In 2026, we commemorate a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the admission of female cadets at the United States Air Force Academy.

Lt. Gen. Hubert Harmon, the Academy’s first superintendent, was an early advocate. On November 16, 1954, before the Academy even opened its doors, he wrote, “The Air Force Academy Act prescribes that our institution shall be for the training of ‘selected young men.’  If you can get the law changed, I shall be delighted to take in young ladies as well.” 

Over the next two decades, public perceptions and national trends slowly moved toward his way of thinking. In 1972, sensing the change in the national mood, Academy officials began preparations for the eventual admission of women. The resultant Operational Plan addressed the challenges that might arise during the integration of women. This contingency planning was perhaps a bit too aggressive for some in Washington, however, and Academy leaders had to assure Congress that USAFA would not admit women until legally permitted to do so. On October 7, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-106, and the once theoretical concept of a coed Academy became reality. 

The advance planning instantly paid off. USAFA was more prepared than the other academies. But the ensuing months were very busy. Academy staff members modified programs and facilities, and admissions officials recruited and evaluated prospective female cadets. Then, on June 26, 1976, 157 women joined their 1,436 male classmates to become members of the Air Force Academy Class of 1980. 

Since their graduation and over the subsequent half-century, female USAFA graduates have proven their mettle and achieved great success, becoming four-star generals, holders of every senior leadership position at their alma mater, astronauts, members of Congress, CEOs, college presidents, recipients of the Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship and the Distinguished Graduate Award, and so much more.