Helms has flown missions aboard the Space Shuttles Endeavor,Discovery, and Columbia. Professional military studies are central to the Academy experience and dis-tinguish it from other institutions of higher learning. Following basic cadet training, new cadets enter the wing and receive a four-year, balanced program providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, values and behavior patterns to become career officers in the U.S. Air Force. Graduating cadets receive a bachelor of science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant. Part of their military training includes parachuting, soaring, navigation training and T3 pilot orientation.
Every sophomore is afforded the opportunity to solo in a sailplane.
Graduates describe the soaring program as one of the most motivational facetsof the curriculum, and each cadet is given a glimpse of an operational flyingunit and a better understanding of the Air Force mission. The leadership program, under the direction of the commandant of cadets, molds the basic cadet without military experience into an officer prepared andmotivated to defend our nation. The athletic program makes a vital contribution to each cadet's preparation for Air Force leadership. All cadets participate in intramural orintercollegiate athletics. Many cadets compete on nationally recognized inter-collegiate teams in a variety of sports.