• The Contrails: Aircraft, weapon systems

     (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 116 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)T-6A Texan IIManufacturer: Raytheon.Function: Entry-Level Pilot TrainerService Date: 2001Speed: 320 mph Crew: TwoProduction: 446 Inventory: 446Commentary: The Joint Primary Aircraft Training

  • The Contrails: Uniform of My Country

    (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 157-158 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)Over two hundred years ago, the first thread of the uniform I wear was woven. While great men and women dreamed of a country of free people, the army and navy that would win her liberty

  • 1 event, 2 celebrations: Polaris Hall opens, Academy educator Wakin retires

    When one door closes at the Air Force Academy, another opens. This was the case at the Air Force Academy April 25 when Polaris Hall, the tower housing the Center for Leadership and Character Development, officially opened for business and a longtime Academy educator retired from an his active

  • The Contrails: Notable Graduates

     (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 52-59 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)Notable GraduatesThe Air Force Academy serves as a rallying point for the diversity of American culture; many walks of life, different ethnic backgrounds, and a variety of religions. From

  • Cadets chat with Brazilian Olympics official

    The president of Brazil’s Olympic Public Authority told cadets here April 7 that hosting the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this summer could be just the catalyst Brazil needs to show the rest of the world that Rio is a progressive, democratic city capable of hosting such a substantial event.    Marcelo

  • The Contrails: Leadership

    (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 175-176 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)Leadership“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more

  • The Contrails: Quotes

    (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 172-174 and part of page 175 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)Integrity First“He who permits himself to tell a lie once finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells a lie

  • The Contrails: Air Force Academy displays

    (Editor's note: The exact text contained on pages 37-51 of this year's edition of The Contrails is seen here.)Air Force Academy DisplaysAircraftMcDonnell-Douglas F-15A EagleLocation: Southwest corner of the terrazzoThis 1976 model F-15 flew most of its career with the 48th Fighter Interceptor

  • The Contrails: The Medal of Honor, history of decorations of valor

    The first formal system for rewarding acts of individual gallantry by the nation’s fighting men was established by Gen George Washington on August 7, 1782. Designed to recognize “any singularly meritorious action,” the award consisted of a purple cloth heart. Records show three persons received the

  • The Contrails: Cadet insignia, badges

    Superintendent’s Pin: Worn only by those cadets whose name appears on the Superintendent’s list for obtaining the Commandant’s Pin, Dean’s Pin, and Athletic Director’s Pin for the previous semester.Commandant’s Pin: Worn by those cadets whose name appears on the Commandant’s List. The Commandant’s