Air Force Academy - General FAQ

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1. What is the cadet equivalent to a student in a civilian university?
2. I have a tattoo, a brand or a piercing. Can I be admitted?
3. What is a cadet’s day like?
4. What is a cadet’s room like?
5. How is a cadet assigned to a room and a roommate?
6. What items are cadets allowed to have in their rooms?
7. What are the cadet dining facilities like?
8. Do basic cadets get plenty to eat?
9. Are special dietary meals provided?
10. What is the rate of pay for cadets?
11. Are cadets required to pay income taxes?
12. What types of uniforms do cadets wear?
13. "I have read articles in the paper about the recent sexual assault incidents. Is my daughter safe at USAFA?"
14. My religious beliefs require that I wear a head covering. Is that allowed at USAFA and in the Air Force?
15. I have a child and have heard that I must relinquish custody before attending USAFA. Why?
16. What is the Officer Development System?
17. Does the Officer Development System interfere with academic studies?
18. What comprises the Academy's leadership program?
19. What is the total USAFA scholarship worth?
20. What is the most challenging aspect of the total cadet experience?
21. What programs do cadets participate in over the summer period?
22. Where do I go if I'm overwhelmed, stressed-out or having difficulty adjusting to USAFA?

1. What is the cadet equivalent to a student in a civilian university?
The Academy uses the class system rather than the equivalent designation characteristic of civilian universities. The comparison is: Fourth-Class = Freshman; Third-Class = Sophomore; Second-Class = Junior; First-Class = Senior.

2. I have a tattoo, a brand or a piercing. Can I be admitted?
While having a tattoo or brand does not automatically disqualify you from consideration, it does open the door for rejection based on a more subjective evaluation. Nonremovable piercings are not allowed and must be removed prior to admission. Air Force policy stipulates that tattoos or brands must not be excessive. Nor may they contain inflammatory, obscene, racist, sexist or similar content. Tattoos or brands that fall into any of these categories will cause you to be disqualified for admission. The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board will notify the Admissions Office of any tattoos, brands or nonremovable piercings noted during your medical exam. We will then require that you provide us a color snapshot of each. Assuming your tattoo or brand falls within acceptable limits, you will be allowed to continue in the application process. You should keep the following in mind. Those who review the picture of your tattoo, brand or piercing are of an older generation and may not view body art in the same manner as you. So, if you don't already have a tattoo or brand, think long and hard about whether the risk of possibly losing out on an Academy appointment is worth it.

3. What is a cadet’s day like?
During the academic year, from early August through May, you'll have a busy schedule of classes, study periods, military training and athletic participation. You'll rise in time to put your room in order, dress in the cadet uniform of the day before breakfast is served at 7:25 a.m. After breakfast you'll attend morning classes, which begin at 7:50 a.m. You'll attend classes or study until 11:43 a.m., then you'll go to your squadron area for the noon meal formation. You'll march to lunch with the cadet wing and have 25 minutes to eat. After lunch, there is personal time or military training depending on the day of the week, followed by three classes or study periods in the afternoon, athletics, squadron training or extra academic instruction. Evening mealtime is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and academic call to quarters is 7:10 p.m. Some military activities will be required in the evening, but most of the time will be devoted to studying in your room or in the library. Your day ends with taps at 10:45 p.m. The daily schedule will vary during the summer, according to the military training activity in which you're involved, but you'll be busy from early morning throughout the day.

4. What is a cadet’s room like?
Rooms in the two dormitories, Vandenberg Hall and Sijan Hall, are similar. Each room, which is approximately 13 feet wide and 18 feet long, is designed for two cadets. The room contains two large closets, a counter with a built-in sink, a large mirror and a medicine cabinet. Every cadet room also has a twin size modular bed, dresser and desk for each cadet. There is a proper location for everything you're allowed to have in your room and you'll be expected to keep your room in perfect order.

5. How is a cadet assigned to a room and a roommate?
Each cadet is assigned to one of 40 squadrons. Male and female cadets have separate rooms and female cadets have separate bathroom facilities within assigned squadron areas. You'll be assigned a roommate during Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Squadron policies typically state that you must change roommates once throughout each academic year, however it varies on a squadron-by-squadron basis. You'll always room with a member of the same sex and usually the same class. If a cadet has significant problems, they may request and most likely be granted a change of roommate, if necessary. Siblings are assigned to different squadrons.

