What is the motto of the United States Air Force Academy?

The motto of the United States Air Force Academy is "Ad Astra Per Aspera," which translates to "To the Stars Through Difficulties." This phrase reflects the Academy's commitment to excellence and the rigorous journey that cadets undergo in their pursuit of becoming Air Force officers. It emphasizes resilience, determination, and the challenges that must be overcome to achieve lofty goals, such as serving in the military with distinction.

The other options represent different mottos associated with other military branches or concepts. "Semper Fidelis," for example, is the motto of the United States Marine Corps, meaning "Always Faithful." "Inter Aetna, Ad Astra" translates roughly to "Between the Eternal, To the Stars," which is not specifically linked to the Air Force Academy. "Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat," meaning "Fortune Favors the Brave," is a phrase that captures a similar sentiment of bravery and initiative but is not the official motto of the Academy. Each of these alternatives belongs to distinct military traditions or idiomatic expressions but does not hold the same significance as the Academy's true motto.