2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

character development
Character development is the process that builds and reinforces the traits, which form a cadet candidate’s commitment
to personal excellence, and produces quality officers to lead the Air Force. Implementation of this program is through a
yearlong comprehensive process, which focuses on the Honor Code, human relations, and spiritual development.
All cadet candidates must accept the Honor Code when entering the Preparatory School and agree to live by principles
of character that extend beyond the Honor Code. Character development training starts during Basic Military Training
(BMT) and continues throughout the entire year. Cadet candidates also have the opportunity to participate in community
service projects, honor and ethics symposiums, and distinguished visitor testimonials as part of the continuous character
development process.
military training
Military training at the Prep School is centered on the Air Force Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and
Excellence In All We Do. Military training is a part of a cadet candidate’s everyday life.
Upon arrival at the Prep School, cadet candidates enter a twenty-one day indoctrination into the military called Basic
Military Training (BMT). BMT is designed to orient cadet candidates to the military lifestyle and provide them with
information on the organization of the Air Force, military customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, military history,
Core Values, the Honor Code, and proper wear of the uniform.
Cadet candidates are briefed in detail on the standards of conduct and appearance they will be expected to maintain while
at the Prep School. To ensure they uphold these standards, candidates undergo regular inspections of their uniforms and
personal appearance as well as their rooms and the overall dormitory. The Department of Military Training is headed by the
Commander, 1st Preparatory Group.
Working directly with each squadron is a major known as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) and a senior noncommissioned
officer who is the Academy Military Training Noncommissioned Officer (AMT). The role of the AOC and
AMT is varied—trainer, disciplinarian, counselor, advisor, and often mentor and confidante to the cadet candidates.
Each year is concluded with a three-day exercise called the Teamwork Exercise, or TX. It is designed to be a physical and
mental review of all the cadet candidates have learned for the year and to prepare them for basic training at the Academy.
athletics
The Prep School Athletic Department’s mission is to prepare cadet candidates for the rigors of athletic competition and
the physical conditioning required of all Academy cadets. Additionally, the Prep School athletic program provides cadet
candidates with a realistic leadership experience in a mentally and physically challenging environment. This prepares and
motivates cadet candidates for a lifetime of service through physical education, fitness training and testing, intramural and
intercollegiate athletic competition.
The Prep School athletic program includes four main areas: physical conditioning, intercollegiate sports, club sports, and
intramural sports. Each cadet candidate will be involved in one of these areas at all times during the school year. Physical
conditioning and intramural sports start during BMT and continue until graduation. Prep School intercollegiate athletic teams
compete against top-rated NJCAA and NCAA junior varsity teams and other service academy Prep School teams.
Our intercollegiate athletic teams include football, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball. The Prep School
club sports program consists of men’s and women’s soccer, wrestling and cheerleading. The men’s and women’s soccer
teams compete against club teams from NCAA schools and against top-rated NJCAA schools. The wrestling team competes
against NCAA Junior Varsity teams, and cheerleading supports all athletic teams.
The Prep School intramural program usually consists of flag football, ultimate Frisbee and flicker ball. The coaching staff at
the Prep School is dedicated to ensuring an effective transition for our cadet candidates to the highly competitive athletic
environment at the Academy.
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