Military Training

SOS Course Description

Squadron Officer School (SOS) develops Air and Space minded leaders primed to prevail in competitive environments. The course is structured around three areas: leadership, design thinking, and joint warfare. Students engage in classroom and hands-on application events to know themselves to lead themselves, know their team to lead their team, foster a strategic and creative mindset, resolve conflict effectively, collaboratively solve problems, and gain foundational knowledge on airpower doctrine, international paradigms, and joint all-domain warfare to learn to lead in uncertain environments.

MAJCOMs are given quotas for in-resident attendance and assign members based on member preference. Prospective students should apply for the program through their unit Training Managers, who will send their names to the MAJCOM for selection. Members are not allowed to request to be individually scheduled.

Eligibility Requirements

The SOS program targets all active-duty USAF and USSF captains with at least four but less than seven years total active federal commission service (TAFCS); USAFR and ANG captains; select GS 9-12 (and equivalent) civilians with two years of Air Force civil service experience; and a limited number of allied international officers. Unless approved by the SOS Commandant, no officer or civilian with a temporary medical profile or limiting physical condition may attend SOS. All students on medical profile, please see SOS website for instructions.

Active duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard students must have a current, passing fitness score that will remain current through course completion. DoD civilians must meet current Air Force Personnel Test (AFPT) standards and provide proof of a passing score, certified by a unit or wing Physical Training Leader (PTL), prior to attending SOS in residence.

Air Force Reserve/IMA Captains wishing to attend SOS can automatically go to Distance Learning, which is found on the Air University site, https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/GCPME/SOS/. If desiring to go in person, AF Reserve/IMA Captains, must apply on the RSSB, which has a board twice a year. For additional information, visit https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?pid=kA08300000001TLCAY.

Civilians wishing to attend SOS is conducted separately during the Civilian Development Program nomination call. This program is advertised annually each December. For additional information, visit https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?pid=kA0t0000000wlCpCAI.

Visit the Air University website, www.airuniversity.af.edu/SOS/Student-Experience/ for additional information on SOS.

AFDW Procedures

AFDW is allotted a certain amount of seats per class iteration. The fair share of seat distribution is divided amongst AFDW supported agencies as follows (subject to change within Fiscal Year):

In-Residence breakdown are as follows:

• 4-week class
• Students will immediately begin in-residence instructions
• 7-year TAFCSD waivers will be required
• Students on a duty limiting profile cannot attend SOS unless they have an SOS-approved Exception to Policy (ETP)

For additional information, visit the Squadron Officer School website.

Course Description

The Air Force Officer Professional Military Education (OPME) Program is central to a Continuum of Education (COE) that spans an officer's professional career. Beyond pre-commissioning education, which constitutes the first level of the COE, Developmental Education enhances your development with the following programs.

Eligibility

AFDW Procedures

AFDW is allotted a certain amount of seats. The fair share of seat distribution is divided amongst AFDW supported agencies as follows (subject to change within the Fiscal Year):

Course Description

ACC Sword Look is an initiative to bridge the time gap between PME courses giving Captains the opportunity to hone their leadership style and skills. The course covers all demographics within the Air Force and focus on developing leaders and homing in on the ACC mission in an effort to connect the individual to the mission. The course is dynamic in nature and addresses a wide variety of topics and featured speakers covering everything from leadership advice to how the assignment process works. The environment allows for collaboration between participants and encourages them to share their experiences to build connections.

Open to Captains.

AFDW Procedures

AFDW is allotted a certain amount of seats. The fair share of seat distribution is divided amongst AFDW supported agencies as follows (subject to change within the Fiscal Year):

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chief of Space Operations will sponsor opportunities for four Airmen and one Guardian to obtain a one-year Master’s degree intended to develop future DAF and Joint leaders from elite civilian institutions as follows: (1) one Airman and one Guardian to earn a Master of Public Administration from the JFK School of Government at Harvard; (2) one Airman to earn a Master of Public Policy from Princeton's School of Public & International Affairs; (3) one Airman to earn a Master of International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins’ Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies; and (4) one Airman to earn a Master of International Policy from the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University.

Program details will be release annually by MAJCOM A1/KF POCs.

Developing the Airmen We Need – Education (DAWN-ED) has both PhD and Master’s degree opportunities. This program is intended to produce a cadre of critical thinkers that couples diverse career backgrounds with focused graduate education in state-of-the-art theories and research, to identify and lead the changes and actions necessary for the DAF to dominate in an era of renewed great power competition and into the future. Applicants should select degrees and programs that enhance DAF capabilities in areas addressed in national security documents and force blueprints. Emphasis areas for targeted degrees are released each year during the program's nomination call. Applicants must be a Line of the Air Force (LAF) or USSF active duty company grade officer with less than ten years Total Air Force Commissioning Service Date (TAFCSD) as of degree program start date.

