The U.S. Air Force Academy is a public service academy. Founded in 1955, it adopted coeducation in 1976. It develops cadets by focusing on four broad areas or pillars of instruction: professional military training, academics, athletics and character development. The most important part of our program is the individual cadet''s commitment to hard work, individual and team achievement, development of leadership skills, unquestioned integrity and strong character. The demands are tough, the rewards are many, and successful completion means becoming an officer in the world''s most respected air and space force. Its 18,000-acre campus is located in Colorado Springs.