The PE program is designed to expose cadets to a wide variety of physical skills and to promote a positive, self-confident attitude.  The program is directed by HQ USAFA/ADP who also serves as a Permanent Professor and Head of the PE Department.  Objectives and Assessment Criteria:

2.1.1. Provide every cadet with situations and experience that will help develop such leadership attributes as self-confidence, emotional control, persistence, and courage.  Survey graduates to determine what affect physical education had on their involvement in fitness and leadership attributes.

2.1.2. Provide every cadet with the opportunity for maximum development of physical strength, endurance, flexibility, and motor performance.  HQ USAFA/ADP assesses the development of each cadet by using tests and evaluations in each PE course.  Students must pass all core and elective courses.

2.1.3. Cultivate in every cadet a keen interest in, and the ability to perform, a number of physical skills to enable cadets to participate in vigorous activity throughout their lifetime.  Each cadet is required to satisfactorily complete core PE curriculum.  Through core and core elective courses, cadets are taught basic lifetime fitness principles in addition to learning specific skills in sports.

PE Course Requirements.  During the academic year, all cadets participate in the instructional PE program.  Classes are 75-minutes long and meet every other day for eight lessons. 

            The following are PE graduation requirements for the USAF Academy:

Non-intercollegiate cadets must take the following courses:  one Level 1 Aquatics course; one Level 2 Aquatics course; three Combative courses (Men--Boxing, Unarmed Combat I and Unarmed Combat II; Women--Self-Defense, Unarmed Combat I and Unarmed Combat II); Physical Development; one individual lifetime sport; one team sport; and, two open elective courses.

A cadet who completes four years as an intercollegiate athlete must take the following courses:  one Level 1 Aquatics course; one Level 2 Aquatics course; three Combative courses; and, one open elective course.
              
Aquatics courses are defined as:

2.4.2.1.   Level 1:  111 - Swimming and 119 - Basic Swimming.

2.4.2.2.   Level 2:  211 - Basic Water Survival and 222 - Water Survival

        Combative courses are defined as: 

            2.4.3.1. 110 - Boxing (men's) - 114, Self Defense (women's)
            2.4.3.2. 215 - UCI, - 315 - UCII
                   
Individual lifetime sports are defined as: 340 - Racquetball, 341 - Tennis, and 342 - Golf.

Team sports are defined as:  484 - Volleyball, 486 - Basketball, 487 - Soccer, and 488 - Softball.

Open electives are defined as:  483 - SCUBA, and additional individual or team sports

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Phy Ed) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Phy Ed 100.  Basic Physical Training.  0(0).  Preparation for strenuous physical education and athletics by development of physical strength, endurance, agility, and coordination through conditioning exercises, sports competition, and taking the Physical Fitness and Aerobics Test.  Special training in conditioning as needed.  Pass/Fail.  Sem hrs:  0 summer.

Phy Ed 110.  Boxing (Males Only). Boxing is taught to fourth class male cadets in order to develop an understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of boxing. In addition to physical conditioning, boxing will also develop and intensify the military leadership attributes of quick reaction, coordination, accurate timing, cool judgment, aggressiveness, and determination. Boxing quickly acclimates the mind and body to adapt and overcome stress and fear which is a trait that is absolutely essential to fighting men. It teaches the ability to keep calm and poised under pressure, thus developing emotional control. This calmness under pressure can mean the difference between a right or wrong decision. The course includes 8 lessons of skills to develop self confidence, with safety, rules, and scoring emphasized prior to the graded review lessons. Sem hrs: 0.5(2xx) fall or spring.
In addition, this course/program is a primary contributor to the development and assessment of the following USAFA outcomes:

Phy Ed 111. Swimming.  Swimming is an individual sport that will teach cadets how to swim a variety of strokes and skills and to aid each cadet in learning to handle themselves in a swimming emergency.  The class will provide sufficient aerobic and anaerobic activity and stroke skills so each individual is able to maintain and improve physical fitness in an aquatic environment as a cadet and officer.  The students are graded on stroke skills, a timed 250 yard or meter swim, underwater swim, 5-meter scenario, treading water and drown proofing.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.
In addition, this course/program is a primary contributor to the development and assessment of the following USAFA outcomes:

