United States Air Force Academy

Honor Division

The Air Force Academy exists to produce individuals inspired to leade and serve the United States. An individual's ability to lead hinges upon his ability to gain the respect of the people with whom he serves. Without respect, there can be no leadership, and without integrity, an individual has no hope of gaining others' respect. Thus, it is imperative that, as an institution that seeks to produce leaders, we actively commit ourselves to integrity.

Habits foster character, which, when grown, determines a person's destiny. Consequently, we must strive daily to develop habits of uprightness so as to build a foundation of forthright integrity. An individual who has not yet committed to living with integrity will rarely choose to do so when placed in a precarious situation. Rather, it is the person who has already decided to live with integrity and reinforced that decision with his daily actions who will maintain his honor when placed under great stress.

The Honor Code provides the precepts necessary to develop habits of integrity. By embracing the Honor Code, cadets gain the foundation necessary for a life of integrity and leadership.

ETHICAL FOUNDATION -- The Code is the foundation upon which cadets build a personal concept of professional ethics and a minimum standard of integrity. Living by the code fosters a feeling of mutual trust and respect, which grows throughout a cadet's Academy years and beyond.

SPIRIT OF THE CODE -- The Code is based on fundamental, positive principles of honesty, respect, fairness and support. The spirit of the Code is succinctly stated as: Do the right thing and live honorably. The spirit of these words demands strength, courage and dedication to a cuase greater than oneself. They are a statement of the most important single aspect of Academy life and are at the center of Air Force Core Values.

LIVING UNDER THE CODE -- The Code demands complete integrity in word and deed. Cadets are expected to report themselves for any Code violation. Further, they must consult with any other cadet whom they believe may have violated the Code and encourage that cadet to turn himself in or report the situation is not resolved. This standard is tough; however, living in an environment that accepts this standard creates an atmosphere of trust unparalleled at other institutions.

CODE ADMINISTRATION -- Adjudicating possible violations is accomplished through the Cadet Honor Committee, which comprises first- and second-class cadets elected from each cadet squadron. They form the Honor Code instructor cadre and initiate action should a cadet violate the Code. Officers in the Honor Division oversee this process, with the commandant of cadets or the Academy superintendent making the final sanction decision. Although the presumptive sanction is disenrollment, the commandant may suspend the disenrollment for a designated period on a case-by-case basis via the Honor Probation system.

Honor Probation

Cadets found to have violated the Honor Code may be offered Honor Probation. The probationary period gives the cadet time to reflect and rehabilitate, with the ultimate goal of restoring his standing in the cadet wing. A senior officer mentor is selected, and special counseling is provided to guide each cadet throughout the process. To complete the program, cadets must successfully accomplish daily ethical journals, honor projects, a calendar and unit briefings and must receive positive recommendations from his mentors and commanders.

Honor Education

Cadets take their oaths at Basic Cadet Training

The bedrock of moral character education begins with a solid understanding and internalization of the cadet Honor Code. Classroom instruction on the Code, system processing and the Honor Probation program begins during Basic Cadet Training and continues throughout a cadet's four years at the Academy. In the first two years, instruction focuses on understanding and living under the Code. In the final two years, emphasis is placed on cadets living an honorable life while helping others to do the same.

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