6. What items are cadets allowed to have in their rooms?
You'll not be permitted to bring your personal possessions with you when you enter the Academy (except for a few items listed in the cadet appointee instruction booklet). All basic necessities, such as uniforms, bedding and linens, will be furnished when you enter. During the academic year you'll be permitted to have additional items when authorized by the Cadet Wing Commander. You'll be issued a laptop while at the Academy. You'll be permitted to have a radio or stereo equipment in your room beginning the spring semester of your Fourth-Class year; you must wait until your First-Class year to have a television in your room. You may, at certain times, watch TV in the squadron recreation room. You must wait until your Second-Class year to have most electrical appliances, but a Third-Class cadet may have a coffee pot.

7. What are the cadet dining facilities like?
Also called Mitchell Hall, the Cadet Dining Facility is the largest of its kind in the United States Air Force. During the academic year, the entire cadet wing assembles to eat family-style breakfast and lunch meal in Mitchell Hall, with buffet-style service provided for dinner and weekend meals. The facility provides complete food service support for cadets ranging from wing tailgate parties at Falcon Stadium and organizational picnics to box lunches for official travel.

8. Do basic cadets get plenty to eat?
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to eat three nutritious meals a day – and with all the physical activities required, you’re encouraged to eat well and consume plenty of water.

9. Are special dietary meals provided?
Preparation and service of the 12,000 meals served daily in the Cadet Dining Facility prohibits offering special dietary menus based on religious faiths or individual convictions. However, during the lunch meal, cadets are offered the opportunity to sit at "lite tables" where low-fat, low-calorie meals are served. Vegetarian tables at lunch are available upon request and the evening buffet also provides vegetarian fare.

10. What is the rate of pay for cadets?
Cadets at the service academies are currently entitled to basic pay in the amount of $894.30 per month. Cadets are also entitled to a basic allowance for subsistence of $6.95 per day, which is used for food served at the Cadet Dining Hall. Medical and dental care is provided at no expense to cadets or parents. Your pay is considered sufficient for you to be self-supporting, provided you are economical. The pay is not sufficient to cover any debts contracted prior to entrance, to send money home or to spend on luxury entertainment or expensive personal items.

11. Are cadets required to pay income taxes?
Yes, they are. Federal income withholding tax, state tax if applicable and FICA (social security) are deducted from cadet pay. Each cadet must file appropriate federal and state tax returns.

12. What types of uniforms do cadets wear?
During the academic year male cadets wear a uniform of blue trousers and either long-sleeved or short-sleeved blue shirt. Other uniforms are: dress uniforms with blue jacket and trousers; mess dress for social functions. Female cadets wear either skirts or slacks with the dress uniform. Male and female cadets wear the airman battle uniform (ABUs) for military training.

13. "I have read articles in the paper about the recent sexual assault incidents. Is my daughter safe at USAFA?"
In 2003 the Academy instituted the Agenda for Change resulting from the sexual assault incidents. The Agenda for Change addressed this issue on several levels. For example, more female permanent party members (commanders, instructors, etc.) were brought in to increase the female presence at the Academy. Extensive educational programs were created and are required for all cadets throughout their four years at the Academy. This education includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault education, sexual assault prevention, how to report an incident, and how to help a victim. Additionally, all females are clustered together around the restrooms to minimize the distance they must walk for hygiene purposes. Clustering also provides underclass females with neighboring upper-class females whom they can go to with any concerns. Additionally, USAFA has set up a sexual assault hotline which is manned 24/7 by trained personnel. Furthermore, a minimum of two cadets per squadron are trained as PEERs (Personal Ethics and Education Representatives) to counsel others on stress, relationships, eating disorders, etc. Our programs have been modeled by several universities nation-wide in an effort to improve their students' safety as well. USAFA is committed to the safety of our cadets and strives to do everything possible to ensure a safe environment. "As a 2007 female graduate of USAFA, I lived through the aftermath of the 2000-2003 sexual assault incident. Never once did I feel unsafe during my 4 years at the Academy. I never felt insecure about being alone in my room with the door unlocked. I was never nervous about walking up from the parking lot when it was dark outside. Going to USAFA was like going to school with 3500+ brothers. They looked out for me and I did the same for them in return."

