Iowa Web Site
Native Iowan Chad Hennings
USAFA Graduate, Outland Trophy Winner, Air Force Officer, Defensive Tackle for the Dallas Cowboys
In 1987, Iowa native Chad Hennings is the first Air Force Academy football player to win the Outland Trophy, honoring the nation's outstanding college lineman. Hennings also became the first falcon named a unanimous first-team All-American (Associated Press, United Press International, Football Writers Association of America, Kodak and Walter Camp). Among his other honors: Washington, D.C., Touchdown/Club College Club Lineman of the year for 1987; GTE Academic All-American (first team) for a second consecutive year; NCAA postgraduate Scholarship winner; WAC college Athlete of the Year (Colorado's College Athlete of the Year (Colorado Sports Hall of Fame); Most Inspirational Player at the 1988 Japan Bowl all-star game; defensive captain for the West team at the 1988 East-West Shrine Classic and Stan Bates Award Winner as the outstanding scholar-athlete in WAC athletics. Lately Chad has been knocking down quarterbacks for the Dallas Cowboys.
This web site is designed for Iowa students who are interested in attending the United States Air Force Academy. The site will provide you with information about the Academy, how to get started in the application process and how to make contact with an Academy Admissions Liaison Officer in Iowa.
The 18,000-acre campus of the Air Force Academy is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains just north of Colorado Springs and 50 miles south of Denver.
About 1,200 students nationwide enter the Academy each year. The minority enrollment is 18 percent and women also make up 18 percent of the corps. The diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds of the Academy's student body enhance each individual's educational experience.
The academic, military, aviation and athletic programs are based on mental and physical challenges which require total dedication. The result is a superior Air Force officer committed to duty, honor and a career of service to the nation. The service requirement in the Air Force is five years after graduation.
The Air Force Academy is a military college. Uniforms are a part of cadet daily life. Cadets wear them to class, for athletics, dress occasions, at formal social functions and for military training.
As a Cadet you'll have a roommate and live in one of two dormitories. Rooms must be kept in first-rate order. Men and women have separate rooms and restroom facilities within their squadron areas.
Honor and ethics are vital aspects of Cadet life at the Academy. Important in all professions, these traits are essential in the character of a military officer.
The development of professional ethics begins with acceptance of the standards of integrity embodied in the Air Force Academy Honor Code, "I will not lie, steal or cheat nor tolerate among us anyone who does." Cadets are trusted in words and deeds. In addition, several academic courses contain material on ethical concepts such as responsibility, confidence, courage, honesty, self-discipline, fairness, loyalty and sense of duty.
Most graduates agree it's hard to describe life at the Air Force Academy. Many cadets come here and like it; some don't adjust. Much depends on your personality and how you fit into the military environment. If you maintain an objective attitude, a sense of humor, and keep your eye on future rewards, you'll enjoy the challenge.
Admission standards assure that each cadet is qualified academically and physically, and has the leadership ability to complete the four-year program. But, intangible characteristics are hard to measure. For instance, how hard will you work to become an Academy graduate? How motivated are you? The following information should help you answer these questions.
Your military training begins as soon as you get off the bus. It's an eye-opening experience. During the first few days, you'll fill out forms, pick up uniforms, and be assigned a roommate. You'll also get physical exams, and take placement tests.
The first big test of your endurance, both physical and mental, starts a few days after you arrive. It's called Basic Cadet Training, or BCT. Cadets call BCT "beast" because it's strenuous. Every day you'll hit the ground running. You'll be on the go from early morning until late evening.
Upper class cadets, under the supervision of officers and enlisted personnel, lead cadets in BCT. They'll help you make the transition from civilian to a military cadet. You'll develop the physical stamina, self discipline and military skills required to become a member of the Cadet Wing.
When you complete BCT you'll have the confidence needed to meet the Academy's many challenges and you'll be a member of the Cadet Wing. You'll begin academic classes for the fall semester as a fourth class cadet. You'll be known as a "doolie." This nickname was adopted by the Class of 1959 from the Greek work "doulos" to recognize new cadets who have lost their "identity."
The Cadet Wing supports an upper class system to which you must adjust. Upper class cadets, near your own age, will have authority to instruct and correct you. You may get tired of living under their supervision that first year, but discipline is necessary. You must learn to follow before you can lead. Upper class supervision, however, doesn't mean hazing. Hazing is against Academy regulations.
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the academic year, your days will be filled with classes, military training, study periods, and exams. You'll have one hour each day for assembly and lunch.
Late afternoons are set aside for athletics, extracurricular activities, tutoring or free time. Evenings are reserved for study.
Your first chance to spend time away from the Academy comes during Parents' Weekend, usually held over Labor Day weekend. Several tours and briefings will acquaint your parents with the Academy and your new way of life.
When classes resume you'll study and train until the end of the fall semester when you'll have a two-week Christmas break. After Christmas, cadets enter a period of the year they call the "dark ages." It refers to the long, cold Colorado winter. Winter, combined with the rigorous academic and training programs, make the spring semester seem long. In March you'll earn more passes, and you'll have a ten-day spring break.
