In the first six months of the current school year, there have been only 28 infractions and 19 underage-drinking violations. That's down from 228 alcohol violations, 188 of which involved underage drinking, during the 2000-2001 school year.

"We're seeing positive signs," said Maj. Gen. John W. Rosa, superintendent of the academy. "We're not there. We have a long way to go. This is a journey."

The stricter alcohol policy was implemented in response to the 142 reported sexual assaults at the academy over a 10-year period. An Air Force review determined that 40 percent of cadet-on-cadet assaults involved alcohol.

"Putting in strict policies is tough. You're going to take heat from the parents, you're going to take heat from the press, but it's the only way I know to do business," Rosa said.

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