(KOAA) — A month after leaked reports revealed the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) is considering widespread reductions in civilian staff and faculty a consortium of former personnel is speaking out against the institution's direction In a Denver Post opinion piece signed by 92 Air Force Academy instructors the diverse group argued the Academy’s civilian reduction plans make them concerned for the future “Decimating the civilian faculty ranks in this partnership risks diminishing the U.S Air Force Academy’s (USAFA) academic excellence and the potential of its graduates to grow into impactful thought leaders in key areas relevant to the complex and critical war-fighting and humanitarian missions of our modern military,” the letter said “It even puts at risk USAFA’s basic accreditations in related technical fields.” Cosigners included three retired major generals Three of the cosigners sat down exclusively with News5 to speak out against the civilian reduction efforts marking a significant crack in the base of support for the military academy decision making On April 2, the KOAA newsroom received a tip that Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind was seeking to cut over 100 civilian professors and downsize the civilian staff by 30% by September KOAA news partners at the Gazette confirmed and published much of the same information citing internal communication they obtained “The academy currently employs 491 faculty members with 308 (62.7%) uniformed members and 183 (37.3%) civilian members 105 civilian positions would have to be cut,” reported the Gazette on April 3 "The Dean has communicated that a reduction of our faculty body below 400 members would force us to cut some majors and cease many opportunities for cadets," the communication said According to sources within the Academy speaking on condition of anonymity the original tip to KOAA could have been from a department head since they typically receive that information first which would mark an extraordinary leak from the upper echelons of the military institution The Gazette has further reported on the proposed cuts in the weeks since and KOAA has verified much of the same information through discussions with multiple people familiar with the matter In the wake of the Denver Post opinion piece three cosigners spoke exclusively with News5 to voice their concerns in the hopes of urging the Academy to backtrack on the proposed plans a 1977 USAFA graduate and Academy vice superintendent from 2005 to 2006 Halter said he was the first and only two-star general to hold that position as the Academy was facing religious respect and sexual assault issues at the time requiring another general to step in for a year was an associate professor of political science and a 17-year USAFA faculty member Bidlack said he spent a little over 25 years on active duty served as a missile operations officer responsible for nuclear weapons and primarily taught American Government and the Constitution current professor emeritus for the Academy’s Department of Aeronautics but said the emeritus honorary title allows him to help the Academy on a volunteer basis with six of those as an activey duty officer serving as the aero department head for three years Each former USAFA faculty and administration member spoke at length with KOAA Below is a summary of highlights from specific questions and answers from each interview Some responses have been edited for clarity MANY PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO SPEAK OUT OR SPEAK UP I'm a retired general officer living in Philadelphia being a great grandfather to my granddaughter And so I have time to pull back a little bit and look at things I also understand–and this I think I agree with–people inside the team need to provide their advice to the superintendent and to the Air Force leadership They should not be spending a lot of time talking to people outside that circle I think that's how we know some of the things we know But I also want to respect the chain of command It doesn't matter what I think about him personally or his performance And the chain of command there has to recognize that it bothered me that there were a lot of graduates basically encouraging cadets and others who didn't like the policies of that administration as they were affecting Academy operations encourage them to stand up and say something about it we were taught there we follow legal orders if an illegal order or immoral order is being given I'm not thinking that I know more than the superintendent or his team The Chief of Staff of the Air Force worked for me at one time But it's like I'm yelling to them from afar Don't rush into this because you will break things And some of those things you may not be able to fix quite the escalation in their efforts to become more fascist A lot of my adult life was invested in the Air Force Academy And I see even more potential for the future And the notion that we can instill in them those fundamental values that are vital–not just lethality What are legal and what are not legal orders If I were still at the Academy as a captain in a department It also wouldn't be appropriate because in the military it's not appropriate for someone in the chain of command to leap out of it to the media and try to come back in But I'm a 67-year-old retired guy on a pension and I think it's because of my background at the Academy and my number of years perhaps a few thoughts I have might be useful to people in understanding the danger of what's going on.” I'm worried about the Academy's ability to continue serving the country at the level it has been Q: WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERNS WITH CIVILIAN CUTS FOR PHD FACULTY for maybe no gain or maybe small financial gain I believe there need to be changes all the time Are there some things we're doing there that may not really be necessary to the mission whatever the answer to those questions are most of our instructors were military officers Well part of the reason they were military officers is that the Air Force was downsizing We didn't need as many pilots after Vietnam in the Air Force and a lot of them came to the school to teach and to to lead us And we were very blessed by their presence They have some of the greatest relationships you'll ever remember is the ones that they told you there But by time I came back almost 30 years later as the vice superintendent And a lot of that was driven by the fact that the demands on operational military people have made it so that it's very difficult to put a lot of officers there We just don't have enough of them to do that because we need them to do the things that they actually do for the Air Force And I work very closely with the personnel center which they didn't actually belong to the Academy When people are thinking about whether they wanted to fly they were coming to see me to get career advice instead of the people they would have normally seen in the classroom And so I felt that was out of balance then we didn't choose to go this way because we just thought it would be better to have more civilian instructors and PhDs It's because the reality of it is we needed to be able to tap into that resource because we couldn't have those military officers there And I would say that the question I would have for the current administration there at the at the Academy is 'What are we fixing that's broken What is going to be the result of moving this way?' let's move to have more military people there I think it's very important for the cadets to have people who have served in the military be a large part of their instruction and experience there But we do not need to do that in a six month time period and I don't see why it's so important to do it that fast right now." it was an almost entirely military faculty Each department had one visiting professor A distinguished professor from a civilian institution would come for a year Then about the early 1990s when I was actually the executive officer to our dean the program to bring in additional civilians came And I admit I initially wasn't supportive of it but I was wrong because we brought in up to about 25% civilians by the time I left And the civilian faculty provide several things They provide very specific knowledge in areas where it might be difficult to find an Air Force officer with a Master's And for a university or a college like the Air Force Academy to be properly accredited which is the Accreditation Board on Engineering Technology the American Chemical Society that certifies programs so that graduates in that program are fully certified as engineers or scientists in those fields brought a fellow in to be a civilian who was a fluent speaker of Chinese and a scholar of Chinese politics difficult to find in the active duty force We also discovered that civilians are cheaper One of the arguments I understand being used against in the Academy and the current attack on it is the idea that we'll get rid of civilians because they're costly and then they'll often stay there for a number of years if you're bringing a young captain with a master's degree But you still had the coming and going of military people even if you thought it was a good idea to get rid of the civilians the idea of just coming in with a meat cleaver and hacking off 100 civilian faculty members in April–there is no way that there are enough PhDs in the Air Force–that by fall you could pull 100 of them out of their career fields even if they wanted to come to fully staff all the different academic departments So this attack on the Academy essentially means a reduction in the number of majors a reduction in some of the types of majors and a reduction probably in the number of hours required to graduate And if the Air Force Academy is going to continue to be considered an elite university those are not the kind of changes you want to make thoughtful place where young people come to have their ideas challenged The idea that you could do that with the fraction of the faculty with far less rigorous programs seems to be unlikely I think the institution is in grave danger if these changes come through.” “The main thing is the impact on the quality of the cadet education deliberately constructed partnership between military and civilian faculty members And upsetting that would cause a severe reduction in the quality of the cadet experience which speaks to concerns about accreditation The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission The engineering programs are accredited by an organization called ABET that the institution must provide instructors who are qualified to teach the courses that they are assigned to teach particularly for the 300 and 400 level courses we've had visitors from an accrediting organization ask us ‘How in the world can you offer a world class education when an unusually high percentage of your faculty members only have a Master's of Science degree?’ And what we point to are three things is the institutional investment and six week-long New Faculty Orientation led by experts in the scholarship of teaching and learning ‘I can be a young and sharp officer just like them in five to seven years.’ That's important The third thing is the close mentorship offered to the junior faculty by both military and civilian PhDs then that will greatly upset the ability to mentor those young military faculty members who only have a master's degree Q: DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH CONSISTENTLY SAYS THE MILITARY IS BRINGING BACK A “WARRIOR ETHOS” AND A FOCUS ON “LETHALITY.” IS THE LINE OF THINKING THAT CIVILIAN PROFESSORS CAN’T PUSH THOSE IDEAS I mean zero evidence the graduates coming out of the Academy are any less capable to do all the things that a military does We now have the Cyber Center that we've just opened up there because I know that's the way combat and war is going I don't think we've ever lost our focus there at the Academy on lethality point to me where Air Force Academy graduates in the field over the last 20 or 30 years have failed us I want specific examples that if they had just been more focused on lethality I think the Secretary is focused very much on his own personal experience But that alone does not tell you what you need to be able to lead our people “I think the Secretary of Defense is quite a shallow man I suspect he means marching around and with rifles and yelling ‘Yeehaw’ every now and then I was pretty darn 'military.' I had the option to launch nuclear weapons at the enemies of the United States but it's a quiet one with dignity and professionalism and I'm very impressed with professionalism And this strikes me as this notion I suspect he'd love military parades military parades don't enhance military readiness They just make certain politicians feel good about themselves I'm amazed he got confirmed–because he's utterly unqualified for it–and he's making dangerous decisions he will effectively reduce the Air Force Academy and presume the other service academies to mirror administrative units that will offer minimal education and will produce a less well-rounded officer A discussion I would always have with my students at a particular point in the class was if you see an enemy–I used Iraq at the time because we were involved and they put an anti-aircraft gun on top of a hospital–what do you do We find other ways to deal with that situation And that's an example of the military ethos that being a military officer has a lot more to do with what you won't do sometimes than what they think you will do.” I have not heard of any shortcomings in our officer force who are Academy graduates where the lack of Warrior Ethos has come up I've seen and read about a number of our graduates who've been very courageous and very brave and the acceptance of risk to their lives for the higher good of the country I don't see where we've fallen short in that it's been a goal of ours and educational outcome of ours for a number of years.” DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH SUGGESTED THAT CIVILIAN PROFESSORS ARE BRINGING “WOKE IDEOLOGIES” WITH THEM TO THE ACADEMIES “Every time I challenge somebody that throws woke up there And I have not yet had somebody to define it in a way that I can understand They how symptoms of what they think is wokeness But they can't tell you what it is kind of like I know it when I see it,’ which is basically unacceptable as an answer You can tell the Secretary of Defense I said so but also a lot of the military instructors I had were not in combat arms type work I remember one of my history professors was an Englishman because at that time the Academy was very small So these people had come from various universities even if they had become officers in the Air Force But I appreciated that breadth of experience And I will say I had military officers who had flown in combat who recited very moving poetry having to do with combat and the reality of what war is And I remember those specifically because they moved me to tears and stuff I had never thought about before All I knew was that I just wanted to fly fast and upside down we lead people who come to us from all segments of our society They just do because they come from all over the United States But they have also been exposed to all kinds of ideas I grew up on a farm in a community where my family had lived for 250 years but I learned so much more about the world they gave us copies of the Pentagon Papers which two or three years before had come out in the press And they were considered top secret things They gave us the book to read because the professors there said these were Vietnam veterans ‘You need to read this because they were mad.’ You know now because you're going to be sitting in rooms where decisions are made especially with my last assignment at Joint Staff I was sitting with the Chairman and the Secretary as high level stuff was being decided as had the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs at the time we're both men of character and competence and we had a broad education that allowed us to look at very sensitive issues from all angles we could make sure that the Secretary of Defense and the president But our job was to work through a lot of really sticky issues and so I think it gives you a better perspective I spent 14 years of my 32 years in the service overseas having a framework from which to approach people from other cultures which I'd never expected to spend a lot of time and did so that we could get things we are all trying to do together done In both defense of their country and our country "This whole woke thing amuses me because isn't being awake a good thing I'm woke in the sense that I am aware that there are complications to any military operation My PhD work looked at environmental security issues and things like water The availability of water will trigger some wars and it will exacerbate other wars Now is it woke to be thinking about whether we might be able to prevent a war by drilling wells for various villages But if drilling a well could keep two parties from fighting each other but that's woke.’ That's that socialism stuff.’ Well and I think that it's the only logical point of view to have to be aware that there's lots of conflict in the world and there's lots of different forces acting on you and finding the path forward that protects liberty freedom and all the good things is a lot more challenging when you're thoughtful.” “I'm not sure what it's meant by a woke ideology I do think that it's important to recognize and honor the contributions of folks from various backgrounds to completing the Air Force mission I think that we should honor the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen I think we should honor the contributions of women in the Air Force you need to hear from a number of complex and diverse people from different backgrounds Because you may find yourself in a position where you've got to lead and situations surrounded by folks like that You also may find that it's important to work for future bosses who are different the folks who work for you may also come from very diverse backgrounds And so knowing how to relate to those people from lots of different backgrounds and honoring their contributions AIR FORCE ACADEMY RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS RELATED TO THIS REPORTING AND THESE INTERVIEWS Following the interviews with the retired faculty and Air Force members News5 reached out to the Air Force Academy with a list of questions for this report The Academy was given notice of the story's broadcasting so they would not be caught off guard and could respond to the claims or notions Below is the Academy’s response to the multiple questions asked: Email Senior Reporter Brett Forrest at brett.forrest@koaa.com. Follow @brettforrestTVon X and Brett Forrest News on Facebook Brett can also communicate via encrypted apps like Signal Due to the sensitive nature of ongoing reporting from federal actions he is willing to take steps to protect identities it's worth noting that service members who retire and then teach at the Academy are considered civilian instructors Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5 Report a typo Daily Weather Report Powered By: Air Force Academy cadets watch as the Thunderbirds perform at graduation at Falcon Stadium in May The Air Force Academy has rolled out a new mission statement that drops the word 'educate' and adds in a focus on winning wars The statement was posted on the academy's website without consulting or informing the school's faculty The Air Force Academy has rolled out a new mission statement that drops the word "educate" and adds in a focus on winning wars The statement was posted recently on the academy's website without consulting or informing the school's faculty The new mission is “To forge leaders of character and developed to lead our Air Force and Space Force as we fight and win our Nation’s wars.” An academy spokesperson said the statement reflects the priorities outlined by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to develop warrior-leaders prepared to lead warfighters on Day One The previous mission statement was "To educate train and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the U.S Air Force and Space Force in service to our nation." The older mission statement is closer to the one at West Point Military Academy states its mission is "To build and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and nation." The Naval Academy places emphasis on ideals Annapolis says its mission is "To develop Midshipmen morally mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command The Air Force Academy adopted a new mission statement while it is also reevaluating its curriculum and planning to lose civilian faculty as part of budget cuts Longtime Air Force Academy department head and retired Brig Marty France said in an email he was concerned the academy deleted "educate" from the statement because it's been part of the institution's mission since its founding "This clears the way to reduce greatly the rigor of a program that's been highly rated by all possible agencies since the first class graduated," he said in an email France also pointed out it does not include an emphasis on deterrence "It is unnecessarily bellicose and focused on fighting wars without mentioning the critical roles played by the Air Force and Space Force in assuring world peace as well as the war deterrence mission that has been vital since WWII." Contact the writer at mary.shinn@gazette.com or 719-429-9264 After the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called for more service members to teach at the military academies Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Stories you've missed since your last login: Recommended stories based on your interests: A rigorous academic program that balances STEM with the arts and humanities Learn more about cutting-edge research that supports the Air Force and our global society Take a peek into the life of a United States Air Force Academy cadet With a focus on innovation and adaptation to the changing world of warfare we’re setting higher expectations