p. 11.

UniversityParent E-News

universityparent.com
Please see ad on facing page.

UniversityParent
Facebook Group

facebook.com/groups/
universityparent
Please see ad on facing page.

For advertising inquiries, please contact a UniversityParent Account

Executive at (866) 721-1357 or email: ads@universityparent.com

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For more info about USAFA, visit:

www.universityparent.com/usafa

31