2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

The purpose of the Air Force Academy is to produce Air and Space leaders of character with vision for tomorrow—
officers who ascribe to our Core Values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. To that end, we
seek to ensure that each graduate enters the Air Force with a unique combination of education and experience-military,
athletic, academic, ethical- designed to produce leaders of character who have special qualities. The experiences are
largely intellectual and physical challenges. The challenges begin in Basic Cadet Training (BCT), and continue across the
next four years. Meeting those challenges requires dedication, character, sacrifice, stamina, and courage.
arrival
brigadier general susan y. desjardins
Commandant of Cadets
Brigadier General Susan Y. Desjardins graduated from the Air Force Academy
in 1980. She is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours in KC-10, C-17,
C-5, KC-135R, KC-135A and T-37 aircraft. General Desjardins earned a Master’s
Degree in Industrial Psychology and Human Relations at Louisiana Technical
University in 1991, attended Naval Command and Staff College at Newport,
Rhode Island in 1993, Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
in 1997 and the General Manager Program at the Harvard Business School,
Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts in 2004. General Desjardins
has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels, has served as Deputy
Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, and in a variety of staff
positions at the Joint Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and major command
levels. Most recently General Desjardins was Commander, 437th Airlift Wing,
Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. Her decorations include the
Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service
Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal,
Joint Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak-leaf cluster, and the Air Force
Achievement Medal. On 8 December 2005 General Desjardins was sworn in as the 23rd Commandant of
Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy.
“Our nation requires intelligent, assertive, well-rounded young men and women as leaders and defenders of
freedom. The mission at the United States Air Force Academy is to inspire and develop outstanding young
men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline. Rock solid integrity
is essential for honorable military service to our country. A cornerstone of cadet life at the Academy is the
Cadet Wing Honor Code that states: ‘We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who
does.’ Rigorous military training, a stimulating academic curriculum, and challenging athletics highlight
the four-year Academy program. The Academy’s world-class military training and academic curriculum
prepares graduates to meet the diversified and specific challenges of military service. From survival school
to flying sailplanes, you’ll have opportunities to demonstrate ‘excellence in all we do’ while learning and
growing physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s not easy to get into the Academy; it’s even tougher to make
it through to graduation–but it’s more than worth every bit of the effort.”
As soon as you arrive, you’ll recognize the Air Force Academy is not a typical college or university—it’s a military
institution and, the demands are unique. You’ll shed civilian clothes for military uniforms, and your hair will be cut to
Academy standards. You may not use tobacco products during BCT. If you smoke, dip, or chew, you should quit before
you arrive so you can adapt more easily. From the start, second-and first-class cadets help you make the transition from
civilian to Air Force life. They’ll teach you everything from marching and proper wear of the uniform to how to complete
the Assault Course. The first day of BCT will be a long one, full of new sights, sounds, situations, and experiences. It will
remain forever etched in your memory.
oath
Shortly after you arrive, you’ll participate in one of the more solemn occasions of your cadet career—taking the oath that
makes you a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. This is the pledge of loyalty:
30 United States Air Force Academy Catalog