for what it means to serve There’s no limit to what you will achieve here We deliver the future leaders of modern warfare Air Force Academy Cadet Wing celebrated Recognition and Promotion The accomplishments of all cadets were recognized enabling them to be promoted to their next level of leadership responsibilities This year’s event marked a pivotal shift in how the Academy recognizes cadet development throughout all four classes This year’s event reflected the Academy’s transformation of the four-class system to intensive military-focused progressive training at the team and unit levels This spans the entire 47-month developmental program The Recognition and Promotion event marked the first time all cadets were evaluated on their leadership performance for upgrade to their next roles Cadet-in-charge Cadet 1st Class Madisen Campbell said the event is more than a celebration; it is “a powerful rite of passage.” “This inaugural event for all four Academy classes marks the transformation of cadets into leaders grounded in heritage and ready to serve with honor in the U.S “The promotion ceremony formalizes each cadet’s progress and role It creates a clear and motivational bridge between where they have been and where they are going.” Recognition focused solely on the fourth-class cadets as they completed a series of military events to demonstrate their proficiency in their new roles within the Academy,” said Tech a Recognition and Promotion project officer “This event now recognizes the accomplishments and progress of all four classes throughout the academic year We emphasize the new level of responsibility each cadet will assume as they advance within the Cadet Wing.” This year’s event also featured visits to the Heritage Rooms in each dormitory and involved all four classes The purpose of this experience is to show the trajectory of Academy graduates deepen squadron pride and reinforce the Academy’s legacy of excellence another Recognition and Promotion cadet-in-charge considers the Heritage Room visits a meaningful experience “The Heritage Room visits are a powerful tradition where upper-class cadets guide their peers and underclassmen through a series of rooms “These storylines typically begin with a cadet’s acceptance into the Academy The journey progresses through the challenges of the Academy cadets gain a solemn opportunity to reflect on the weight of joining the profession of arms connect with those who came before them and understand the legacy and responsibility they now share.” Learn about military training and see photos of the inaugural Recognition and Promotion. © 2025 United States Air Force Academy Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker 15vs17University of Nevada Air Force Drops Late to Nevada4/26/2025 6:25:00 PM | Baseball Stefan Tallini, a student at Windham Regional Career Center, trains on a flight simulator at the center's aviation program. Tallini has been accepted to all three military academies, but plans to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Purchase local photos online. a student at Windham Regional Career Center trains on a flight simulator at the center's aviation program Tallini has been accepted to all three military academies but plans to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs flies a drone while the instructor for the aviation program flies a drone at the center's aviation program Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Air Force Academy announced on Wednesday the investigation into their men's soccer team is complete and demeaning misconduct inflicted on other members of the team." the Academy said the Commandant of Cadets has begun disciplinary actions after "a thorough review of the evidence found," but has not released how many cadets will undergo corrective actions The Academy's Athletic Director released the following statement: The United States Air Force Academy's men's soccer team is under investigation for alleged misconduct The academy says eight players have been suspended as of October 23 They also say these suspensions may be revisited as the investigation into the alleged misconduct continues An Academy spokesperson released the following statement to News5: 8vs7Queens 4/12/2025 4:05:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse and how we get there by hearing from the Physics and Astronomy Club Visitors to the Academy are required to have a base pass to enter the installation Register for the event at least 24 hours prior to the event using the link below Guests under the age of 18 do not need to request access To recognize the achievements of its Class of 2025 Air Force Academy Preparatory School will host a ceremony at Arnold Hall Theater on May 19 Cadet candidates will hear from the Academy Superintendent and the top graduate The event will be followed by a reception in the Arnold Hall Ballroom at 3:30 p.m and other guests can celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments in an informal setting Register at least 24 hours prior to the event using the link below For any questions related to this event, contact Colleen Heffner at colleen.heffner@afacademy.af.edu or 719-333-6160. © 2025 United States Air Force Academy, All Rights Reserved 8 Air Force Set for NCAA Championships4/16/2025 6:17:00 PM | Men's Gymnastics U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy cadets took on the rigorous Spring 2025 Culminating Exercise (CULEX) an essential training event designed to enhance their warfighter readiness and leadership skills This year’s exercise marks a significant shift from previous iterations serving as a test of concept for future training exercises The spring CULEX represents a crucial step in the Academy’s ongoing evolution moving towards what will eventually be known as “The Crucible.” This multi-day field training event evaluated all cadets’ proficiency in newly developed Ready Airman Training (RAT) skills, reinforcing their preparedness for Agile Combat Employment The Academy has spent the past academic year refining its RAT curriculum ensuring cadets gain hands-on experience with the tactical and strategic skills required for modern combat environments The Spring 2025 CULEX tested cadets’ adaptability and mission execution capabilities in physically and mentally demanding scenarios These challenges included day and night operations spread across four rotations simulating the complexity of real-world military engagements “This CULEX represents a significant evolution in how we train our cadets ensuring they are ready for the demands of dynamic operating environments,” said Brig “By focusing on individual proficiency and team execution under stress we are developing leaders who can think critically and execute missions effectively in adverse conditions.” cadets were immersed in a simulated operational environment that required them to apply mission planning and execution “We’ve designed this CULEX to assess cadets on Ready Airmen Training skills while challenging them as future warfighters,” said Maj Cadet Wing military training deputy branch chief and CULEX lead planner “The Culminating Exercise was a first step towards a dynamic and realistic experience use critical thinking in unpredictable scenarios and demonstrate the core skills essential for Agile Combat Employment Our goal is to prepare cadets for the realities they will face as future officers.” This exercise was designed to cultivate a warfighter mindset among cadets ensuring they developed confidence in decision-making Last fall, cadets from all 40 squadrons participated in the 2024 Fall CULEX a two-day event replacing the Commandant’s Challenge and Commandant Training Day This shift was part of Academy Superintendent Lt Tony Bauernfeind’s broader initiative to forge warfighters ready to win Building on the success of the 2024 exercise the Spring 2025 CULEX further refined the Academy’s training methodology By embedding realistic expeditionary warfare training into the cadet experience the Academy ensures its graduates are prepared to lead in complex In addition to mastering airpower operations the Academy recognizes the critical importance of ground combat skills in modern warfare Cadets trained in troop movement techniques and reacting to enemy contact—key skills essential for effective leadership in contested environments “This CULEX challenged every cadet to think and act under pressure, making training more realistic and preparing us for real-world operations,” said Cadet 3rd Class Camden Hamilton, a physics major and perform in high-stress environments as both individuals and as teams.” cadets gained exposure to the complexities of leading troops in combat scenarios reinforcing their ability to execute the mission The Spring 2025 CULEX is a vital step in shaping the next generation of U.S ensuring they graduate with the resilience and combat readiness required to lead in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare The U.S. Air Force Academy Band will present the Armed Forces Week Concert on May 5 the Academy Band will be joined by members of the U.S Naval Academy Band and the 4th Infantry Division Band from Ft motivate Air Force and Space Force members and showcase their excellence to a global audience Alicia Shamblin for her extraordinary actions that saved the life of a cadet during an award ceremony was recognized for her swift response and medical expertise when she witnessed a parachuting accident while driving home on July 31 As she observed cadets participating in Airmanship 490 the Academy’s basic freefall parachuting course Shamblin immediately recognized a malfunction in one cadet’s parachute rushed down a rocky slope and reached the railroad tracks where the cadet was about to land and ensured his safety until emergency medical personnel arrived Medical professionals later confirmed that the cadet would not have survived without her decisive intervention I am the mother of a cadet and when I spotted the parachute malfunction my first thought was that cadet is someone’s son or daughter,” said Shamblin you will quickly realize what an incredible young man he is The Academy is a better place with him in it I am thankful to have played a small part in his story.” spoke about the profound impact Shamblin’s actions have had on him but no one knew about the nurse who made it possible Shamblin is the reason I had a chance to fight my way back,” said Abramoff everything I’ve done has been because of her and everything I will do for the rest of my life will be because of her but none of that would be possible without her The Academy’s leadership emphasized the significance of recognizing individuals like Shamblin Her actions ensured that a future Air Force officer was given another chance—not only to recover but to continue pursuing his commitment to serve The March 31 ceremony served as a moment for the Academy community to acknowledge Shamblin’s heroism and the life-changing difference one person can make in a moment of crisis Hockey team announces 2024-25 Award Winners4/6/2025 4:53:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey Graduation Week