How to Join the U.S. Air Force Academy: 10 Essential Requirements and Steps for Success

7. Prepare for the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)

Physical fitness is essential. You’ll need to pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which includes:

• Basketball throw: Measures upper body strength.
• Pull-ups or arm-hang: Minimum requirements:
  • 6 pull-ups for males.
  • 1 pull-up for females.
• Shuttle run: Aim for 8.1 seconds or faster.
• Push-ups:
  • Males: At least 40.
  • Females: At least 18.
• 1-mile run: Complete within:
  • 6:29 minutes for males.
  • 7:30 minutes for females.

Pro Tip: Practice each component regularly and track your progress to exceed the minimum standards.

8. Meet Medical and Moral Standards

The Department of Defense will evaluate your medical fitness and character. To qualify:

• Pass a thorough medical examination to rule out underlying health conditions.
• Maintain a clean legal record. Any criminal convictions, even minor ones, could disqualify you.

Pro Tip: Double-check your medical history and address potential concerns early to avoid delays in your application.