Third-class yearU.S. Air Force Academy · Third class (sophomore)

Squadron shuffle

Cadets move to a new squadron, which becomes their permanent squadron for the remaining three years¹².

Duties

Third-class cadets supervise fourth-class cadets in non-commissioned officer roles³¹.

Milestone

The class picks its class exemplar and holds an Exemplar Dinner¹.

Summer training

Combat Survival Training, "where cadets develop critical skills for conducting military operations in austere environments"¹.

Academics

You must declare a major by October of your third semester⁴.

Privileges

1 Weekday Sign Out Pass a week and 2 Weekend Overnight passes a month. Passes "are no longer required beginning spring semester." Civilian clothes are allowed on base after the duty day, and 6 personal room items. Mattress toppers, coffee pots, plants, and headphones may be authorized².

When it becomes binding: At the start of second-class year. Cadets who leave after the first day of fall classes owe 2 years of active duty as second-class cadets and 3 as first-class cadets⁵. This is marked by the Commitment Dinner¹.

Cadets get leave over Thanksgiving, about two and a half weeks for winter break, and a one-week spring break. Most cadets in the upper three classes get about three weeks of summer leave².