Class of 2022 arrives Thursday at Air Force Academy
Just a month after a cadet class graduated from the Air Force Academy, a new class arrived Thursday to begin registration.
Nearly 1,200 pre-cadets, accompanied by their families, formed a line around Clune Arena for in-processing requirements that began at 7 a.m.
The pre-cadets, also called appointees because they were appointed by Congress or the president to attend the academy, officially became first-year basic cadets later in the day.
“I think I’m ready,” said one appointee. “I know it’s tough here, but I can handle it. At the end of the day, everyone here wants you to succeed.”
“I’m proud and sad,” said the appointee’s father. “Getting here is quite an accomplishment and, now, four years of hard work are ahead.”
Hallmarks of the tradition that dates to 1960 include a bus ride during which appointees are yelled at and ordered by senior cadets, and military-style haircuts for the men.
“This is the first time I’ve ever had my head shaved,” said an appointee.
Female appointees rarely have their hair cut and focus more on styling their hair into buns, braids, ponytails and other academy-approved looks.
Cadet Capt. Zachary Socolofsky, a senior cadet who dished out some of the verbal punishment, said it has a purpose.
“It helps (appointees) take in a lot of information in a short period of time,” he said. “It’s a skill they’ll need while they’re here. But we realize that, on the first day, it’s overwhelming and they won’t remember much.”
To emphasize the academy’s competitive environment, the Class of 2018 had a grade point average of 3.85, and 222 cadets dropped out before graduation.
“Many cadets are from families that have several generations of military experience,” an appointee said. “We can’t fail. There’s too much pressure on us. We don’t want to disappoint ourselves or the people who support us.”
The cadets will start basic training July 22 at the academy’s Jacks Valley training complex.
The Academy also said it is focusing more on making in-processing day special for parents and families, by providing lunch and other activities.
Academy officials said cadet classes have steadily increased, with nearly 1,500 appointments offered and 1,206 accepted in the Class of 2018.
