Experience Campus Tour in Virtual Reality

Tour stop audio transcript

The outdoor leadership complex provides an experience-based testing ground, focused on character and leadreship development for cadets, staff, instructors and military members who support the Academy mission. The complex includes 12 forrested acres with problem-solving elements, high-element challenges, open spaces, classrooms and the Leader Challenge Tower. The multi-level tower offers challenges at 24- and 55-feet off the ground, six physical challenges, simulated free-fall, non-traditional zip line, climbing wall and rapelling anchors. The course is staffed by members of the Center for Character and Leadership Development, and are skilled at creating programs tailored to meet the needs of anyone who uses the course.

You are now on the 23rd point on the Welcome trail coming from Outdoor Leadership Course on your way to Doolittle Hall.

Arnold Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

The Arnold Hall Student Center is where cadets go to relax and refuel. It serves as an entertainment hub by hosting concerts, dances and shows. You won't want to miss our open mic nights and football tailgate parties. When hunger strikes, cadets and visitors can enjoy our many dining options. On the weekends, Juniors and Seniors above the age of 21 line up at the Cadet Lounge, also known as Haps. You have to try the free nachos! And just down the hall, the Arnold Hall Ballroom is where we host our Ring Dance. This formal ball celebrates the Juniors becoming Seniors by unveiling their class ring and crest.

You are now on the 27th point on the Welcome trail coming from Arnold Hall on your way to Doolittle Hall.

Planetarium

Tour stop audio transcript

Our Planetarium is an educational resource for cadets and the Colorado Springs community. We believe young people are the key to solving global challenges, which requires a solid foundation of science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM. Our state-of-the-art digital dome allows us to reach more students than ever before with the use of immersive 360-degree content. We're always creating new shows to develop skills in national security, cyber warfare and airpower.

You are now on the 31st point on the Welcome trail coming from Planetarium on your way to Doolittle Hall.

Footprints

The Terrazzo

Tour stop audio transcript

Behold the beauty of the Terrazzo. Located at the heart of the Academy, this open-air plaza is surrounded by the main academic buildings in the cadet area. Here, cadets and freshmen students march, walk, and run on the marble and concrete walkways. In the center, you will find Spirit Hill, where cadets "take the hill" to show their spirit during noon meal formation. The east quarter of the Terrazzo, known as the Air Gardens, is distinguished by a series of geometric pools and walkways. As you can see, several retired aircraft call the Terrazzo home, including an F-15, F-16, F-105, and F-4.

You are now on the 39th point on the Welcome trail coming from The Terrazzo on your way to Doolittle Hall.

McDermott Library

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to McDermott Library. Look around because this is no ordinary library. As the hub of the academic community, it services cadets' educational, research, and recreational reading needs and it's a great place to study too! Located next to Fairchild Hall, the library provides cadets with easy access to the resources and information they need for success. With excellent Wi-Fi, a massive collection of books and journals, and super comfortable study pods, you may not want to leave. Make sure to follow our beautiful spiral staircase to the 6th floor to check out our special collections of books and artifacts related to manned flight, air warfare, falconry, and the Air Force.

You are now on the 43rd point on the Welcome trail coming from McDermott Library on your way to Doolittle Hall.

Fairchild Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Fairchild Hall is our main academic building and where cadets spend the majority of their day. Inside they have access to state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, departmental offices, as well as medical and dental clinics. There's even a barber shop and several eateries. Here, faculty and staff are dedicated to developing cadets as officers and scholars. The rigorous curriculum at the Academy couples the critical thinking skills of a humanities and science education with the applied problem solving disciplines of social sciences and engineering. Here you can build satellites, study the classics, explore global socio-economics, and even operate jet engines!

You are now on the 47th point on the Welcome trail coming from Fairchild Hall on your way to Doolittle Hall.

Mitchell Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Mitchell Hall is our cadet dining hall. It's one of the largest and most advanced dining facilities in the world. That's because it serves over 4,000 cadets in less than 30 minutes! Cadets are required to attend breakfast and noon meals, while an optional all-you-can-eat buffet is served for dinner. If you're an athlete, vegetarian or just trying to eat smarter, our dieticians provide personalized counseling and meal plans.

Vandenberg Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Vandenberg Hall was the first dormitory on campus and holds the distinction of being the second-largest dormitory in the country with over 2,000 residents. Inside cadets enjoy a laundromat, a barber and beauty shop, and a small convenience store. Our Outdoor Recreation Center is also located within the building. Whether you're hitting the slopes or going camping, check out the Outdoor Recreation Center's main office to rent or purchase equipment for your next adventure.

Sijan Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

This is Sijan Hall, one of two dormitories at the Academy. It's named for Capt. Lance Sijan, a graduate of the class of 1965 and our only alumnus to receive the Medal of Honor. Inside cadets will find a laundromat, a day spa, a barber shop, and an equipment store where they can pick up sabers, flight suits, and more.

Academy Airfield

Tour stop audio transcript

While Davis Field is not open to the public, the Thunderbird Overlook offers the best view of Academy Airmanship programs outside of being a cadet. On display are a T-38 Talon painted in a Thunderbird color scheme and an A-10 Warthog.

You are now on the 57th point on the Welcome trail coming from Academy Airfield on your way to Doolittle Hall.

Prep School

Tour stop audio transcript

As one of the most competitive colleges in the country, those who apply and don't receive a direct appointment to the Air Force Academy are automatically considered for the Preparatory School. If accepted, cadet candidates will be immersed into a 10-month program designed to develop the skills and character necessary to be successful at the Academy. Although cadet candidates are not guaranteed an appointment, they will be reconsidered and receive a recommendation from the Prep School Commander.

You are now on the 61st point on the Welcome trail coming from Prep School on your way to Doolittle Hall.

Jacks Valley

Tour stop audio transcript

Once cadets finish the first stage of Basic Cadet Training, they march to Jacks Valley. Here, they are pushed to their physical limits. Over two weeks, they master obstacle courses, learn how to handle firearms and endure grueling assault courses with simulated ammunition and explosions. After crawling through the mud, you will never forget the smell of the dirt! Cadets also return here the following summer for survival training.

Doolittle Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Home of the Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall is where alumni can stay connected with Academy life. While you're there, you can walk the Heritage Trail and visit the Challenge Bridge, Memorial Wall and Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion. Doolittle is occasionally closed for private functions and all holidays.