14. My religious beliefs require that I wear a head covering. Is that allowed at USAFA and in the Air Force?
A basic principle of our nation is free exercise of religion. The Department of Defense (DoD) places a high value on the rights of members of the Armed Forces to observe the tenets of their respective religions. It is DoD policy that requests for accommodation of religious practices should be approved by commanders when accommodation will not have an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, standards, or discipline. Religious items or articles not visible or otherwise apparent may be worn with the uniform, provided they do not interfere with the performance of the member's military duties or interfere with the proper wearing of any authorized article of the uniform. Under Public Law 100-180, section 508 (reference (c)), members of the Armed Forces may wear visible items of religious apparel while in uniform, except under circumstances in which an item is not neat and conservative or its wearing shall interferes with the performance of the member's military duties. Under this Directive, "religious apparel" is defined as articles of clothing worn as part of the doctrinal or traditional observance of the religious faith practiced by the member. Hair and grooming practices required or observed by religious groups are not included within the meaning of religious apparel. Jewelry bearing religious inscriptions or otherwise indicating religious affiliations or belief is subject to existing Service uniform regulations just as jewelry that is not of a religious nature. In the context of the wearing of a military uniform, "neat and conservative" items of religious apparel are those that: are discreet, tidy, and not dissonant or showy in style, size, design, brightness, or color do not replace or interfere with the proper wearing of any authorized article of the uniform, and are not temporarily or permanently affixed or appended to any authorized article of the uniform. For example, a Jewish yarmulke may be worn with the uniform whenever a military cap, hat, or other headgear is not prescribed. A yarmulke may also be worn underneath military headgear as long as it does not interfere with the proper wearing, functioning, or appearance of the prescribed headgear. Whether an item of religious apparel interferes with the performance of the member's military duties depends on the characteristics of the item, the circumstances of its intended wear, and the particular nature of the member's duties. Factors in determining if an item of religious apparel interferes with military duties include, but are not limited to, whether the item may: impair the safe and effective operation of weapons, military equipment, or machinery, pose a health or safety hazard to the wearer or others, interfere with the wearing or proper functioning of special or protective clothing or equipment (e.g. helmets, flack jackets, flight suits, gas masks), or otherwise impair the accomplishment of the military mission.

15. I have a child and have heard that I must relinquish custody before attending USAFA. Why?
Applying students (and current cadets) who have had a child (maternity or paternity) must provide a court order stating they have NO parental rights to the child whatsoever – this is different than just giving family members a power of attorney or temporary custody. The court order must indicate total and complete relinquishment of parental rights. Parental rights must be given to someone while you are a cadet for several reasons. The rationale includes but is not limited to: all cadets are required to live in the dorms all four years. Your stipend is not enough to provide for the needs of a child (it is plenty to cover your needs), and the cadet life style is a demanding one and your attention will need to be focused on your tasks at hand – not on your child.

16. What is the Officer Development System?
The "fourth-class system" no longer exists. It has been replaced by a four year developmental process called the Officer Development System (ODS) where each class receives training commensurate with their level of cadet experience. When referring to the "forth-class system" people are referring to specific training geared toward fourth class cadet training which continues the cadet conversion from civilian to military life with an emphasis on personal development. Four degrees are followers that learn and live loyally to our values, mission, and the chain of command and develop an understanding of the Air Force and USAFA Standards. They master their primary duty skills, build personal awareness, learn leadership techniques, hone their followership abilities, assimilate AF culture and adopt AF Core values and learn to lead by example. Key to mastering these skills is developing an understanding of the things you can and cannot do within the cadet area (dormitories, classrooms, dining hall and other facilities), learning Fourth-Class Knowledge, including information about the Academy and the Air Force, which in contained in a booklet called "Contrails." Building responsibilities toward keeping your personal appearance, uniforms, room, and equipment neat at all times. It requires you to display prompt obedience, proper conduct, unfailing courtesy, and unqualified honor. The training is tough and during your first year at USAFA your free time will be very limited. It is designed for a definite purpose: to teach you to accomplish delegated tasks in a professional and proficient manner, thus paving the way for progression to becoming an upper class cadet and ultimately becoming an Officer of Character. Cadets develop leadership and command skills throughout their four years at USAFA, and as they progress they take on more responsibility. As cadets take on more responsibilities they also have fewer restrictions on how they spend their free time. Likewise, during the spring semester of your fourth-class year, there is some relaxation of the restrictions in order to prepare you for greater privileges and different responsibilities in the third-class year.