Program details will be release annually by MAJCOM A1/KF POCs.

The Secretary of the Air Force sponsors opportunities for three Airmen and one Guardian to obtain a PhD in selected Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs each year, from top-tier civilian institutions as a foundational step in their long-term development as strategic, competitive, and diverse thinkers and leaders. Applicants must be a Line of the Air Force (LAF) or USSF active-duty captain (O-3) with less than nine years Total Air Force Commissioning Service Date (TAFCSD) as of degree program start date. Graduates of these unique technical learning opportunities will help officers develop critical-thinking skills early in their careers and, combined with operational experience, professional military education, and deliberate vectoring, will prepare them to lead at all levels in an era of renewed great power competition.

Program details will be release annually by MAJCOM A1/KF POCs.

Course Description

SLECP-O allows designated Air Force Senior Leaders to directly select exceptionally performing, highly talented enlisted Airmen (all ranks, not just senior enlisted grades) for commissioning through Officer Training School (OTS). The following Senior Leaders are identified as selection authorities for the purposes of this SLECP-O: SECAF, USECAF, CSAF, VSCAF, CMSAF, HAF/DS, ACC/CC, AETC/CC, AFMC/CC, AMC/CC, AFGSC/CC, PACAF/CC, USAFE/CC, and AFSOC/CC. Designated senior leaders may each select one (1) Airman for program participation.

SLECP-O: This program is for enlisted candidates who currently possess a Bachelor's Degree or Bachelor's Degree projected for completion NLT the suspense dictated by DAF guidance from an accredited institution. Initial OTS placement will be the earliest class the member is eligible to attend.

Note: Projected AFSC classification is limited to Line of the Air Force AFSCs. Please refer to the Air Force Officer Classification Directory (AFOCD) maintained on MyFSS, https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?pid=kA0t0000000wlCzCAI, for the minimum qualification requirements for each AFSC. if selecting AFSC 13M, 13N, 19Z, 21M, 71S or 92T member must also have at least one alternate NRL AFSC identified. For information regarding what AFSC's the AF currently needs, please contact afpc.dp2lt.workflow@us.af.mil.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must currently possess Bachelor's Degree
• Meet eligibility factors for appointment in commissioning as outlined in AFI 36-2005, Officer Accessions, paragraph 2.1
• U.S. citizen (at least 18 and not reached 40 years of age by selection date)
• High moral character and personal qualifications
• Outstanding job performance as an Airman
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Exemplifies Air Force core values
• Desire/motivation to serve as an officer
• Superior communication skills
• Ability to succeed in an academic environment

Medical Requirements

• Must be medically qualified and cleared for worldwide duty
• Must not have medical Assignment Limitation Codes (ALC): ALC-C1, ALC-C2, or ALC-C3
• Must not have AF Form 469 with duty Limiting Condition Report or exemption from any component for Fitness Testing

Package Requirements

• Current Official Photo (full length in service dress)*
• All EPRs (most current to least current)
• Letter of Recommendation from Wing/CC or Senior Rater on Performance and Core Values
• Personal Essay
• SURF*
• Current Fitness Report*
• AFOQT Scores (minimum 10 quantitative / 15 verbal)
• School Transcripts (conferred date)
• Top 3 Future AFSCs*
• Nominee Contact Information (Rank, Full Name, Unit/PAS, Duty Phone/work email, AFSCs, MAJCOM POCs)

Course Description

The Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program allows designated Air and Space Force Senior Leaders (SL) to directly select exceptionally performing, highly talented enlisted Airmen (all ranks, not just senior enlisted grades) for commissioning through Officer Training School (OTS). The following Senior Leaders are identified as selection authorities for the purposes of SLECP-A: SECAF, USECAF, CSAF, VCSAF, CMSAF, HAF/DS, ACC/CC, AETC/CC, AFMC/CC, AMC/CC, AFGSC/CC, PACAF/CC, USAFE/CC, AFSOC/CC, AFRC/CC, and NGB/CF. Designated senior leaders may each select two (2) Airmen for program participation.

This program is for candidates who do not possess a bachelor’s degree, but completed at least 24, but not more than 90, semester hours or equivalent by the end of the SLECP selection window with plans for completing a bachelor’s degree within 3 years. This program provides an opportunity for enlisted Airmen to complete their degree while on active duty status. Airmen must complete all degree requirements while attending an accredited school with an associated funding agreement or affiliated cross-town Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) agreement. There is a tuition cap of $18K/year. The assigned AFROTC detachment will be responsible to enforce military standards to include all annual training requirements, accountability, and oversight. After graduation, the Airman will attend Officer Training School (OTS) to earn their commission.

