By Mary Shin  |  Colorado Springs Gazette

The Air Force Academy has revamped its honor code implementation for freshmen and sophomores to focus on education when they do not report others for violations.

The honor code states cadets will not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do.

The school changed its practices in early 2024 after the number of cadet-initiated character investigations reached historic lows, said Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks, commandant of cadets.

During the 2022-2023 school year, cadets initiated three cases or 0.4%, according to a presentation Marks gave last week to the Board of Visitors. The board includes members of Congress, who ask questions about curriculum and other aspects of the academy.

Often when the numbers of cadet-initiated investigations into honor violations, such as cheating, fall it can be an indication that cadets are disengaging from practicing and abiding by the code, Marks said. Cadets are expected to confront and report those they suspect of violations.

Former Superintendent Gen. Richard Clark asked the school to solicit ideas from cadets about how to encourage participation in the code and found that it can be tough for the youngest cadets to turn in others.

“We came to the realization we needed to revamp our code, or the practice of it, so that it resembled the developmental journey,” Marks said...

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