Those not qualified for flight training must enroll in a basic aviation course. Astronomy and advanced navigation courses also are available. Students bound for pilot training enroll in the pilot indoctrination course and fly the T-3 Firefly. Summer training for cadets is divided into three, threeweek training periods. There are a variety of programs available, and each cadet is required to complete two training periods each summer with leave during the other period.
All new cadets take six weeks of basic cadet training in their first summer.
Combat survival training is a required three-week program during cadets' second summer. During their last two summers, all cadets are offered leadership training as supervisors or instructors in summer programs, such as basic cadet training, survival training and soaring. Extracurricular activities also are an integral part of the education program. The cadet ski club, drum and bugle corps, cadet chorale and forensics are a few of the programs available. Nominations Nominations to the academy may be obtained through a congressional sponsor or by meeting eligibility criteria in other categories of competition established by law.