Final Upperclassmen Summer Program Blog!
Hey WebFamilies, we are finally at the end of the summer with all of the Upperclassmen Programs. This week we stopped by RPA and Jump for the last of our coverage. Check out our highlights and where to find the rest of the pictures from our coverage! Be sure to stay tuned during the Academic year for our continued coverage of the Upperclassmen Programs!
Jump
3rd Class Cadets this summer will participate in AM-490, in other words Jump! It is one of the more challenging programs provided by USAFA, a parachuting training course that is the only location in the world where students perform their first jump all by themselves. Its purpose is to develop leadership traits through overcoming their own fears. They will be given instruction in basic free fall parachuting and familiarization with emergency parachuting. The successful completion of 5 Jumps results in award of the Air Force basic parachutist badge and completion during summer before sophomore year fills one of the few military training requirements that Cadets at USAFA have. Several hundred Cadets over the course of this summer will have to "STAND IN THE DOOR."
To view the rest of the pictures go to Classes - 2019 - Jump. Or click the link below.
RPA
Cadets who take the Summer UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Program, otherwise known as RPA (Remote Piloted Aircraft) learn basic employment of UAS-RPA for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. This program is revolutionizing the ability to monitor and understand the global environment. These aircrafts are operated by remote pilots and range in wingspan from less than six feet to more than 115 feet. UAS can also collect data from dangerous or remote areas. Ground school and RPA flight training using actual small RPAs, includes general airmanship concepts, basic RPA piloting skills training, and an introduction to real-world RPA tactics, techniques, and procedures. The flying portion includes approximately 7 sorties comprising 7 flight hours where students control UASs and UAS sensors using RPA strategies and procedures. Completion during summer before third-class year fills one military training requirement and following their years at USAFA will help prepare them to meet battlefield challenges they may encounter as officers in the Air Force.
To view the rest of the pictures go to Classes - 2019 - RPA. Or click the link below.