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Air University (United States Air Force)
Air University (United States Air Force)
Air University (United States Air Force)
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Air University is a professional military education university system of the United States Air Force.[1] It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award master's degrees.

Key Information

Organizations

[edit]
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education
USAF Air War College[2] (AWC)
Air Command and Staff College (ACSC)
Squadron Officer School (SOS)
International Officers School[3] (IOS)
School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS)
USAF Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies
Curtis E. Lemay Center for Doctrine Development & Education[4]
Ira C. Eaker College for Professional Development
Air Force Chaplain Corps College
Air Force Personnel Professional Development School
Commanders' Professional Development School
Defense Financial Management & Comptroller School
National Security Space Institute
Civilian Leadership Development School
Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development
Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)
Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
Civilian Acculturation and Leadership Training (CALT)
Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education
Airman Leadership School (ALS)
Air Force Career Development Academy
Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute (AFEHRI)
Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA)
Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA)
Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor Course (EPMEIC)
Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course (CLC)
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
USAF First Sergeant Academy (FSA)
USAF Center for Counterproliferation Studies[5]
Air University Press[6]
Air Force Fellows Program[7] (AFF)
Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA)
China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI)

Schools and centers

[edit]

The institutions that fall under the Air University include:

Officer professional military education

[edit]

The Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education (Spaatz Center) unified the continuum of Air Force officer professional military education. Activated in 2008, the Spaatz Center was named in honor of the Air Force's first chief of staff, General Carl A. Spaatz. The center was disestablished in 2017.

Squadron Officer School

[edit]

The Squadron Officer School in-residence program is a 6.5-week course for USAF captains. The course is structured around four primary areas: Leadership, building highly-effective teams, logical and ethical reasoning in decision making, and multi-domain joint warfare.

Squadron Officer School emblem

Air Command and Staff College

[edit]
Main article: Air Command and Staff College
Air Command And Staff College emblem

The Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) is a 10-month master's-level resident program that prepares field grade USAF, U.S. Army and USMC officers in pay grade O-4 and USN / USCG officers in pay grade O-4, their international counterparts, and U.S. civilian equivalents, for positions of higher responsibility within the military and other government agencies. Often referred to as "intermediate level education" (ILE), intermediate level professional military education (intermediate level PME) or phase I joint PME, ACSC is also available via "distance learning", primarily a CD-ROM enabled correspondence course.

Air War College

[edit]
Main article: USAF Air War College
Air War College emblem

The USAF Air War College (AWC) is a 10-month resident course for USAF, U.S. Army and USMC lieutenant colonels and colonels (pay grades O-5 and O-6), USN and USCG commanders and captains (pay grade O-5 and O-6), their international counterparts, and Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force civilian equivalents (GS-14/GM-14, GS-15/GM-15). AWC prepares students to lead in a joint, interagency and multi-national environment at the strategic level of military operations. Also known as "senior developmental education" (SDE), senior level PME, or (since 2010) phase II JPME, AWC is also available at the Pentagon and selected active USAF installations as a 10-month seminar program paralleling the academic year and course content of the resident course. It is also available via "distance learning" as a correspondence course typically requiring 18 to 24 months to complete.

The Secretary of the Air Force's annual National Security Forum (NSF) conducted for select influential civilian leaders in business, industry, state and local government, law, academia, media, and the clergy is administered and hosted by the AWC.

International Officer School

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The International Officer School is a seven-week course designed to provide international officers an enhanced understanding of the United States and prepares them for attending Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, or the Air War College.

Enlisted professional military education

[edit]
College for Enlisted Professional Military Education emblem

The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education (Barnes Center, formerly the College for Enlisted Professional Military Education) is responsible for the instructional programs and faculty development for all Air Force enlisted professional military education programs. This includes the airman leadership schools, noncommissioned officer academies, and the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy.

Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy

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The Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy graduates more than 1,800 Air Force chief master sergeant selectees, senior master sergeants, senior master sergeant selectees, and non-commissioned officers and chief petty officers from other U.S. military services and the services of international U.S.-allied nations annually. It is located on Maxwell AFB's Gunter Annex.

NCO academies

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The NCO academies provide selected noncommissioned officers education. Several NCO academies operate worldwide on various Air Force installations.

Airman Leadership School

[edit]

The goal of the program is to provide senior airmen an opportunity to understand more fully their position in the USAF organizational structure and the continued need for professional development to be effective NCOs.

First Sergeant Academy

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Enlisted Heritage Research Institute

[edit]

The Enlisted Heritage Research Institute is dedicated to preserving the history of the enlisted corps of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Aeronautical Division, Air Service, Air Corps, and Air Forces in the development of air power to defend the United States. The institute achieves this by featuring artifacts, collections, and pictorial exhibits, written and oral documentation, audiovisuals, equipment, and selected aircraft parts. Additionally, students use the in-house and online research capabilities to enhance learning and complete enlisted heritage research projects.

Officer accessions

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Air Force ROTC emblem
Officer Training School emblem

The Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development (Holm Center), previously known as Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools (AFOATS), operates two of the four USAF officer commissioning sources. These are the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at civilian colleges and universities across the United States, and the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) at Maxwell AFB.

Although it is a USAF officer accession and training program, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) does not fall under the air University. This was also true of Air National Guard's since-disestablished Academy of Military Science, which has now been merged into OTS at Maxwell AFB. The U.S. Air Force Academy is a Direct Reporting Unit (DRU), and the superintendent of the USAF Academy reports directly to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Admission to and administration of the ANG Academy of Military Science was controlled by the director of the Air National Guard via the National Guard Bureau (NGB). The director of the Air National Guard and the NGB still control input of prospective direct accession ANG officers via OTS.

Citizenship Development, Aerospace Education, and associated programs

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Junior ROTC emblem

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

[edit]
Main article: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program provides citizenship training and air and space science education via a cadet program for high school students in grades 9 through 12 at various high schools across the United States and at select Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) at US military installations overseas. Instruction is conducted by retired field grade USAF officers employed by the respective school systems, assisted by retired USAF senior non-commissioned officers under similar employment.[8]

AFJROTC is a "citizenship program" for high school students and should not be confused with AFROTC, which is a "pre-commissioning program" for four-year college and university students to become Air Force officers.[9]

Civil Air Patrol emblem

Civil Air Patrol / U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

[edit]
Main article: Civil Air Patrol

Although previously under the Holm Center, administration and authority of the Civil Air Patrol was transferred to Air Forces Northern-1st Air Force (AFNORTH-1AF), an Air Combat Command (ACC) organization at Tyndall AFB, Florida in 2016.[10] HQ CAP-USAF and the collocated National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol remains as a tenant command at Maxwell AFB.

Academic education

[edit]
Air Force Institute of Technology emblem

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is a geographically separated unit (GSU) of Air University, located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is the only degree-granting institution of higher learning in the world dedicated exclusively to enlisted military personnel. CCAF offers educational opportunities for active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve airmen and NCOs to earn a job-related Associate of Applied Science degree. CCAF also facilitates selected professional certification and recognition for airmen. Possession of a CCAF degree has in recent years become a de facto mandatory requirement for promotion to senior master sergeant and higher, regardless of whether or not the candidate has a civilian degree such as a baccalaureate. This de facto status is now official: starting with the 2007 promotion cycle, promotion candidates cannot receive critical endorsements on performance reports without having first received an associate degree from CCAF.

Professional continuing education

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The Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education (LeMay Center), previously known as the Air Force Doctrine Development and Education Center, develops and publishes Air Force doctrine, teaches doctrine through resident and on-line courses, and advocates air power through visionary war gaming,[clarification needed] and provides integration and outreach services for Air University.

The Ira C. Eaker College for Professional Development provides continuing education and technical training to Air Force and other Department of Defense personnel and international officers, including resident and distance-learning courses for a variety of Air Force specialties.

United States Air Force Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies

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The USAF Counterproliferation Center (CPC) was established in 1998 at the direction of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Located at Maxwell AFB, this center capitalizes on the resident expertise of Air University, while extending its reach far beyond - and influences a wide audience of leaders and policy makers. A memorandum of agreement between the Air Staff's Director for Nuclear and Counterproliferation (then AF/XON) and Air War College commandant established the initial personnel and responsibilities of the center. This included integrating counterproliferation awareness into the curriculum and ongoing research at the Air University; establishing an information repository to promote research on counterproliferation and nonproliferation issues; and directing research on the various topics associated with counterproliferation and nonproliferation .

In 2008, the Secretary of Defense's Task Force on Nuclear Weapons Management recommended "Air Force personnel connected to the nuclear mission be required to take a professional military education (PME) course on national, defense, and Air Force concepts for deterrence and defense." This led to the addition of three teaching positions to the CPC in 2011 to enhance nuclear PME efforts. At the same time, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, in coordination with the AF/A10 and Air Force Global Strike Command, established a series of courses at Kirtland AFB to provide professional continuing education (PCE) through the careers of those Air Force personnel working in or supporting the nuclear enterprise. This mission was transferred to the CPC in 2012, broadening its mandate to providing education and research on not just countering WMD but also nuclear operations issues. In April 2016, the nuclear PCE courses were transferred from the Air War College to the U.S. Air Force Institute for Technology.