17. Does the Officer Development System interfere with academic studies?
No, the system aids and complements the academic environment. The Academy mission is a concentrated, focused process aimed at developing leaders of character through military, academic and athletic endeavors. Your progress in all areas will be carefully monitored during all four years.

18. What comprises the Academy's leadership program?
The Officer Development System (ODS) is the "road map" to cadet development and a continuous aspect of life at the Academy from BCT to graduation. ODS is designed to build a cadet's leadership abilities and responsibilities as they progress. Cadets learn active followership their first year and progress to being "coaches" to fourth class cadets in their second year. The third year, cadets become mentors to the class below them and finally, a cadet's last year is spent in various leadership roles. This program focuses on the Air Force core values – integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. You must internalize these core values in order to prepare yourself for a career of military service to the nation. As a cadet, you'll be held accountable to your cadet and officer chain of command. You'll gain experience through numerous, diverse, coordinated activities that contribute to your leadership development.

19. What is the total USAFA scholarship worth?
The scholarship that every cadet receives upon accepting an appointment to USAFA is worth approximately $403,353. This amount includes the costs required for cadet monthly pay, tuition, books, room and board, food, summer program, flying programs, dorm cleaning services, and operation and management of all the cadet area facilities.

20. What is the most challenging aspect of the total cadet experience?
Every individual has different challenges at the Air Force Academy. The academic, military, and athletic programs at USAFA are all rigorous and provide different degrees of challenge for each individual cadet. The level of success you have at the Academy will depend on your attitude, your willingness to challenge yourself, and your ability to adapt to stressful situations. However, every cadet agrees that time management is crucial in your success at the Academy. So while you are attending USAFA, make sure you keep up with your work load and ask for help when needed. If you are looking for a challenge, the Air Force Academy is the place for you.

21. What programs do cadets participate in over the summer period?
During your upper-class summers cadets have several opportunities to participate in a variety of programs. Several of these courses are needed to fulfill your graduation requirements, such as, Global Engagement (GE), which is an exercise demonstrating a mock deployment. Combat Survival Training (CST) will give cadets the tools needed to survive in harsh environmental conditions. Operation Air Force (Ops AF) provides an opportunity for each cadet to visit and work at an operational Air Force base for three or more weeks. Additionally, most cadets will take part in an Airmanship program during the summer; if for some reason they are unable during their first summer, cadets will be given the opportunity to participate in an airmanship program during their four years at the Academy. There are a couple of Airmanship courses to choose from, one being USAFA's glider or Soaring Program and the other being USAFA's freefall parachuting or Jump Program. Cadets also have the opportunity to take summer classes, which can be used to get ahead or to help lighten an otherwise academically loaded semester. There are also opportunities for cadets to participate in enrichment programs that widen their experiences abroad (i.e. Summer Language Immersion, Cadet Summer Research, and Enlisted Basic Training Instructor at Lackland AFB). All first- and second-class cadets will also participate as instructors or leaders of a summer program. The best part about all of these programs is that you are not limited by your financial backing; all programs are available to every cadet as part of the $403,353 scholarship.

22. Where do I go if I'm overwhelmed, stressed-out or having difficulty adjusting to USAFA?
Cadets have access to many helping agencies, including the Academy Counseling Center. The Academy Counseling Center provides a full range of counseling and performance enhancement services to meet the developmental, emotional, psychological, and leadership needs of the young men and women in the Cadet Wing. The majority of our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of individual cadets. In this regard, the Academy Counseling Center functions much like counseling centers at other colleges and universities. Cadets, like other students, often experience transitional stress due to new challenges or face difficult decisions regarding a wide spectrum of normal developmental issues. Over the years, the staff has developed a wide range of individual,group and walk-in services which effectively help cadets overcome personal, social, and military difficulties. In addition, each cadet squadron has two cadet PEERs (Personal Ethics and Education Representative) to help address concerns and seek professional guidance on stress, relationships, eating disorders, equal opportunity and treatment.

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