Class of 2026 Air Force Cadets wrapped up their six-weeks of basic training and received their first rank during an Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field.
Family members, friends, and Air Force leadership cheered on 40 squadrons from the stands as they marched in unison and performed a rite of passage with the incoming class. The academic semester will start up next week on Wednesday.
Cadets mark official military entry
With a circle of people watching, Air Force Academy upperclassmen clip on a freshman cadet first rank at the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field. Friends, family, and Air Force leadership cheered on the cadets’ official entry into the military.
40 squadrons of Air Force cadets, ranging from freshman to seniors, marched in unison under the sweltering heat to welcome the class of 2026 at the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field. Friends, family, and Air Force leadership cheered on the cadets from the stands during the rite of passage.
Cadet Marsh, who recently finished up six-weeks of basic training, gets on the phone to let family know she's officially a part of the Air Force during the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field. Friends family, and Air Force leadership cheered on the cadets during the rite of passage.
Air Force upperclassmen pin on cadet Latham's first rank during the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field. This rite of passage signifies the completion of six-weeks of basic training and an official welcome into the military.
An Air Force cadet watches his peers from the stands at the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field. Some cadets needed to take breaks due to injuries or dehydration.
A freshman cadet takes a knee, most likely due to dehydration, during the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field. After a grueling six-weeks of basic training, some freshman struggled under the sweltering heat.
Family and friends traveled to the Air Force Academy on Friday to celebrate the official acceptance of the freshman class of 2026 through the Acceptance Day Parade at Stillman Field. This moment marks the transition for the new enrollees into cadets.
40 Squadrons of Air Force cadets, ranging from freshman to seniors, marched in unison under the sweltering heat to welcome the class of 2026 at the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field.
Wrapping up six-weeks of basic training, cadet Kinlaw celebrates with a selfie during the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field. Friends and family members were invited out to Air Force to attend the parade.
A freshman cadet celebrates the completion of basic training with a big hug during the Acceptance Day Parade on Friday at Stillman Field.
The Peterson family from Kansas picnics beneath the shade of a tree following the Acceptance Day Parade at Stillman Field. Cadets quickly scooted off with their families, friends, or sponsors to make the most of a few hours of free time.
John Stember
Photo Intern
