U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy dean discussed teamwork and ethical behavior during his chat with freshmen cadets Sept 6.
Brig Gen Andrew Armacost said teamwork accounts for most successes at the Academy, including the drastic decrease in the number[KAM2] of cadets who don’t make it through basic cadet training.
“We had a 2 percent attrition rate this year in BCT, the lowest attrition rate we’ve had in a long, long time,” Armacost said. “Your support of each other through the tough times is why we’re successful.”
The dean told the freshmen to remember the influence of their families and friends whenever they make a decision.
“You’re part of a team and that team isn’t just in this room,” he said. “It’s your families, your friends and your community. Always think of the other people in your life when you make a decision.”
The dean talked about the Academy’s support system for cadets, which includes the Extra Instruction Program that revolves around faculty members assisting cadets; the Personal Ethics and Education Representative Program in which cadets can seek the advice of other cadets; and the Peak Performance Center, where cadets can get counseling for a slew of personal issues.
“We want to give you every opportunity to succeed,” Armacost said. “Our extensive network is designed to provide you with every mechanism to succeed. Your hard work, ethical behavior and perseverance is critical to your success.”
Cadet 4th Class Ritesh Gautam attended the dean’s event. He said he’s already taken advantage of academic counseling.
“There are so many amazing resources available here,” Gautam said. “I trust our leadership had taken the right steps to prepare us. I put a lot of faith in them to help us get through our time here.”
Armacost briefly discussed his plans to retire next summer with the cadets.
“The institution will embrace a new dean,” he said. “We are fortunate to have great leaders at the Academy and in the Air Force. It has been an honor to serve as I have.”