Character Camp

High school senior Ryan Domson (far left) pushes (left to right) high school freshman Carlos Diaz, Cadet 1st Class Lindsey Byrd and high school junior Heather Sherrill across the lake in a canoeing exercise to demonstrate teamwork. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Sarah Chambers)

Character Camp

Character Camp participant Carlos Diaz maneuvers through the ropes course to practice leadership virtues. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Mike Kaplan)

Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory

Thirty-five active- duty Airmen and reservists came to the Academy this year to help mentor cadets in FERL activities. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Raymond McCoy)

Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory

Cadet 2nd Class Nicholas Arellano of Cadet Squadron 02 uses a circular saw during the Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory June 4. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Raymond McCoy)

Firearms training

The simulator offers cadets different training exercises such as a video training mode, a computer graphic mode, reload drills, stoppage drills, direct fire planning for team leaders and moving targets. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Mike Kaplan)

Firearms training

A specially designed M-4 rifle is one of three weapons cadets can use to perfect their skills in the new firearms training simulator, which is conveniently located in Vandenberg Hall. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Mike Kaplan)

AMT ropes

Tech. Sgt John Craven, NCOIC of Basic Cadet Training, participates in a cadet training exercise. Academy Military Training NCOs play a key role in the training and development of cadets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mike Kaplan)

AMT ropes

Academy Military Training noncommissioned officers began wearing the aiguillette, or rope, as it’s more commonly called, April 15.

Class of 2013: 'Recognition granted'

Brig. Gens. Sam Cox and Dana Born and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Ross lead the Class of 2013 on the Run to the Rock during Recognition at the Air Force Academy March 13, 2010. Recognition consists of several days of mentally and physically demanding activities and culminates with the ascension of the freshmen into the ranks of upper-class cadets. General Cox is the commandant of cadets, and General Born is the dean of the faculty. Chief Ross is the commandant of cadets' superintendent. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

Cadets learn about strategic management in India

Cadets dance with villagers in India’s golden triangle during a cultural immersion trip. From l-r is Capt. Rob Mishev, and Cadets 1st Class Lars Hinrichsen, Collin O’Bryant, and Bryce Luken.

Cadets' research ensures astronauts' safe return from moon

Cadet 1st Class Christopher Oravetz uses a plumb line to center a group of Pitot tubes inside a wind tunnel March 7 at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colo. His experiment tests the wake coming off different designs, speeds and angles of attack for the new crew exploration vehicle to be used by NASA to return man to the moon. By determining the wake caused by different experiments, his results will help NASA decide how large to make parachutes to install on the finished vehicle. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. John Ross)

Cadets research fuel line bacteria

Cadet 1st Class Jonathan Stralka transfers a single bacteria colony from an agar plate in a laboratory at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The research done here by cadets has real world implications. Cadet Stalka is studying bacteria that digest jet fuel, resulting in a slimy substance that can foul an aircraft's engine. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. John Ross)