USAFA welcomes Class of 2030 on I-Day
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- More than 1,130 appointees officially began their journey to become officers in the Air Force and Space Force during In-processing Day, or I-Day, at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) on June 24.
USAFA says that the incoming Class of 2030 was selected from 10,970 applicants and includes 17 international appointees representing countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, including Ghana, Kosovo, Taiwan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Ecuador, Senegal, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Jordan, South Korea, the Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Thailand and Togo.
"I-Day is a great day for the Academy," said Commandant of Cadets Col. Brandon J. Tellez. "The young men and women that showed up today have taken their first steps toward becoming the warfighters and leaders of character the Air Force and Space Force needs. I-Day is where that transformation begins."
The day marked the start of a 47-month program designed to prepare cadets for military leadership and service.
Academy officials say this year's incoming class is among the most competitive in school history.
"This year, we have admitted one of our most competitive classes in Academy history, with composite scores coming in seven percent higher than previous averages," said Col. Candice L. Pipes, the Academy's director of admissions. "These young men and women understand the rigor and the profound service obligation they are undertaking and actively chose to answer that call."
Basic Cadet Training will continue for approximately six weeks and is designed to build physical and mental resilience while introducing new cadets to military life and the core values of service, according to USAFA.
The training culminates Aug. 5 with the Acceptance Day Parade on Stillman Field, where the Class of 2030 will officially be welcomed into the Cadet Wing as fourth-class cadets.
Founded in 1954, the USAFA shares that it has graduated more than 58,500 officers who have served in every major conflict since the institution's creation.
Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.
