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The United States Air Force Academy
Class of 2028

In the summer of 2024, nearly 1,200 young men and women arrived at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, stepping onto the hallowed grounds of the United States Air Force Academy as the Class of 2028. As the sound of the collective heartbeat of determination, they faced the grueling six-week journey of Basic Cadet Training—long days of physical exhaustion, mental resilience, and unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves. The echoes of “Be Bold, Be Great” rang through the cadet area as these future leaders took their first steps toward becoming officers in the world’s most powerful Air and Space Force. 
We are the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2028 — a class forged in challenge, united by purpose, and defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. We have endured the rigors of Basic Cadet Training, stood shoulder-to-shoulder through the trials of our fourth-class year, and most recently, emerged from Recognition — not just as individuals, but as a unified class with a sharpened identity and a stronger sense of purpose.
Recognition was more than a milestone — it was a transformation. It demanded grit, accountability, and heart. In that crucible, we shed self-doubt and embraced the values that will guide us forward. We learned that leadership begins with followership, and that resilience is born from adversity.
Now, we stand at a pivotal point — eyes set on Commitment. No longer new to the Academy, yet still growing into the leaders we are called to be, we recognize the path ahead is steep and the stakes are real. Commitment is not just a contract; it’s a mindset. It is the moment we take full ownership of our journey — as cadets, as future officers, and as guardians of our nation’s future.
Our class is guided by two core principles that define who we are becoming:
  • Be Bold – We rise to challenges with courage and confidence. We ask the hard questions, take initiative, and lead with integrity. Boldness is the spark that ignites progress — and we are unafraid to step into the unknown.
     
  • Be Great – We don’t strive for perfection, but for excellence with purpose. In every arena — academic, military, physical, and moral — we commit to being better than we were yesterday. Greatness is not a finish line; it is a daily decision.
     
As the Class of 2028, we move forward with clarity, unity, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve. We are not just here to graduate — we are here to transform, to inspire, and to lead.
We are bold. We are great. We are ready.
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