is comprised of many activities and events across the U.S Cadets and their guests take part in receptions The week culminates at Falcon Stadium with the Graduation Ceremony Speakers rotate between the President of the United States cadets are dismissed and ceremoniously toss their caps into the air Cheers and celebration are quickly silenced by the roar of the legendary Thunderbirds flying overhead to honor the graduating class Stay up-to-date with the latest graduation information. Falcon Lacrosse Takes on Marist in Sunday Contest3/1/2025 4:08:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse 55vs77Colorado State 2/25/2025 9:43:00 PM | Men's Basketball U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The upcoming National Character and Leadership Symposium will feature a speaker lineup focused on the superintendent’s priority of producing warfighters to win future conflicts The 32nd annual flagship symposium will also connect participants with combat-experienced servicemembers in discussions and presentations to encourage reflection and motivate personal action Hearing the experiences and perspectives of real-life warfighters will benefit the cadets’ journey to becoming leaders of character “I’m looking forward to this year’s symposium,” said NCLS Cadet-in-Charge Cadet 1st Class Julia Razzino, a Data Science major “As the Cadet Wing continues to grow and develop I hope this year’s theme will inspire cadets to embrace the mindset of warfighters to win and encourage critical thinkers to adapt and succeed in ever-changing environments.” NCLS Event Deputy Director Melissa Parent said Warfighters to Win is the embodiment of the warrior spirit unceasing vigilance and a commitment to the world’s premier air “All our speakers have combat experience and demonstrate the key attributes of a warfighter,” Parent said “Those attributes include leading through adversity and crisis outpacing the adversary with a strong decision-making process and readiness and understanding the impacts of moral injury These speakers will serve as exemplars to our cadets and other audience members as we help our next generation of warfighters develop and strengthen their own warrior ethos.” Among this year’s featured presenters are retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón Colón-López Colón-López became the fourth senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the most senior enlisted service member in the U.S military enlisted member to be awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for outstanding contributions to national security in a position of great responsibility from his native Puerto Rico in 1986 and began his 33-year career four years later in 1990 Colón-López served for two decades as a Special Operations Pararescueman He has more than a decade of experience in the Joint Special Operations Command Colón-López served as a special tactics team leader advanced force operations team leader and worked with the Delta Force and SEAL Team 6 during dozens of raids and missions Fallon, Class of 2003, is the U.S. Air Force Weapons School commandant at Nellis Air Force Base he oversees 21 squadrons across nine geographic locations As a command pilot with more than 2,800 flying hours Fallon brings a military aviation perspective to his NCLS 2025 presentation Fallon was the chief of the Strategy Integration Division at the Pentagon He also commanded the 55th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base including the F-16 Weapons School senior leader management chief Nadeem serves as the commander of the 150th Security Forces Squadron at the 150th Special Operations Wing Before joining the Special Operations Wing Nadeem was a congressional budget and appropriations liaison to the Senate Appropriations Committee assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management and Comptroller at the Pentagon She previously served as a policy advisor on the National Security Council policy advisor working in the Executive Office of the President at the White House Air Force career in 2004 and was later commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Her assignments have included roles with Security Forces the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and a deployment to the Combined Air Operations Center in support of Operation Inherent Resolve Naval Academy in 2002 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps where he completed 20 years of honorable service retiring as a lieutenant colonel in December 2023 His civilian career included three assignments with the Foreign Service Schmidt retired from federal service after 21 years and founded the Mountain Seed Foundation The Mountain Seed Foundation’s mission is to support families affected by war through mental health services She is particularly interested in hearing Nadeem’s presentation where she lived under Saddam Hussein’s regime and attended school for part of her elementary education Her childhood experiences in Saddam’s Iraq played a role in her Air Force enlistment Nadeem’s diverse experiences and childhood hardships deeply inspire me and I am eager to learn how they have shaped her perspective on warrior ethos,” Razzino said “I am particularly interested in learning how 9/11 influenced her call to service and how her journey has been guided by resilience and purpose I truly hope her story will provide the Cadet Wing with meaningful insights.” Eisenhower’s second inauguration parade in 1957 Air Force Academy cadets have participated in the nation’s transfer of power Cadet Squadron 36 became the latest cohort of cadets to be chosen for the honor to march in the inauguration parade The cadets spent every military training time block marching on the Terrazzo to prepare for their appearance at the 47th president’s inauguration parade. The parade was canceled due to frigid weather. However, the squadron were able to follow the rest of their itinerary and visit places such as the National Mall, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly The cadets watched the changing of the guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Afterward, a question-and-answer session with off-duty sentries provided guidance and inspiration, said Cadet 3rd Class Natalie Gembicki, a Geospatial Science major The American people come together in that moment.’ That statement reminded me that the backbone of leadership in our country is its people my team and my squad experiencing the changing of the guard It just hit me how special the whole experience was.” The squadron flew from Colorado Springs on a C-17 Globemaster III with a 349th Air Mobility Wing crew from Travis Air Force Base the Joint Task Force notified them they would not be needed for the Inauguration Parade and First Honors “Even though we didn’t get to march in the parade the significance of the day wasn’t lost on me,” Gembicki said “Being a part of history isn’t just about standing in the spotlight appreciating its importance and representing something bigger than yourself This experience also reminded me to make the most of every opportunity.” The Pink Panthers were hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy. The cadets note spending time with midshipmen was another trip highlight They were able to observe the differences and similarities between the two military service academies “On our flight back to the Academy, I thought a lot about how the Naval Academy runs things and how their culture compares to ours,” said Cadet 1st Class Landon Adkins, a Meteorology major “Although we are both training to be officers down the road it was cool to see how we differ in trying to achieve the goal of becoming great leaders and warfighters.” The Pink Panthers were selected to represent the Academy by marching in the inauguration parade after it received the Cadet Wing’s Outstanding Squadron Award for the 2023-24 academic year the Outstanding Squadron Award honors the cadet squadron that finishes the highest in the Academy’s ranking system Squadron 36 improved its ranking from 40th early in the 2022-23 academic year to first in the fall of 2023 Their dramatic improvement inspired a new motto: “Worst to First.” Air Force Academy Soaring Program introduces cadets to airmanship principles airmindedness and the fundamentals of flight Through hands-on glider experience in the TG-16A sailplane cadets develop critical skills such as communication Soaring is one of three Academy Airmanship Experience Model programs The programs are designed to develop cadet airmindedness and support the Academy’s goal of developing warfighters ready to lead on day one Airmindedness is a perspective through which Airmen and Guardians understand the influence of air power for strategic advantage They know how to control airspace to achieve military goals “The soaring program helps cadets develop the confidence to make decisions in the air,” said Cadet 1st Class Ruth Anand, a cadet soaring instructor pilot and mechanical engineering major “The skills will transfer well into the operational Air Force because you must make competent We feed off those characteristics in the program.” The 94th Flying Training Squadron teaches the Basic Soaring Course (Airmanship 472) to cadets They first learn basic controls and flight maneuvers on simulators and introductory flights The next stage involves flying with an instructor pilot Cadets who excel in the initial training or show the aptitude to inspire and instruct can be selected as cadet instructor pilots Those selected complete a year-long program to earn their G-wings that allow them to teach Cadet instructor pilots conduct 95% of all glider flight instruction “The opportunity to fly gliders gives cadets a chance to hone their airmanship skills,” said Capt This also allows the cadets to build confidence as technical experts and leaders with the ability to teach others.” Anand began the soaring program because of her love for flying She was selected for the instructional pilot upgrade program and soon discovered she equally enjoys the program’s instructional aspect Cadet instructors gain practical experience in leading other cadets They serve as role models for younger cadets and reinforce the concepts of flight navigation and operations to the real-life application of these principles via soaring but I never realized how much I would love teaching my fellow cadets,” Anand said “You get to take a 19-year-old who has never even been in an airplane before When you see them reach the point where they fly on their own Due to the success of the glider program in developing air-minded leaders a glider will be a prominent feature in the new visitor center When the Lt Gen Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center opens at the Academy’s north gate it will include an exhibit that honors the TG-10C glider also known as Sabre 1 The TG-10C was the 94th Flying Training Squadron’s sailplane of choice for basic and aerobatic training until 2012 Sabre 1’s tail was signed by Patty Wagstaff Sabre 1 will be suspended as if recovering from a loop in the new Hosmer Visitor Center atrium The glider will be illuminated at night to be visible from the outside of the center See photos of Academy airmanship programs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Dr. Shannon Beck, Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences assistant professor is a key leader in shaping the future of cadets at the U.S Combining her passion for teaching with a wealth of real-world experience Beck plays a critical role in developing the next generation of leaders in an increasingly digital world With a career spanning high-stakes research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and policy influence at the National Science Foundation Beck brings a unique perspective to her work at the Academy Her diverse roles in both government and academia have deeply informed her approach to teaching and mentoring cadets cutting-edge research and engineering that deepened my understanding of technology’s crucial role in solving complex problems,” Beck explained “My time at the National Science Foundation provided a broader perspective on the importance of innovation and education in driving scientific progress while my experience at the Academy has deepened my commitment to developing future leaders in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.” Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences permanent professor and department head Beck’s prior experience introduced her to cutting-edge research into the type of complex problems our graduates are most likely to face in their careers.” This background has shaped Beck’s commitment to blending research with teaching to help cadets navigate the challenges of cybersecurity “My work at the Academy is driven by a desire to have a long-term impact on the Air Force and Space Force missions through helping develop capable officers,” said Beck “I hope to help produce officers who can protect our nation from cyber threats and contribute to the defense of critical space infrastructure.” Beck’s philosophy as an educator is rooted in the belief that critical thinking and ethical decision-making are essential qualities for the leaders of tomorrow This aligns directly with the Academy’s mission to develop leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force She aims to create a supportive and active learning environment that challenges cadets to tackle complex problems and consider the broader implications of their decisions especially in the fast-changing cyber warfare domain Beck is extremely innovative and constantly has an eye for improvement revamping each course she has taken on to improve knowledge comprehension,” said Dressler truly making her classroom cadet-focused.” Beck is passionate about creating real-world experiences for cadets a dual-language game teaching students about cybersecurity hands-on opportunities for cadets to engage with the local community and build connections “Cyber Pup is a dual-language game focused on educating middle school students and their families about topics including password safety social media and email safety,” explained Beck hands-on experiences that go beyond traditional learning improves engagement.” Her dedication to outreach also extends to mentoring undergraduate interns through the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program “These interns are actively working on developing the Cyber Pup as a STEM outreach tool to provide more ways for cadets to interact and build connections with the local community,” Beck added As part of the Academy’s Cyber Sciences curriculum, Beck has contributed significantly to the Academy’s reputation as a trailblazer in cybersecurity education. The Academy was the first undergraduate institution in the NSA’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) designated for both Cyber Defense and Cyber Operations “Our cyber sciences curriculum includes courses specifically designed to build proficiency in cybersecurity technologies and defensive and offensive cybersecurity tactics,” Beck explained “By offering cadets the opportunity to work with the latest tools and techniques in the field they are prepared for the rapidly changing landscape of digital threats.” Looking toward the future, Beck is driven by the desire to cultivate a dynamic, forward-thinking environment within the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences “My aspirations for the Computer and Cyber Sciences Department revolve around enhancing technical expertise and driving innovative research,” she said I believe we can not only meet the demands of today’s cybersecurity challenges but also help shape the next generation of military leaders who will be equipped to handle tomorrow’s challenges Beck’s work at the Academy is not only about teaching technical skills; it’s about preparing cadets to lead with integrity and resilience in the ever-evolving cyber domain Her achievements highlight her lasting impact on both cadets and the field of cybersecurity “My goal is to empower the next generation to meet the challenges of both technology and national security head-on,” Beck said “I strive to combine a researcher’s curiosity and a leader’s strategic vision to inspire cadets and equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.” Her unwavering commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow ensures that Beck’s influence will be felt far beyond her tenure at the Academy shaping the future of cybersecurity and national defense for years to come Photo by: Dylan SmithAir Force Places Eight On All-MPSF Fencing Team3/12/2025 11:47:00 AM | Fencing “When you are in an aircraft with ultimate responsibility, you are literally in charge of your own destiny,” said Cadet 1st Class Kolbe Villa, an Aeronautical Engineering major “Your decisions in that T-51 Deathhawk can lead to a safe and smooth landing on the runway or to an aircraft emergency with a wide range of consequences You learn a lot of accountability and problem solving making you a stronger character-driven leader Powered flight is an excellent place to develop those skills.” airmanship refers to the overall development of skills and the attitude necessary for a successful aviation career Those programs are the 557th Flying Training’s Powered Flight Program the 94th Flying Training Squadron’s Soaring Program and the 98th Flying Training Squadron’s Jump Program The Powered Flight Program supports the Academy’s mission of developing leaders of character and quality and the core values of integrity It is a comprehensive introduction to piloting that plays a crucial role in preparing cadets for their future roles as officers cadets often get their first taste of real-world flying “We strive to develop a sense of airmindedness in the cadets in two fundamental ways,” Go said “We develop the specific skills they need to fly But we also want to develop the type of character required to be good decision-makers and leaders Character growth is a big part of the program.” The Powered Flight Program compresses several weeks of flight training into 10 lessons The primary focus is on developing fundamental skills navigation and communication with air traffic control Cadets are paired with experienced instructor pilots who guide them through the fundamentals cadets gain more responsibility until they perform takeoff and landing to successfully complete a solo flight without assistance The solo flight is a defining moment in the cadet’s flight training experience at the Academy During the summer before the 2024-25 academic year the program achieved a 100% solo flight success rate cadets celebrate their success in the tradition of Air Force pilot training; they each take a turn in the dunk tank “I first soloed an airplane as a high school ROTC student 23 years ago and I can remember it like it was yesterday,” Go said “It is a huge accomplishment and representation of all of the challenges each individual had to overcome to even reach that point.” Cadets who excel during the Power Flight Program can apply for the Precision Flying Team These cadets work together to hone their skills and compete across the country They learn advanced maneuvers and precision landings Team members keep each other accountable. Mistakes are documented in a binder, not for disciplinary measures, but so pilots learn from each other. They strive to never repeat mistakes and continually improve. This has been an effective tactic as in October, the team captured its 38th consecutive National Intercollegiate Flying Association Regional Championship in Fort Collins they will compete for the national title in Oshkosh “There’s a saying I like — ‘A rising tide lifts all ships,’ said Cadet 1st Class Nathan Lissy a member of the Academy’s Precision Flying Team “We strive to maintain a culture of peer accountability on the team Military flying is fundamentally different from our civilian counterparts because we are tasked with the application and management of violence Maintaining standards is required for that type of aviation cadets get a taste of it in the Powered Flight Program to make informed decisions on their future The Academy’s commitment to airmanship through programs such as Powered Flight and the Precision Flying Team ensures that cadets become more than just proficient pilots Cadets learn the fundamentals of flight through a spirit of exploration and innovation Whether they continue the pilot’s journey or leadership roles in other career fields Academy graduates are visionary leaders ready to tackle modern military operations challenges “Overcoming challenges like learning to fly builds confidence,” Go said not just to their careers in military aviation but to any challenges they will face in their future The interactions cadets have with instructor pilots gets them ready to solo but it also helps them to leave the Academy and become better leaders See more photos of powered flight at Flickr Air Force Academy Preparatory School women’s basketball team demonstrated exceptional leadership resilience and teamwork during their undefeated 2024-25 season (21-0) Their accomplishment reflects the Academy and Prep School’s commitment to leverage a variety of experiences such as sports to develop leaders who can overcome complex challenges The Prep School’s rigorous 10-month program prepares cadet candidates for the Academy through academic improvement leadership development and enhanced physical fitness the team faced a setback when leading scorer Kori Rainwater suffered a knee injury Mannering stepped up and increased their offensive contributions but we knew we had to come together and support each other,” Love said “Everyone had to contribute a little more than what we did before We all put in more work to compensate for her absence.” Their leadership extended beyond their game performances Love and Mannering called meetings to refocus the team’s efforts “We have a limited time to practice because of our priority on academics and military training so we needed to get as much work in as possible in our practices,” Mannering said “We had to be dedicated and intentional about everything we did to get the results we wanted I hope to take that same