The United States Air Force Academy Cadet Wing (AFCW) is the student body of the United States Air Force Academy. The students, called "cadets", are divided into four classes, based on their year in school, much like a civilian college. They are not called freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, however, but fourth-, third-, second- and first-class cadets, respectively. Fourth-class cadets (freshmen) are sometimes called "doolies,” in reference to James Doolittle of the Doolittle Raid. Members of the three lower classes are also called "4 degrees", "3 degrees" or "2 degrees" (or "4-degs", 3-degs", and "2-degs" respectively) based on their class. First-class cadets (seniors) are called "firsties". In the military structure of the Cadet Wing, first class cadets hold the positions of cadet officers, second class cadets act as the cadet non-commissioned officers and third-class cadets represent the cadet junior non-commissioned officers.[1]
The wing is commanded by the “Wing Top 3”, led by the Cadet Wing Commander (AFCW/CC), the highest ranking first-class cadet, with the Cadet Vice Wing Commander (AFCW/CV) and the Cadet Wing Director of Operations (AFCW/DO).
The Cadet Wing Commander is responsible for the daily operations of the 4,000+ member Wing.[2] The Wing Commander reports directly to the Commandant of Cadets and advises him/her on major command decisions. The Wing Commander supervises the Vice Wing Commander, Cadet Wing Director of Operations, and four Cadet Group Commanders, who in turn each supervise ten Cadet Squadron Commanders. The Wing Commander also commands the wing staff who assist him/her with the creation and implementation of command policy. Among cadets, the Wing Commander is called the “Wing King” or “Wing Queen”.
The Cadet Wing Director of Operations is a senior cadet responsible for the day-to-day operation, readiness, and discipline of the Wing and holds the rank of C/Col, the highest firstie rank.[3] The Wing Director of Operations also oversees the Cadet Wing Operations Center[4] The cadet who fills this position is often called the “Wing D.O.” among cadets. The chief administrator of the cadet discipline system, authorizing and monitoring demerit, tours, and confinement work, he or she also implements military, academic, athletic, standardization/evaluation, and training programs. Lastly, the “Wing D.O.” is in charge of approving the distribution of the daily Routine Order to the Cadet Wing.[5]
When the first class entered the academy in the summer of 1955, they were divided into four squadrons. The number of squadrons then gradually increased at an average of four to eight per year; and by 1970, to its peak of 40 squadrons. The number dipped from 40 to 36 in 1999 but returned to its current strength of 40 squadrons in 2006.[6] [7]
Cadet Groups One, Two, Three and Four consist of Squadrons 1–10, 11–20, 21–30, and 31–40 respectively.
During the fall semester of the third-class (sophomore) year, the AFCW cadets choose a class exemplar who becomes the class' honorary namesake. The exemplar is typically a deceased former member of the Air Force or Army Air Force, with a few notable exceptions like the Wright Brothers and Neil Armstrong. The tradition began with the Class of 2000. The selection of the class exemplar is celebrated with a class-wide dinner.[8] [9] [10] [11]
| Year | Class Exemplar | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | General James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle | ||
| 2001 | Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell | ||
| 2002 | Captain Lance P. Sijan | ||
| 2003 | Major Richard I. Bong | ||
| 2004 | Captain Eddie Rickenbacker | ||
| 2005 | General George S. Patton Jr. | ||
| 2006 | General Carl A. "Tooey" Spaatz | ||
| 2007 | Lieutenant Colonel Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom | ||
| 2008 | 1st. Lt Karl W. Richter | ||
| 2009 | Colonel Hubert "Hub" Zemke | ||
| 2010 | 1st Lt. Frank Luke Jr. | ||
| 2011 | Brigadier General Robin Olds | ||
| 2012 | General of the AF Henry H. "Hap" Arnold | ||
| 2013 | General Curtis E. LeMay | ||
| 2014 | Lieutenant Colonel Jay Zeamer Jr. | ||
| 2015 | Wilbur and Orville Wright | [12] | |
| 2016 | Major David Brodeur | [13] | |
| 2017 | Col. George Everett "Bud" Day | [14] | |
| 2018 | Capt. Louis Zamperini | [15] | |
| 2019 | Neil Armstrong | [16] | |
| 2020 | 1st Lt. Robert "Bob" Hoover | [17] | |
| 2021 | Brigadier General James Robinson "Robbie" Risner | [18] | |
| 2022 | General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. | ||
| 2023 | Colonel Leo Thorsness | ||
| 2024 | Major LeRoy Homer | ||
| 2025 | Colonel William "Psycho" Andrews | ||
| 2026 | Master Sergeant John A. Chapman |