The U.S. Air Force Academy defines character as: "Qualities of moral excellence which compel a person to do the right things
despite pressure or temptations to the contrary." Making sure that every cadet measures up to this definition is the Academy
’s Center for Character Development.The Center’s mission is to facilitate programs and activities throughout all aspects of cadet life that help cadets
develop this internal moral compass. Its objective is to graduate officers who:Have forthright integrity, voluntarily deciding the right thing to do and doing it.Are selfless in service to the country, the Air Force and their subordinates.Are committed to excellence in the performance of their personal and professional responsibilities.Respect the dignity of all human beings.Are decisive, even when faced with high-risk situations.Take full responsibility for their decisions.Have the self-discipline, stamina and courage to do their duty well under even the extreme and prolonged conditions of
national defense.Appreciate the significance of spiritual values and beliefs to their own character development and that of the community. Such
qualities are caught as well as taught and thus the Center offers programs for both cadets and staff. Staff programs are aimed at
creating an overall climate of character-based education throughout all aspects of Academy life. Cadet character and leadership
education follows a developmental character education plan designed to provide the fundamental knowledge early in a cadet’s
career, followed up with a wide variety of developmental experiences to help cadets to internalize the motivation for personal
character development.The Center for Character Development is organized into three divisions. The Honor Division administers the honor code and
educates Academy personnel regarding the honor system. The Character and Leadership Education Division provides character based
honor and leadership education and training. The Excellence Division organizes symposiums, conducts seminars, and offers a
variety of forums for cadets to pursue their own character development.