Katrina Brown

This document outlines the theme for the 2026 National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS), focusing on the 'Courage to lead in the Profession of Arms'. Key areas of discussion include developing combat and crisis-tested character through rigorous training and academic programs at the United States Air Force Academy, emphasizing the importance of making hard decisions, maintaining integrity, and leading with unwavering conviction. The symposium aims to strengthen future leaders' character and understanding of courage, commitment, and resolve, preparing them to overcome adversity with grit and clarity.

The Board of Visitors meeting included opening remarks from the Chairman, an update from the Superintendent, and a special topic briefing on Flexible Warfare Center Concepts, specifically focusing on drone strategies. Key discussion points during the Board Questions for Record segment included USAFA's FY26 end strength relative to other service academies, the delayed opening and funding structure of the new USAFA Visitor Center, and USAFA's top funding priorities for the upcoming NDAA. The Board also discussed faculty composition changes, the proportion of military versus civilian faculty, and the status of the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation funding. Several public comments were raised concerning faculty intimidation related to DoD policies, concerns over the long-term academic vision, the impact of faculty departures on accreditation, and due process issues concerning cadet disciplinary actions, particularly related to the men's soccer team. The meeting concluded with a review of action items, where some items regarding the Space Education Center and Military Professor Copyrights remained open, while others related to preventing harmful behaviors and response to SECAF's optimization direction were closed.

The USAFA Board of Visitors meeting included discussions on various topics such as the Superintendent's update on the Academy's transformation, mission, vision, and priorities. The board also discussed the implementation of a 4-class system in the Cadet Wing, curriculum updates, and the integration of air, space, and cyber mindsets. Other topics included athletics and physical fitness programs, resources, infrastructure revitalization, admissions processes, and public comments on curriculum, resources, and climate. The board reviewed action items related to SAPR budget, space education center, military professor copyrights, strategy for the prevention of harmful behaviors, and progress in response to SECAF's direction for re-optimization.

The Board of Visitors meeting included discussions on various topics such as the Academy's response to misconduct in the Sexual Assault, Prevention and Response (SAPR) office; an overview of the USAFA Preparatory School; Non-Federal Entities (NFEs) supporting the USAFA mission; and faculty development. Updates were provided on cadet graduation, summer events, a cadet chapel renovation, and the use of football as a strategic platform. Discussions also covered academic faculty, career field review, the ongoing career field review and the need to set expectations for graduates, the Department of Veterans Affairs' approval for pilot wings on gravestones, and naming rights for USAFA buildings. The Commandant's update included a 47-month Cadet Development System, a new Safety Report policy, and the Healthy Relationship Training (HRT) program. The Dean of Faculty provided an update on faculty quality and sustainment, including initiatives to recruit and sustain high-quality faculty. A SAPR update covered the SAPR team, actions taken to eliminate barriers to reporting, and data analysis. Updates were also given on the Center for Character & Leadership Development (CCLD), admissions, athletics, and action items.

The meeting included the Superintendent's update covering various topics such as the Gamble report, DoD SAPRO review, cadet out-placement, and ongoing renovation projects. Discussions also covered the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy update, the Air Force's diversity program, and USAFA fiscal issues, including budget constraints and their potential implications. Subcommittee out-briefs addressed academic and course instruction, character and leadership, admissions and graduation, and infrastructure and resources. Specific topics within these included faculty deployments, faculty sustainment, the Center for Character and Leadership Development, the Mosaic Mentorship Program, admission criteria, and resource utilization for academic pursuits.