A male basic cadet from the Class of 2030 receives a regulation haircut on In-processing Day at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., June 24, 2026. (US Air Force Academy via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
Shouted instructions and regulation head shaves for males marked the arrival of new recruits at the U.S. Air Force Academy this week.
More than 1,130 Class of 2030 appointees took the first step in their journey toward becoming Air Force and Space Force officers during In-processing Day on Wednesday (6/24) in Colorado.
Someone screams at a cadet. (US Air Force Academy via SWNS)
Selected from a pool of 10,970 applicants, the incoming class includes appointees from across the nation and 17 international appointees representing allied and partner nations around the world.
The day marked the beginning of a 47-month journey that will challenge the newest members of the Cadet Wing academically, physically and militarily as they prepare to become leaders of character and warfighters ready to serve.
Basic cadets go through a gauntlet of cadre as they step off the bus. (US Air Force Academy via SWNS)
After arriving at the Holaday Athletic Center, appointees completed administrative and medical processing before taking their initial oath of service. They then met the Cadet Cadre, the upperclassmen who will be training them, for the first time and traveled to the Cadet Area, where they received instruction on military customs and courtesies, appearance standards and the expectations of Academy life.
Male basic cadets receive a regulation haircut on In-processing Day, one of the first steps in the transition from civilian life to military training during Basic Cadet Training.
A male basic cadet from the Class of 2030 receives a regulation haircut. (US Air Force Academy via SWNS)
“I-Day is a great day for the Academy, 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,” said Commandant of Cadets Col. Brandon J. Tellez. “I-Day is where that transformation begins, it’s a milestone the Academy looks forward to every year.”