On Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 9:01:53 AM UTC-7, AS wrote:
On Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 10:29:39 AM UTC-4, Mark Mocho wrote:
The USAF Academy's soaring program is also the cheapest initial pilot training in the Air Force.
Eric, Mark

I get that the Academy and CAP require you to join 'the club' and in these cases, the club kindly asks you to wear a uniform. ;-)
The Academy also sponsors their cadet's participation in contests, so it is not all about leadership and basic airmanship.
I agree with Mark that this is the cheapest initial pilot training - not only in the US-Air Force but also with many Air Forces around the world.
My hope is that folks who become exposed to flying glider (soaring or not) though either one of these taxpayer funded programs will one day return to the sport and therefore, I count them as such.

Uli
'AS'

Yes, the AF Cadets can have the privilege of flying a contest. They fly within very stringent mission parameters. These events not only expose the pilots to advanced gliding, but the entire squadron by supporting the pilots. This support develops discipline, teamwork, and comradery. All very important attributes to further their careers. The flying is only one piece of the event for them.