Military service academies face unique challenges integrating research into the undergraduate curriculum. Like other institutions they have worked hard to implement strategies designed to overcome a range of barriers to student participation in research by creating opportunities in the classroom. To promote research exposure for biology students at the U.S. Air Force Academy, these authors developed a successful classroom-based research program in two elective courses. Students work in small groups mentored by faculty and allotted class time to conduct highly focused research projects. This program exposed 80% of biology graduates to research in various programs. This method has resulted in success, as evidenced in both student feedback and participation in independent studies and summer research internships. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)