Phy Ed 112. Physical Development.  The primary purpose of this course is to teach the cadet the basic information necessary to design effective training programs so that he or she can maintain a good level of fitness while a cadet, later as an officer, and throughout the lifespan.  This class is also meant to provide the cadet the information necessary to perform at an acceptable level on the AFT and the PFT.  Students are graded on a written exam (40 points), technique demonstrated on 8 exercises (40 points), an exercise log book (10 points), and 10 instructor points.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 114.  Self Defense (Females Only).  Self defense is taught to all female fourth class cadets at the United States Air Force Academy in order to develop an understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of self defense.  In addition to the physical aspects of self defense, female cadets are lectured on the sexual awareness involved with rape and date rape.  Female cadets are taught how to be aware of their environmental surroundings, avoid dangerous situations, and to be assertive if necessary due to an unwanted confrontation.  The value of self defense is not only in the physical skills that are acquired, but the acclimation of the body and mind in adapting and overcoming a fearful and stressful situation.  This course teaches the cadet to think and react under pressure and develops self confidence, courage, stamina and agility, all necessary characteristics of a strong military presence.  Cadets are taught how to fall to the ground in an attack situation or running from an assailant.  Defensive techniques including kicking and striking are taught, as well as specific defenses against common attacks such as a one or two hand wrist grab, lapel grab, rear choke, rear bear hug, rear hammerlock and full nelson.  Final Exam.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.
In addition, this course/program is a primary contributor to the development and assessment of the following USAFA outcomes:

Phy Ed 119.  Basic Swimming I.  This course is designed for cadets with little exposure to aquatics or those needing work on specific swimming endurance.  Because these cadets typically need more time to acclimate to swimming, the course is 16 lessons.  Entry into the class is determined by a student's aquatic ability assessment, a 250 yard timed swim and input from aquatics instructors.  The first eight lessons focus largely on technique.  The final eight lessons focus on building swimming endurance with continued work on technique.  Cadets will be introduced to survival skills in preparation for the 200 level aquatics course.  Cadets are encouraged to move on to regular water survival.  However, more typically, they move on to Basic Water Survival for their 200 level aquatics.  Replaces Phy Ed 111.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 152.  Intercollegiate Sports.  .05(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 211.  Basic Water Survival.  This course continues the development of the basic swimmer and teaches cadets basic aquatic survival skills that last a lifetime. These survival methods serve officers well throughout their careers.  The class provides sufficient aerobic and anaerobic activities that challenge the cadets to maintain an above average level of fitness while having fun through aquatics.  Cadets learn to save their own lives and assist others in a water emergency, survive in the water for long periods of time, and build confidence to swim long distances.  Moreover, cadets experience situations that develop self-confidence, emotional control, persistence and courage.  A variety of skills challenge cadets to move beyond their current skill and comfort levels.  Cadets are evaluated in each one of the skills taught throughout the course.  Replaces Phy Ed 222.  Final exam.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 215.  Unarmed Combat I.  Introduction to students in basic self defense.  Students are taught a combination of karate, aikido, and judo techniques to be used in attack situations.  Students are taught to defend themselves from a standing position incorporating hand strikes, kicks, and throws.  Students are put in pressure situations to apply class techniques to defend themselves.  Students are tested in an attack situation to evaluate their ability to protect themselves.  Final exam.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.
In addition, this course/program is a primary contributor to the development and assessment of the following USAFA outcomes:

Phy Ed 219.  Basic Swimming II.  Replaces Phy Ed 222.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 222.  Water Survival.  An introduction to basic personal water survival skills and lifesaving techniques.  The primary objective of the course is to learn personal water survival skills that are needed in a water emergency.  A secondary objective is to learn basic lifesaving skills needed to assist someone else involved in a water emergency.  Work to increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance is also part of the course.  Prereq:  Phy Ed 111 or 119.  Final exam.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.
In addition, this course/program is a primary contributor to the development and assessment of the following USAFA outcomes:

Phy Ed 252.  Intercollegiate Sports.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 315.  Unarmed Combat II.  An introduction to basic unarmed offensive and defensive, grappling, choking, and joint locking skills.  Includes live contact combative grappling designed to instill confidence, the ability to think and react quickly under pressure, and the ability to defend oneself in a hand-to-hand combat situation.  Students will be expected to demonstrate the aggressive mind set, mental toughness and warrior spirit required to survive and prevail in an unarmed combat situation.  Final exam.  Prereq:  Phy Ed 215.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.
In addition, this course/program is a primary contributor to the development and assessment of the following USAFA outcomes:

Phy Ed 340.  Racquetball.  This class is designed to introduce the cadets to the essential fundamentals of racquetball including the introductory skills and rules of the game. This class offers the opportunity for students to develop a lifetime sport that can be used to stay physically fit and provides a recreational sport to play during intramural competition and throughout their Air Force career.  This is a fun and exciting class for the cadets through athletics.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 341.  Tennis.  Tennis is an individual sport that teaches cadets the fundamentals of tennis so that they will achieve sufficient skills to participate in a game while a cadet, later as an officer, and throughout their life.  Cadets will learn and be tested on the forehand, backhand, and the serve.  Their physical fitness will be maintained and improved through drills and match play.  Single and doubles match play will also be evaluated and graded.  Each cadet will learn enough about the game so that he or she will have a newfound appreciation for the sport and be able to appreciate the game.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 342.  Golf.  An introduction to the sport of golf designed to give students confidence by teaching the fundamental golf mechanics through repetitive drill techniques.  Emphasis is placed on skills improvement and understanding a respect for the game of golf, its traditions, rules, and etiquette. Basic golf swing technique demonstration and practice of putting, short irons, long irons, proper setup, and grip make up the foundation of the course.  Emphasizes the need for practice discipline and mental concentration.  One written exam, one performance exam.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 352.  Intercollegiate Sports.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed Aca 440.  Exercise Physiology.  3(2).  Exercise physiology is the study of body functions before, during, and after an exercise session.  This class also looks at the short-term and long-term changes that result from exercise training.  Includes both academic classes and laboratory experiences where the students learn about their body composition, strength, anaerobic power, and aerobic capacity.  Prereq:  Course Director permission.  Sem hrs:  3 fall.

