TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION ONE
I.

INTRODUCTION
a. WELCOME LETTER
b. MISSION AND VISION
c. HANDBOOK PURPOSE

SECTION TW O
I.
II.
III.

IV.
V.

ENROLLMENT
a. PRIVILEGES
b. MERITS
POLICIES
a. AMENDMENTS
b. DEMERITS
SCHEDULE
a. GENERAL MILITARY COURSE
b. ADVANCED CADET TRAINING
c. PROFESSIONAL OFFICER COURSE
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
a. CADET WING
b. CADETS
CHAIN OF COMMAND

SECTION THREE
I.
II.

RESPONSIBILITIES
a. COURSES
b. LEADERSHIP LABORATORY
EXPECTATIONS
a. CADET EXPECTATIONS
b. BEHAVIOR IN UNIFORM
c. VERBAL GREETINGS
d. PRIVATE MESSAGING ETTIQUETTE
e. HABBO STAFF INVOLVEMENT

SECTION FOUR
I.

WARRIOR KNOWLEDGE
a. AIR FORCE VISION, MISSION, ETC.
b. CODE OF CONDUCT
c. CHAIN OF COMMAND
d. MAJOR COMMANDS
e. AIR FORCE SONG
f. AIRMANS CREED
g. PHONETIC ALPHABET
h. CADET HONOR CODE
i. CADET RANKS
j. CADRE BIOS

SECTION FIVE
I.

GRADUATION
a. DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE
b. COMMISSION

SECTION ONE
WELCOME LETTER
As the Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy, Id like to congratulate you on your
appointment.
The cadets of the Air Force Academy are broken up into flights, each lead by a Professional Officer
Course or POC cadet. The General Military Course or GMC cadets (cadets in their first or second
phase of cadet training) enter the Academy where they attend Air Force classes and Leadership
Laboratory to receive instruction in military knowledge, lessons in leadership, and effective followership so
that they may be competitive for Advanced Cadet Training.
For the first two weeks of training, you are an unclassified cadet, or "Basic Cadet". You will participate in
Basic Cadet Training for the first two weeks. Upon completion of this module, you will be rewarded with
placement in Phase I and have the right to be called a Cadet within the Air Force Academy Cadet Wing.
This handbook is a valuable resource for your Air Force Academy career. All the basic knowledge you
need to excel in the Academy can be found in this book.
We look forward to working with you as we train you to become a future officer in the United States Air
Force.
Colonel davidhif2,
Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy,
United States Air Force.
MISSION AND VISION
The United States Air Force Academy is the primary source for commissioned officers for the United
States Air Force. Our mission is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of
character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force.
PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK
This handbook has been prepared to inform newly unclassified Cadets of the policies and procedures of
this Academy and to establish the Academys expectations. It is not all-inclusive or intended to provide
strict interpretations; rather, it offers an overview of the environment to be expected.

SECTION TWO
ENROLLMENT
Please note that enrollment in the Academy is both an honor and a privilege, and is one that can be taken
away from you. You will be expected to work hard and truly show that you have what it takes to become a
Commissioned Officer of the United States Air Force.

PRIVILEGES
Throughout your cadet career within the Air Force Academy you will have a set of privileges within the Air
Force Academy along with expectations depending on class standing. As your class standing is higher,
more privileges will be granted. However, these privileges can be rescinded at any time if the
Superintendent feels they are being abused or the class is not deserving of their privileges.

MERITS
For good conduct and exemplary performance within the academy, you will receive merits. Merits are an
indicator of your class/academy performance and are tallied at the end of every phase. These are
awarded by the POC and the Superintendent based on performance in the Academy.
POLICIES
The Academy has established policies and procedures that should be followed in accordance with the
Militarys policies and procedures. Should there be a conflict with either policies, the Militarys policies and
procedures shall have priority over the Academys policies and procedures. The Academys policies and
procedures can be found in the Academys private mess.

AMENDMENTS
It is the Cadet Wings responsibility to ensure that all Cadets are made aware of any amendments to the
policies. Depending on the significance of the amended policy, a thread will be made detailing the
amendment and will be stickied for a weeks time. At that time, Cadets are encouraged to seek
clarification if needed and address any concerns.

