Contrails: the Air Force Academy basic cadet's book of knowledge

• What it is: Contrails is a small handbook "that has quotes and military knowledge." Basic cadets receive it during the first phase of Basic Cadet Training (BCT), "on the hill" in the cadet area. Source: USAFA: Basic Cadet Training
• When it's issued: the Doolittle Outfitters store at shop.usafa.org (the usafa.org alumni site, not usafa.edu) says each cadet gets a copy at in-processing in June of their first year.
• What it's for: the knowledge "must be memorized during Basic Cadet Training," and upperclass cadets can quiz fourth-class cadets on it at any time.
• Editions change: each edition is "slightly different as the people and aircraft contained in its cover's changes." The store's own advice is that "it's not advisable to try to memorize an edition prior to in-processing." Source: Doolittle Outfitters: Contrails

Testing standard: basic cadets must score at least 80% on standardized written tests of foundational knowledge. The tests cover Air Force chain of command, standards and discipline, and customs and courtesies, plus Space Force basics such as mission, vision and rank structure. USAFA: Basic Cadet Training FAQ

The 1994–1995 edition (public, digitized) gives a representative outline:

• Mission Statements
• USAFA Senior Staff
• Character Development
• Heritage of the Air Force
• The United States Air Force Academy
• The United States Air Force

Later editions also cover the other services and current aircraft. Internet Archive: Contrails 1994–1995 full text · Internet Archive catalog note, which says "each issue includes descriptions of currently used aircraft"

These archived copies date from the 1980s and 1990s. They're useful to show how the book is laid out, but their facts are outdated. Don't study them as current knowledge.

These items appear on official Academy and Department of the Air Force pages, so they're safe to start on.

1. USAFA mission:

   "To forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead our Air Force and Space Force as we fight and win our Nation's wars." USAFA: Mission

2. Core values: "Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do." The Academy says that "from day one these values are memorized and internalized." Source: USAFA: Mission

3. Honor Code: "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." It was written and adopted by the Class of 1959. Source: USAFA: Mission

4. Honor Oath, taken on Acceptance Day:

   "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and to live honorably, (so help me God)." USAFA Class of 2030 Appointee Handbook

5. Oath of Office, taken at BCT. The text is printed in an official appointee handbook, which notes it is "almost unchanged" since the first act of Congress in 1789. Source: USAFA Appointee Handbook (Class of 2026 edition, PDF)

6. Air Force mission: "To fly, fight, and win…airpower anytime, anywhere." Source: Af.mil: Air Force unveils new mission statement

7. Space Force mission: "Secure our Nation's interests in, from, and to space." Guardian values: Character, Commitment, Connection and Courage. Source: Spaceforce.mil: About Us

8. The Airman's Creed. It opens with "I am an American Airman. I am a warrior. I have answered my nation's call." The full text is on official Air Force pages. Source: Hurlburt Field fact sheet (af.mil)

9. The Code of Conduct, Articles I–VI. This is public-domain federal text. Source: National Archives: EO 10631

10. Air Force and Space Force rank structure. Learn the officer and enlisted grades from official service sites. The BCT tests cover them. Source: USAFA: BCT FAQ

• Edition-specific content: senior staff and chain-of-command names, the aircraft pages, and the quotes chosen for that year's Contrails. Source: Doolittle Outfitters
• Your own unit details: BCT squadron (A through H), flight, and cadre names. Squadrons and flights are assigned at BCT. Source: USAFA: BCT FAQ
• Day-to-day knowledge that cadre assign during BCT.

• Lock in the official items first. The mission, core values, Honor Code and Oath, Oath of Office and service missions are stable and appear on official pages.
• Use spaced flashcards for the creed and the oaths. A deck built from official text is linked below.
• Learn rank insignia visually. Draw or print the insignia and quiz yourself both ways: insignia to grade, and grade to insignia.
• Practice answering out loud, fast. Upperclass cadets can ask at any time.
• Follow the official fitness plan. The Class of 2030 Appointee Handbook includes a physical preparation program, and BCT fitness standards are official requirements. Source: USAFA Class of 2030 Appointee Handbook

There's a starter deck taken from official USAFA, Air Force, Space Force and federal pages. Open the deck below.

• Mission, core values and Honor Code: usafa.edu, checked October 21, 2026.
• Honor Oath: Class of 2030 Appointee Handbook.
• Oath of Office text: an earlier official appointee handbook. The oath itself is set by statute.
• The book itself: the current Contrails edition and volume number weren't confirmed from an official source. Digitized editions run only through 1999–2000.

This page summarizes and links to official sources. It does not reproduce Contrails, and Academy Dreams is not affiliated with the U.S. Air Force Academy.