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The Journey to Becoming an Air Force Cadet

There is nothing basic about this training.

A cadet wearing protective gear raises a rifle overhead as water pours down.
Course Complete
A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet completes an assault course at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 18, 2023.
Photo By: Rayna Grace, Air Force
VIRIN: 230718-F-YD678-1003M

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets recently completed an assault course as part of Basic Cadet Training at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Class of 2027 cadets made the traditional march from the main part of campus to Jacks Valley, a 3,300-acre rural training area on academy grounds, to conduct the assault course and several other physically intensive military courses.

Cadets march in formation.
Cadet March
U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march out to Jacks Valley for field training in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 17, 2023.
Photo By: Justin R. Pacheco, Air Force
VIRIN: 230717-F-NU281-1006
Cadets stand in formation.
Air Force Formation
U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march out to Jacks Valley for field training in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 17, 2023.
Photo By: Rayna Grace, Air Force
VIRIN: 230717-F-YD678-1020
Cadets march in formation.
March Mission
U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march out to Jacks Valley for field training in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 17, 2023.
Photo By: Justin R. Pacheco, Air Force
VIRIN: 230717-F-NU281-1010

Cadets march in formation on a road through an intersection.
Valley March
U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march out to Jacks Valley for field training in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 17, 2023.
Photo By: Trevor Cokley, Air Force
VIRIN: 230717-F-XS730-1004
An aerial view of cadets marching on a road in a forested area.
Valley March
U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march out to Jacks Valley for field training in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 17, 2023.
Photo By: Trevor Cokley, Air Force
VIRIN: 230717-F-XS730-1003C

The cadets' time at Jacks Valley followed an initial phase of Basic Cadet Training that includes such steps as orientation briefings, lessons on military customs and dental processing and the creation of mouth guards for them.

A cadet crawls while holding onto a weapon.
Cadet Crawl
A U.S. Air Force Academy cadet completes an assault course at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 18, 2023.
Photo By: Trevor Cokley, Air Force
VIRIN: 230718-F-XS730-1001

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