In May, you'll be accepted as a member of the upper class on Recognition Day. During this special ceremony, your first-year accomplishments will be recognized. You'll receive the prop and wings insignia which indicates you've completed fourth class training. You'll be proud of completing your doolie year.
The Academy offers a variety of optional summer programs, held at the Academy, military bases, or civilian organizations, to fulfill the summer training course requirements. Many cadets take part in summer aviation training which includes soaring, parachuting, navigation and pilot indoctrination. As a second class or first class cadet you'll lead underclass cadets in summer training.
Academics
The academic program is the major ingredient for career preparation. The Academy's faculty is composed primarily of Air Force officers, but the number of civilian professors is increasing. A few officers from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and allied nations, and distinguished civilian visiting professors supplement the faculty.Before spring break of your third class year (sophomore year), you may select an academic major or choose the basic academic program which provides a bachelor of science degree. Our 25 academic majors are: Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Basic Science, Behavioral Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Sciences, English, Geography, History, Humanities, Legal Studies, Management, Mathematical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research, Physics, Political Science, Social Sciences, Space Operations.
The Academy's academic facilities are among the best. Small classes encourage close interaction between instructors and students. Well-equipped laboratories support classes in language, science and engineering.
You'll use a microcomputer in your dormitory room. The local area network that connects dorm rooms, faculty and staff offices, classrooms and laboratories, provides numerous educational services.
The Academy library has more than a half-million volumes to serve the academic needs of the faculty and cadets. We're also proud of our collection of historical aeronautical materials.
Athletics
The Academy's extensive athletic program includes intercollegiate sports, physical education courses and intramural sports. These programs help prepare you for Air Force leadership by instilling confidence, initiative, teamwork, endurance and a competitive spirit.Men's teams compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I (Western Athletic Conference WAC), and women's teams compete in NCAA Division II.
Graduation
After graduation, you're ready to perform the duties of an Air Force officer. Graduates who take pilot or navigator training enter the flying training programs where about one year of instruction is required to earn your wings. Advanced instruction follows in fighter, bomber or transport aircraft.As an Air Force officer you'll receive an excellent career compensation package. In addition to your pay, you'll receive tax-free housing and food allowances. Other benefits include comprehensive medical and dental care, 30 days of vacation with pay each year, low-cost life insurance, and a hard-to-beat shopping at reduced prices and a variety of recreational facilities.
How to prepare
The Academy selects candidates with "Whole-person" potential to successfully complete the Academy's educational, military and athletic programs, and serve as Air Force officers. To be eligible to attend the Academy you must be a U.S. citizen, unmarried without dependents, have an excellent moral character, and be at least 17 years old- and less than 23- on July 1 of the year you plan to enter. While you're in junior high, start planning your high school academic courses, and begin physical fitness training. It may put you a step or two ahead of other applicants. In addition to the usual Academy application procedures, you must obtain a nomination from a member of Congress or other authorized sources. The Academy will give you instructions to help you with the nomination process when the time comes.Review the following guidelines to see how to improve your admission chances, Take these high school courses and aim for above-average grades:
English: Four years, including a college preparatory course in composition.
Mathematics: Four years, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and functional analysis.
Basic Sciences: Biology, chemistry, physics, computers and additional courses in the sciences.
Social Sciences: History, economics, government and behavioral sciences.
Foreign Language: Two or three years of foreign language. Each cadet must take one of the following: German, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese or Arabic.
We recommend that you see your guidance counselor to schedule the PLAN or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude test (PSAT) as a sophomore. This gives you time to improve low scores before taking the SAT or ACT in your junior year. The mid-50 percent range for the ACT are: English 25-29; reading, 26-33; math, 26-30; and science reasoning, 26-31.
Work toward developing your leadership abilities. Taking part in extracurricular activities and holding responsible positions in these activities builds valuable leadership experience. Proven excellence in an activity strengthens your record.
You also must pass a Candidate Fitness Test:
Men Women Pull-ups 10 2 Sit-ups (2 mins.) 69 68 Push-ups (2 mins.) 41 24 300-yd shuttle run 60 secs. 69 secs.
Interested in the Air Force Academy? What should you do now?
You need to contact your high school guidance counselor. He or she should have a catalog with all the information you need. Once you have the information you need, you should write to the Academy and request an application. The Academy will send you a package of paperwork to fill out and return. The package will contain information for writing letters to both of your U.S. Senator & U.S. Congressional representative requesting a nomination to the Academy. Fill out all forms immediately as many members of Congress have personal deadlines for applications. Your counselor should also be able to put you in contact with an Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer.United States Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer
Click here for LO assigned to your high school.
Admissions Liaison Officers (LO) are Air Force Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and retired officers assigned to each high school in Iowa with the responsibility of acting as a liaison between the application process and the Academy. LOs are assigned to various high schools throughout Iowa. To find out the LO for your area:
