Welcome to the United States Air Force Air War College! Air War College is the senior Air Force professional military school. Annually, we prepare more than 250 resident and over 5,000 nonresident senior students from all US military services, federal agencies, and 45 nations to lead in the strategic environment -- emphasizing the employment of airpower in joint operations . Our success is indisputable and demonstrated by our prestigious alumni and faculty. At this site, we want to provide professional military students and interested researchers with an opportunity to share the educational experience of the college through an interchange of ideas and research projects. Much of our material is intended for our resident and nonresident students throughout the world. However, we believe that the information provided here and the links to other web sites will serve your educational and research needs as well and pique the interest of those who are not so familiar with the United States Air Force. Our goal at the Air War College is important and clear -- to develop cross-domain mastery of joint airpower and its strategic contributions to national security. We invite you to pursue this goal with us, remembering that, when all is said and done, our mission is to win our nation's wars. Again, welcome to the Air War College! I'm confident that this will be a rewarding experience. SCOTT M. HANSON Major General, USAF Commandant

Coming Events in 2011-2012 March 2012 - "Taste of the World" with cuisine from the 45 countries represented at AWC March 2012 - Regional & Cultural Studies (RCS) Field Research May 2012 - National Security Forum (NSF) May 2012 - Graduation July 2012 - AY13 Class Begins Sep 2012 - NSF Alumni Reunion Student & Faculty Awards Student Awards Faculty Awards Faculty News

"State Department Days" are a feature of the Air War College Fall schedule that highlights whole-of-government approaches to addressing global issues.

This year, 15 active-duty State Department employees visited Maxwell Air Force Base October 31-November 2 to take part in lectures, seminars, and social activities with AWC students and staff. They contributed their experiences as Foreign Service professionals to classes in the National Security Decision Making (NSDM) course related to diplomatic instruments of power and use of media in foreign policy.

These kinds of exchanges expose current and future military leaders to the thinking and the culture of a key cabinet-level agency, with which the military frequently cooperates in front-line missions.

Additionally, the visiting diplomats toured a number of sites in Montgomery, getting a flavor of the region's rich history and equally rich tradition of excellent base-community relations.

The Air War College welcomed back 14 of its own from the classes of 1972 and 1982 Oct. 27-28. Alumni reconnected with the institution, rekindled friendships and engaged in the academic debates of the day with the current Air War College students and faculty.

They also connected with Air University senior staff, students, faculty and Montgomery leadership at a series of social gatherings and in-class seminar events. The group shared the lessons they learned and also emphasized lessons to which they wished they’d paid more attention.

Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, Air War College commandant, said the impromptu standing ovation honoring them is what the reunion was all about. This is the second year AWC has hosted a reunion remembering those who served before and taking the time to say thank you to those who’ve made an impact defending the nation.

Overall, all involved said the experience was very beneficial to both the alumni and the current class. The perspectives matured by 30 and 40 years of post -AWC experience hit home as lessons from the post-Vietnam era were compared with today’s similarly constrained fiscal environment and offset by the experience gained through executing the Reagan-era buildup. Members of the current class said they walked away with new skills they can use to operate and succeed in this world. The alums said they were encouraged that today’s class is every bit as bright and committed as they were, and that the nation is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead successfully.

One of the AWC Seminar 2 event organizers got a laugh from one of the attendees from the class of 1972, now 83 years old, who reflected, “I bet (19th century military theorist Carl Philipp Gottfried von) Clausewitz hasn’t changed much since I left, has he?”

As the returning alumni gathered on the final evening of the reunion, the discussion revolved around how easy it is to re-engage with old friends who’ve shared the AWC experience. One guest said he hadn’t seen some of these friends in more than 20 years, but they picked up right where they left off as if it was only yesterday.

Next year’s reunion will include the classes of 1973 and 1983 and promises to bring the AWC community even closer together.

The US students of Air War College treated their International Fellow classmates and families to a generous sampling of cultural foods associated with the various regions of the United States during the 22 October “Taste of America” celebration. The seminars paired up to provide home-cooked regional food for all AWC students, faculty, staff and families to enjoy.

The exotic samplings included salmon from the Pacific Northwest, lobster bisque from the Northeast, and crab cakes from the Mid-Atlantic region. The regionally famous (notorious?) Southwestern chilies, Southeastern jambalaya, and the good old farm-and-country Midwestern sloppy joes enhanced the authenticity of the experience. Rounding out the menu was that universal slice of Americana, the football tailgater brats, dogs, and hamburgers.

As an added bonus, the AWC students donated $371 and 249 pounds of canned foods to the local Montgomery area food bank.

While the primary aim of the event was to provide our AWC International Fellows and their families a sampling of American culture, it’s a safe assumption that nobody went home hungry.

On the 24th of September, personnel from Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex and their community partners celebrated the 64th birthday of the United States Air Force with a military ball hosted by the students of Air War College. Over 325 guests enjoyed an evening of military tradition, dinner and dancing and inspirational comments by the new Air University President and Commander, Lt Gen David S. Fadok.

AWC Spouses, faculty members and others contributed baskets to a silent auction which earned over $1400 for the benefit of the newly-renovated Airman's Attic.

Lt Gen Fadok, as the senior member of the mess, along with A1C David Dietrich, a Security Forces Airman with less than one year's time in service, cut the ceremonial birthday cake.

It was a fun evening for all, with attendees from all the US services and many international partner countries -- all present to pay tribute and say "Happy 64th Birthday, United States Air Force!"

Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson assumed command of the Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education May 27. General Hanson, who assumes a position that is dual-hatted as the Air War College commandant, took command from Maj. Gen. Robert Kane, who moves on to the Pentagon to become the director of global reach programs for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition.

