2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

are cadets expected to attend certain social functions?
Yes. Cadets are expected to dress in formal uniforms and to attend scheduled dinners with their squadron or their class in
Mitchell Hall. Attendance at these functions will give you experience in social situations that may be expected of you as
an officer. You’ll receive a Decorum handbook, that contains information on proper etiquette for various social occasions.
Decorum is taught in cadet-squadron military training classes.
when do cadets attend chapel services?
Attendance is on an optional basis. Many cadets attend Sunday or Sabbath services in the Cadet Chapel, which has Protestant,
Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim worship spaces, along with several all-faiths worship rooms. Cadets are permitted to attend a
church of their choice in the local community, and many volunteer to teach Sunday-school classes. Cadets participate in several
other religious activities including choirs, study groups, daily worship, and fellowship organizations. Early morning daily Chapel
is also available.
will i have an opportunity to become a pilot or navigator?
Yes. While at the Academy cadets obtain a solid background in all phases of aviation. Male and female cadets are considered
for flying training if they meet the flying physical qualifications and are selected to fill available openings. Undergraduate Flying
Training (conducted after graduation at several U.S. bases) prepares qualified graduates for flying careers in airlift, bomber,
fighter, multirole, special ops, or transport aircraft.
do graduates have a chance to obtain an advanced degree?
A few graduates will obtain scholarships to attend civilian graduate schools immediately after graduation. Graduates in the
top fifteen percent of their class on overall performance average will normally be assured of future graduate education for a
master’s degree, provided they have performed well as officers and the Air Force needs the degree program they wish to pursue.
These graduates will be eligible for attendance after three years on active duty. Other graduates may also have opportunities for
graduate education through the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) program. Most degree-granting programs are conducted
in conjunction with civilian universities. In addition, many Academy graduates attend one or more of the armed forces
professional military schools during their careers.
can graduates enter medical school?
Cadets may compete for the opportunity to attend medical school directly upon graduation. These graduates complete their
medical training through the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs or the Uniformed Services University
of the Health Sciences. These same two programs are available to all active-duty officers. Selection for these programs is on a
competitive basis, and the number of students will be based on the needs of the Air Force.
can graduates enter law school?
The Air Force currently has no provision for graduating cadets to enter directly into law school. Congress has authorized the
Air Force to enter a small number of active duty Air Force officers into law school each year. An Academy graduate, as well as
any other Air Force officer, must complete two years of active duty before becoming eligible for consideration. Selection for
sponsorship to law school is on a competitive basis among all active-duty officers who apply.
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