How many cadets are at the air force academy

Its snarl is a warning to the adversary that the Air Force does not surrender. The yellow, blue, silver, and red colors on the patch represent the unity of the four academy classes. As a symbol of robust strength and craftiness, the Hulk represents the need of the Air Force for skill of mind and body. The patch signifies the desire to succeed while maintaining a sense of humor.

Squadron Blackjacks The winning hand symbolizes the skill, spirit, ability, and fellowship necessary to attain success. The converging light rays signify unity among the four class of the cadet wing while the dominant red color denotes the courage of the Raptors. Squadron Barnstormers Named after the daring pioneers of American commercial and military aviation, Squadron 23 cadets aim to achieve the fearlessness of their namesake. Squadron Redeye Like its namesake, the Redeye missile, the squadron reaches its goals with unerring accuracy.

The two fighter jets in formation signify comradeship while their gold contrails indicate this solidarity is long-lasting and follows the cadets into the Air Force. Squadron Barons Despite constant setback in his pursuit of the Red Baron, Snoopy exemplifies persistence and doggedness in getting the job done thus setting a fine example for the Barons. The silver triangle is a stylized aircraft and the concentric triangles signify three cubed, denoting squadron Squadron Blackbirds The stylized SR Blackbird jet indicates dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and national goals.

The color gold symbolizes the excellence demanded of Air Force officers. The pentagon represents the future Air Force leadership developed at the academy. Squadron Black Panthers The black panther exemplifies the speed, strength, and cunning of the Air Force and its crouched stance is a reminder of our readiness.

The assignment of Roman numerals to visually represent the 29th symbolizes war has existed since antiquity. The red and yellow flames signify war to which the helmet is impervious. The ascending aircraft suggests freedom of the skies and offers a peaceful contrast to the flames of war.

Squadron Grim Reapers The mythical character, the Grim Reaper, represents the reality of death and serves to remind cadets they have, as members of the Armed Forces, devoted their lives to their country.

This dedication distinguishes the military profession from all other careers. Squadron Road Runners The Roadrunner cartoon character represents speed, fearlessness, and craftiness as he cleverly evades numerous encounters with the infamous coyote. The jet soaring to the top of the patch symbolizes flight and aspirations of new careers.

Catch us if you can! The two falcons fly in formation to illustrate the teamwork of the members of the cadet wing and the Air Force. The lightning bolt exemplifies strength and power and serves as a warning that America is ready and willing to use military might to maintain its freedom and society. The lightning bolt signifies the speed and strike capability of the Air Force.

The weasel flying two missiles depicts the determination, skill, and adeptness of the Air Force aviator. All that is required in return is your commitment to serve as an officer in the U. Air Force or U. Space Force. The length of your commitment depends on your career path and other factors, but with your future secured, it will allow for focused ambition, purposeful self-discovery and impactful study during your college years.

Our investment in developing well-rounded leaders at the Academy pays untold dividends to our nation. You get a free, world-class education, free room and board, free medical and dental benefits and the opportunity for a rewarding career in your chosen field upon graduation.

You will complete the course of instruction at the Academy, unless you are disenrolled by the proper authority. You will accept an appointment and serve as a commissioned officer in the U. Space Force for at least eight years after graduation, five of which must be active duty and the remainder can be served as inactive reserve.

You will become eligible to request a separation from the U. Space Force after five years of service. Once you arrive on campus, you will take the Oath of Allegiance.

Failure to take the Oath of Allegiance will cancel all entitlements to travel expenses to the Academy as well as travel expenses back to your home. If you entered the Academy from the regular or reserve component of any service and are discharged from the Academy before graduation, you will, under most circumstances, return to your former rank and branch of service to serve the rest of your obligation. The Academy refers to permission for cadets to leave the Academy during off-duty periods as passes and authorizations.

Individual passes on weekends will depend on your class and on your overall squadron performance. Cadets are permitted to leave base, but there are certain rules and regulations that dictate when, where and how often.

The privilege to leave increases in quantity over the four years as a cadet progresses. Cadets may also visit their assigned sponsor families.

Colorado Springs, approximately eight miles south, is the nearest city and has a population of more than , Denver, 55 miles to the north, has a population of more than 2. These cities have many advantages and recreational facilities, including a variety of restaurants, museums, theaters, nightclubs, shopping centers, athletic facilities and sporting events.

The cities of Boulder and Fort Collins also offer many cadets the opportunity to get away from it all. Many cadets like to go to ski resorts for a day or a weekend of skiing, and the Cadet Ski Club provides free transportation and inexpensive ski equipment for these outings. River rafting, mountain climbing and horseback riding are some of the other popular recreational activities available in the area. After BCT, Air Force families participating in the sponsor program host one or more cadets for periods of relaxation—an opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal, sleep, relax and telephone their parents.

Attendance at cadet chapel services is completely optional. There is also an all-faith meeting room for members of other religious faiths. Cadets are permitted to attend a church of their choice in the local community, and many volunteer to teach Sunday school classes. Cadets may participate in several other religious activities including choirs, study groups, daily worship and fellowship organizations.

Early morning daily chapel is also available. The U. Finally, during Basic Cadet Training, cadets are allowed to attend religious services for their choice of faith or partake in an alternate personal resiliency time. Visit the Chapel page. Cadets have a leave period over Thanksgiving, two and a half weeks for winter break and one week in the spring semester. Often, many cadets have the opportunity to go home over long weekends as well.

During the summer, cadets take required leadership programs, which are held at the Academy or other installations. Either before or after a leadership program, most cadets in the upper three classes have approximately three weeks of leave. There are exceptions for cadets who volunteer or who are required to attend summer school. In these cases, leave periods must be forfeited. Cadets wear a large variety of military uniforms. Service dress is commonly worn for more formal events, and mess dress is worn for the most formal events.

Cadets also wear physical conditioning PC gear for physical education classes and tests. Parade dress and flight suits are also worn. Fourth-class cadets may wear civilian clothes during leave periods, such as Thanksgiving and winter break and when authorized by the Commandant of Cadets.

This authorization usually occurs during the spring semester. Cadets who are representing the Academy for special programs, such as speaking appearances in their hometowns, must wear their uniforms. Third-, second- and first-class cadets may wear their civilian clothes during leave periods as well as on passes in the local area. During your upper-class summers, cadets have several opportunities to participate in a variety of programs.

Several of these courses are needed to fulfill graduation requirements, such as Expeditionary Survival and Evasion Training ESET , which teaches combat skills to include weapons, convoy, chemical and biological, survival, and evasion training.

Cadets also have the opportunity to take summer classes or to participate in enrichment programs abroad e. All first- and second-class cadets will also participate as instructors or leaders of a summer program.