mindset through the remainder of Prep School and my cadet training.” both players demonstrated leadership and ensured the team maintained their focus Love and Mannering called meetings to get back on track and reenergized “We have limited time to practice because of our priority on academics and military training so our practices needed to be efficient,” Mannering said I’m proud of this team and our undefeated season.” Mannering attributes the team’s success to their shared goal of winning each game “Our drive and tenacity illustrate our commitment to being excellent in everything we do,” Mannering said “I hope to take that same mindset through the remainder of my time at the Prep School.” Coach Ke’Sha Blanton attributed the undefeated season to the cadet candidates’ discipline “It is no easy plight to go undefeated in anything,” head coach Ke’Sha Blanton said “We had to show discipline and leadership to go into those games and win the players had to step up and show that resiliency I hope they take those qualities with them as they continue their U.S Cadet 1st Class Joseph Tschetter connects cadets with U.S Air Force Academy command staff to foster military excellence and warrior ethos the Academy’s highest-ranking cadet supports the Cadet Wing’s development into warfighters prepared to tackle modern combat challenges he has worked to ensure mission execution and support military training He notes that he is a cadet as well as a commander and keeps the Cadet Wing’s interests in mind “Most of the challenges in my job come from balancing the tasks of institutional objectives and cadet needs because they do not directly overlap,” Tschetter said “I take care of my people and ensure that their voices are heard.” A prior-enlisted servicemember, Tschetter began his military career as an ammunition systems specialist. He said his entire family expressed pride when he joined the Air Force after high school and encouraged him to apply for an Academy appointment a few years later. Tschetter graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in 2021 and joined the Cadet Wing that fall Tschetter leads four groups of 10 squadrons each and is at the top of the cadet leadership structure He stresses the importance of accountability “I’ve learned that the highest functioning organizations don’t get there from simply being given what they want all the time,” Tschetter said they get there from a culture of having institutional pride and ownership over their actions and products.” The command experience sharpened Tschetter’s skills as a leader of character and quality he has developed resilience to embrace constructive criticism A point of pride for Tschetter is how he supports the Cadet Wing’s warfighting development to strengthen its collective warrior ethos “Ready Airman Training has impacted the whole Cadet Wing,” Tschetter said “The scope of the training has transitioned to focus more on becoming warfighters who are ready to lead on Day One The RAT training makes up a large portion of the warfighter training efforts at the Academy.” observed airmanship and leadership qualities in Tschetter that she felt would serve the Cadet Wing well He became the first cadet mission-qualified in the TG-17A on the Academy Glider Demonstration Team and has completed more than 185 instructional sorties and 165 flight hours Tschetter made the A-Team/Aces List four times The list honors cadets with a 4.0 grade point average in academics and physical fitness Martell also praised Tschetter’s leadership characteristics such as humility Cadet Tschetter has excelled in keeping the wing and cadet leadership staff on track balancing discipline with approachability,” Martell said “That impressive feat highlights his natural ability to lead effectively trusted leader and future officer with unlimited potential — one who will undoubtedly make a lasting impact in the Air Force.” After Tschetter earns a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the Academy, he plans to attend graduate school at Purdue University before pilot training He believes his experience leading the Cadet Wing will prepare him for a successful career as an Air Force pilot and leader He notes that his ability to remain calm in very stressful environments and exercise sound judgment prepares him for pilot training “The biggest advantage I will have from serving as commander is the mentorship and experience working with high-ranking military officers,” Tschetter said “Understanding the purpose of a commander’s intent and knowing how to execute within those left and right boundaries is something that has allowed me to be successful in my role as cadet commander I also now better understand what it means to lead people.” See photos of the Cadet Wing change of command ceremony at Flickr An Air Force Academy cadet is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Boulder fraternity Halloween party 20-year-old Roman Bradley was formally charged on March 25 after his arrest on March 20 according to the affidavit and court documents Roman Bradley is listed as a sophomore fullback on the Air Force football team according to an online search and social media profiles that match the name The alleged sexual assault took place on November 2 at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity in Boulder Bradley bumped into a woman on the dance floor and began dancing with her He moved his hand under her dress and penetrated her with his fingers She “jumped backwards” and told him that “she did not want that and it was not okay,” the arrest report said The affidavit said he apologized and explained it would not happen again Bradley then allegedly placed his hand under her dress and underwear again and “digitally penetrated” her for two to three seconds Digital penetration is a term for inserting fingers without consent [She] “jumped backwards again and stated again that his actions were not okay,” the affidavit said Bradley then asked for her Snapchat information which is how the victim was able to identify who he was after the incident The victim told her roommate and friends about the incident She filed a report in December with both the Boulder Police Department and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Boulder Police obtained an arrest warrant at the end of February and took Bradley into custody in March without incident as he deboarded a plane at the Denver International Airport Bradley is scheduled for an April 17 status conference in Boulder County He’s facing a Class 4 Felony charge of Sexual Assault which carries a sentence of two to six years in prison The military academies spoke on the record last week at a Senate Armed Forces subcommittee hearing In his written testimony provided to the Subcommittee on Personnel Bauernfeind touted the decrease in sexual assault and sexual harassment at the Military Service Academies from 2022 to 2024 “USAFA saw a decrease from 22.3% to 13.4% for women and 4.3% to 2.9% for men.” Bauernfeind said 53vs88New Mexico 2/8/2025 4:46:00 PM | Men's Basketball U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Class of 2025 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned their base assignments during the 100s Night Dining-in ceremony in Mitchell Hall Feb marks a key milestone for the soon-to-be commissioned officers in the U.S “Make the most of these last 100 days,” Class of 2025 President Cadet 1st Class Caleb Kavanaugh told his fellow first-degree cadets “Cherish and enjoy every minute with your friends Make the most of your remaining time at the Academy and in Colorado.” The cadets eagerly anticipated learning the base where they would begin their military careers. Kavanaugh is a political science major and his first assignment is at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Cadet 1st Class Nika Fedorova, an electrical and computer engineering major will attend pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base we finally found out where all the hard work the past four years will take us first in our careers as officers,” Fedorova said “The moment when we found out where our journey begins was special and a time to celebrate.” humor and camaraderie as cadets reflected on four years of rigorous academic 100s Night is more than a symbolic and morale-boosting occasion The event reminds first-degree cadets of how far they have come and builds excitement for the final stretch of their cadet careers “Hundreds Night is a surreal experience,” said Fedorova “This night is special because it’s our last major event as a class before graduation It is an awesome milestone we all look forward to but it is also bittersweet to think about separating from your best friends It makes me want to enjoy these last 100 days to the max with the people I love.” Another highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Class of 2025’s official painting Class paintings have been an Academy tradition for the past 50 years artist Justin Hayward to create their artwork The painting features four military aircraft flying against a Colorado sky illuminated by the aurora borealis The official painting committee chose four aircraft — the A-10 Thunderbolt The A-10 and the F-15 are also incorporated into the class crest and the rest of the class was excited to see it,” Kavanaugh said “The painting is extremely meaningful to us We included the northern lights because we had several evenings where we could see them here Seeing the lights was a cool and unique experience.” The class has prints of the Class of 2025 official painting available on the class merchandise website. See more photos of the Class of 2025 100s Night. Air Force Hosts San Diego State Wednesday Night1/20/2025 2:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball Get your daily fix of Air & Space Force news delivered right to your inbox every day There's no more reliable source for news about your Air & Space Forces Air & Space Forces Magazine is the official publication of the Air & Space Forces Association In that decision, the Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admissions policies in higher education were unconstitutional. Military academies were exempted from the ruling, though, because the justices noted they may have special interests saying in part that “history teaches that racial diversity is a national security imperative.