DEMERITS
For repeated negative conduct, or failure to complete assignments as directed, you may be issued
demerits. These are intended as corrective action so that you may learn from your mistakes as a cadet
and not make them on active duty as an officer.
10 Demerits accrued within a phase will result in conduct probation, which will place the cadet under
probation for the next phase. If they receive any further demerits, they will be investigated for
disenrollment. If they do not receive any further demerits, the probation is fulfilled and the cadet is in
good standing following the phase that the probation was served in 25 or more Demerits accrued within a
phase will result in a disenrollment investigation.

SCHEDULE
As a Basic Cadet you will have a schedule similar to this one:

Week 1

Monday: In-processing and assignment

Tuesday: Warrior Knowledge Quiz
Thursday: Leadership Lab
Friday/Saturday: Initial Counseling

Week 2

Tuesday: Warrior Knowledge Quiz/Essay on

Officership (Why are you here?)
Thursday: Leadership Lab
Friday/Saturday: Completion of IMT (Initial Military
Training)

Week 3 Phase I

Week 4 Phase I

Tuesday: AS100 Class

Thursday: Leadership Lab
Friday/Saturday: None/Make Up Time
Tuesday: AS100 Class
Thursday: Leadership Lab
Friday/Saturday: Mid-Term Counseling

GENERAL MEMBER COURSE

Cadets will generally spend their first two phases of the Academy in the General Military Course, often
shortened to the acronym of "GMC". The purpose of this program is to introduce cadets to the Air Force
and prepare them for Advanced Cadet Training. Cadets are educated on competencies such as
followership, customs and courtesies, and basic information about the military and Air Force life. Cadets
also attend the Aerospace Studies (AS) 100 course in the first phase and the AS200 series in their
second phase. In these courses, cadets learn some of the history of the Air Force, as well as its
background, doctrine, mission, and organization. Phase I cadets are considered cadet Airmen, while
Phase II cadets are considered upper cadet airmen and junior cadet noncommissioned officers. Phase I
cadets are classified as Cadet Fourth Class (C4C) and Phase II cadets without a position are classified as
Cadet Third Class (C3C).

ADVANCED CADET TRAINING

During your Phase II placement, you will compete for a slot for what is known as Advanced Cadet
Training. Advanced Cadet Training is a "boot camp" style environment hosted by the Air Force Special
Operations Command and is a 2 day encampment. This encampment is usually held after completion of
Phase II to help you learn more about the Air Force while practicing leadership, team building and stress
management. You will participate in many challenging activitiespractical leadership training, academics,
rudiments of warfare human relations, and other Air Force work activities. You will be stratified and
evaluated amongst your peers during this training and your performance will impact your placement as a
POC and ultimately, as an Air Force Officer.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICER COURSE

This program is for cadets who have successfully completed Advanced Cadet Training (Phase III and IV
cadets). This program allows cadets to practice the leadership skills they have learned during their time
as GMC, in their Aerospace Studies courses, and at their Advanced Cadet Training experience. The POC
cadets plan and run weekly leadership laboratories and the day-to-day operations of the Academy as they
prepare for entrance into the active duty Air Force. They will use this hands-on leadership training during
their time as active duty officers in the Air Force. Phase III cadets attend the AS300 course and Phase IV
cadets attend the AS400 course studying leadership, management, and military policy. POC cadets are
considered cadet officers and their rank corresponds with wing positions (determined by the
Superintendent and cadre).
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
Coming soon
CHAIN OF COMMAND
The chain of command is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed within a
military unit and between different units. Orders are transmitted down the chain of command, from a
higher-positioned soldier to lower-positioned personnel who will either execute the order personally or
transmit it down the chain as appropriate, until it is received by those expected to execute it.
In general, military personnel give orders only to those directly below them in the chain of command and
receive orders only from those directly above them. A service member who has difficulty executing a duty
or order and speaks directly to an officer above his immediate commander in the chain of command is
likely to be disciplined for not observing the chain of command. Similarly, a soldier in a higher position is
usually expected to give orders only to his or her direct subordinate, even if it is just to pass an order
down to another service member lower in the chain of command than said subordinate.
(see fig. 1 for the Academys Chain of Command)

