The Air Force Academy Cemetery is the only active cemetery located on an Air Force base, making it unique within the service. In this regard, it is comparable to the cemeteries at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, which are operated by their respective military branches, as well as Arlington National Cemetery, which is administered by the U.S. Army.

Burial eligibility at the Academy Cemetery is governed by USAFA Instruction 34-501, published on Nov. 13, 2018. While there are various exceptions and qualifiers, the primary categories of individuals eligible for burial include: USAFA cadets; Air Force personnel assigned to the Academy at the time of death; USAFA graduates; all active duty and retired Air Force four-star and lieutenant generals; certain former senior Academy staff; members of the original cadre from the Lowry Air Force Base era; mid-1970s Air Training Officers who supported the integration of the first female cadets; specific relatives of eligible individuals; and recipients of the Medal of Honor or Air Force Cross.

The instruction also outlines a waiver process. While the 10th Air Base Wing Commander has the authority to disapprove a request for exception, only the Academy Superintendent may approve one. With clearly defined eligibility and available land for future expansion, the cemetery is well-positioned to continue serving qualified individuals for many years to come.