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor used the Vietnam War in her dissenting opinion as an example of a time when racial imbalance threatened the integrity of the nation’s military She said it fueled perceptions of minorities being used as “cannon fodder.” However the Court did not specify what the academies’ specialized interests may be or what policies the academies should revise filed its latest lawsuit in federal court on Tuesday to challenge the broad exemption laid out in the Court’s ruling It claims that “the [Air Force] Academy has no justification for using race-based admissions,” and that “its [current admissions] policy would be unconstitutional at all other public institutions of higher education.” The Colorado lawsuit also states that the current admission policies violate the Fifth Amendment “because race is a ‘positive’ for minority applicants who receive preferences it is necessarily a ‘negative’ for all others.” It also knocks the academy for not doing enough to verify whether applicants’ listed race is accurate A spokesperson for the Air Force Academy said in a statement to CPR News that it does not comment on pending litigation Lawyers for Students for Fair Admissions have not yet responded to a request for comment In November 2023, the Department of Justice defended race-conscious admissions at military academies saying in part that “the most senior leaders in the Armed Forces have repeatedly concluded that a more diverse officer corps makes a more effective force: more lethal more likely to attract and retain top talent and more legitimate in the eyes of the nation and the world.”  The brief followed another lawsuit from Students for Fair Admission in 2023 that sought to prohibit West Point from using race to foster diversity in the Army officer corps. The West Point lawsuit is proceeding to trial, while a separate lawsuit against the Naval Academy was struck down last Friday Students for Fair Admissions’ new lawsuit comes two years after the Air Force increased its diversity goals in response to a report from a Diversity and Inclusion task force created in 2020 That group is charged with identifying and changing policies barriers and other practices that unfairly impact Air Force and Space Force troops from underrepresented groups In its first year, the task force laid out disparities in race and gender in both the Air and Space Force branches It also revealed disparities in the way minority members were disciplined and how difficult it was for them to increase their rank The Air Force Officer Corps is currently 77 percent white “The lack of diversity [among] officers … directly impacts diversity in senior leader representation and also influences the disparities throughout the lifecycle of an Airman or Guardian,” the report found “Survey respondents pointed to the lack of mentors in senior positions who could relate to the minority member’s or female’s experiences; they also cited [a] lack of general officers who looked like them.” Those findings are in line with numbers from the Air Force Personnel Center that show 16 percent of enlisted service members in the Air and Space Force branches identified as Black in 2024 while just 6.4 percent of officers identified as such an estimated 13 percent of the nation is Black.  which are heavily supplemented by military academy graduates is something the Air Force has been working on since 2014.  then-Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James signed a memorandum stating that 30 percent of officers who graduated from the academy should be part of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups and that 30 percent of them should also be female The Air Force Academy class that will graduate in 2025 exceeds the racial diversity goal with 32 percent of admitted cadets being from underrepresented groups It missed the mark just slightly for women with female cadets making up 29 percent of the class.  The current breakdown of the Air Force’s overall diversity goals is as follows: the figures sought by the USAF would still disproportionately represent white people who make up 60 percent of the nation’s population The current class of first-year cadets who will graduate in 2028 is one of the most diverse classes in the USAF Academy’s history with 38 percent of cadets identifying as racial or ethnic minorities End of affirmative action makes it harder for medical schools to fix community health inequitiesAir Force Academy admissions are extremely competitive regardless of raceDuring the oral arguments in the 2023 affirmative action case that led to the military academy exemption by the Supreme Court Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar mentioned the competitive nature of the schools as evidence in favor of diverse admissions policies.  “Our armed forces know from hard experience that when we do not have a diverse officer corps that is broadly reflective of a diverse fighting force our strength and cohesion and military readiness suffer,” she said it's not possible to achieve that diversity without race-conscious admissions.” Admittance to the Air Force Academy is incredibly competitive making it more exclusive than the likes of UC Berkeley and Notre Dame.  Prospective cadets are scored on a combination of class rank and their grade point average Scores among admitted applicants are typically between 1250 and 1450 for the SAT and between 28 and 33 on the ACT Applicants must also have a recommendation from their congressional representative Compared to the 18.1 million students enrolled in colleges or universities across the nation military academies account for just 15,000 students That’s less than one percent of the country’s total student population.  You want to know what is really going on these days We can help you keep up.  The Lookout is a free daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado Sign up here and we will see you in the morning Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now. © 2025 Colorado Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Baseball to Play Navy in Freedom Classic2/20/2025 12:11:00 PM | Baseball Air Force Prepares to Host Army in Weekend Series2/27/2025 3:18:00 PM | Baseball 1/16/2025 9:26:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – At the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets have tools available to help them reach their full potential as future officers. The Peak Performance Center offers a range of holistic services focused on performance optimization and leadership development center staff members are embedded in each cadet group with offices in each dormitory The center’s staff of clinical psychologists and social workers and mental health technicians emphasize the emotional and mental skills that are critical for effective leadership and sustained performance under pressure “The Peak Performance Center offers a wealth of services that cadets can access in person every day,” said Cadet 1st Class Hunter Smith, an Aeronautical Engineering major and a personal ethics and education representative or PEER cadet PEERs are a vetted and trained volunteer force that can talk to fellow cadets about Academy life and guide them to appropriate helping agencies and resources Smith also benefitted personally from Peak Performance Center services “I got information and advice on topics such as how to better handle day-to-day stressors proper sleep hygiene and even deal with grief or loss,” Smith said “Thanks to the help of the Peak Performance Center I have been able to work through some incredibly difficult times here at the Academy and stay on track to not only graduate on time with my top pick for jobs but head to graduate school next year I’m thankful I can help others through my role as a PEER.” The Peak Performance Center has existed at the Academy in various iterations since 1958 The staff directly support the Academy’s priorities of developing leaders of character “The Peak Performance Center places leadership and character development at the forefront of our service,” Harris said “One of the core features of leadership development that we emphasize is fostering critical and analytical decision-making skills the PPC is dedicated to optimizing psychological resilience emotional intelligence and enhancing personal growth These connective elements drive the priority to produce warfighters to win critical thinking and prioritization skills to achieve the mission.” The Peak Performance Center helps cadets navigate personal issues and stressors This approach helps cadets effectively manage their rigorous military The center’s coaching services’ central tenet is empowering cadets to formulate solutions and build a plan of action Coaching differs from traditional mental health services because it focuses on “untapped potential and uncovering capabilities,” Neu said Cadets receive guidance on topics ranging from managing sadness and nervousness to fostering healthy relationships and coping with grief or loss “Examples of where coaching is helpful in the development of healthy stress management techniques are effective study skills sleep optimization and building strong relationship communication skills,” Neu said Performance enhancement resembles sports psychology where cadets receive tailored techniques to improve mental focus build confidence and manage stress in high-stakes situations Peak Performance Center staff teach cadets techniques such as visualization goal setting and a warrior mindset to enhance individual and team performance These strategies prepare cadets for major stressors such as physical fitness tests and academic challenges “The center plays a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded cadets who will excel in all dimensions of their personal professional lives,” Neu said physical and emotional aspects of performance the center ensures that cadets are mission-ready and capable of leading with confidence and resilience.” The center’s leadership development training extends beyond traditional methods by integrating emotional intelligence and team dynamics Cadets learn to lead effectively by understanding how to inspire and motivate others communicate under pressure and make sound decisions in challenging situations The staff collaborates with Academy programs to enhance group cohesion and communication skills ensuring that cadets are prepared to lead diverse teams effectively Cadets who use Peak Performance Center services often report improved focus greater resilience and enhanced confidence in their capabilities Benefits from services such as virtual reality swimming directly lead to improved academic and athletic achievement as well as military readiness The center’s cutting-edge programs reflect the services’ commitment to developing officers who excel academically cadets can call (719) 333-2107 or send their Cadet Group representative a Teams message See more photos of the Peak Performance Center at Flickr. U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Academy’s 10th Civil Engineer Squadron recently opened a self-help store in Sijan Hall Dubbed “U-Fix-It,” Academy leadership intends for the store to expedite aesthetic improvement requests in order to beautify campus dorm rooms “Our U-Fix-It store provides a one-stop shop to facility managers by expediting their maintenance requests,” said Raymond Johnson “It allows cadets an avenue to keep their facilities to the standards expected of a military service academy.” Cadets can sign out tools via a hand-receipt to their facility manager for approval for any paint or other project requiring an expanse of materials Johnson emphasized the importance of Cadets including their squadron commander on any self-help requests U-Fix-It managers can issue supplies such as picture hangers “I know that cadets have a lot of studying to do so their time is valuable,” said Kelley Meyer, 10th CES