Character development at the United States Air Force Academy: A phenomenological case study of graduates' reflections.

摘要

The United States Air Force Academy develops commissionable officers of character through an intense 4-year program that includes academic, athletic, and military education and training. The literature was silent on whether the Academy effectively develops character or, if so, how the development takes place. This was a phenomenological case study designed to examine these questions. From three classes, 24 participants participated in interviews about their Academy experience and its influence on their character development. Analysis revealed their Academy experience influenced their character development. Development appeared to occur through a series of discontinuities that motivated the participants to examine their underlying value structure and align their behavior to the newly evolved structure.