{"id":1132859,"date":"2026-08-06T00:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T00:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1132859\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T00:45:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T00:45:14","slug":"the-class-of-2030-earns-place-in-academys-cadet-wing-united-states-air-force-academy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1132859\/","title":{"rendered":"The Class of 2030\u202fEarns\u202fPlace in\u202fAcademy\u2019s Cadet Wing \u2022 United States Air Force Academy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\tAugust 5, 2026
\n\t\tThe Class of 2030\u202fEarns\u202fPlace in\u202fAcademy\u2019s Cadet Wing<\/p>\n

\"Members
Members of the Class of 2030 march on Stillman Field during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. The Acceptance Day Parade marks the completion of Basic Cadet Training and the formal transition of fourth-class cadets into the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)<\/p>\n

By Harry Lundy<\/strong>
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications<\/strong><\/p>\n

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.<\/strong> \u2013 More than 1,100 fourth-class cadets officially joined the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing during the Acceptance Day Parade on Stillman Field, marking the completion of Basic Cadet Training and the beginning of the academic year.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t be prouder of the Class of 2030,\u201d said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind. \u201cThey 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Acceptance Day Parade marked the conclusion of Basic Cadet Training and the beginning of the academic year. Families attended the ceremony, which included the 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.<\/p>\n

\"Brig.
Brig. Gen. Brandon Tellez\u2019s family pins on his first star during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. Tellez is the commandant of cadets and is responsible for the Academy\u2019s military education. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)<\/p>\n

From appointees to fourth-class cadets<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Class of 2030 arrived at the Academy as civilian appointees June 24 to begin their 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Brig. Gen. Brandon Tellez, commandant of cadets, pinned on his first star during the Acceptance Day Parade.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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,\u201d said Tellez. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A
A fourth-class cadet receives shoulder boards during the Acceptance Day Parade at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., Aug. 5, 2026. The presentation of fourth-class shoulder boards signifies the cadet\u2019s acceptance into the Cadet Wing following the successful completion of Basic Cadet Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)<\/p>\n

Completion of Basic Cadet Training<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s most significant leadership opportunities.<\/p>\n

Acceptance Day recognizes more than the completion of six weeks of training\u2014it marks the transformation of the Class of 2030 into members of the Cadet Wing. Cadet 1st Class Simeon Nate, Cadet Basic Training chief of staff, said the experience is designed to develop individuals into a unified team.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we receive incoming Basics, they bring their unique backgrounds, life experiences, strengths and weaknesses,\u201d Nate said. \u201cOver the course of Basic Cadet Training, we identify their weaknesses and then build them up as a team that weaves together their strengths and closes those gaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

The\u202farrival of the Class of 2030 coincides with the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary and reflects the Academy\u2019s continued emphasis on developing warfighters and leaders prepared to meet the demands of an evolving global security environment.<\/p>\n

Check out the Flickr album to see photographs from\u202fthe Acceptance Day Parade and take a virtual tour of the Academy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tOlder Former Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamm passes away
\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>
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