The United States Air Force Academy is a unique and special place. It attracts millions of visitors each year. If you want to pay a visit to The Academy, there are a few things you should know first.

1. Cadets often shorten the name to USAFA or The Academy. Don’t call it “The USAFA” or “AFA.” Neither sound quite right to the trained ear, and you’ll sound like you don’t know where you are.
2. If you try to take pictures of cadets from the Chapel Wall, a cadet very well might snap a picture back. USAFA may be referred to as The Zoo at times, but Cadets aren’t animals; we’re humans too, and don’t necessarily enjoy having our picture taken without having been asked first.
3. If you have the opportunity to actually meet a Cadet, know that most have a very strong Type A personality. However, don’t let this scare you. Most Cadets are very willing and excited to answer questions about their daily schedule, what Mitchell Hall (dining facility) is like, what kind of classes they’re in and just about anything else.
4. During certain times of the year you might see Four-Degrees (freshmen) running on the marble strips carrying their backpacks in their left hand (instead of on their back). This is a longtime tradition that every Cadet has had to do at some point. So you don’t need to feel bad for them.
5. The Chapel is one of the most photographed man made landmarks in Colorado, be sure to snap a picture with it in the background. But be aware, renovation is expected to start on it in 2018, so be sure to schedule your trip before then.
6. USAFA is 7,258 feet above sea level, far, far above that of West Point and Annapolis. For visitors, it is extremely important that you carry a water bottle -- and actually drink it -- to prevent dehydration or altitude sickness. However, that also means you’re over 7,000 feet closer to the sun than at sea level, be sure to lather up on the sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
7. The school is located in the foothills of Rampart Range, right off the beautiful Rocky Mountains. However, the location tends to lead to some unpredictable weather. Be prepared with a good hoodie and a rain jacket. If you come in the winter, you’ll probably want something heavier.
8. The Academy is on a real-life military instillation, which means to get on base you have to go through a security checkpoint. Visitor hours can change from time to time, so be sure to check online for when you’ll be able to get in. Before coming through the gate, make sure that everyone in the car has some form of official identification—a driver’s license is a safe bet. Also, this shouldn’t have to be said, but leave any firearms or drugs at home, since they’re not allowed on base, and be sure to follow all traffic laws.
9. If you get hungry during your visit, you can eat in Arnold Hall, which is right next to the Chapel. There’s a Subway, a Wing Stop, and Domino’s (coming soon!). Or, if you can wait until you’re off base, there are countless great restaurants on Academy Boulevard.
10. When you’re in Colorado Springs, make sure to also visit places like Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, and Manitou Springs. They’re all a little bit touristy, but definitely a lot of fun!