"We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does"

The Air Force Academy Honor Code was formally adopted by the first graduating class, the Class of 1959, in 1956. It was then, and continues to be today, a minimum standard of conduct which cadets expect of themselves and their fellow cadets.

The Honor Code has remained virtually unchanged since its overwhelming acceptance in 1956 and has been continually administered by the Cadet Wing.

The existence of the Honor Code presents many privileges and responsibilities to each cadet. A cadet's word is accepted as the truth at all times. Academic scores can truly reflect a cadet's individual effort and knowledge because of the Honor Code and each cadet's adherence to the Code. This adherence extends to a responsibility to confront other cadets on suspected violations of the Code.

From the moment a cadet enters the Academy they begin an education process designed to help them understand these responsibilities and expectations. During Basic Cadet Training, cadet honor representatives conduct lessons designed to explain the Honor Code and system to all fourth-class (freshmen) cadets and prepare them to take the Honor Oath at the conclusion of BCT. This oath is the formal acceptance of the Code as a part of their lives while at the Academy and hopefully on into their careers in the Air Force.

The oath simply states, "We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and to live honorably, so help me God." The Honor Oath recognizes honor has a broader meaning than simply not lying, stealing or cheating. True honor requires active support of positive principles rather than simple abstinence from wrongdoing.

Cadets who live under the Honor Code agree it is a vital part of their development as military professionals, but it also represents a broader aspect of ethical maturity which will serve them throughout their lives. As the bearers of the public trust, both as cadets and as officers, it is the Code which helps build a personal integrity able to withstand the rigorous demands placed on them.

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