In February 2014, the center's name was changed to the Center for Unconventional Weapons Studies (CUWS) to reflect its broad coverage of unconventional weapons issues, both offensive and defensive, across the six joint operating concepts (deterrence operations, cooperative security, major combat operations, irregular warfare, stability operations, and homeland security). The term "unconventional weapons", currently defined as nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, also includes the improvised use of chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. In May 2018, the name changed again to the Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies (CSDS) in recognition of senior Air Force interest in focusing on this national security topic.

The center's military insignia displays the symbols of nuclear, biological, and chemical hazards. The arrows above the hazards represent the four aspects of counterproliferation - counterforce, active defense, passive defense, and consequence management. The Latin inscription "Armis Bella Venenis Geri" means "weapons of war involving poisons".[11]

Advanced Professional Military Education

[edit]

"We're going out to find the Billy Mitchells while they're still majors and captains."

Colonel William F. Fortner, First Director of SAASS.[12]

The School of Advanced Air and Space Studies is the "Air Force graduate school for airpower and space power strategists".[13] The school began as the School of Advanced Airpower Studies. It began operation on July 22, 1991, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The first class of 25 students was all-male, although later classes included women. Most of the first class came from the U.S. Air Force's Air Command and Staff College. The first director of the school, Colonel William F. Fortner, stated that the school's goal was to "create the soldier-scholars for conflicts of the future". Fortner likened the school to the U.S. Army's School of Advanced Military Studies, but stated that the new school's curriculum would go "much deeper into the study of air-power history, doctrine and strategy". The curriculum, planned for a duration of 11 months, was taught by a faculty of nine civilian and military Ph.D. instructors. The curriculum in the first years comprised two parts, focusing on "the past and present of warfare". Students read about 150 pages per night, and wrote and defended a research paper.[12]

Associated Agencies

[edit]

Air Force Historical Research Agency

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The Air Force Historical Research Agency is the repository for United States Air Force historical documents.

The agency's collection, begun during World War II in Washington, DC, moved in 1949 to Maxwell Air Force Base, the site of the present-day Air University, to provide research facilities for professional military education students, the faculty, visiting scholars, and the general public. The Air Force Historical Research Agency is now a forward operating agency (FOA) assigned directly to the Air Force History and Museums Program, and a tenant unit at Maxwell AFB.

History

[edit]

Lineage

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  • Authorized as the Air Service School by the War Department on 25 February 1920, and established that same year, exact date unknown
  • Redesignated: Air Service Field Officers' School on 10 February 1921
  • Redesignated: Air Service Tactical School on 8 November 1922
  • Redesignated: Air Corps Tactical School on 18 August 1926
  • Discontinued on 9 October 1942
  • Established as: Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics, 16 Oct 1942
History and insignia of Air Corps Tactical School bestowed upon activation.
  • Redesignated as: Army Air Forces School on 1 June 1945
Established as Major Command: 29 November 1945
  • Redesignated as: Air University on 12 March 1946
Reassigned to Air Training Command on 15 May 1978, losing major command status
Returned to major command status effective 1 July 1983
Changed from a major command of the United States Air Force to a subordinate organization of Air Education and Training Command on 1 July 1993.

Stations

[edit]

Components

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For World War II units and stations assigned, see Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics.

During the years 1943–1945, the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT) at Orlando Army Air Base, Florida operated a massive air-to-air and air-to-ground combat simulation facility across Central Florida. Units and various main operating bases and auxiliary airfields were established throughout an 8,000-square-mile (21,000 km2) area of central Florida designated as a mock "war theater" and stretching roughly from Tampa through Orlando, east to Titusville, north to Starke, and northwest to Apalachicola in which air war games were conducted. Following the end of World War II, the simulation facility ceased operation and most of the operating air bases and auxiliary airfields were either placed in military caretaker status or returned to local civilian control. On 1 Jun 1945, the AAFSAT was redesignated as the Army Air Forces School (AAFS). On 29 Nov 1945, the AAFS relocated from Orlando AAB, Florida to Maxwell Field, Alabama.

Operations

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The Wright Brothers established the first U.S. civilian flying school in Montgomery, Alabama in 1910. By the 1920s, Montgomery became an important link in the growing system of aerial mail service. It was in the early 1930s when the Army Air Corps Tactical School moved to Maxwell Field and Montgomery became the country's intellectual center for airpower education.

Air University (AU), established in 1946, continues the proud tradition of educating tomorrow's planners and leaders in air and space power for both the U.S. Air Force as well as other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, federal government civilians and many international organizations. Today, AU has a reach worldwide affecting the careers of every member of the United States Air Force.

Origins

[edit]

As a result of the U.S. Army Reorganization Act of 1920, the Air Service authorized the establishment of an Air Service School on 10 February 1921 at Langley Field, Virginia. To reflect its primary mission of preparing senior officers for higher Air Service duty, the Air Service redesignated the Air Service School as the Air Service Field Officers' School.

Following the decision to let all Air Service officers attend the institution in 1922, the Air Service redesignated the Air Service Field Officers' School as the Air Service Tactical School. In conjunction with the 1926 redesignation of the Army Air Service as the Army Air Corps, the Air Service Tactical School became the Air Corps Tactical School. To take advantage of the propitious climate and facilities expansion potential, the Army Air Corps began moving the Air Corps Tactical School from Langley Field in Virginia in 1931 to Maxwell Field, Alabama.

World War II

[edit]
See also: Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics

Because of the wartime need for officers of the caliber of those attending the Maxwell institution, in May 1941 the Army Air Corps suspended instruction at the tactical school and reduced its faculty and staff to seven officers. Anticipating the institution's eventual reopening, the Army Air Corps moved the skeletonized Air Corps Tactical School to Washington, DC, and placed it under the Directorate of Individual Training. In spite of the institution's successful efforts in developing Air Corps planners and leaders, the Air Corps discontinued the Air Corps Tactical School on 9 October 1942 with the intention of reopening it after the war.

To partially fill the educational void left by the discontinuance of the Tactical School and to correct the growing shortage of experienced Air Corps, later renamed Army Air Forces, officers, the Army Air Forces authorized the establishment of the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics on 9 Oct 42. The Army Air Forces activated the AAF School of Applied Tactics at Orlando Army Air Base, Florida, with the mission to train "selected officers" under simulated combat conditions. Based on lessons learned in the combat theaters and the school's actual operational experiences, the AAF established the AAF Tactical Center with the AAF School of Applied Tactics as a subordinate unit. Due to a major reorganization of the Tactical Center and a change in the types of courses conducted by the institution, the Army Air Forces redesignated the AAF School of Applied Tactics as the Army Air Forces School on 1 Jun 45.

Postwar era

[edit]

In preparation for its post-war educational operations, the Army Air Forces transferred the Army Air Forces School from Orlando AAB to Maxwell Field, Alabama, on 29 November 1945 and assigned it directly to Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces (HQ AAF) as a major command.

In the first conclave of its kind since the end of World War II, the AAF Educational Conference ended after a three-day meeting on 20 Feb 1945 to discuss the post-war AAF educational structure. The Army Air Forces began the first instructor training course in March 1946 for preparing instructors to teach at the post-war AAF educational institutions.

HQ AAF redesignated the Army Air Forces School as Air University (AU) on 12 March 1946 and established the Air War College, Air Command and Staff School, and Air Tactical School as its subordinate units. The AU commander organized the Air University Board of Visitors, composed of senior educators and university administrators, to meet regularly and advise him on educational matters.

Air University became operational on 1 April 1946 when HQ AAF transferred the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Field, Texas, from Air Training Command to Air University. To take advantage of existing facilities, Air University transferred the Air Tactical School from Maxwell Field to Tyndall Field, Florida on 21 May 1946. Major General Orvil A. Anderson was appointed the first commandant of the Air War College, the senior school in the three-tiered AAF officer professional military education (PME) system.

Assuming responsibilities comparable to those of the Army and Navy advisers on the HQ AU staff, the Royal Air Force Liaison Officer also became a part of the HQ AU staff on 1 June 1946. When members of the Air University Board of Visitors concluded their first meeting with such dignitaries as General Carl Spaatz, Commanding General of the Army Air Forces; Air Marshall Hugh Pughe Lloyd of the Royal Air Force; and the class members of the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff School participating, the Air University was officially dedicated during a ceremony at Maxwell Field.

Classes began at the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff School on 4 September 1946, fulfilling the "dream for education in airpower" of most post-war AAF leaders and planners. The Air Tactical School, the junior officer PME program of the AU educational system, began classes at Tyndall in January 1947. Later that year, the Royal Canadian Air Force sent its first group of students to the two-week indoctrination course at Maxwell. With Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson as the guest speaker, the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff School conducted a combined graduation ceremony for 185 senior and field grade officers.

