Chairman Pfluger Unveils USAFA Board of Visitors Semiannual Report Ahead of Meeting in Colorado Springs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors (BoV), formally sent the Board's comprehensive, forward-looking semiannual report of recommendations for the Academy to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

This report fulfills one of the Board's key statutory responsibilities and delivers a strategic roadmap to strengthen institutional effectiveness at the United States Air Force Academy. It centers on improving athletics, establishing a dedicated funding line for the Academy, and incorporating the newest technology into cadet courses.

"Airpower is relied on more heavily than ever to deter our adversaries and defend our interests around the world, and the Air Force Academy produces the leaders who deliver it. It's our responsibility to make sure they have the resources, facilities, and training to succeed. As Chairman, I am grateful to my fellow Board members for their dedication and expertise, which are reflected in this report and its recommendations to prepare cadets for the demands of modern warfare. I look forward to working with my colleagues and Air Force Academy leadership to put these recommendations into action," said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

"As American air power remains critical to our national defense, we must ensure U.S. Air Force Academy cadets receive the training, education, and development needed to meet the demands of modern warfare. I am confident that the Board's recommendations, in our report to Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink, will strengthen the Academy's capacity to better prepare the next generation of Air Force officers to lead with excellence and defend our nation against evolving threats," said Senator Ted Budd (R-NC).

"This report represents more than a year of hard work for the USAFA BoV in its effort to strengthen and improve the Air Force Academy-a premier institution for developing our future military leaders and commanders. The recommendations it lays out are focused on critical issues like cadet and instructor professional development, and especially infrastructure improvement. I look forward to working with Secretary Hegseth and the Department to implement these recommended changes and continue to position USAFA for the future with lasting improvements to meet the ever-evolving threats and increasingly complex operational environment," said Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

"Serving as a student at the Air Force Academy is a patriotic commitment, and the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors honors their commitment by building on the Academy's incredible legacy for future generations of cadets. I'm grateful to my fellow board members as we share the responsibility to ensure excellence across-the-board at the Academy, from academics to athletics to infrastructure and support services. We owe it to the cadets to give them the best education and experience possible, improving our officer corps and the capabilities of the greatest Air Force in the world," said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND).

"I am proud of the work the USAFA Board of Visitors continues to accomplish. I encourage the adoption of this report's recommendations including the establishment of a dedicated Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization funding line, to help bring Academy infrastructure up to the high standard our Cadets deserve. As well as the retention of the 70th Flying Training Squadron, and I was proud to include language in the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act to do that. I look forward to ensuring the Academy has the resources it needs to train the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders," said Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05).

"As we take steps to protect ourselves from tomorrow's national security threats, it is essential now more than ever that we restore the Air Force Academy to 4,400 cadets, resolve the issue of aging infrastructure, and provide Space Force Guardians with a permanent home to maintain American superiority in air and space," said Rep. Don Davis (NC-01).

You can read the report in its entirety HERE or see key recommendations below:

1. Establish a dedicated Facilities, Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) Funding Line

2. Reform the Air Force Academy Athletic Cooperation (AFAAC) Structure and Governance

3. Open the Cadet Chapel in Phases

4. Increase Emphasis and Funding for Advanced Simulators and Drone Technology