Cadets learn it's a BEAR out there

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet 3rd Class Nathan Haney looks for movement in the surrounding area to ensure camp security June 10 during Global Engagement 2005. Defensive fighting positions were manned to combat against cadre when they tested the cadets training, trying to infiltrate the camp and take over during war day. This was the first of six groups of cadets to go through the training throughout the summer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Gilreath)

Rocket-powered final exam launches

PINON CANYON MANUEVER RANGE, Colo. -- The FalconLaunch rocket lifts off to reach 13,400 feet above the ground in 33 seconds April 30. During the program, cadets design, manage, build and launch a rocket as part of the Air Force Academy's Department of Astronautics course. The program progresses each academic year, with the eventual goal of creating a rocket which can deliver a 5-pound scientific or experimental payload to an altitude of about 60 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by John Van Winkle)

Rocket-powered final exam launches

PINON CANYON MANUEVER RANGE, Colo. -- Cadet 1st Class Eric Ray tightens a connection on the FalconLaunch rocket's avionics section, before assembly April 30. During the program, cadets design, manage, build and launch a rocket as part of the Air Force Academy's Department of Astronautics course. The program progresses each academic year, with the eventual goal of creating a rocket which can deliver a 5-pound scientific or experimental payload to an altitude of about 60 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by John Van Winkle)

Follow me

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The commandant of cadets, Brig. Gen. John Weida (blue shirt and hat), leads the Class of 2008 on its 36-mile relay "Warrior Run." The relay began at the school's Jacks Valley training area then meandered through Pike National Forest. The 11-leg, seven-hour run is the final event for the class's basic cadet training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken Wright)

Trainees march out for field portion of basic cadet training

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Nearly 1,300 people from the Class of 2008 completed a 7.8 mile march from the U.S. Air Force Academy to a tent city in Jacks Valley on July 23 to begin the field portion of basic cadet training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Charley Starr)

Class of 2008

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet 1st Class Justin Alberico (right) educates new cadets on the finer points of standing at attention during inprocessing here July 1. Cadet Alberico and other upperclassman are the primary trainers for new appointees during their indoctrination to the academy and the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James A. Rush)

Cadets get 'constructive'

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet 2nd Class Ryan Oot daubs sealing glue on plumbing tubing being installed in a hogan, a traditional Navajo home. Each summer, cadets in the field engineering readiness laboratory here build the shelters to learn civil engineering from Air Force craftsmen. Once the homes are completed, they are donated to Southwestern Navajo tribes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James A. Rush)

Cadets get 'constructive'

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet Brad Condell fills the air with sawdust as he cuts wood used to frame a hogan, a traditional Navajo home. Each summer, cadets in the field engineering readiness laboratory here build the shelters to learn civil engineering from Air Force craftsmen. Once the homes are completed, they are donated to Southwestern Navajo tribes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James A. Rush)

Rocket launch

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Cadet 1st Class Manessa Catuncan tightens bolts on the exterior casing of a rocket she and 17 other cadets built as part of a class project. U.S. Air Force Academy cadets taking Astronautical Engineering 452/453 Rocket Engineering classes completed their project April 25 by successfully firing the 11.5-foot tall, 7-inch diameter projectile from the Pinon Maneuver area here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James A. Rush)

Rocket launch

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Air Force Academy engineering students load a rocket onto the launch rail. The cadets taking Astronautical Engineering 452/453 Rocket Engineering classes completed their project April 25 by successfully firing the 11.5-foot tall, 7-inch diameter projectile from the Pinon Maneuver area here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James A. Rush)

This is only an exercise

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- An academy firefighter helps an "accident victim" through initial decontamination during a terrorist attack exercise here April 27. The scenario presented academy response forces with a combined explosive and chemical threat during a football game. Academy police, fire, medical and other services work with local agencies to complete a coordinated crisis response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joel Strayer)

Can you hear me now?

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadets began to see major changes in August 2003 during freshman basic cadet training. In the past, upperclass cadets would indoctrinate freshmen cadets with boot camp-style yelling combined with extensive physical training. But one of the short-term goals of the new academy leadership was to bring training more in line with the operational Air Force. Now, training is conducted in a more participatory manner, with mentoring and some cold, hard stares as part of the new “four-class” system of leadership development that occurs during all four class years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ken Wright)