Features

  • 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

  • The Contrails: Class, building colors

    Editors note -- This week's excerpt  from The Contrails is seen exactly as shown on page 36 in the 2015 edition of this cadet guidebook In modern architecture, the three primary colors are prevalent [in the design of the Air Force Academy]. Since the Academy was to reflect modern architecture, red,

  • The Contrails: Buildings

    Editors note -- This week's excerpt  from The Contrails is seen exactly as shown on page 31 - 36 in the 2015 edition of this cadet guidebook BuildingsThe cadet’s life is centered around the nine major buildings in the cadet area. These buildings have been named after Air Force officers who were

  • Family support helps 2 Academy NCOs during deployments

    Two security forces NCOS left their families and friends at the Air Force Academy to join the more than 100,000 service members who deploy annually around the world to secure U.S. interests.  Master Sgt. Jovonnie Walter is in south Asia and Tech. Sgt. Troy Umstead is in southwest Asia. They’re among