base maintenance contractor I would like cadets to see what’s available to them at our self-help store and to continue their learning even if it’s a small skill-set that will benefit them in the future.” who bring decades of experience from the civilian sector to provide training and technical advice ensuring cadets perform minor maintenance safely and correctly “Self-help projects don’t need to be a burden,” said Meyer “We want this to be something that USAFA personnel look forward to doing and to be proud of The U-Fix-It Store isn’t just limited to Cadets All Academy personnel can use the store front to address minor issues in their workspaces “We’re committed to making sure the U-Fix-It program is successful,” said Johnson “This bolsters our capability to meet the intent of the Superintendent’s Pride in Ownership operations order.” Johnson encourages cadets to act on ensuring they do their part to keep their areas up to Academy standards “We’re here as a support system for cadets more than anything,” said Meyer “We want to help make their surroundings nicer If a cadet has an issue with their room and they want something fixed The U-Fix-It store is located on the ground floor of Sijan Hall and open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m Track & Field Announces 2024-25 Schedule11/27/2024 2:11:00 PM | Track and Field Wing Open Tournament Continues Friday2/20/2025 3:39:00 PM | Boxing U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Early in his first semester at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 4th Class Joseph Anderson realized he needed help with a few classes. Anderson found the support he needed at the Academic Success Center Not only did he receive assistance in his Chinese and computer science classes but Anderson also honed his communication skills He attributes his academic and personal growth to achieving one of his goals being elected president of the Class of 2028 “I initially felt I had to figure out things on my own,” Anderson said “It wasn’t until I got to my lowest point that I realized I had to make time for the ASC if I truly needed help I came to terms with the fact that greatness cannot be achieved alone cadets can find assistance for a variety of academic challenges They can receive one-on-one and group instruction Cadets can learn to solve complex calculus problems or gain a deeper understanding of a chemistry experiment International students for whom English is their second language can receive structured guidance and practice opportunities to improve their writing and read faster with higher comprehension others can develop learning strategies or learn how to better organize an essay or speech The Academic Success Center is located on the northeast ground level of Fairchild Hall The center offers classes during the academic day with additional support offered in the Quantitative Research Center Writing Center and Public Speaking Lab from 4 to 9:30 p.m The ASC operates as the cadets’ “comprehensive learning center,” said Director Dr “The cadets vote with their feet when they come to us for support,” McCaig said “Our center helps them become more effective and efficient in all their subject areas We serve all cadets at all points in their educational journey from rising stars to superstars Staff accommodate more than 8,000 cadet appointments each academic year and foster academic excellence through personalized individual and group instruction. The training they offer is designed to advance clear communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and effective learning strategies. Many instructors teach in multiple departments throughout the Dean of Faculty and equip cadets to be thoughtful leaders and lifelong learners “Our instructors are highly trained subject matter experts who are also exceptional educators,” McCaig said “We help cadets learn and solve concepts so they can tackle their own homework and problems that may yet be identified We get at the root knowledge and resolve gap issues in foundational understanding.” The Academy’s rigorous environment demands each cadet has a high level of adaptability All cadets can take advantage of the ASC where they can hone these skills Even cadets in contention for prestigious graduate school scholarships use center services The ASC halls are lined with photos of past cadets who earned Fulbright “Our cadets are young people with a curiosity to keep learning but insecure that they might not know as much as they need to,” McCaig said “We take the cadets from wherever they are and help move them to the next level of excellence.” Now that Anderson’s academic growth has helped him get elected class president he’s eager to share his journey with other cadets He wants any cadet struggling with academics to know support is available at the Academic Success Center Cadets can achieve more than their perceived potential when they take ownership of their journey “As cadets, we live in a leadership laboratory,” he said. “You could get by if you don’t branch out and just let the Academy happen to you. But if you put your success back into your own hands by using the helping agencies and additional resources you will be astonished by what you can accomplish Becoming a leader of character is the standard I think our military needs leaders of competence leaders of confidence and leaders of character.” For more photographs of the center, check out the Association of Graduates Flickr album – The future of air and space power demands leaders who understand the intricate relationship between economics and national security Air Force Academy’s Introduction to Economics course prepares cadets for resource allocation challenges in modern warfare cadets apply economic models to evaluate problems consider alternative solutions and address complex national security challenges through an economic lens Cadet 3rd Class Jacob Birtch, a military and strategic studies major credits the course with giving him a renewed analytical framework for understanding military strategy “I’ve primarily focused on factors like nuclear capabilities and military force projection in my major,” Birtch said this course has challenged me to consider the complex dynamics of the global trade system and how economic forces shape international relationships understanding these economic dynamics will be crucial in navigating international relations and making informed decisions in an increasingly interconnected battlespace.” Air Force Academy develops leaders who can navigate complex challenges innovate rapid solutions and execution missions with precision within a budget Each cadet group applies economic principles to a real-world resource allocation problem of their choice guided by three intermediate assignments called Milestones cadets will not be fully satisfied with the answers to the questions they ask in their final project,” said Dr “That is because they will have learned to critically question their assumptions and the additional information that they need to solve a problem correctly “Economic principles are at the core of DoD decisions,” he said “Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources we should understand how those incentives affect our people This course helps cadets understand the economic instruments of power and the strengths and limitations of economic tools such as sanctions and tariffs to achieve national security.” The importance of economics in decision-making and resource allocation are important concepts that each class of cadets learns early in their time at the Academy It also lays the groundwork for other skills they will need when they lead warfighters in their military careers “Through Econ 201, I learned that officers in all Air Force Specialty Codes are required to make financial decisions that have consequences,” said Cadet 2nd Class Mark Tang, a management and political science double major “These concepts are essential to produce officers who can receive the commander’s intent and apply it in the field.” See photos of cadets in the Introduction to Economics class at https://www.flickr.com/photos/af_academy/albums/72177720323671300 – As global interest in the Arctic escalates military prioritizes warfighter preparedness for one of the world’s most extreme environments Air Force Academy warrior scholars are at the forefront of research to help ensure operational readiness and mission success in the region Ten cadets and 12 Canadian academics representing the North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network participated in an Arctic immersion designed to deepen understanding of homeland defense from a northern perspective “Before taking this class [Influence and Persuasion, Behavioral Science 314], I never gave a second thought about the Arctic,” said Cadet 2nd Class Anna Bardorf, a behavioral sciences and leadership major. “The impact of climate change is making the Arctic a prevalent future threat as potential adversaries find the area more navigable with the melting ice It is important for our warfighters to understand this reality before it becomes an even larger threat to our national security.” Steven Lizzol led the cadet research excursions to Alaska and Canada over Thanksgiving break The cadets examined how indigenous communities thrived for centuries in the Arctic and how non-native populations can adapt to the extreme cold they compared cognitive processing in temperate climates with that of in extreme cold to identify potential challenges for future warfighters assigned to the Arctic region the Arctic has been something that we only saw as passing through or over as with strategic missiles,” Van Cleave said “Because of climate change and human movement globally the threats are no longer just through the Arctic; they are through We organized this trip to help cadets grasp the vastness of the Arctic so they could appreciate the uniqueness of its different cultures.” cadets explored a World War II-era permafrost tunnel built by the U.S 354th Fighter Wing commander and participated in a wargaming exercise They concluded their trip with Thanksgiving dinner with the First Ranger Patrol Group in Whitehorse “One thing that struck me on our trip that I’d never considered until we visited Eielson and talked to the commander was how our access to the Arctic sits compared to other big powers,” said Cadet 2nd Class Spencer Siefker “(Townsend) talked to us about how we would respond to threats in the Pacific out of Alaska I realized how further investment in the Arctic is becoming a more central focus point.” Future excursions will inform the Department of Defense on how best to support warfighters assigned to these isolated and extreme posts This will enhance homeland defense initiatives in the Arctic region understanding the region is paramount as it has increasing geopolitical importance “One of the things that will definitely help me in my future career as an officer is to be Arctic-minded even if I don’t end up stationed in Alaska or the region,” said Siefker “It will be a huge benefit to my ability to think about issues and problems in a different way.”