International cadet program expands at academy

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  The U.S. Air Force Academy's first cadets from Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Belize and Madagascar begin their academy experience today.

They are among 20 international basic cadet trainees who begin inprocessing to join the Class of 2010.

The new international basic cadet trainees hail from: Afghanistan, Algeria, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Iraq, Kenya, Korea, Madagascar, Oman, Romania, Rwanda, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago and Tunisia. With these additions, the Air Force Academy will have 60 international cadets.

International cadets complete the same academic, athletic, character development and military training as their U.S. classmates, with the exception of any military training that requires a security clearance.

In addition, international cadets have the opportunity to experience life in the United States, and academy cadets have the opportunity to learn about diverse foreign cultures and perspectives. Upon graduation, the international cadets return to their home nations to serve in their homeland's military.

The 1,260 members of the Class of 2010 begin basic cadet training here June 29.