USAF Academy

USAF Academy Mission

The mission of the United States Air Force Academy is to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become leaders of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation.

Core Values:  Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do.

These values guide all members of the U.S. Air Force, not just Academy cadets. From day one these values are memorized and internalized to serve as the foundation and unifying element of a cadet's commitment to themselves, their comrades and their country. Our core values are our North Star.

The Key Components of the United States Air Force Academy Essence

Developing Character and Leadership / Focusing on the Air Force Mission in Air, Space and Cyberspace / Immersing Cadets in a Total Experience / Harmonizing STEM and the Liberal Arts / Competing / Internalizing the Air Force Ethos / Exposing Cadets to Air Force Professional Culture / Maintaining an Exemplary Installation

The US Air Force Academy is a Direct Reporting Unit (DRU).

Before departing your current location, contact our Housing Referral Office at 719-867-9688; please note no DSN number is available. Website, https://www.airforceacademyhousing.com.

Affordable rental and sale housing is currently scarce in the local area. Plan to do some online research prior to your PCS to this area. Rental or mortgage payment may be higher than BAH rate for this area. 

Road travel can be hazardous and challenging in the winter months, especially from the west, due to inclement weather and closures of mountain passes. Call the Colorado State Patrol at 303-639-1111 or access Colorado Department of Transportation(CDOT) website, information is also available on Facebook or Twitter (Colorado DOT). Colorado Trip also has timely travel information. If possible and/or necessary, detour around the mountains.

The United States Air Force Academy is located at 7,258 feet above sea level. Newcomers from lower elevations may experience minor altitude sickness. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not overexert yourself in the first few weeks after arrival.

Depending on your category, Childcare may not be readily available upon your arrival in the Colorado Springs area. Please call the Academy Child Development Center, 719-333-6779 with any questions. 

Dear USAFA Newcomers,

Welcome to your United States Air Force Academy!  You are joining a highly motivated team with a proud legacy and distinctive heritage. Your 10th Air Base Wing provides superior support to the United States Air Force Academy's vision of "developing leaders of character."  During your assignment at this premier institution, you will have a direct impact on cadets, military members, and families.  Your leadership, talents and skills will be important to the training of over 4,000 future Air Force officers, the professional development of permanent party members, and the support provided to our family members.

As you are aware, Colorado Springs offers an unmatched lifestyle.  You will be awed by the beautiful Garden of the Gods Park, majestic Pikes Peak scenery, and many more historic and tourist landmarks.  We take pride in this area and the close relationship we have developed with Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities.  Hence, we are excited that you have accepted this great honor to serve as an Air Force ambassador to the local community.

We are committed to ensure you arrive safely and transition successfully.  We recommend you visit the Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) immediately upon your arrival. Our M&FRC serves as your liaison for spouse employment, volunteer opportunities, free child care to assist you during your relocation, local community services, and a myriad of other services and programs.  Contact the M&FRC at (719) 333-3444 or visit us at www.usafasupport.com.

We look forward to meeting you!