[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 1, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today to report to you and our 
colleagues on the latest Board of Visitors meeting for the U.S. Air 
Force Academy.
  Ordinarily, I don't do this, but in light of what has been happening 
for the last year and several months as far as the Air Force Academy, I 
feel compelled to give a report to the Senate to keep it updated on how 
matters are progressing at the Air Force Academy.
  The Board of Visitors primary responsibility is advisory at the 
Academy. But in the process of monitoring the administration of the 
Academy and to be a voice for the students at the Academy, the Board of 
Visitors meets in mid-May at the Academy to review the activities of 
the Academy, assess current programs, discuss current disciplinary 
issues, and address proposed congressional legislation impacting the 
Academy and the Board of Visitors.
  First, let me say I was pleased by the attendance and contribution of 
the board members and welcomed involvement of the board's newest 
members, including Senator Mark Pryor. It is clearly apparent that the 
board is united in its purpose and serious about its responsibilities.
  The meeting we had here was probably the best board meeting we have 
had since I have had the honor to serve on the Board of Visitors at the 
Air Force Academy.
  Let me also say that Governor Gilmore continues to provide 
exceptional leadership and has done an excellent job of keeping the 
board on track and focused.
  During the meeting, Air Force and Academy leaders briefed the board 
on several important issues. First, the board discussed the retention 
rates of the Academy graduates. Based on the statistics provided by the 
Air Force, it appears the Academy graduates have high retention rates, 
including in some professions rates of nearly 50 percent. Retention 
rates for Academy graduates continue to be higher than ROTC and OTS 
graduates.
  Next, we discussed recent climate surveys. The Academy is wisely 
surveying faculty, civilian staff, and administrative staff, as well as 
the cadets. The Department of Inspector General also surveyed the cadet 
body in April. The result of the surveys is expected in July.
  The Academy did share some preliminary results which include 
improvements regarding respect for women, the use of alcohol, and 
improved response to sexual assaults.
  The new officer development program currently being implemented 
appears to be making a difference. Under this new system, cadets are 
taught leadership skills each year instead of just in their first 
years. This new system is consistent with that being used at the West 
Point and the Naval Academy.
  Lastly, the board discussed three legislative proposals. I plan to 
work with the leadership on these proposals, perhaps as amendments, 
sometime during the deliberations on this bill. The first proposal 
would require the dean of the faculty for the Air Force to have some 
prior military service. The second proposal would repeal the 
requirement that the Academy superintendent retire after serving the 
Academy. The Board of Visitors indicated its support for these two 
proposals.
  The third proposal would have structured the Board of Visitors. At 
this time, this proposal requires additional work. I look forward to 
working with Chairman Warner on refining that particular proposal.
  I take a moment to compliment the superintendent of the Air Force 
Academy, Superintendent Rosa, and also his commandant, General Weida, 
who stepped in at a very difficult time at the Air Force Academy. They 
have shown exemplary leadership in working with the student body and 
charting out a new course for the Air Force Academy. It is a course 
that will allow oversight bodies, including members of the Armed 
Services Committee in both the House and the Senate, the Secretary of 
the Air Force, the President, and the members of the Board of Visitors, 
to review what is happening at the Academy. In other words, they have 
put a system in place that is much more accountable, which will make it 
easier for those who have the responsibility of oversight at the Air 
Force Academy to follow what is actually happening.
  I thank the Congress for its concern about the welfare of the 
students at the Academy and for the opportunity to discuss the latest 
Board of Visitors meeting.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Crapo). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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