NOTE: Projected AFSC classification is limited to Line of the Air Force AFSCs. Please refer to the Air Force Officer Classification Directory (AFOCD) maintained on myFSS, https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?pid=kA0t0000000wlCzCAl, for the minimum qualification requirements for each AFSC. If selecting AFSC 13M, 13N, 19Z, 21M, 71S or 92T member must also have at least one alternate NRL AFSC identified. For information regarding what AFSC's the AF currently needs, please contact afpc.dp2lt.workflow@us.af.mil. COCOMs, DRUs, and agencies that fall outside of an AF MAJCOM are authorized to submit two (2) RegAF nominations for consideration by HAF/DS through AFDW/A1. They will be eligible for SLECP-A consideration by HAF/DS through AFDW/A1.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility Factors for appointment in commission as outlined in DAFMAN 36-2032, Military Recruiting and Accessions, Chapter 5, Officer Accessions.
• Completed at least 24 semester hours, but no more than 90 semester hours, or equivalent by the start of the fall semester with plans to complete a bachelor’s degree within 3 years.
• Admission to an accredited stateside school with associated funding or affiliated cross-town AFROTC agreement for accountability and administrative oversight.
• Accredited school’s yearly tuition falls within $18,000 or less a year.
• Minimum AFOQT score of 10 quantitative; 15 verbal.
• U.S. citizen (at least 18 and not reached 40 years of age by selection date)
• High moral character and personal qualifications
• Outstanding job performance as an Airman
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Exemplifies Air Force core values
• Desire/motivation to serve as an officer
• Superior communication skills
• Ability to succeed in an academic environment
• Waivers must be approved IAW DAFMAN 36-2032 and/or DAFMAN 36-2664 prior to and submitted with SLECP-A package.
• Comparative OTS Current Standards are: 
  • 2.5 GPA non-STEM degree; no minimum for tech degree; 2.5 GPA for rated
  • Minimum Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score of 10; AFOQT Pilot/CSO/ABM score of 25 as appropriate for rated

Medical Requirements

• Must be medically qualified for continued enlistment, commissioning, and cleared for worldwide duty.
• Must not have medical Assignment Limitation Codes of ALC-C1, ALC-C2; or ALC-C3.
• Must not have AF Form 469 with duty Limiting Condition Report describing duty limitation or exemption from any component for Fitness Testing.
• Must meet the fitness requirements of DAFI 36-2905, Department of the Air Force Physical Fitness Program, to include height and weight standards as prescribed in DoDI 1308.3, DoD Physical Fitness/Body Composition Program.

Nomination Package Requirements – submit in one PDF file in the following order

• Nomination Worksheet
• SLECP Eligibility Determination Worksheet
• Essay on desire to serve in the AF as an officer
• Letter(s) of recommendation (max 2)
• SURF
• Last 5 copies of EPRs; Note: members that have not received an initial EPR will utilize the AF Form 1206 to highlight their current Air Force career accomplishments in bullet format.
• AF Form 1206, “CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS” max 10 bullets; Note: this form will be accomplished in bullet format in line with SLECP-O for specified FY.
• AFOQT Score Printout
• PCSM Score Printout (if applicable)
• SLECP-A Memorandum of Understanding
• Fitness Score Printout
• College Transcripts
• Evaluated Degree Plan
• Letter of Acceptance (if planning to attend a different university than degree plan)
• Approved Waiver (if applicable)

Note: Late or incomplete packages will not be accepted.

Course Description

The AFPC Squadron Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader course is designed for sitting Commander/Directors/SEL's or those who have been matched with a unit and projected to be in place within 6 months. Survey data continues to show that students feel the course offers the most value 1-6 months in the seat, with attendance pre-command coming in second.

AFDW Procedures

AFDW/A1KF sends out a TMT (ETMS2) to advertise the available seats for the course and asks its administratively assigned organizations (HAF/SAF, AFDW Orgs, DRUs, COCOMS, FOAs, Defense Agencies, and AFELMs) to submit their nominations to AFDW/A1KF by the established suspense date. The organizations must complete the nomination worksheet in its entirety. AFDW will consolidate and work the requests received for those nominated members.

The JCWS JPME II course is designed to deliver graduates that will be able to lead joint planning efforts, integrate the creativity of operational art with the analytical and logical process of operational design, and be proficient with the Joint Planning Process (JPP) as the application framework to develop theater strategies and operational plans in a complex global operating environment. The course is offered in person at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. Candidates who have not completed SEJPME II will also have to attend the Joint Transition Course (JTC) at JFSC the week prior to the class start date.