As a result of the National Security Act of 1947, the United States Air Force became a separate and independent branch of the U.S. military on 18 September 1947. In keeping with the Air Force's new status, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force (HQ USAF) redesignated Maxwell Field as Maxwell Air Force Base on 13 January 1948.

On 12 July 1949, HQ USAF established the Air University Human Resources Research Institute. It was one of three USAF field agencies created to conduct research on the human factor in Air Force planning and operations. Air University established the 3894th AU School Squadron to provide administrative support to Air Force instructors and students at the various service schools operated by the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

The USAF Historical Division relocated to Maxwell AFB from Washington, DC in September 1949 and became a part of the Air University Library. The combined activity is now known as the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA).

Academic degrees and accreditation

[edit]

The Air University is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and is authorized to grant the following degrees:

  • Master of Strategic Studies – offered by the Air War College
  • Master of Military Operational Art and Science – offered by the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC)
  • Master of Aerospace Studies – offered by the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS)
  • Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering – offered by the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (USAFTPS)
  • Associate in Applied Science – offered for USAF enlisted personnel by the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) with majors in 68 areas

In 2010, SACS upgraded AU's accreditation to Level V, a move that will eventually enable AU to eventually award three different doctoral degrees.[14]

Air University was also awarded the Space Foundation's inaugural Space Achievement Award in 1995.[15] This award recognizes individuals or organizations for space achievement, breakthrough space technology or program or product success representing critical milestones in the evolution of space exploration and development.

List of commanders

[edit]
  • Lieutenant General Troup Miller Jr., 1 August 1961 – December 1963
  • Lieutenant General Ralph Powell Swofford Jr., January 1964 – August 1965
  • Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem II, 1 August 1970 – November 1973
  • 14: Lt. Gen. Raymond B. Furlong, August 1975 – 1 July 1979
  • 15: Lt. Gen. Stanley M. Umstead Jr., 1 July 1979 – July 1981
  • 16: Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland, July 1981 – August 1984
  • 17: Lt. Gen. Thomas C. Richards, August 1984 – November 1986
  • 18: Lt. Gen. Truman Spangrud, November 1986 – July 1988
  • 19: Lt. Gen. Ralph E. Havens, July 1988 – October 1989
  • Vacant, October 1989 – January 1990
  • 20: Lt. Gen. Charles G. Boyd, January 1990 – October 1992
  • 21: Lt. Gen. Jay W. Kelley, October 1992 – October 1996
  • 24: Lt. Gen. Joseph J. Redden, October 1996 – July 1999
No. Commander Term
Portrait Name Took office Left office Duration
Commandant, Air University
1
Muir S. Fairchild
Fairchild, MuirMajor General
Muir S. Fairchild
(1894–1950)		15 March 194617 May 19482 years, 63 days
2
Robert W. Harper
Harper, RobertMajor General
Robert W. Harper
(1900–1982)		17 May 194815 October 1948151 days
3
George C. Kenney
Kenney, GeorgeGeneral
George C. Kenney
(1889–1977)		16 October 194827 July 19512 years, 284 days
4
Idwal H. Edwards
Edwards, IdwalLieutenant General
Idwal H. Edwards
(1895–1981)		28 July 195128 February 19531 year, 215 days
Commander, Air University
25
Donald A. Lamontagne
Lamontagne, Donald A.Lieutenant General
Donald A. Lamontagne
(born 1947)		May 2001July 2004~3 years, 61 days
26
John F. Regni
Regni, John F.Lieutenant General
John F. Regni		July 2004October 2005~1 year, 92 days
27
Stephen R. Lorenz
Lorenz, Stephen R.Lieutenant General
Stephen R. Lorenz		October 2005June 2008~2 years, 273 days
28
Allen G. Peck
Peck, Allen G.Lieutenant General
Allen G. Peck		July 200812 August 2011~3 years, 42 days
Commander and President, Air University
29
David S. Fadok
Fadok, David S.Lieutenant General
David S. Fadok		12 August 2011[16]10 November 20143 years, 90 days
30
Steven L. Kwast
Kwast, Steven L.Lieutenant General
Steven L. Kwast		10 November 2014[17]16 November 2017[18]3 years, 6 days
-
Michael D. Rothstein
Rothstein, Michael D.Major General
Michael D. Rothstein
Acting		16 November 201715 February 201891 days
31
Anthony J. Cotton
Cotton, Anthony J.Lieutenant General
Anthony J. Cotton		15 February 2018[19]October 2019~1 year, 228 days
-
Brad M. Sullivan
Sullivan, Brad M.Major General
Brad M. Sullivan
Acting		October 201922 November 2019~44 days
32
James Hecker
Hecker, James B.Lieutenant General
James Hecker		22 November 2019[20]27 June 20222 years, 217 days
-
William G. Holt
Rothstein, Michael D.Major General
William G. Holt
Acting		27 June 202225 July 202228 days
33
Andrea Tullos
Tullos, Andrea D.Lieutenant General
Andrea Tullos		25 July 2022Incumbent3 years, 97 days

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Air University (United States Air Force)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Air University (AU) is the premier educational institution of the , serving as the lead agent for providing professional military education, graduate programs, and to Air and Space Forces personnel, as well as international students from over 80 nations. Headquartered at in —which is named in honor of William C. Maxwell, an early pioneer who died in a 1920 plane crash—AU operates as a major component of (AETC) and delivers a comprehensive spectrum of training, from pre-commissioning programs for new officers to advanced degrees and specialized research in security, strategy, and aerospace technology. In 2024–2025, AU underwent a reorganization to align its structure and curriculum with Great Power Competition priorities, emphasizing integrated deterrence and multi-domain operations. Its mission is to "access, train, educate, and develop Air and Space warfighters to support the National Defense Strategy," positioning it as the intellectual and leadership-development center for the Air and Space Forces. Established on March 12, 1946, by redesignation of the Army Air Forces School, AU was created to consolidate and advance Air Force education following , building on a rich legacy that traces back to the ' 1910 flying school and the Army Air Corps Tactical School of the 1930s. Today, AU annually educates thousands of resident and nonresident students through its diverse colleges and centers, emphasizing doctrine, joint operations, and innovation to prepare leaders for multi-domain warfare. AU's structure encompasses several key components that deliver specialized education and support functions. The Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education focuses on developing doctrine and advanced studies, while the Air Force Accessions Center (formerly the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development, redesignated in 2024) handles officer training and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) programs. The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education provides professional military education for enlisted Airmen, including the , a federally chartered degree-granting institution. Higher-level officer development occurs at the Air War College, , and Squadron Officer School, which offer master's-level programs in strategic leadership, operational art, and foundational command skills. Additional entities include the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, the U.S. Air Force Center for Strategy and Technology, the at , , and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at , , extending AU's reach across technical and experimental domains. Through these programs, AU not only fulfills statutory requirements for professional military education but also conducts vital research on national security challenges, fostering innovation in areas like cyber operations, , and joint force integration. Its global influence underscores the Air Force's commitment to building a highly educated force capable of deterring aggression and prevailing in conflict.

Overview

Mission and Vision

Air University's mission is to access, train, educate, and develop Air and Space warfighters to support the National Defense Strategy. This encompasses delivering professional military education (PME), academic degrees, and programs tailored to the needs of the Department of the (). As the lead agent for education under (), Air University annually serves approximately 26,000 resident and 47,000 non-resident students (total ~73,000 as of FY2023), including officers, enlisted Airmen and Guardians, Department of Defense civilians, and participants from over 80 partner nations. The vision of Air University is to serve as the intellectual and leadership-development center of the Air and Space Forces. This guiding principle emphasizes fostering innovative thinking, strategic acumen, and operational expertise among warfighters to address evolving global challenges. By integrating with and development, Air University ensures that its programs align with the broader objectives of air, space, and . In 2024, Air University reorganized its command structure to better support great power competition and activated training programs for the first U.S. Air Force warrant officers, graduating their inaugural class in December 2024. These efforts align with the National Defense Strategy, prioritizing agile education for multi-domain operations.

Locations and Facilities

Air University's headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB) in , serving as the central hub for its educational and research operations. The base encompasses the historic site of the ' first civilian flying school and provides core infrastructure for professional military education programs. Adjacent to Maxwell AFB is , situated northwest of Montgomery, which supports and distance learning initiatives as part of the unified Maxwell-Gunter complex. Key satellite locations extend Air University's reach beyond , including the at Wright-Patterson AFB in , which focuses on advanced , science, and technology . Another critical site is the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in , delivering specialized flight test training. Additionally, Air University maintains off-campus sites worldwide to facilitate distance and international programs, enabling education delivery to personnel in diverse operational environments. The at Maxwell AFB provides comprehensive infrastructure support, including housing, safety services, logistics, and network systems, to sustain operations and enhance the for students and staff. Facilities accommodate approximately 73,000 total students annually (as of FY2023) across resident and non-resident formats, featuring classrooms, simulation centers, and online platforms through the Global College of Professional Military Education. These resources support Air University's role in delivering education aligned with the National Defense Strategy.

