Chattooga County’s Cooper Hampton has officially earned a place in the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Cadet Wing after successfully completing Basic Cadet Training.

Hampton joined more than 1,100 fourth-class cadets during the Academy’s Acceptance Day Parade on Stillman Field. The ceremony marked the completion of six weeks of demanding military training and the beginning of the academic year for members of the Class of 2030.

Acceptance Day included the administration of the Honor Code Oath and the presentation of fourth-class shoulder boards. For many families, the event was their first opportunity to see their cadets since In-Processing Day in June.

Members of the Class of 2030 arrived at the Academy on June 24 as civilian appointees and began the process of becoming fourth-class cadets. Basic Cadet Training is designed to build discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills needed by future officers in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

During training, Hampton and his classmates learned military customs and courtesies, the Academy’s Honor Code, Air Force and Space Force heritage, and physical fitness standards.

The cadets also deployed to Jacks Valley for field training, where they qualified with the M-4 carbine, practiced tactical combat casualty care, completed obstacle and assault courses and participated in a comprehensive field training exercise.

Basic Cadet Training is led by upper-class cadets who are specially selected and trained to mentor incoming cadets under the supervision of Military Training Instructors and Academy leadership.

The Acceptance Day ceremony represents more than the completion of training. It marks the official transformation of the Class of 2030 into members of the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing.

Hampton’s achievement represents a significant milestone as he begins his academic and military career at one of the nation’s service academies.