SUPERINTENDENT

CADET WING COMMANDER

CADET WING TRAINING COMMANDER

CADET WING TRAINING FIRST SERGEANT

SQUADRON COMMANDER

FLIGHT COMMANDER

fig. 1

SECTION THREE
RESPONSIBILITIES

COURSES
Cadets are required to take Aerospace Studies courses every phase. Ranging in topics from military law
to the history of the Air Force, the Aerospace Studies curriculum is designed to educate cadets with
knowledge to allow them to become successful Air Force officers. These courses are taught by the active
duty Air Force officers assigned to the Air Force Academy.
Material for your respective class is posted weekly for you to review in your respective Cadet boards. You
will be responsible for knowing this material, as you may be tested on it in the future.

AS100 (PHASE I) (AFSC110/111 FOUNDATION OF US AIR FORCE)

Survey course designed to introduce cadets to the US Air Force and the Air Force Academy. This course
is taken during the first two (2) weeks.
Topics include: Mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military
customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, group leadership problems, and introduction to
communication skills.

AS200 (PHASE II) (AFSSC210/211 EVOLUTION OF US AIR AND SPACE POWER)

Historical survey of air and space power designed to motivate students to transition from cadet to officer
candidate. This course is taken during the third week.
Topics include: Air Force heritage and leaders; introduction to air and space power through examination
of competencies, functions, and doctrines; and continued application of communication skills.

AS300 (PHASE III) (AFSC310/311 AIR FORCE LEADERSHIP STUDIES)

Study of Air Force leadership through the use of case studies to examine Air Force leadership and
management situations as means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of concepts being
studied. This course is taken during the fourth week.
Topics include: Leadership and quality management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force
doctrine, leadership ethics, and communication skills required of an Air Force junior officer.

AS400 (PHASE IV) (AFSC410/411 NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS/PREPARATION

FOR ACTIVE DUTY
Study of national security processes, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force
doctrine. This course is taken during the fifth week.
Topics include: the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military,
preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure,
there is continued emphasis on refining communication skills.

LEADERSHIP LABORATORY
Part of your weekly assignments within the Air Force Academy will include a module called "Leadership
Laboratory". These are modules that are developed by the POC to meet specific objectives in order for
you to develop yourself as an Air Force Officer and leader. They will include things like briefings,
inspections, Group Leadership Projects (GLPs), and more. These will help build your confidence and offer
you a more in depth look at the role of an Air Force officer.

PASSING REQUIREMENT
Cadets must at the absolute minimum pass at least 80% of all LLABs conducted in a phase. Failure to do
so may result in demerits and possible disenrollment.

MISSED LABS
Opportunity will be given to make up missed LLABs via Alternate LLABs that will be hosted by the POC in
order to make up missed material.

EXPECTATIONS

CADET EXPECTATIONS

Basic Cadet
Expectations

Be in short sleeve blues uniform at all times while in HQ.

Must greet all officers by their rank (i.e. Good Morning, Second

Cadet 4th
Class/Phase I
Expectations

Lieutenant Smith.)
Must greet all cadets of a superior rank, using Cadet for GMC cadets and
Sir/Ma'am for POC cadets.
Be in blues uniform at all times while in HQ. Long sleeve version of blues
allowed.
Allowed to greet officers by using Sir/Ma'am.
Must greet all cadets of a superior rank, using Cadet for GMC cadets and
Sir/Ma'am for POC cadets.
Use proper customs and courtesies.

Be in blues uniform at all times while in HQ. Long sleeve version of blues
allowed.
Allowed to greet officers by using Sir/Ma'am.
Must greet all cadets of a superior rank, using Sir/Ma'am for POC cadets.
Use proper customs and courtesies.

Cadet 2nd
Class/Phase III
Expectations

Be in uniform at all times in HQ, no restriction as to what uniform.

Allowed to greet officers by using Sir/Ma'am.
Must address senior POC officer by using Sir/Ma'am or Cadet "Name".
Perform the duties expected of your position to the best of your ability.
Allowed to promote other Airmen to the rank of E-3.
Use proper customs and courtesies.

Cadet 1st
Class/Phase IV
Expectations

Be in uniform at all times in HQ, no restriction as to what uniform.

Allowed to greet officers by using Sir/Ma'am.
Perform the duties expected of your position to the best of your ability.
Allowed to sit in bridge.
Allowed to wear blue air force cover for officers.
Allowed to promote other Airmen to the rank of E-3.
Use proper customs and courtesies.

Cadet 3rd
Class/Phase II
Expectations

BEHAVIOR IN UNIFORM
There are certain behaviors that will be expected of you as a cadet and in the Air Force. A cadets conduct
and appearance must be able to withstand public scrutiny twenty-four (24) hours a day whether in or out
of uniform. Misconduct brings discredit upon the cadet personally, the Academy, and possibly even the Air
Force. Some of these behaviors are as follows:

CADRE RELATIONSHIPS
Cadets should not establish, encourage, or participate in excessively familiar relationships with cadre
(officers and NCOs). You must make every effort to demonstrate the proper courtesy and respect to every
cadre member with whom you are in contact.

RESPECTING CHAIN OF COMMAND

Exercise the Academys Chain of Command by speaking with your direct superior regarding any issues or
concerns instead of going directly to the Wing Commander.

TARDINESS
Tardiness is not tolerated. It reflects an unprofessional attitude. If an unexpected delay occurs, send a PM
informing the Cadet Wing.

CADET OFFICERS
Cadet Officers will receive the same courtesies afforded commissioned officers. Do not call the HQ to
attention for a cadet officer unless he or she is the Cadet Wing Commander (C/Col) and there are no
other commissioned officers in the HQ.

VERBAL GREETINGS
When addressing an officer, always use proper titles. Proper titles include: their rank, their rank and last
name, or Sir/Maam. When addressing an NCO, use their rank, or their rank and last name. The following
are proper greetings:

"Good morning, Colonel [username]."

"Good evening, Master Sergeant [username]."
Greet groups of officers as appropriate: "Good morning/afternoon/evening, officers."
Greet groups of NCOs as appropriate: "Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and/or
gentlemen."
Greet mixed groups (officers, NCOs, males, females) appropriately as "ladies and/or gentlemen."
Address other cadets as "Cadet [username]."

PRIVATE MESSAGING ETIQUETTE

As a cadet in the Air Force Academy, the cadre, POC, and other cadets will be in contact with you
frequently. These are great opportunities to practice basic military communication procedures and
etiquette. As a cadet, there are some general guidelines you should follow when contacting and
communicating with all officers and other cadets regarding Academy matters.

PRIVATE MESSAGING
Private Messaging (PM) is one of the most common and important communication tools used by the Air
Force. Here at the Air Force Academy, you will receive many announcements and meeting reminders
through PM from cadre, POC, and fellow cadets. It is important that you remember a few things when
using PM:

Respond quickly. More often than not, the person PMing you has a deadline to meet and replying
quickly helps them meet that deadline. Even if you dont have the answer right away, just take a
minute and send a quick PM explaining your situation and why they might have to wait longer for
a better reply.
PMs should be addressed properly (if a PM is to a cadet, you address it C/Username whereas if
its to an officer or NCO, use TSgt, MSgt, Capt., Col., etc. as appropriate).
Use a font and size that is easily read, like Arial or Times New Roman, and font-size 12.
The body of the PM should be polite, professional, and respectful at all times (dont use CAPS
unless necessary). Do not use IM/ texting language (lol, idk, etc.)
Use proper spelling and grammar when writing AF PMs (make sure you proof-read AND spellcheck your email prior to sending).
E-mails are traditionally signed V/R, (meaning Very Respectfully) and then C/Username.
If you are attaching a document, or forwarding a PM with an attachment, double check to make
sure your attachment is there BEFORE sending the PM.

INVOLVEMENT WITH HABBO STAFF

Cadets must report all involvements with Habbo Staff within 72 hours of the incident. Involvements
include but are not limited to if the cadet was banned in any manner from the Habbo client.
If you do not report an involvement with Habbo staff and this later is learned, this may lead to removal
from the Air Force Academy program.