History

Origins and Establishment

The origins of Air University trace back to the Air Corps Tactical School (ACTS), which was announced for relocation from Langley Field, , to Maxwell Field, , in 1928 and relocated in 1931, officially opening on July 15, 1931. The school served as a key institution for developing airpower doctrine within the U.S. Army Air Corps, emphasizing concepts such as and the strategic role of air forces, with influential figures like Capt. Claire L. Chennault contributing to tactical innovations during . By fostering a dedicated cadre of officers focused on theoretical and practical air warfare, ACTS laid the intellectual groundwork for advanced professional military education, though it was closed on January 23, 1942, as Maxwell Field transitioned to wartime operations. Following , the need for a centralized institution to educate officers in emerging strategies prompted the formal establishment of Air University on March 12, 1946, when the Army Air Forces School was redesignated as Air University and organized as a major command at Maxwell Field. Maj. Gen. Muir S. Fairchild was appointed as its first commandant, overseeing the integration of educational programs to address the 's postwar requirements for leadership development and doctrinal advancement. Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, the first of the newly independent U.S. , played a pivotal role in its dedication, honoring the vision of Gen. Henry H. "Hap" Arnold for a comprehensive air education system while emphasizing in curriculum design. This establishment incorporated the doctrinal lineage of the ACTS, positioning Air University as the flagship entity for officer professional military education, with the Air War College opening in 1946 as its senior component. From its inception, Air University's primary mission centered on providing advanced education to prepare officers for the complexities of employment in a peacetime environment, with serving as its permanent headquarters since 1946. The institution quickly expanded to include programs for both commissioned and non-commissioned personnel, reflecting the Air Force's commitment to comprehensive in the immediate postwar period.

World War II and Postwar Era

During , Maxwell Field emerged as a critical training hub for the , serving as the headquarters for the Southeast Air Corps Training Center established on July 8, 1940. This center oversaw primary, basic, and advanced across numerous schools in the Southeast and Midwest, graduating over 100,000 American and allied aviation cadets by 1945, including programs for officer candidates and tactical instruction in navigation, bombing, and pursuit tactics. The facility hosted specialized schools such as the , B-24 Navigation School, and B-29 Transition School, contributing to the rapid expansion of aircrew capabilities amid the global conflict. Earlier influences from the Air Corps Tactical School, relocated to Maxwell in 1931, shaped these efforts by promoting airpower doctrines inspired by theorists like . In the immediate postwar period, the Army Air Forces reorganized to address the lessons of wartime experience, relocating the Army Air Forces School from , to Maxwell Field on November 29, 1945, as an interim measure to consolidate educational functions. On March 12, 1946, the War Department redesignated this school as Air University, establishing it as a major command dedicated to advanced professional military education for air officers. This creation emphasized strategic insights from , particularly the against and the Pacific bombing campaigns, to inform future and operations. Air University's early structure included key components focused on progressive officer development. The Air War College was established in 1946 at Maxwell Field, opening its inaugural class for the 1946-1947 academic year to train senior leaders in strategic air operations. Complementing this, the Air Command and Staff School was founded the same year at in , to provide intermediate-level education in command, staff duties, and operational planning. Originally designated as a school, it was elevated to college status and renamed the on November 1, 1954, reflecting its expanded role in education. By 1948, Air University's operations had fully transitioned from wartime combat and flight training to a focus on professional military education, with all primary activities centralized at the newly renamed Maxwell Air Force Base. This shift, under leaders like Major General Muir S. Fairchild, prioritized doctrinal analysis and leadership preparation over tactical proficiency, laying the foundation for the independent U.S. Air Force established by the National Security Act of 1947.

Cold War Developments and Modern Realignments

During the , Air University expanded significantly to address the evolving demands of airpower education amid escalating global tensions. In 1950, the Squadron Officer School was established as a dedicated program for junior officers, initially rooted in the Air Command and Tactical School, to foster leadership development in response to the emerging nuclear age and the Korean War's lessons. This addition marked a shift toward structured professional military education for mid-level officers, complementing existing institutions like the . Concurrently, the introduced programs, including the first Academy in 1952 at March Air Force Base, which emphasized leadership training for technical sergeants and aligned with Air University's broader mission to build a professional force capable of sustaining prolonged deterrence. These initiatives reflected a doctrinal focus on , with curricula at the Air War College incorporating strategic airpower theories centered on and deterrence against Soviet threats, as articulated in early 1950s Air Force planning documents. By the 1960s, Air University further integrated advanced technical education to support technological advancements in aerospace and weaponry. The , assigned to Air University on April 1, 1950 and renamed as such on January 1, 1962, at , , enhanced interdisciplinary research and officer training in areas like missile systems and electronic warfare. This integration bolstered Air University's role in preparing personnel for complex operations, including and cyber domains emerging during the era. As the intensified in the mid-1960s, adaptations were made to curricula across Air University's schools, emphasizing tactics, , and adaptive leadership to address the limitations of conventional nuclear-focused strategies in limited wars. For instance, the incorporated case studies on Rolling Thunder operations to train officers in joint air-ground coordination, highlighting the need for flexible doctrinal responses to asymmetric conflicts. Following the Cold War's end, Air University underwent downsizing in the 1990s as part of broader force reductions, with personnel and program budgets cut by approximately 20-30% to align with post-Soviet peace dividends and the process. This period saw a contraction in resident course offerings and a pivot toward efficiency, yet it set the stage for renewed emphasis on joint operations in the , driven by the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act, which mandated integrated service education. Air University responded by embedding requirements into its programs, such as requiring intermediate-level officers to study unified command structures and multinational , preparing graduates for operations in and where supported efforts. In 2015, the U.S. Strategic Master Plan outlined a vision for agile , prompting Air University to adopt modular, learner-centric approaches to professional that emphasized adaptability, innovation, and to meet expeditionary demands. This framework influenced curriculum reforms, prioritizing over rote memorization and integrating simulations for rapid scenario-based training. Modern realignments at Air University have focused on preparing for Great Power Competition, particularly against near-peer adversaries like and . In 2024, a comprehensive reorganization was initiated to streamline command structures, consolidate delivery, and enhance focus on high-end warfighting, with full operational capability planned for October 2025. Building on this, enhancements announced in August 2025 integrated professional more deeply with operational readiness, including the addition of the Spacepower Education and Advanced Readiness (SPEAR) track at Squadron Officer School, launched in 2024 to tailor primary-level training for Guardians in orbital warfare and multi-domain integration. Similarly, the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies (SANDS) concentration was established at the in 2018, providing specialized intermediate in strategic deterrence and nuclear command, control, and communications. Updates such as Airman Leadership School 2.0, rolled out in 2024, incorporated immersive digital scenarios to build supervisory skills for contested environments. The evolution of Air University's components has included the establishment of the Global College of Professional Military Education in 2022, which centralizes online delivery of distance learning programs for over 36,000 students annually, ensuring accessible, high-quality education for the Total Force regardless of location. This institution houses non-resident courses from Squadron Officer School through Air War College, leveraging partnerships like that with to offer accredited master's degrees and adaptive online modules aligned with the National Defense Strategy's emphasis on integrated deterrence.

Organizational Structure

Headquarters and Command

Air University's headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in , where it operates as a direct reporting unit under the (AETC). As the premier educational institution for the , it is commanded by Lieutenant General Daniel H. Tulley, who assumed the role of commander and president on November 7, 2025, succeeding Lieutenant General Andrea D. Tullos. Tulley oversees the university's mission to deliver full-spectrum education, research, and outreach, serving as the intellectual and leadership development center for the Department of the Air Force. The provost and chief academic officer, Dr. Yolanda E. Williams, who assumed her position in November 2024, provides strategic oversight of academic affairs, including faculty development, curriculum governance, and student success initiatives. The command structure features a deputy , currently Parker H. Wright, who also serves as of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education. Supporting this leadership are various staff directorates, such as those for operations, personnel, and academic affairs, which coordinate administrative functions and ensure alignment across the organization. Air University maintains oversight of approximately 12 colleges, schools, and centers, directing their integration into broader educational and doctrinal efforts. Base operations are supported by the , the host unit at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, which manages infrastructure, security, housing, and logistical services for Air University and its tenants. Collectively, these elements enable Air University to produce an annual output of over 170,000 graduates across resident and non-resident programs, including officers, enlisted personnel, civilians, and international students from more than 80 nations. In 2025, the university completed realignments to streamline its professional military education processes, achieving full operational capability by October to better support great power competition objectives.

