Essential resources and support for Alabama families throughout the USAFA journey — from application to graduation and beyond.
The Academy provides several key resources for candidates and families navigating the admissions process:
ALOs are active duty, reserve, or retired Air Force officers assigned to each region who guide candidates through the admissions process. To find or contact your ALO, log in to your USAFA application portal. For issues reaching your ALO, contact your assigned admissions team.
Seek Your Nomination — Official USAFA guide to the nomination process
Admissions Cycle — Timeline and milestones for the full application process
Admissions Resources — Additional resources to help you through the application
Application & Nomination FAQ — Answers to common questions
Contact USAFA Admissions — Have a representative contact you directly
If you need help connecting with your local ALO or navigating the nomination process, contact our club at info@alabamafalcons.org and we'll help point you in the right direction.
Basic Cadet Training is six weeks of intensive military training that begins on Inprocessing Day. Here are key resources to help prepare:
Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) — Official fitness test requirements
Physical Fitness Preparation — Training guides and workout plans
Start building endurance, strength, and mental toughness early. The Academy recommends a consistent fitness routine starting your junior year.
BCT Overview — Official information about what to expect
Appointee Checklist — Required items for I-Day
The Academy provides almost everything cadets need. Appointees should follow the official packing list carefully and avoid bringing prohibited items.
During BCT, cadets have limited communication privileges. Families typically receive updates through official USAFA channels and can send letters. Our Parents Club coordinates care package drives so your cadet knows Alabama is supporting them.
While tuition at USAFA is fully covered, families should understand the financial aspects of the Academy experience:
The Academy provides full tuition, room and board, medical and dental care, and a monthly stipend for cadets. However, there are initial out-of-pocket costs for uniforms, computers, and other supplies that are deducted from the cadet's pay during their first year.
Appointees should expect approximately $3,000-$4,000 in initial expenses during their first year, deducted from their monthly pay. This covers:
• Uniforms and military equipment
• Computer and software
• Textbooks and academic supplies
• Miscellaneous fees
Cadets cannot accept external scholarships that would pay them directly. However, some organizations offer one-time gifts or support. Contact USAFA Financial Services with questions about specific scholarship offers.
Understanding the medical qualification process and ongoing health support:
Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board — Handles all medical qualification exams
All service academy candidates must pass a medical examination administered by DoDMERB. The process begins after you receive your candidate number. If you receive a disqualification, you may be eligible for a waiver.
All cadets receive comprehensive medical and dental care at the Academy. The 10th Medical Group provides on-site care, and cadets have access to mental health services and counseling.
If you receive a medical disqualification, work closely with your Regional Admissions Counselor and medical providers to gather supporting documentation for a waiver request. Many common conditions are waiverable.
You're not alone on this journey. Here are resources to connect with other USAFA families:
Association of Graduates (AOG) — Official alumni and parent organization
USAFA Parents Facebook Group — Active community of current cadet parents
Connect with thousands of current and former cadet families for support, advice, and community.
• Inprocessing Day (I-Day) — Drop off your appointee and witness the oath of office
• Acceptance Day — End of BCT, cadets formally join the Cadet Wing
• Parents' Weekend — Annual fall weekend for families to visit
• Recognition — Fourth-class cadets (freshmen) earn their shoulder boards
• Ring Dance — Junior year milestone celebrating class rings
• Graduation Week — Culmination of four years at the Academy
Visitor Information — Plan your trip to Colorado Springs
The Academy welcomes visitors year-round. The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center offers tours and exhibits. Note that access to cadet areas requires proper credentials and coordination.
The Academy's rigorous academic program challenges even the strongest students:
Academic Programs Overview — Majors and curriculum information
Academic Calendar — Important dates and breaks
All cadets complete a core curriculum plus their chosen major. The Academy offers 32 majors across sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Cadets have access to tutoring, academic coaching, writing centers, and faculty office hours. The Academy wants cadets to succeed and provides robust support systems for those who seek help.
Cadets may validate (test out of) courses based on AP scores, IB credits, or validation testing. Successfully validating courses allows cadets to pursue advanced coursework or additional majors/minors.
Securing an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy requires a nomination. This is a competitive process, and candidates should seek a nomination in each of the categories for which they are eligible. The majority of applicants obtain nominations through congressional or Vice Presidential channels.
Each Member of Congress can have up to five cadets attending each service academy at any given time. For each vacancy that occurs, the Member may nominate up to 15 candidates to compete for appointment. The nomination process typically begins in the spring of a candidate's junior year of high school, and deadlines are generally in the fall of the senior year.
We encourage prospective cadet families to reach out to all three of their nominating sources — both U.S. Senators and their U.S. Representative — to maximize their chances.
The Academy must receive notice of your nomination by January 31. If a nomination is not received by this deadline, the candidate will be disqualified. Nominations do not carry over from year to year. Since the process of securing a nomination is lengthy, it is recommended you request them during the spring semester of your junior year.
When seeking a nomination, first determine the categories for which you are eligible:
The most common path. You may seek nominations from both of your state's U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative. Each nominating authority has its own application process and deadlines — contact their offices directly for materials.
The Vice President may nominate candidates from the nation at large and is allowed to have a maximum of five cadets attending the Academy at one time. All pre-candidates are eligible. The Academy will make recommendations to the Vice President based upon your admissions file. You may also complete the online application at whitehouse.gov. The deadline is January 31.
The Academy reserves a select number of appointments for children of career military personnel (active duty, reserve, or retired with at least eight years of service), children of deceased or disabled veterans, children of Medal of Honor recipients, and honor graduates of military preparatory schools. If you fall into one of these categories, check with USAFA Admissions for specific eligibility requirements.
Below are contact details for Alabama's congressional delegation. Each office handles nomination requests independently and sets its own application timeline and requirements. We recommend contacting all three offices early in your candidate's junior year.
U.S. Senator (R)
DC Phone: (202) 224-4124
Mobile: (251) 308-7233
Huntsville: (256) 692-7500
Visit Official Website →U.S. Senator (R)
DC Phone: (202) 224-5744
Montgomery: (334) 777-1150
Visit Official Website →