Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink visited the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado (COS), on April 13-14, 2026, to evaluate how the institution is preparing future leaders for modern warfare. The two-day visit focused on military readiness, advanced academics, cyber education, and warfighter development as the Air Force and Space Force adapt to rapidly evolving global threats.
During the visit, Meink toured several training and research facilities, met with cadets and faculty members, and observed military exercises designed to strengthen leadership and operational readiness. Academy officials said the visit reinforced the institution’s role in developing officers capable of operating across air, space, and cyber domains in future conflicts.
Modern Warfare Focus
The visit began with tours of the Academy’s Aeronautics Laboratory, Multi-Domain Lab, and the Madera Cyber Innovation Center. Faculty members and cadets demonstrated research projects focused on emerging technologies, autonomous systems, and cyber warfare capabilities.
Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, said the institution remains committed to preparing “warrior-leaders to deter, fight, and win our nation’s wars.” He added that Meink’s leadership is helping the Academy evolve its academics, military training, and infrastructure to meet future operational demands.
Meink praised the Academy’s academic standards and its focus on understanding future conflicts. “Every cadet needs to understand that environment because it’s going to be incredibly different from what we have today,” he said during the visit.
The Secretary also met with permanent professors to discuss curriculum development and ongoing research efforts. Officials highlighted how undergraduate cadets are increasingly participating in advanced aerospace, cyber, and defense-related studies that directly support national security priorities.
Training Readiness for USAF’s Academicians
Military readiness formed another key part of the Secretary’s tour. At the Academy’s Jacks Valley training area, cadets demonstrated leadership exercises, drone operations, and assault course activities designed to build combat readiness across the Cadet Wing.
Meink observed demonstrations involving small unmanned aerial vehicles used to support battlefield operations and received briefings on USAFA’s spring culminating exercise. The capstone event places the Academy’s entire 4,000-member Cadet Wing into a simulated joint-force combat environment that integrates air, space, cyber, and ground operations.
During remarks to cadets assembled in Mitchell Hall, Meink stressed the importance of maintaining American air and space dominance. “It is what you are doing here, and it is what you are going to do when you are commissioned, that will ensure we maintain that dominance,” he said.
The Secretary also visited the Academy’s combat arms training range, where he participated in weapons familiarization exercises. Officials said the stop reinforced the Academy’s effort to instill a warrior ethos in all cadets regardless of future career specialties.
USAFA is Building Leaders
A major highlight of the visit involved the Academy’s Airmanship program. Meink flew in a glider with a cadet instructor pilot from the 306th Flying Training Group, giving him firsthand insight into how cadets develop aviation leadership skills early in their training.
“Flying with a cadet showed me just one of many examples of the exceptional quality of leaders we are building here,” Meink said. He added that cadets already demonstrate a strong understanding of “air-minded warfare.”
The Secretary also toured the Cadet Chapel restoration project, which Academy officials said has accelerated significantly in recent months. Meink expressed confidence that the historic landmark would reopen in 2028 following extensive renovation work.
As the visit concluded, Meink said the Academy’s recent transformation aligns closely with broader Air Force efforts to increase readiness and combat effectiveness. He noted that USAFA’s emphasis on leadership, technology, and operational training is helping prepare future Airmen and Guardians for an increasingly complex security environment.