Phy Ed 452.  Intercollegiate Sports.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed Aca 460.  The Art and Science of Coaching.  3(1).  An integrated course - applying organizational management, sports law, leadership and motivation, sports psychology, ethics and philosophy, exercise physiology, nutrition, and physical principles of motion to the world of college coaching.  Independent research.  Final paper.  Prereq:  C1C standing with Course Director permission.  Sem hrs:  3 fall.

Phy Ed 477.  Independent Exercise.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 479.  Cadet Instructor.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 483.  Scuba:  SCUBA offers unique activities cadets have rarely experienced prior to attending the Academy.  As individuals and "buddy teams", cadets will be exposed to both physical and mental challenges while being sustained underwater by a life support system.  The skills mastered in this course will remove any pre-conceived fears of the water.  This course will instill a more sound confidence level in future warrior officers and leaders.  Upon completion, cadets can pursue their SCUBA activities as a Certified Open water SCUBA diver.  SCUBA is a life long activity that can be utilized wherever there is a body of water.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 484.  Volleyball.  Volleyball is a lifetime team sport that teaches cadets the fundamentals of volleyball so that they will achieve sufficient skills to participate in a game while a cadet, later as an officer, and throughout their life. The class provides a history of volleyball, instruction on rules and theory, as well as basic, intermediate, and advanced technical skill development. Each cadet will learn enough about the game so that he or she can appreciate volleyball at the college and professional level. The students are graded on a skills test to include underhand and overhand passing, serving, setting and attacking, as well as a play evaluation in scrimmages grading the cadet's ability, attitude, and effort.  Final exam.  Sem hrs:  0.5 (2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 486.  Basketball.  An introduction to the sport of basketball designed to broaden each player's understanding, knowledge, and appreciation for the game.  Includes instruction in fundamental skills and basic drills each player can use for further skill development.  Areas covered include passing, ball handling, shooting, individual offense, individual defense, rebounding, screens, team offense, team defense, and transition.  The course provides maximum time for players to compete on the court.  Emphasizes skill development and teamwork.  Play evaluation.  Sem hrs:  0.5(2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 487.  Soccer.  Soccer is a lifetime team sport that teaches cadets the fundamentals of soccer so that they will achieve sufficient skills to participate in a game while a cadet, later as an officer, and throughout their life.  The class provides sufficient aerobic and anaerobic activity so that each cadet's physical fitness will be maintained or improved, while having fun through athletics.  Each cadet will learn enough about the game so that he or she can appreciate soccer at the college and professional level. The students are graded on rules of the game (written 20 question test), a skills test to include juggling, dribbling, passing, and shooting, and play evaluation in scrimmages grading the cadet's ability, attitude, and effort.  Final exam.  Sem hrs:  0.5 (2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 488. Softball.  Softball is a team sport that teaches cadets the fundamental skills required to play the game while a cadet, later as an officer, and throughout their life.  Cadets will learn both the fundamental skills it takes to be successful in the sport, and the rules by which the game is governed.  Students will learn the mechanics for throwing, hitting, fielding, and base-running, and will be evaluated on their progression throughout the class.  Teaches the relationship between individual performance and overall team success through teambuilding and leadership opportunities.  Sem hrs:  0.5 (2xx) fall or spring.

Phy Ed 499.  Independent Exercise Study.  Independent study focused on physical exercise.  Sem hrs:  0.5(0) fall or spring.

Phy Ed Aca 499.  Independent Study.  3(0).  Individual research and study in the physical education field under the direction of a faculty member.  Emphasizes the use of laboratory facilities.  No final.  Research report.  Prereq:  Course Director permission and Department Head approval.  Sem hrs:  3 fall or spring.

• Phy Ed Aca 499A.  Independent Study.  2(0).  Sem hrs:  2 fall or spring.
• Phy Ed Aca 499B.  Independent Study.  1.5(0).  Sem hrs:  1.5 fall or spring.
• Phy Ed Aca 499C.  Independent Study.  1(0).  Sem hrs:  1 fall or spring.