Colleges and Schools

Air University encompasses a range of colleges and schools that deliver professional military education (PME), graduate degrees, and specialized training to develop personnel, with most institutions located at , . These entities focus on academic and , serving a diverse student body that includes officers and enlisted members from the U.S. , other Department of Defense services, civilian personnel, and international officers from over 80 nations. The Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), situated at Maxwell AFB, provides intermediate-level PME for approximately 500 resident students and over 9,000 nonresident participants annually, emphasizing joint operations and leadership for mid-career officers. The Air War College (AWC), also at Maxwell AFB, offers senior-level PME to prepare flag officers and equivalent civilians for strategic leadership roles, with a curriculum centered on and global strategy. The School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) at Maxwell AFB delivers a rigorous master's program in , , and doctrine, fostering advanced research and among select officers. The Air Force Global College of PME (GCPME), established in 2022 as Air University's distance learning arm, oversees online programs such as the Master of Military Operational Art and Science (MMOAS) and other PME courses, reaching over 36,000 geographically dispersed students worldwide to enhance accessibility and agility in education delivery. Among the schools, the (SOS) at Maxwell AFB trains company-grade officers in foundational leadership and warfighting skills, serving as the entry point for PME. The (IOS), located at Maxwell AFB, specializes in cultural orientation and PME for allied personnel, integrating over 200 international students each year into educational programs. The (CCAF), based at Maxwell-Gunter in , is a federally chartered institution awarding associate degrees in to enlisted Airmen, supporting over 300,000 graduates since its inception and facilitating transitions to higher education through partnerships. The (AFIT), at Wright-Patterson AFB, , functions as the Air Force's graduate of engineering, applied sciences, and management, offering master's and doctoral degrees to and students in technical fields critical to innovation. The U.S. (TPS), at Edwards AFB, , trains elite pilots and engineers in methodologies, producing graduates who advance aircraft development and operational testing. The Chaplain College (AFCCC), under the Eaker Center at Maxwell AFB, provides specialized education and resources for chaplains and religious affairs professionals to support spiritual resilience across the community. Collectively, these colleges and schools operate under the oversight of Air University's headquarters to ensure alignment with educational standards and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Centers and Associated Agencies

The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education serves as the primary entity under Air University responsible for overseeing the delivery of professional military education to enlisted Airmen across the Air Force. It provides centralized program management, curriculum development, and instructional materials to ensure standardized training for enlisted leaders at various levels, supporting Air University's broader mission to educate and develop Total Force personnel. The Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education functions as Air University's hub for advancing , focusing on the creation, assessment, and dissemination of strategies to guide and execution. This center develops foundational publications and conducts specialized courses, including the course, which prepares senior leaders for joint operations by integrating with multi-domain warfighting concepts. Additionally, it incorporates wargaming, analysis, and innovation initiatives to refine in response to evolving threats. The Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), located at , operates under Air University's auspices as the official repository for Department of the historical records, documents, and artifacts. It preserves 396 million documents dating back to , including photographs and oral histories, enabling research that informs current policy, , and strategic decisions while serving as the institutional memory for heritage. AFHRA supports scholars, historians, and through access to its collections and facilitates the documentation of ongoing activities. Other specialized centers affiliated with Air University include the USAF Center for Strategy and Technology (CSAT), which conducts research on the integration of into air and space power strategies to address long-term challenges. Established to foster , CSAT produces occasional papers and studies on topics such as innovation and global competition, drawing from interdisciplinary expertise to influence planning. Complementing this, the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) delivers targeted programs in , regional studies, and cross-cultural competence for Airmen and Guardians operating in diverse global environments. AFCLC's offerings, including immersion experiences and distance learning courses like "Introduction to ," equip personnel to navigate cultural nuances in and operations. Among associated agencies, the Civilian Leadership Development School (CLDS), housed within the Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development, offers structured academic and for Department of the civilians, emphasizing skills through courses and programs in and . Air University also maintains linkages with youth-oriented programs such as Junior ROTC and , coordinating through entities like the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development to support aerospace education and training for future service members.

Officer Professional Military Education

Squadron Officer School

The Squadron Officer School (SOS), established in 1950 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, by Colonel Russell V. Ritchey as a leadership development center for junior officers, serves as the primary professional military education (PME) program for captains in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. Activated on November 1, 1954, and redesignated as a separate Air University school on July 1, 1959, it initially operated under the Air Command and Staff College before gaining independence to focus on tactical leadership for company-grade officers. The resident program, a rigorous 5-week in-residence course, targets active duty, Guard, Reserve, and select civilian captains (O-3 pay grade), accommodating approximately 3,000 students annually as of 2022 across six classes. This immersive experience emphasizes hands-on application to build foundational skills for squadron-level leadership. The centers on four core areas—Leading, , Warfighting, and Thinking—integrating airpower doctrine, all-domain operations, and problem-solving through classroom instruction, team-building exercises, and events. It covers principles, , fundamentals, and analytical thinking, drawing from Air Force Doctrine Document 1-1 and the Institutional Competency List to prepare officers for dynamic operational environments. In response to evolving Department of the needs, a refocused was launched in July 2025, reducing classroom time while increasing warfighter ethos training and practical simulations aligned with Department of Defense priorities. Additionally, the Spacepower Education and Advanced Readiness () track, introduced in January 2024, provides tailored content for Guardians and space operations personnel, addressing gaps in space domain awareness and multi-domain integration. Complementing the resident program, SOS offers distance learning through the Global College of PME (GCPME), delivering the same foundational content in a self-paced format to thousands of officers, civilians, and total force members annually who cannot attend in-residence. This program, based on PME publications, ensures accessibility for Reserve, Guard, and international partners while maintaining alignment with resident outcomes. To support instructional excellence, SOS maintains robust faculty development initiatives, including the Theories and Principles of program, a 32-academic-hour course that equips instructors with andragogical best practices for effective adult learner engagement in contexts. Graduates of SOS are equipped for command and staff positions at the squadron level, fostering mission-ready, joint-minded leaders capable of overcoming complex challenges in air, space, and multi-domain operations. The program awards credit toward (JPME) Phase I requirements, positioning it as the foundational step in the officer PME progression before intermediate and senior levels.

Air Command and Staff College

The (ACSC), located at , , serves as the intermediate-level professional military institution for mid-career officers, emphasizing the operational of and operations. It offers a rigorous 10-month resident program that awards a Master of Military Operational Art and Science (MMOAS) degree, typically attended by approximately 500 students annually, primarily O-4 majors from the active duty, Reserve, and components. A parallel distance learning program accommodates over 9,000 nonresident students each year, providing flexible access to intermediate developmental for officers unable to attend in residence. This program builds on the foundational leadership training from the Squadron Officer School, advancing officers' understanding of operational-level challenges. The ACSC curriculum focuses on military operations and strategy, covering core topics such as the profession of arms, leadership and ethics, , application, and the environment through a blend of lectures and intensive small-group seminars on . It is accredited for (JPME) Phase I, fulfilling requirements for foundational joint operational knowledge as outlined by the Chairman of the . Students undertake research projects that apply operational concepts to real-world scenarios, often culminating in collaborative analyses that inform strategy, such as studies on deterrence in contested domains. A notable feature is the Space and Nuclear Deterrence Studies (SANDS) concentration, introduced in 2018 under the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies, which integrates 70% of the core curriculum with specialized focus on strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, and warfighting for selected students. ACSC facilitates the integration of international officers by coordinating with the International Officer School, which delivers a mandatory preparatory course to equip foreign attendees for the resident program's demands, ensuring seamless participation in joint and multinational education. The overall program comprises 36 credit hours, designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for operational leadership. Graduates are prepared for wing-level command and staff positions, equipped to integrate air, space, and cyberspace power into joint campaigns at the operational level of war.

Air War College

The Air War College (AWC), established in 1946 by the U.S. War Department at , , serves as the flagship institution for senior-level professional education within Air University. As the capstone of the officer professional education pathway, it delivers a rigorous 10-month resident program commencing each July and concluding in May, enrolling approximately 245 students annually, primarily U.S. colonels (O-6) and equivalents from other services, federal civilian agencies, and international partners from around 50 nations. The program awards a Master of Strategic Studies degree upon completion, requiring 34-36 semester hours of coursework, a minimum 3.00 GPA, and successful participation in key exercises and forums. Complementing the resident course is a distance learning option through the Global College of Professional Education (GCPME), designed for senior developmental education and accessible to O-5 selects and above, including , Reserve, Guard, sister-service, (GS-13/14/15 equivalents), and international officers meeting specific eligibility criteria such as service tenure and endorsements. The AWC curriculum emphasizes policy, , and the strategic application of in and multinational contexts, accredited as Phase II by the Chairman of the . Core courses, totaling around 30 semester hours, cover foundational topics such as Foundations of Strategy (6 hours), Great Power Studies (5 hours) exploring deterrence and competition with major adversaries like and , Regional (5 hours), Air, Space, and Cyber Power in the Future (4 hours), and Global Campaigning (4 hours), alongside leadership and contemporary strategy modules. Students engage in concentrations including the Grand Strategy Seminar and Joint Warrior Studies, which integrate wargaming, case analyses, and operations planning to foster strategic thinking and warfighting proficiency. The program also features the Kenney Airpower Strategy Seminar, named after World War II air commander General George C. Kenney, which delves into historical and modern strategies through in-depth studies of campaigns from onward. components, such as the Strategic Studies Paper (4 hours), require analysis of deterrence dynamics and great power competition, supported by electives on topics like cyber domains and creative thinking. Graduates of the AWC are equipped to assume general and roles, providing strategic leadership in , interagency, and coalition environments amid evolving global challenges. The curriculum's focus on airpower's role in prepares leaders to address complex issues like , adversary analysis, and multi-domain operations, with many alumni advancing to senior command positions within the U.S. and allied forces.

