Cadet Life

The following information is designed to acquaint you with daily cadet life. From overviews on academic requirements to survival training, it will become evident how vital your role as a parent is in the development of a cadet through the emotional support you provide.

Academics -- The academic year runs from approximately 7 August to 16 May.  The average cadet academic load is about 22 hours per semester (16-17 is common at most colleges and universities).  Cadets may major in diverse areas such as political science or management, but are required to take many technical “core” courses such as computer science, mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, etc.

Athletics -- Athletic participation is required of all cadets while attending the Academy.  Approximately 1,000 cadets are involved in competitive intercollegiate athletics.  About 350 participate in cadet athletic club activities with the remainder participating in Cadet Wing intramurals to meet the athletic requirement.  Intramural contests between squadrons are highly partisan and are designed to promote not only physical strength and flexibility, but serve to instill esprit de corps among cadets.

Military -- Organization of the Cadet Wing is similar to that of a regular Air Force Wing comprised of groups and squadrons.  Most cadets have a staff or command job in their assigned group/squadron and subsequently are occupied with off-duty responsibilities ranging from the complete coordination of ceremonial events to training other cadets.  As you can see, between studying, participating in athletics, and meeting military requirements, cadets lead a hectic, fast-paced life.

Aviation -- Cadets are frequently involved in both mandatory and voluntary aviation programs while attending the Academy.  Activities vary from pilot indoctrination programs to navigation classes, free-fall competitive parachuting, or soaring flights.  In some of these programs, cadets play the dual roles of student and instructor.

Basic Cadet Training (also referred to as “BCT” or “Beast”).  This is the first training the cadet will encounter and is similar to basic recruit training at traditional military institutions.  Designed to turn high school graduates into fourth class cadet candidates, the instruction is conducted by upper-class cadets under the supervision of the Commandant’s staff.  The upper-class trainers, called “cadre,” provide basic cadets with their first exposure to the United States Air Force Academy. A  typical Schedule For 1st BCT  will be:

-Reveille at 0445
-PT at 0455
-Breakfast at 0645
-Intramurals at 0800
-SAMI at 1000
-NMF at 1145
-Lunch at 1215
-Drill lesson at 1300
-Core Values lesson at 1430
-Dinner at 1745
-LOAC lesson at 1830
-Personal time at 2000
-Taps at 2200

Combat Survival Training (CST) is a 20-day program that cadets attend during their third class summer.   The training covers basic principles and techniques of survival, evasion, and recovery from all environments.  The CST program is a tremendously demanding 3 weeks, both physically and mentally, with many unusual experiences.  Many cadets return during subsequent summers to work the program as CST cadre.
 

Expectations of Cadets

The challenge of being an officer candidate at the Air Force Academy brings with it a new way of life, one that requires a continuous dedication of time and effort in service to country as well as the sacrifice of certain personal freedoms. Military service requires high standards of behavior, job performance, courtesy, appearance, ethical and moral conduct that enable military communities.

Although they differ somewhat in details and shade of blue, the cadet uniform is similar to regular Air Force uniforms. The shoulder boards worn by cadets denote both class (first, second, third, or fourth class) and rank (dependent upon the job the cadet holds in the group/squadron). Class designations are as follows:
 

Additionally, cadets earn the privilege of wearing specific insignia on their uniforms. Examples of insignia worn on the cadet uniform include: