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News Release

The Class Of 2030 Earns Place In Academy’s Cadet Wing - 08/05/26

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Today, the U.S. Air Force Academy welcomed the Class of 2030 into the Cadet Wing as 1,121 fourth-class cadets completed Basic Cadet Training and took the Academy's Honor Code Oath during the Acceptance Day Parade on Stillman Field.

 

"I couldn't be prouder of the Class of 2030," said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind. "They earned the highest Physical Fitness Test scores of any incoming class in the past decade, reflecting the commitment, discipline and determination they demonstrated throughout Basic Cadet Training. Their performance sets a strong foundation as they begin the next phase of their Academy journey as members of the Cadet Wing."

 

The Acceptance Day Parade marked the conclusion of Basic Cadet Training and the beginning of the academic year. Families attended the ceremony, which included administration of the Honor Code Oath and the presentation of fourth-class shoulder boards. For many families, it was the first opportunity to see their cadets since In-Processing Day in June.

 

The Class of 2030 began its 47-month Academy journey June 24, arriving as civilian appointees, beginning the transformation into fourth-class cadets. More than an orientation program, BCT instills discipline, resilience and foundational leadership skills required of future Air Force and Space Force officers.

 

During BCT, members of the Class of 2030 learned military customs and courtesies, the Honor Code, Air Force and Space Force heritage, and physical fitness standards before deploying to Jacks Valley for field training. There they qualified on M-4 carbine, practiced tactical combat casualty care, negotiated obstacle and assault courses, and culminated the program with a comprehensive field training exercise.

 

Brig Gen. Brandon J. Tellez, commandant of cadets, pinned on his first star during the Acceptance Day Parade.

 

“The young men and women of Class of 2030 came to the Academy as one of the most competitive classes in Academy history, they arrived prepared to be challenged, and they met that challenge every day,” said Brig. Gen. Tellez. “Our Military Training Instructors and Cadet Cadre did an extraordinary job transforming the Class of 2030 from civilians to fourth-class cadets ready for the challenges of Academy life.”

 

Basic Cadet Training is led by the Cadet Cadre; upper-class cadets specially selected and trained to mentor and lead incoming cadets under the supervision of Military Trainer Instructors and Academy leadership. The experience develops the newest cadets while providing Cadet Cadre members with one of the Academy’s most significant leadership opportunities.

 

The arrival of the Class of 2030 coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary and reflects the Academy's continued emphasis on developing warfighters and leaders prepared to meet the demands of an evolving global security environment.

 

-30-

For more information, please contact U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications at (719) 333- 7731 or email USAFA.media@us.af.mil

The Class Of 2030 Earns Place In Academy’s Cadet Wing - 08/05/26

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Today, the U.S. Air Force Academy welcomed the Class of 2030 into the Cadet Wing as 1,121 fourth-class cadets completed Basic Cadet Training and took the Academy's Honor Code Oath during the Acceptance Day Parade on Stillman Field.

 

"I couldn't be prouder of the Class of 2030," said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind. "They earned the highest Physical Fitness Test scores of any incoming class in the past decade, reflecting the commitment, discipline and determination they demonstrated throughout Basic Cadet Training. Their performance sets a strong foundation as they begin the next phase of their Academy journey as members of the Cadet Wing."

 

The Acceptance Day Parade marked the conclusion of Basic Cadet Training and the beginning of the academic year. Families attended the ceremony, which included administration of the Honor Code Oath and the presentation of fourth-class shoulder boards. For many families, it was the first opportunity to see their cadets since In-Processing Day in June.

 

The Class of 2030 began its 47-month Academy journey June 24, arriving as civilian appointees, beginning the transformation into fourth-class cadets. More than an orientation program, BCT instills discipline, resilience and foundational leadership skills required of future Air Force and Space Force officers.

 

During BCT, members of the Class of 2030 learned military customs and courtesies, the Honor Code, Air Force and Space Force heritage, and physical fitness standards before deploying to Jacks Valley for field training. There they qualified on M-4 carbine, practiced tactical combat casualty care, negotiated obstacle and assault courses, and culminated the program with a comprehensive field training exercise.

 

Brig Gen. Brandon J. Tellez, commandant of cadets, pinned on his first star during the Acceptance Day Parade.

 

“The young men and women of Class of 2030 came to the Academy as one of the most competitive classes in Academy history, they arrived prepared to be challenged, and they met that challenge every day,” said Brig. Gen. Tellez. “Our Military Training Instructors and Cadet Cadre did an extraordinary job transforming the Class of 2030 from civilians to fourth-class cadets ready for the challenges of Academy life.”

 

Basic Cadet Training is led by the Cadet Cadre; upper-class cadets specially selected and trained to mentor and lead incoming cadets under the supervision of Military Trainer Instructors and Academy leadership. The experience develops the newest cadets while providing Cadet Cadre members with one of the Academy’s most significant leadership opportunities.

 

The arrival of the Class of 2030 coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary and reflects the Academy's continued emphasis on developing warfighters and leaders prepared to meet the demands of an evolving global security environment.

 

-30-

For more information, please contact U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications at (719) 333- 7731 or email USAFA.media@us.af.mil