School of Advanced Air and Space Studies

The School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) is a graduate-level within Air University at , , dedicated to cultivating strategists through rigorous academic programs. Established to address post-Vietnam War shortcomings in strategic education, SAASS focuses on developing warrior-scholars capable of analyzing and applying air, , and cyber power in complex environments. SAASS offers a one-year (MPhil) in , a 48-week, 36-credit-hour program, followed by an optional (PhD) in for select high-performing graduates. The MPhil curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary study, including , airpower and space power history from the 20th to 21st centuries, coercion, irregular warfare, and the role of technology in strategic innovation. Students engage in small seminars of 11-12 participants, international field studies, and a year-long project under faculty mentorship, culminating in oral comprehensive exams before a three-member board. The PhD extends this foundation, requiring a dissertation defended within seven years, supervised by SAASS faculty, and is pursued by those with a minimum 3.7 GPA from the MPhil. Admission to SAASS is highly competitive, targeting up to 45 students annually, primarily U.S. and officers at the O-4 or O-5 rank who have completed intermediate-level professional military education such as the . Selection prioritizes candidates with strong academic records (undergraduate GPA of at least 3.25 or a prior ) and career field endorsements, including a limited number of joint-service and international officers. The program integrates with senior-level education like the Air War College by serving as a specialized follow-on for exceptional graduates, enhancing strategic depth. Chartered in 1988 by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Larry D. Welch, SAASS held its first class in summer 1991, with the inaugural graduates in June 1992; it was redesignated from the School of Advanced Airpower Studies in 2002 to reflect expanded space power focus. The program received full from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in 1999. SAASS graduates contribute significantly to U.S. doctrine development, , and academia, with many advancing to faculty roles or influential positions in . To date, the program has awarded at least 59 PhDs.

International Officer School

The International (), located at in , operates under Air University's International Affairs Division to prepare foreign military for integration into U.S. Professional Military Education (PME) programs. It annually orients approximately 250 international military students from more than 80 partner nations, enabling their successful participation in PME courses such as the Squadron Officer School, , and Air War College. In November 2025, marked its 100th anniversary of fostering global partnerships. The school's curriculum emphasizes cultural adaptation, English language proficiency, and foundational knowledge of U.S. structure, , instruments, and strategic concepts. Programs typically last 6 to 12 weeks, with specific preparatory courses—such as the seven-week Squadron Officer School Preparatory Course—delivering around 400 hours of academic instruction, practical exercises, and field studies, including visits to sites like , to build communication skills and cross-cultural competence. By equipping international officers with these skills, IOS fosters enduring global partnerships and enhances coalition warfighting capabilities, directly supporting the U.S. National Defense Strategy's emphasis on international cooperation for regional stability and . Graduates, who often rise to senior roles in their home countries, contribute to strengthened alliances through shared understanding and .

Enlisted Professional Military Education

Airman Leadership School

The (ALS) serves as the foundational level of within Air University, focusing on junior non-commissioned officers in the United States Air Force. Administered by the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education at Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, , it targets senior airmen (E-4) selected for promotion to (E-5), equipping them with essential skills to transition into supervisory positions. The program emphasizes developing ethical leaders capable of supervising teams and contributing to mission success in dynamic operational environments. The resident ALS course spans 24 academic days, delivering 192 hours of structured instruction at 68 active-duty locations worldwide, plus one dedicated Air National Guard school managed by major commands. A distance learning variant, offered through the Global College of Professional Military Education (GCPME), provides flexible access for , Reserve, and remote active-duty personnel, ensuring equivalent learning outcomes to the in-residence format. Tens of thousands of Airmen complete ALS annually across both resident and distance modalities, supporting broad enlisted career progression. ALS curriculum centers on core fundamentals, Air Force customs and courtesies, mission readiness, and problem-solving techniques, fostering cultural awareness and warfighting proficiency through interactive scenarios and discussions. In June 2024, the distance learning program introduced ALS 2.0, integrating agile learning principles such as threaded peer discussions, personalized feedback from instructors, and a facilitated capstone exercise to better align with evolving standards. Graduates emerge prepared to assume supervisory duties, leading Airmen effectively while adapting to joint and multi-domain challenges. The program incorporates elements of the Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor Course, which trains faculty—requiring an or equivalent and a 120-hour —to deliver high-quality instruction.

Noncommissioned Officer Academy

The Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) serves as the second level of (EPME) within Air University, preparing technical sergeants (E-6) to assume greater responsibilities as professional, warfighting Airmen and Professionals. Established under the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, the NCOA operates through nine resident academies located at bases worldwide, delivering a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)-affiliated program that builds on the foundational skills acquired at the . The resident course consists of 196 hours of classroom instruction over 25 academic days, emphasizing guided discussions, experiential exercises, and outcomes-based learning to foster strategic thinking and joint operations awareness. The curriculum focuses on advanced principles, including team leadership, unit management, and within the context of Air and Space power employment. Key topics cover all-domain operations (), the Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) cycle, agile employment principles, and the application of and communication skills to tactical and operational challenges. These elements equip NCOs to lead and manage units effectively, enhancing their ability to contribute to national strategic objectives through integrated military operations. In addition to the resident format, a distance learning option is available through Air University's Global College of PME, primarily for and Reserve technical sergeants, allowing self-paced completion to meet EPME requirements per Air Force Instruction 36-2670. This hybrid approach ensures accessibility while maintaining rigorous standards aligned with the USAF Enlisted Force Development Blueprint. Upon completion, graduates demonstrate proficiency in illustrating the Air Force's role in joint warfighting, applying to solve complex problems, and supervising at the flight or unit level, thereby supporting the enlisted force structure's emphasis on adaptive, mission-ready leaders. The course syllabus was last updated on August 30, 2024, incorporating contemporary doctrinal changes to reflect evolving operational demands.

Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy

The Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (AFSNCOA) serves as the capstone of enlisted professional military education (PME) for senior noncommissioned officers, emphasizing strategic leadership development to prepare them for high-level advisory and command roles within the . Located at Kisling Hall on , , , the academy delivers a resident program consisting of 25 academic days over approximately five weeks, targeting master sergeants (E-7) and senior master sergeants (E-8). A distance learning counterpart, administered through the Global College of Professional Military Education (GCPME), provides a 12-month self-paced with a capstone component for Air Force Reserve and master sergeants, ensuring accessibility for total force personnel. The academy's curriculum centers on principles, national and , air and space power integration, policy advising, and the execution of senior enlisted roles in complex organizational settings. Key topics include , problem-solving in joint operations, integrated deterrence, and strategic competition, aligning with evolving defense priorities such as great power competition. The program is affiliated with the of the and totals 200 classroom hours in the resident format, fostering skills in communication, ethical decision-making, and leading diverse teams. Specialized components include the Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course (CLC), a resident offering for (E-9) focused on executive advisory functions, and the Course (SLC), which develops meta-leadership competencies for volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments. Annually, the AFSNCOA graduates over 3,200 students across its resident and distance formats, including active-duty Airmen, reservists, guardsmen, select sister-service members, and international officers, conducted through six resident classes per year with approximately 300 participants each. This scale supports the 's need for seasoned enlisted leaders capable of influencing policy and operations at higher echelons. Program outcomes equip graduates to assume command chief positions, where they advise commanders on enlisted matters, shape force culture, and align capabilities with national security objectives, ultimately enhancing readiness in strategic contexts.

First Sergeant Academy

The First Sergeant Academy (FSA) is a specialized professional military education program under the Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development at Air University, located at on , . It provides a four-week resident course, consisting of 20 academic days and 217 instructional hours, targeted at master sergeants from active duty, Reserve, and who are selected for assignment as first sergeants. The academy trains approximately 700 students annually across seven classes, with each class accommodating up to 106 participants. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills for personnel and unit support roles, covering first sergeant responsibilities, maintenance and discipline, negotiation and , resiliency , and legal orientation for first sergeants. Additional seminars focus on , discipline maintenance, and unit readiness, with particular attention to duties as wing or squadron superintendents. This builds on prior senior enlisted development, complementing the broader focus of the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy by honing role-specific expertise in advising commanders on enlisted matters. Upon completion, graduates are certified to wear the insignia and equipped to advise commanders on Airmen readiness, health, morale, welfare, and while leading units in alignment with Air Force Core Values. The program integrates with the updated Enlisted Force Structure guidelines released in September 2025, which outline first sergeants' responsibilities in building a mission-ready force and ensuring compliance with Air Force policies and goals. It also enhances graduates' communication skills and practices to support overall enlisted force effectiveness.

