News

Class of 2020 marches out to Jacks Valley

  • Published
  • By John Van Winkle
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The field training portion of Cadet Basic Training began Sunday for the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2020.

The Academy leadership, cadre and 1,131 cadet trainees of the Class of 2020 started the day with a 5-mile march from the cadet area to the Academy’s Jacks Valley training complex.

After arriving, the Commandant of Cadets, Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams, addressed the cadet trainees, noting the Class of 2020’s current achievements and future challenges.

“We’ve pushed you physically and mentally,” Williams said. “We’ve established the baseline for customs, courtesies and standards, and all of that will be showcased down here at Jacks Valley. There’s one piece that’s a little extra down here in Jacks Valley. We’re going to find out what kind of will and determination you have. We’re going to work on your warrior ethos, because here in Jacks Valley, your grit and determination is what’s going to get you through.”

As they marched in, cadre greeted the cadet trainees. The cadre will run the Leadership Reaction Course, Confidences Course, Assault Course, and more awaiting the Class of 2020.

“Jacks Valley is going to be a rigorous, 11-day program,” said Cadet 1st Class Tierra Franklin, BCT Cadet Commander. “The (cadet trainees) are going to pretty much go through eight courses, each designed to test them in a different way. For instance, we have an obstacle course where the basics go through several obstacles and test their mental fortitude, fear of heights, and overcoming that desire and longing to not ask for help.”

The cadet trainees’ first task in Jacks Valley was to set up their tents and squadron areas, a task that tested and improved their teamwork at the flight level.

“Teamwork in Jacks Valley is not just going to help you succeed, it’s required to succeed,” Williams said. “The assault course motto is ‘Only the Strong Survived’ and I’m here to tell you, you are strongest as a team. You stick together as a team, you give 100 percent to that team, and you will succeed out here in Jacks Valley.”

The cadet trainees will reside in Jacks Valley until Aug. 3, when they march back to the cadet area, more seasoned and more accomplished from completing the challenge of field training. Basic Cadet Training ends Aug. 6.

The Class of 2020’s Acceptance Parade is Aug. 9, when the basic cadet trainees swear the Honor Oath and receive their fourth-class shoulderboards. The fall semester begins Aug. 11.