“Man’s flight through life is sustained by the power of his knowledge.” This statement is inscribed on the Eagle and Fledglings Statue in the Air Gardens, at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The Academy’s stated mission is “to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation.” It’s both a military organization and a university. Most of it is set up like other Air Force bases except for the superintendent, commandant, dean of faculty and cadet wings, which are set up like  a “civilian” university. The Academy is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Colorado, attracting more than a million visitors each year. Have you had a chance to explore the USAFA yet?

As one of the most selective colleges in the United States, applicants are judged on their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, athletics and character. But to gain admission, candidates must also pass a fitness test, receive a thorough medical exam and get a nomination from a member of Congress. A student that makes it through the rigorous application process will get their tuition, books, room and board paid for by the U.S. Government, as well as a monthly stipend. However, along with that comes a commitment to serve a number of years of military service after graduation.

The program at the Academy is guided by the Air Force’s core values of “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do,” and based on four “pillars of excellence”: military training, academics, athletics and character development. In addition to the military training regimen, cadets also take a broad academic course load. All cadets also participate in either intercollegiate or intramural athletics. Each of the components of the program is intended to give cadets the skills and knowledge that they will need for success as officers.

Things to see when you visit the U.S. Air Force Academy

• Visitor Center- “The center was built with donated and borrowed funds totaling $4.5 million.  The facility opened its doors in June 1986. The 31,600-square-foot building contains exhibits, a snack bar and a gift shop. As a courtesy to visitors wheelchairs are provided for use within the Visitor Center, however, they cannot be taken out of the facility. A one-third-mile paved nature trail east of the facility allows visitors to walk to the Cadet Chapel. *Note the paved nature trail is a very strenuous walk with a variety of hills. The walk back from the Chapel to the Visitor Center is mostly an up-hill walk. People with limited mobility should have a wheel chair to get to and from the Chapel. You may also park in the Arnold Hall parking lot to access the Cadet Chapel; however this still requires you to walk approximately 1/3 of a mile and is mostly uphill when returning to your vehicle. A 14-minute movie highlighting the academy experience is shown throughout the day in the 250-seat theater. The exhibit area features displays on history and cadet life with specially designed exhibits to explain the academy’s four “pillars of excellence.” These refer to the four areas of the cadet training program: character development, academic, athletic, and military training. The 5,652-square-foot exhibit area includes video and static displays, a hometown map, and a historical exhibit featuring information on Academy history, current and former superintendents and other significant features of the Academy’s history. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and New Year’s Day. Self-guided tour maps and information on the academy are available at the information desk. For additional information call the front desk at 719-333-2025.”
• Cadet Chapel- The Cadet Chapel offers religious services for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, and Muslim groups. Their mission is “To inspire men and women to become leaders of character through spiritual formation.” The Cadet Chapel is open to visitors from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. on Sunday. Guided tours are provided Monday-Friday at the following times: 10:30a.m., 11:30a.m., 12:30pm, and 1:30p.m. from 1 June – 25 September. Visitors may attend worship services.   Large groups can request a tour led by a Chapel Guide (Mon-Fri) by emailing the Director of Cadet Chapel Public Relations: cadet.chapel@usafa.edu
  
• Honor Court- Located between the Chapel and Arnold Hall this area contains bronze statues and aircraft memorials from various groups.
• Arnold Hall- This facility contains several military and Academy exhibits, a snack bar area, and an auditorium for special events or official functions.
• Field House- This facility has an Indoor Athletic Field, Ice Rink, Clune Arena (Basketball Court), and a Snack Bar.
• Cadet Lunch Formation- You may be able to observe the cadet wing marching to lunch. This meal formation is scheduled Monday, and Friday at 12:00 pm. Wednesday, Terrazzo parade, 12:00 pm. No formation is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. This schedule is in effect during the academic year (mid-August through mid-May), weather permitting, and is subject to cancellation without notice. Visitors may view the formation from the Honor Court wall or the wall surrounding the Cadet Chapel, which overlooks the Terrazzo.
• Falcon Stadium- Home to the popular rivalry games, Air Force vs. Navy & Air Force vs. Colorado State University.

USAFA Photo Gallery

Driving on the United States Air Force Academy Grounds

Visitors to the Academy may enter through either the North Gate, which can be accessed from Exit 156B on Interstate 25, 14 miles north of downtown Colorado Springs, or from the South Gate, which can be accessed from Exit 150 on Interstate 25. For more information, call the Visitor’s Center at 719-333-2025 or e-mail pa.comrel@usafa.af.mil.

“Like any Air Force installation, all vehicles and people are subject to being stopped and searched. Please understand we are trying to balance our need for increased security with the public’s desire to visit the Academy. As of March 1, 2006, privately owned vehicle operators and operators of government vehicles shall not use cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or unless they are using a hands-free device. The safety of motorcyclist operating on Academy grounds is everyone’s responsibility. Motorcyclists must wear helmets upon entering Academy grounds.”