Air Force Academy Falcons Fun Facts
The United States Air Force Academy is an accredited college for the undergraduate education of officers for the United States Air Force. Its campus is located immediately north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The Academy's stated mission is "to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation." It is the youngest of the five United States service academies, having graduated its first class in 1959. Graduates of the Academy's four-year program receive a Bachelor of Science degree, and most are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force. The Academy is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Colorado, attracting more than a million visitors each year.
The Air Force Academy is among the most selective colleges in the United States. Many publications such as U.S. News and World Report do not rank the Academy directly against other colleges because of service academies' special mission. However, a few do; Forbes Magazine recently ranked the Academy 16th in the nation (just behind MIT and just ahead of Stanford and Pomona) in its "America's Best Colleges 2008" publication. Candidates for admission are judged on their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, athletics and character. To gain admission, candidates must also pass a fitness test, undergo a thorough medical examination, and secure a nomination, which usually comes from one of the candidate's members of Congress. Recent incoming classes have usually consisted of about 1400 cadets; just under 1000 of those usually make it through to graduation. Cadets pay no tuition and receive a monthly stipend, but incur a commitment to serve a number of years in the military service after graduation.
The program at the Academy is guided by its core values of "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do," and based on four "pillars of excellence": military training, academics, athletics and character development. In addition to a rigorous military training regimen, cadets also take a broad academic course load with an extensive core curriculum in engineering, humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, military studies and physical education. All cadets participate in either intercollegiate or intramural athletics, and a thorough character development and leadership curriculum provides cadets a basis for future officership. Each of the components of the program is intended to give cadets the skills and knowledge that they will need for success as officers.
Shop for Air Force Academy Falcons Merchandise and Apparel in our online store:
Show your support for the cadets of the U.S. Air Force Academy located in Colorado Springs, Colorado with our Antigua Apparel, Top of the World Hats, Zephyr Hats and Riddell football helmets.
Why pay those high USAF Academy Gift Shop prices when you can shop with us and SAVE. Plus, get FREE shipping on all orders over $100.00 within the U.S.
Buy online:
Air Force Falcons Fatheads | Air Force Falcons Hats | Air Force Falcons Helmets | Air Force Falcons Men's Fleece | Air Force Falcons Men's Jackets | Air Force Falcons Men's Polos | Air Force Falcons Men's Shirts | Air Force Falcons Windshirts | Air Force Falcons Women's Fleece | Air Force Falcons Women's Jackets | Air Force Falcons Women's Polos
|