SECTION FOUR

WARRIOR KNOWLEDGE
You are responsible for knowing the knowledge listed in the below sections verbatim.

AIR FORCE VISION, MISSION, ETC.

Vision: Global Vigilance, Reach and Power.
Mission: To fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.

CODE OF CONDUCT
1st Article Code of Conduct
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
2nd Article Code of Conduct
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my
command while they still have the means to resist.
3rd Article Code of Conduct
If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid
others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from my enemy.
4th Article Code of Conduct
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take
part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will
obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
5th Article Code of Conduct
When questioned should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give my name, rank, service
number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make
no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
6th Article Code of Conduct
I will never forget that I am an American fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions and dedicated to
the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

CHAIN OF COMMAND
Chief of Staff of the Air Force: David-Rules
Commander, Air Force Academy: davidhif2
Cadet Wing Commander
Cadet Training Commander
Cadet First Sergeant, Training
Cadet Squadron Commander
Cadet Flight Commander
You

MAJOR COMMANDS
Air Force Personnel Center
Air Education and Training Command
Air Force International Affairs
Air Force Academy
Air Force Special Operations Command
Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency
Air Force Security Forces
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

AIR FORCE SONG

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun! (Give 'er the gun now!)
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one heckuva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame.
Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!
Minds of men fashioned a crate of thunder
Sent it high into the blue
Hands of men blasted the world asunder,
How they lived God only knew!
Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer
Gave us wings ever to soar,
With scouts before and bombers galore, Hey!
Nothing'll stop the US Air Force!
Here's a toast to the host of those
Who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message
Of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down we roar
to score the rainbow's pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast, the US Air Force.
Zoom!
Off we go into the wild sky yonder,
Keep the wings level and true!
If you'd live to be a grey-haired wonder,
Keep your nose out of the blue! (Out of the blue, boy!)
Flying men guarding the nation's border,
We'll be there, followed by more,
In echelon we carry on! Hey!
Nothing'll stop the US Air Force!

AIRMANS CREED
I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
I AM A WARRIOR.
I HAVE ANSWERED MY NATION'S CALL.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
MY MISSION IS TO FLY, FIGHT, AND WIN.
I AM FAITHFUL TO A PROUD HERITAGE,
A TRADITION OF HONOR,
AND A LEGACY OF VALOR.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN,
GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE,
MY NATION'S SWORD AND SHIELD,
ITS SENTRY AND AVENGER.
I DEFEND MY COUNTRY WITH MY LIFE.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN:
WINGMAN, LEADER, WARRIOR.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AIRMAN BEHIND,
I WILL NEVER FALTER,
AND I WILL NOT FAIL.

PHONETIC ALPHABET

Letter

Code Word

Alpha

Bravo

Charlie

Delta

Echo

Foxtrot

Golf

Hotel

India

Juliett

Kilo

Lima

Mike

November

Oscar

Papa

Quebec

Romeo

Sierra

Tango

Uniform

Victor

Whiskey

X Ray

Yankee

Zulu

CADET HONOR CODE

We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.

CADET RANKS

full-size image

CADRE BIOS
Coming soon

SECTION FIVE

GRADUATION
Cadets that successfully fulfill all requirements for commission and graduate will be commissioned in the
Regular Air Force as a Second Lieutenant (2d Lt.). They will also be awarded with an Air Force Training
Ribbon.

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE
Cadets that successfully fulfill all requirements and are distinguished graduates of the Academy will be
commissioned in the Regular Air Force as a Second Lieutenant (2d Lt.). They will also be awarded with
an Air Force Training Ribbon and Air Force Achievement Medal/Commendation depending on the level of
meritorious conduct. In addition, there are many awards available for outstanding cadet performance
during a cadet's tenure in the Academy.

COMMISSION
An Air Force commission is your ticket to working in top professional and management jobs as an officer
in the United States Air Force. Only Air Force Academy graduates can obtain an Air Force commission,
which is granted by the President of the United States.