Class of 2011 arrives with impressive credentials

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  The 1,304 members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2011 arrive June 28 to in-process and begin basic cadet training here.

The Class of 2011 boasts the largest percentage of women entering basic cadet training in academy history at 20.7 percent, surpassing last year's mark by 0.3 percent. 

Of the 271 total women, 65 represent minority groups and two are international students.

Overall, the academy received 9,162 applications for admission into the class, with 1,600 being offered appointments. As of June 26, 1,304 had accepted appointments, including 1,033 men and 271 women. Sixty appointees are prior-Air Force enlisted members and two are prior-Marine Corps enlisted members.

The Class of 2011 includes 84 (6 percent) students who graduated No. 1 in their high school class; 116 (9 percent) were class presidents; 1,148 (88 percent) were sports team captains; and 1,252 (96 percent) were varsity sport letter winners.

The 14 international cadets entering with the Class of 2011 are from Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Kenya, Korea, Lithuania, the Philippines, Poland, Sri Lanka (two cadets), Trinidad-Tobago and Tunisia, and the academy's first cadets from Micronesia and Serbia.

Minorities account for 287 new cadets. These minority cadets include 102 Asian-Americans (7.8 percent; 80 men, 22 women); 96 Hispanics (7.4 percent; 73 men, 23 women); 71 African-Americans (5.4 percent; 56 men, 15 women); and 18 Native Americans (1.4 percent; 13 men, 5 women).

Approximately half of the members of the incoming class (626) are currently medically qualified to attend flight training upon graduation.

The high school grade point average for the Class of 2011 is 3.85. College entrance score averages are: SAT Critical Reading: 624; SAT Math: 653; ACT English: 27.9; ACT Math: 28.7.

Some of these numbers will likely change between now and in-processing day.

In-processing is a one-day event, which includes medical processing, haircuts, clothing and equipment issue, and squadron and dormitory room assignments. It also marks the start of 38 days of basic cadet training and is designed to prepare the basic cadets for entry into the cadet wing.

During the first 18 days, most of the basic training is conducted within the cadet area. On July 16, the trainees march to Jacks Valley for field training.

Brig. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins, the commandant of cadets, will conduct the formal swearing-in of the Class of 2011 at 8:30 a.m. June 29 on the Terrazzo near the Honor Wall next to the Cadet Chapel. 

"The Class of 2011 arrives here Thursday with very impressive credentials," said Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, the academy superintendent. "We look forward to working with and guiding these young men and women throughout their four-year academy experience."

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