USAFAMD3 — Commandant Of Cadets

USAFAMD3 governs the mission and assigned duties of the Commandant of Cadets, Headquarters United States Air Force Academy.

Search USAFAMD3

  • Publication number: USAFAMD3
  • Title: COMMANDANT OF CADETS
  • Date: 2025-06-18

View USAFAMD3 on armypubs.army.mil


It defines the Academy mission, command relationships, education and training responsibilities, leadership development, discipline, and cadet support functions. Compliance is mandatory, and the publication establishes recordkeeping, supplementation, and waiver processes.

Applies to: This mission directive does not apply to the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) or the Air National Guard (ANG).

Topics covered

  • Academy mission
  • Command authority
  • Military education and training
  • Leadership development
  • Cadet discipline
  • Honor System
  • Cadet uniforms
  • Cadet compensation

Questions and answers

What mission does USAFAMD3 assign to the Air Force Academy?

Develop and produce innovative, critical‐thinking leaders of character with a warrior ethos, an expeditionary mindset, cultural awareness, an immersion in Air Force history, traditions, and professional values, and motivation to be commissioned officers dedicated to a career of personal and professional excellence in service to the Nation, living honorably, and ensuring the long-term readiness and success of the Air Force. (paragraph 1)

Who does the Commandant of Cadets report to?

Reports directly to the Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy. (paragraph 2)

What authority does the Commandant exercise over cadets, faculty, and staff?

Exercises administrative and operational control of all USAFA cadets, assigned faculty, and staff. (paragraph 2)

What subjects must pre-commissioning education cover?

Pre-commissioning education oriented toward providing candidates with a basic grounding in the U.S. defense establishment and the Air Force, as well as a foundation in leadership, management, civil-military relations, ethics, history, international relations, culture, and other subjects necessary to prepare them to serve as commissioned officers. (paragraph 2)

How is cadet good order and discipline maintained?

The AFCW chain trains, develops and mentors the junior classes and is responsible for support and maintenance of good order and discipline of all cadets through the Cadet Disciplinary System (CDS). (paragraph 3)

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