Enlisted Heritage Research Institute

The Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute (AFEHRI), located at Maxwell-Gunter Base in , is a key component of the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education within Air University. It serves to educate and inspire enlisted leaders by preserving and showcasing the history, heritage, and contributions of the and enlisted corps to air and space power. Established to support the broader mission of enlisted , the institute manages a dedicated , archives, and the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall, which features artifacts, exhibits, and audiovisual materials highlighting enlisted traditions and achievements. The institute's curriculum is integrated into various Professional Military Education (PME) programs, where it provides heritage instruction focused on Air Force enlisted back to 1947, including antecedents from the Army Air Corps. This content is incorporated through edited chapters on aviation and Air Force heritage in the Air Force Handbook 1, ensuring that enlisted personnel gain a deep understanding of their service's foundational traditions. The research efforts encompass a vast archive of approximately 230,000 historical documents—many original copies—and around 2,000 reference materials, which support ongoing scholarly work and respond to information requests ranging from the Secretary of Defense to individual Airmen. Through its programs, the AFEHRI enhances cultural awareness among enlisted members by fostering pride in their heritage and motivating future contributions to the service. It also supports instructor development, including the Instructor Course (EPMEIC), by providing resources and training materials that equip educators to deliver heritage-focused content effectively. Public access is available via guided tours by appointment and a , promoting broader appreciation of enlisted legacy, as recognized by awards such as the 2018 Heritage Program of the Year.

Academic Education

Community College of the Air Force

The of the Air Force (CCAF), a federally chartered institution under , was established on April 1, 1972, initially at , , to provide postsecondary opportunities for enlisted personnel. It relocated to Maxwell Air Force Base's in in November 2008, where it remains headquartered. Since awarding its first degrees in 1977, CCAF has granted over 570,000 Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees across 67 programs in fields such as aerospace maintenance, health services, , and information systems. With more than 300,000 active-duty, Guard, and Reserve students enrolled annually, it operates as the world's largest dedicated to enlisted . CCAF's curriculum integrates 60 semester hours tailored to enlisted career fields, emphasizing practical skills and foundational academics. Technical education credits, comprising 24 semester hours, are earned through Air Force technical training schools in areas like , cybersecurity, and medical laboratory technology. General education requirements total 15 semester hours, covering written and oral communication, , social sciences, and ; for example, courses like CLTR201 (Introduction to ) and CLTR202 (), offered by the Air Force Culture and Language Center, fulfill humanities or social science credits. The remaining 21 hours include , , and military studies (6 hours) plus program electives (15 hours), often incorporating or civilian transfers to broaden professional competencies. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) through Air University, CCAF degrees are regionally recognized and facilitate seamless transfers to over 100 senior colleges via the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program. Graduates often pursue bachelor's degrees or civilian careers, with the Civilian Program (CADP) extending similar leadership-focused AAS opportunities to Department of the civilians. This structure supports enlisted Airmen in career broadening by combining technical proficiency with academic credentials essential for advancement and post-service transitions.

Air Force Institute of Technology

The (AFIT), located at in , traces its origins to November 10, 1919, when it was established as the Air School of Application to provide for personnel. As the 's primary graduate institution for and , AFIT offers master's and doctoral degrees in more than 20 technical fields, including aeronautical , cyber operations, , and , serving approximately 4,000 students annually through in-residence, non-resident, and civilian institution programs. AFIT is organized into key schools that deliver specialized graduate education: the Graduate School of Engineering and Management, the School of Systems and , the School of Strategic Force Studies, and the School. Since 2008, it has been designated as the Air Force's Cyber Technical Center of Excellence, focusing on research and training to advance operational capabilities. The emphasizes research-based learning in STEM disciplines, with AFIT awarding over 22,000 advanced degrees since 1956, including more than 21,000 master's degrees and 1,000 PhDs. It holds continuous accreditation from the since 1960 and accreditation for several engineering master's programs. Complementing professional military education, AFIT's programs provide technical depth for Air Force officers, enlisted members, and civilians, including the Education with Industry initiative that annually supports 75-80 participants in immersive industry rotations to enhance acquisition and expertise. Through its Civilian Institution Programs Office, AFIT facilitates graduate studies at partner universities for about 3,450 students in professions, , and legal tracks, awarding over 18,000 degrees and certifications in the past two decades. These efforts directly support Air Force , systems acquisition, and strategic by producing experts equipped to address complex technical challenges.

USAF Test Pilot School

The United States Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS), located at Edwards Air Force Base in California, was established on September 9, 1944, as the Flight Test Training Unit at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, to provide specialized training in experimental flight testing amid World War II demands. The school relocated to its current site on February 4, 1951, to leverage the base's favorable flying conditions and expansive testing ranges in the Mojave Desert. Over its history, TPS has evolved from a three-month performance flight test course to a comprehensive graduate-level program emphasizing systems integration, with early expansions in the 1940s and 1950s incorporating stability and control training using aircraft like the P-80 Shooting Star. The school's flagship offering is the year-long integrated in Flight Test Engineering (MSFTE) program, which now combines traditional with space test engineering. This 48-week curriculum awards 50 quarter credits through Air University and admits approximately 32 students annually (including 24 flight-focused and 8 space-focused) from elite pools of pilots, combat systems officers, engineers, and remotely piloted operators. The rigorous program integrates academic instruction with practical testing, covering core areas such as , techniques, systems testing, , , , and space domain test and evaluation to equip graduates for roles in advanced and space vehicle evaluation. The first integrated class graduated on December 7, 2024, with 600 contact hours, 80 flight events, and over 20 space events, and the program is on track for master's accreditation in 2025-2026. This evolution replaces the previous separate in Space Test Engineering, preparing personnel for multidomain warfare challenges. TPS graduates, who include notable figures such as astronauts and award recipients like the winners, frequently assume leadership roles in U.S. test wings and squadrons, directing major developmental programs for , and unmanned systems. The MSFTE program has been by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since April 2007, ensuring its alignment with graduate engineering standards and enabling seamless credit transfer within Air University affiliates. This underscores TPS's role as the 's premier institution for fostering expertise in high-stakes test environments.

Professional Continuing Education

Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development

The Center for , located at in , serves as a key component of Air University's professional efforts, delivering multi-disciplined technical training and programs to , reserve, guard, , and Department of Defense personnel. Established through a 2019 reorganization that merged the former Air University Leadership Institute, Air Force First Sergeant Academy, and Profession of Arms Center of Excellence into a unified entity, the center focuses on fostering agile, mission-ready leaders to address evolving operational challenges. This transformation responded to feedback from a 2016 Air Force-wide survey of nearly 20,000 Airmen and spouses, emphasizing the need for enhanced, enterprise-wide . The center offers several specialized schools and courses tailored to leaders across ranks and roles. The Commanders’ Professional Development School (CPDS) prepares wing commanders, deputy wing commanders, group commanders, senior materiel leaders, wing vice commanders, and squadron commanders through targeted pre-command training, including the Leader Development Course and team-building seminars; it serves over 2,900 students annually in residence at Maxwell AFB and via distributed learning worldwide. The Force Support Professional Development School (FSPDS) provides professional continuing education for total force personnel in force support functions, covering occupational competencies, contingency operations, resiliency, and military family readiness, reaching more than 2,000 students each year through in-residence and distance learning formats. The Civilian Leadership Development School (CLDS), activated in 2022, delivers year-round leadership training and programs for Air Force civilians, enabling open enrollment and flexible progression toward credentials like the Civilian Associate Degree Program (CADP). Additional offerings include the Academic Instructor Course (AIC), hosted by the center's A-Staff to certify educators in instructional techniques, and the Continuous Improvement (CPI) Senior Leader Course, which equips senior personnel with tools for innovation and efficiency in operations. Collectively, these programs engage thousands of participants annually, supplementing core professional military education with practical, role-specific skill-building. Curriculum across the center's programs emphasizes culture, where decentralized execution aligns with centralized intent, alongside process improvement methodologies to drive organizational agility and resilience. Courses incorporate interactive elements such as case studies, team exercises, and strategic outreach with joint partners and academic institutions to instill enduring functional competencies. For instance, CPDS includes the Wing Command Team Spouses’ Seminar to integrate family support into preparation, addressing the holistic demands of command roles. By developing adaptive leaders capable of thriving in complex environments, the Eaker Center contributes to the Air Force's strategic goals of enhancing and deterrence amid great power competition, ensuring personnel return to units equipped for operational success and future warfighting demands.

Defense Financial Management and Comptroller School

The Defense Financial Management and Comptroller School (DFM&CS) operates under Air University's Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, delivering advanced and intermediate education to enhance financial management capabilities within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force. Established as a DoD Center of Excellence, it focuses on equipping personnel with skills in budgeting, accounting, auditing, fiscal law, and decision support to support strategic resource allocation and operational efficiency. DFM&CS offers three core courses tailored to experienced financial managers: the three-week Defense Financial Management Course (DFMC), a joint program emphasizing proactive financial leadership; the four-day Defense Decision Support Course (DDSC), a mobile training initiative on analytical tools and briefings; and the 14-day Professional Financial Management Course (PFMC), specific to Air Force needs in . The curriculum aligns with DoD financial improvement and audit remediation standards, incorporating real-world case studies, guest speakers from DoD agencies, and prerequisite distance learning to foster and ethical decision-making. These programs target mid- to senior-level officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians, typically those with several years of DoD financial experience, such as GS-12 to GS-15 equivalents. Registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, DFM&CS provides credits that support professional certifications and career progression in . Graduates are prepared for positions, enabling them to lead in joint operations, compliance, and budgetary across DoD enterprises. As part of the Eaker Center, the school briefly integrates financial expertise with broader leadership principles to develop well-rounded strategic advisors.

