2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

cadet achievement
A semester 3.0 or greater grade point average (GPA) earns you a place on the Dean’s List and you may wear a silver star on
your uniform. A silver wreath shows you’re on the Commandant’s List and have earned a military performance average (MPA)
of 3.0 or greater. Cadets who earn a 3.0 or greater physical education average (PEA) are awarded a silver lightning bolt by the
Director of Athletics. You may be entitled to wear any two of these awards in combination. If you earn all three, you’ll wear a
silver star within the wreath surrounded by two lightning bolts to show you’re on the Superintendent’s List. If you’re on any of
these lists, you may be awarded additional privileges on weekends.
post-graduate education opportunities
Graduating cadets can compete to receive scholarships to attend civilian graduate schools immediately after graduation. Up to
three percent of each graduating class may be sent directly to dental, medical, or nursing school upon graduation. Graduates
in the top 15 percent of their class will normally be assured of future graduate education for a master’s degree, provided they
have performed well as officers and the Air Force has a need for 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. Normally during your career you’ll attend one or more of the armed forces’ schools for advanced
professional studies. Although there is no provision for direct entry into law school immediately upon graduation, graduates
may compete for law school once on active duty.
career opportunities
Many graduates choose the Air Force as a profession and remain in the service for at least 20 years. Professionals expect
monetary reward and job security, so you can count on these benefits as an Air Force officer. Added to a competitive
promotion system and accompanying base salary are allowances for food, quarters, and flying or special skills, such as
those for doctors. Medical, commissary, base exchange, base housing, and many other services are available to you and your
dependents. Travel opportunities and a generous leave policy round out this benefits package. A sound retirement program is
based on at least 20 years of military service.
As the Air Force moves into the 21st century, it faces an increasingly complex global environment. To meet the challenges
ahead, we will need a number of Air Force officers with specialized language skills to operate in a multinational environment.
Officers with cultural and foreign language skills interact more effectively with allies and enhance teamwork. If you are already
fluent in a language other than English and have experience in a multi-national environment, you may be eligible for advanced
training and assignments in the Foreign Area Officer program during your career. A career in the Air Force involves obligations
as well as benefits. You’ll be expected to be a professional, use the leadership skills you developed as a cadet, and serve your
country with dedication.
enrichment
Each academic department offers independent study courses for cadets to research individualized topics. You may request
special topics or courses covering contemporary issues. Course content is continually updated to stay abreast of current
developments. Term papers and laboratory work also offer opportunities to engage in original research.
Grades achieved in AP/IB courses are given additional weighting for admission. Scores received on AP/IB exams are not
used for admission consideration. However, if you score well on the AP/IB tests, you may validate some Academy courses.
Some departments administer a test to you once you arrive; earning high marks on the test may enable you to be placed in
an accelerated or advanced course, or perhaps receive validation credit and substitute another course. Following is a listing of
Academy departments accepting AP test scores.
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