HAF/A1DLE allocates AFDW a maximum of two quotas for the academic year to the JCWS JPME II course. AFDW includes administratively assigned organizations (HAF/SAF, AFDW Orgs, DRUs, COCOMS, FOAs, Defense Agencies, and AFELMs). AFDW will consolidate and facilitate the central selection board to select Airmen for JPME II allocations and nominate the selected members to HAF/A1DLE.

Qualification Criteria

• SMSgt with one-year TIG or CMSgt with high potential to serve in a joint assignment or equivalent.
• An accredited bachelor's degree (include copy of diploma in package if not visible on SURF).
• Completed SNCOA or Sister Service equivalent (include copy of diploma in package if not visible on SURF).
• Completed SEJPME course completion certificate (include copy of certificate in package if not visible on SURF).
• SECRET Clearance.
• SEAC endorsement (will be coordinated by A1DLE for the candidates upon selection). No action is required by candidate.

Nomination Criteria

HAF/SAF, AFDW Orgs, DRUs, COCOMs, FOAs, Defense Agencies and AFELMs may nominate one (1) candidate per Academic Year. Save and submit each individual nomination package as one single PDF file with all required documents listed below. Use the following naming convention when submitting the nomination packages: JPMEII_Last Name_First Name_Rank_Organization (ex., JPMEII_Doe_John_SMSgt_AFOSI).

Nomination packages must contain

Nomination letter from first GO in chain. Highlight joint experience or likelihood of future joint experience in the letter in addition to other key attributes/contributions, etc.

• Last 3 EPRs (in descending order)
• Current Personnel SURF
• Current Fitness Assessment Report
• Official Bio
• Copy of diploma from an accredited bachelor's degree if not visible on SURF
• Copy of diploma from SNCOA or Sister Service equivalent if not visible on SURF
• Copy of SEJPME course completion certificate if not visible on SURF

The Enlisted-to-AFIT program is a unique element of enlisted professional development. AFIT is a component of Air University and Air Education & Training Command. It is committed to providing innovative defense-focused graduate education and related research, and operationally-relevant professional continuing education, to sustain the technological supremacy of America's air, space, and cyber forces. To learn more, visit the AFIT site below.

The Enlisted-to-AFIT call for nominations is sent out by the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) AF-A1DLE each November and selections are announced in March or early April. Those interested in applying must:

1. Have a minimum of five years in service and 24 months on station
2. Be at least a Staff Sergeant
3. Have completed the seven skill-level (craftsman) upgrade
4. Possess a Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university

Enlisted members may elect to attend on their own part-time by enrolling in a degree or graduate certificate program or attending classes in a non-degree status.

AFIT Advantages

• Research: Ability to conduct classified research on defense-focused problems
• Unique: Combination of military/civilian faculty provides real-world experience and academic expertise
• Diverse: Diverse student population includes other services, civilians, and international allies
• Accredited: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and core engineering programs accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

ACC SWORD Bearer is a 3-day professional development course. This course is designed to provide attendees with the ACC senior leader perspectives, professional development and a more in-depth understanding of the ACC mission. The course is a unique opportunity to learn about ACC and its contributions to the Air Force effort of developing future enlisted leaders.

The course is conducted in-person at the Creech Conference Center (located on Langley AFB). This course is a selective program, AFDW is allotted only one (1) allocation, and commanders should specifically target 7-12 year Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) from diverse functional backgrounds that embody the Air Force Core Values.

AFDW Staff, 316WG, 11 WG, 844 CG, and HAF/SAF can submit one (1) nomination with recommendation letter endorsed by unit commander or Director, most recent EPR, and a SURF in a single PDF.

The course is unit funded and each course is scheduled for Tuesday - Thursday. Uniform of the day is OCP or Flight Suit. Updated course information is provided in advance of each individual class.

Sister Service Enlisted Professional Military Education (SSEPME) opportunities include Senior NCO courses across the services: Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, to include other Joint and Special Operations organizations. Eligibility is based on the individual school’s requirements. Unit commanders nominate qualified members via their respective MAJCOMs.

Program details will be release annually by MAJCOM A1/KF POCs.

Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (SOAR) is an enlisted commissioning program for active-duty enlisted Airmen who do not have a bachelor's degree. Airmen selected for SOAR will separate from active duty and attend an accredited college/university with an associated AFROTC Detachment or have a cross-town agreement with a local Detachment. Selectees receive an annual scholarship up to $18K annually for tuition. Students are responsible for costs exceeding the $18K tuition cap.

Program details will be release annually by MAJCOM A1/KF POCs.