Mission - The sum of the unique opportunities and experiences at the Academy -- Designed to allow cadets to grow militarily, intellectually, physically, and morally/ethically. Begins with the first day of basic cadet training and ends as second lieutenants toss their hats into the air at graduation.

Military Development - The goal is to develop the knowledge, skills, values and behavior patterns needed to be an effective Air Force officer.

Military Art and Science - Designed to develop in each cadet an understanding of the military profession and the composition, heritage and employment of U.S. military power. Instruction is phased over the last three years and advances from the basics of professionalism and military theory, to air power doctrine, Air Force employment concepts; culminating with an examination of joint and multinational operational concepts. The faculty teaches complementary military history and political science courses.

Leadership - First learned as a concept and then put into practice, initially at the "follower" level. Upper-class cadets develop their leadership abilities by running the Cadet Wing, leading classroom discussions, and helping to teach Combat Survival Training and various airmanship courses. Officers are assigned to each program to advise and help.

Aviation Sciences and Airmanship - All cadets participate in some form of airmanship activity each of their four years at the Academy. During the first summer, basic cadets are introduced to flying through orientation rides in a sailplane and the Cessna 172. Four degrees take a required aviation fundamentals course during the academic year that includes classroom instruction, T-37 simulator rides, basic navigation and a one-day field trip to an operational flying base. Three degrees participate in the Soar-for-All program, which is designed to solo each cadet through a combination of conventional and powered sailplane flights. Two degrees (juniors) can participate in a wide range of courses in soaring, parachuting and navigation. Advanced courses in these areas prepare cadets to be instructors, permitting them to gain valuable operational and leadership experience. All cadets may belong to the Cadet Aviation Club and fly light aircraft as a member of the Aero Club during all four years. Flying activities are complemented by academic studies in astronomy, aeronautics, astronautics and physics.

Professional Development Program - Professional Development begins when cadets arrive to start six weeks of basic cadet training and progresses steadily over four years. Each year builds on previous training and experience. Cadets have a self-study professional development curriculum and may participate in one or two professional seminars each week. They must pass a professional knowledge review near the end of each year. Emphasis in these programs is on the duties, commitment and responsibilities of a professional officer.

Academic Development - Designed to provide cadets with a broad, high-quality education appropriate to a military career.

The Academy is recognized as one of the finest colleges in the nation. Over 2,000 graduates have received post-graduation scholarships, including Rhodes Scholarships.

The faculty is unique, consisting of approximately 530 military officers and civilian faculty who not only teach, but also serve as role models for cadets. About 55 percent possess a doctoral degree.

Cadet course load is a good deal heavier than most other colleges. The core curriculum consists of 94 semester hours, with an even balance between basic sciences and engineering sciences on on hand and social sciences and humanities on the other.

Cadets may choose one of 30 academic majors. About half of the cadets major in science or engineering.

Physical Development - The objective is to develop good physical condition and the traits of teamwork, courage, aggressiveness, self-confidence, and an intense desire to win, all of which are essential to a military officer.

Each cadet takes six semester hours of physical education during four years at the Academy.

In addition, cadets must participate in intercollegiate or intramural sports throughout the academic year.

Cadets have two intramural seasons. Each squadron fields a team in 16 sports. Men and women compete as teammates in all but a few contact sports, such as boxing and football.

Academy fields intercollegiate teams in 17 men's and 10 women's sports.

Character Development - Designed to develop a cadets' professional military character through an emphasis on Air Force core values, the Cadet Honor Code, ethics instruction, human relations education, service and moral/spiritual development. The goal is to produce the finest officers for the Air Force and the nation, lieutenants who are mentally, physically and spiritually prepared to lead.

The Academy has an integrated, institution-wide character development program focusing on our core values of "Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do."

The foundation is the Cadet Honor Code, which states, "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does".

All cadets take formal academic courses in ethics and leadership. They also receive honor, ethics, human relations, and other character development instruction and leadership experiences as part of their education and officer training programs throughout their four years at the Academy.

The human relations education program promotes respect for others and an understanding of how gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural differences affect mission accomplishments; and the transition, attrition, performance, and quality of life for cadets in the Cadet Wing and members of the operational Air Force.

Cadets are afforded ample schedule opportunities to participate in faith development programs of their own choosing and are encouraged to take part in religious, spiritual, and faith activities and programs provided at the Academy.