About the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

The United States Air Force Academy operates as both a military installation and an educational institution. While the installation functions pretty much the way one would expect an Air Force base to run, the academy very much resembles a civilian institute of higher learning.

Location and information

The USAFA, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers students the opportunity to study traditional college material as well as military history, basic sciences, social sciences, engineering, humanities and some other choices which might surprise you. Courses in philosophy and law help create a well-rounded graduate. Because of the Academy's high altitude – anywhere from 6,200 feet to 9,000 feet – newcomers need to prepare themselves if coming from lower elevations. Remember to drink plenty of water, do not overexert yourself and refrain from alcohol intake and tobacco use.

Cadet life

Once the cadet manages to get accepted at the academy – not too easy – and to enroll, he or she can find many outlets outside of classes. Various athletic clubs, offering many different kinds of sports, can capture the attention of a cadet. The curious cadet can find everything from aikido to Show Choir. How about that for diversity?

If you think you have what it takes to thrive in this educational and military environment and have a desire to pursue a military career, then perhaps you should consider applying to the United States Air Force Academy. No one can promise you that you breeze through your time here, but you can finish with a real sense of accomplishment and a brain full of knowledge and experience.