Air Force Culture and Language Center

The Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC), located at in , develops and delivers programs focused on enhancing cultural awareness and communication skills for personnel. It manages key distance learning courses, including Introduction to Culture (CLTR201), a foundational education course that explores cultural concepts and their impact on interpersonal and operational interactions, and (CLTR202), which emphasizes effective communication strategies across diverse cultural contexts. Both courses are worth three semester hours of credit and integrate directly into the of the Air Force (CCAF) Associate of degrees, fulfilling institutional or program elective requirements. The AFCLC's curriculum is designed specifically for deployed personnel and to foster international cooperation, providing tools to navigate multicultural environments during missions. These programs support Professional Military Education (PME) for partner nations, with Air University hosting students from 87 such nations to build and shared understanding. By incorporating region-specific cultural insights and practical scenarios, the courses prepare Airmen to engage effectively with allies and adversaries alike. Outcomes from AFCLC programs contribute to greater mission effectiveness in diverse operational settings by improving competency, which reduces misunderstandings and enhances operations. This aligns with the National Defense Strategy's emphasis on deterring and promoting security through better comprehension of global dynamics and adversary perspectives.

Associated Programs

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) is a high leadership and program sponsored by the , established in 1964 under the ROTC Vitalization Act (Public Law 88-647), which expanded JROTC to include Air Force units alongside and programs. As a Title 10 U.S. Code citizenship initiative, it emphasizes aerospace education, , and civic responsibility without any military service obligation for participants. The program operates as an auxiliary to Air University's core military education efforts, fostering foundational skills in youth that align with broader values. As of 2023, the program is mandated to sustain approximately 90,000 cadets across 870 units in high schools throughout the , , , and the Pacific, with a focus on public and Department of Defense schools. The curriculum spans three to four years for most cadets (open to grades 8 through 12), integrating three core components: Aerospace Science, which covers topics like history, rocketry, and space operations; Leadership Education, emphasizing customs, communication skills, and team-building; and Health and Wellness, promoting and . Instruction is delivered by over 1,600 certified educators, primarily retired officers and enlisted personnel, who undergo specialized training through the Junior Instructor Certification Course; recent expansions under the 2023 have also opened roles to active and Reserve members. Extracurricular activities, such as drill teams, color guards, and projects, complement the academics, with cadets logging about 1.6 million service hours annually to build character and . Under the oversight of Air University's Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, AFJROTC aims to instill lifelong leadership qualities and aerospace awareness in participants. Outcomes include improved high school attendance, graduation rates, and self-esteem—particularly among female cadets—along with reduced disciplinary incidents, as evidenced by longitudinal studies. The program prepares cadets for postsecondary opportunities, offering pathways to Air Force ROTC scholarships, service academies, or enlisted service with advanced entry ranks (E-2 after two years of participation, E-3 after three years), thereby cultivating a pipeline of informed future leaders and potential military recruits without mandating enlistment. Specialized initiatives, like the J-100 leadership scholarships and the eight-week Flight Academy for pilot training, further enhance career readiness in aviation and STEM fields.

Civil Air Patrol

The (CAP), chartered by in 1948 as the official civilian auxiliary of the , operates as a with approximately 69,000 volunteer members comprising youth cadets and adult senior members. It provides education programs that promote STEM and knowledge for both internal members and external communities, including K-12 resources and curricula adopted in schools. CAP's cadet programs, serving youth aged 12 to 21, parallel the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps by emphasizing character development and awareness, while also offering emergency response capabilities as a force multiplier for missions. CAP's curriculum includes specialized training for senior members in operational roles, such as mission qualifications for sorties, disaster , and tasks, governed by regulations that ensure proficiency in and ground operations. Cadet squadrons deliver structured tracks through phased achievements that integrate education, , and , culminating in advanced opportunities like the Officer School hosted annually at Air University. Internal professional development for senior members extends to partnerships with Air University's distance learning programs, allowing enrollment in courses like the Squadron Officer School after foundational CAP training. Through these efforts, CAP supports critical outcomes such as conducting 90% of the nation's inland missions and providing aerial imagery for disaster relief, logging over 100,000 flight hours annually in support of federal, state, and local agencies. Its linkage to Air University facilitates auxiliary development by integrating volunteers into broader educational frameworks, enhancing leadership and operational readiness for non-military contributions.

Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education

The Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, serves as the principal organization responsible for developing, assessing, and advocating Air Force doctrine in joint and multinational contexts. It produces foundational publications such as Air Force Doctrine Publication (AFDP) 1, The Air Force, which outlines the core principles of airpower and its application across operational environments. The center also conducts specialized courses, including the Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course (JFOWC), which prepares senior leaders for command roles involving air component integration, and contributes to flag officer joint professional military education (JPME) programs. The center's curriculum emphasizes employment strategies and the integration of combined forces in all-domain operations, drawing from doctrinal to train warfighters on synchronized execution across air, land, maritime, , and domains. These educational efforts focus on practical application through wargaming and , enabling participants to address complex operational challenges. Annually, the center educates over 1,200 students, including senior officers and interagency partners, via resident, distance learning, and formats. In April 2025, the center released a new Air Force Doctrine Note on to guide future warfighting applications. Through its development and educational programs, the LeMay Center shapes operational concepts to counter competition, facilitating solutions that enhance decision-making speed and scale in contested environments. This work supports broader professional military education by providing doctrinal electives and integration for and courses.

Accreditation and Degrees

Accreditation Status

Air University holds regional from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, master's, and doctoral degrees, with initial accreditation granted in 2004 and reaffirmation in 2019; the 5-year interim report was submitted in March 2025 and accreditation reaffirmed, with the next full reaffirmation due in 2029. This accreditation ensures compliance with SACSCOC's Principles of Accreditation, focusing on educational quality, institutional effectiveness, and student learning outcomes through periodic peer reviews. The (AFIT), a component of Air University, maintains separate institutional accreditation from the (HLC) for its master's and doctoral programs, a status held continuously since 1960. Additionally, several of AFIT's graduate programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of , emphasizing rigorous standards in applied science, computing, , and . For professional military education (PME), Air University's (ACSC) and Air War College (AWC) programs are accredited for (JPME) Phases I and II, respectively, under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's Process for Accreditation of Joint Education (PAJE), aligning with CJCSI 1800.01F requirements for intermediate and senior-level development. The Defense Financial Management and Comptroller School (DFM&CS) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education, allowing its courses to qualify for (CPA) credits. Air University's continuing education offerings, including those from AFIT's Civil Engineer School, are authorized to award Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through accreditation by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), supporting across various career fields. These accreditations undergo regular oversight and renewal processes to align with U.S. educational objectives, facilitating credit recognition and transferability for professional advancement.

Degrees and Programs Offered

Air University offers a wide array of associate, master's, and doctoral degrees, primarily through its SACSCOC-accredited components such as the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), (ACSC), Air War College (AWC), and School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), while the (AFIT) holds separate HLC accreditation. At the associate level, CCAF provides Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in 71 fields tailored to enlisted personnel's technical training and professional development, including aviation maintenance technology, aircraft avionics systems, health care management, logistics operations, and intelligence studies and technology. Since awarding its first degrees in , CCAF has conferred more than 600,000 AAS degrees to over 500,000 , supporting career advancement and in and sectors. Master's programs emphasize operational, strategic, and technical expertise. ACSC awards the Master of Military Operational Art and Science (MMOAS) to resident and select online students, focusing on joint operations and airpower application. AWC confers the Master of Strategic Studies (MSS) to its resident program graduates, preparing senior officers for strategic leadership roles. The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS), under Air University, grants the Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering (MSFTE) to graduates of its rigorous flight testing curriculum. AFIT offers diverse master's degrees in fields such as aeronautical engineering, applied mathematics, logistics and supply chain management, nuclear engineering, and systems engineering, with both resident and distance learning options. Doctoral programs are selective and research-oriented. SAASS awards the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Military Strategy to a limited number of exceptional graduates who complete additional dissertation requirements following the Master of Philosophy program. AFIT has conferred 1,037 PhDs since in disciplines including aeronautical engineering, , , , and , contributing to advanced Air Force technical and leadership capabilities. In addition to degrees, Air University provides non-degree programs, including professional military education (PME) that fulfills (JPME) Phase I and II requirements through ACSC and AWC, respectively; graduate certificates from AFIT in areas such as data analytics, autonomy, and countering weapons of mass destruction; and courses via the Center for Leadership Development. Across its components, Air University annually awards approximately 22,000 associate degrees through CCAF, alongside several thousand graduate degrees and certificates to support the Air Force's total force.

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