Air University Commander Lt. Gen. Allen Peck said that even though the positions of Commander, Spaatz Center, and Commandant of the Air War College, are significant undertakings, he knows General Hanson is up to the challenge. There’s “a lot to do, but Scott is the right guy to come in and pick up where Rob left off.”

General Kane was thanked for his leadership and the work he has done for AU. He said he was appreciative of the opportunity to serve the organization.

“I’ve learned a lot about being a military unit with a university characteristic,” General Kane said. “Thank you for embracing [my wife] Katie and me over the last 15 months and letting us join the Spaatz family and the Air War College family.”

General Hanson thanked General Peck for his trust and confidence shown in allowing him to take command.

“I can’t help but think, a decade ago as I sat in the seats you are sitting in now, I did not think I’d be standing before you today behind this lectern,” General Hanson said. “I am absolutely thrilled at this opportunity, and I will pour all the passion and energy I can muster into the mission and the people that provide this world-class, professional military education for our officers.”

As the commander of the Spaatz Center and Air War College commandant, General Hanson is responsible for directing officer professional education, research and outreach as well as overseeing Air War College’s senior leader development programs.

General Hanson earned his commission from Officer Training School in 1984. He has commanded at the detachment, squadron and wing levels. He was deputy director of U.S. Central Command’s deployment and distribution operations center supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He was also the director of the Iraq training and advisory mission and commander of the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing in Iraq.

In addition to enhancing their leadership skills, graduates of the Spaatz Center’s Air War College class of 2011 made a difference in the community before their graduation Thursday in Jones Auditorium.

“I was constantly amazed at how professional and ‘let’s get it done’ everyone was,” said class president Col. Thomas Harrell.

Students participated in service projects, spending more than 300 hours renovating a veteran’s home. The class also organized a 22-person team for a dragon boat race, raising $3,000 for the nonprofit agency Rebuilding Together Alabama. The team finished in second place.

Colonel Harrell was amazed that the team, which included international students and the commandant, came together so quickly after the class started, which was just the start of the students’ dedication to the community and the military.

“Being here, for me, reenergizes the concept … that I work with stellar people,” he said.

“Your year of professional study has changed each of you in some way, making you better prepared for the uncertainty that awaits you,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Kane, commandant, said in his message to the class. “You have developed deep and enduring relationships with your classmates even though in many cases you came from completely different backgrounds.”

This year’s class of 240 contained 117 students from the Air Force, 24 from the Army, 13 from the Navy and Coast Guard, and 10 from the Marines. Seventeen were from the Guard and Reserves. The 44 international fellows were from all around the world, including Brazil, the Czech Republic, Nigeria and the Philippines. Students spent their year at Maxwell learning about the joint, interagency and international security environment and their roles as strategic leaders.

Thursday’s ceremony featured guest speaker retired Lt. Gen. Daniel Leaf, who served as deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, and vice commander, Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. General Leaf currently serves as vice president for Full Spectrum Initiatives, Defense Systems division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems in Herndon, Va.

“I am confident that regardless of your nationality, branch of service, agency, or whether you are military or civilian, you will have the opportunity to apply the lessons learned here at Air War College in your next assignment and throughout your career,” General Kane said. “When that opportunity comes, seize it with confidence knowing that your educational and personal experiences here have prepared you to excel as great colonels.”

Awards presented

Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award; Colonel Harrell, Air Force, was recognized as the student who demonstrated the greatest leadership ability.

Wright Brothers Officership Award: Lt. Col. Michael Norton, Air National Guard, was recognized as the student who made outstanding contributions to the class. This award is sponsored by the Air University Foundation.

Distance Learning Academic Excellence Award; Lt. Col. Lynette Herbert, Air Force Reserve, was recognized as the top academic distance learning performer.

Air War College hosted this year’s National Security Forum (NSF). Attendees from all across the nation participated. Highlights during the week included:

• The Honorable Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force, spoke about his vision for the Air Force.
• General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, spoke about current Air Force issues.
• 42d Air Base Wing deployment with the Air Force Reserve 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell AFB - guests processed for deployment and rode on a C-130 during an air drop
• Staff Ride to the Air National Guard 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field - guests toured an operational fighter unit
• Colonel (ret) Randy Larsen, Institute for Homeland Security - "Asking the Right Questions"
• Dr. Mark Duckenfield, Air War College Faculty - "The Effect of Global Economics on National Security"
• Dr. Thomas Preston, Department of Political Science, Washington State University - "Future Security in a World of Biological and Nuclear Weapons"
• Colonel John Dowd, US Army, Air War College Faculty - "Strategies in Afghanistan…a Personal Perspective"
  
  
• Click on photo at right to see the video of this NSF, including the air drop.

• Noontime Lectures (optional):
  • Egypt – From Tradition to Transition - by Dr. David Sorenson, Air War College Faculty
  • Japan's Decision for War, 1941 - by Dr. Jeffrey Record, Air War College Faculty
  • America's Current National Security Strategy - by Dr. Chris Hemmer, Air War College Faculty
  • Russia – Great Nation or Failing Nuclear State? - by Dr. Mark Conversino, Air War College Dean of Academic Affairs
• Optional tours were available to early arrivals: Montgomery Civil Rights Museum, Maxwell/Gunter Historical Tour (going back to the Wright brothers), Air University Library and Historical Research Agency Tour, and Hyundai Plant Tour
• Get-Acquainted Dinner: NSF guests, Air War College students and faculty gathered for a mix and mingle buffet dinner at the Officers’ Club.

read more about NSF on its website

see this year's group photos

In what is becoming an annual event, professors from Air University (AU) wrapped up a two-week visit to Uganda on 01 April 2011 where they augmented the professional military education curriculum of the Ugandan Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC).

Warfighting Department visiting professors Dr. Roy Houchin, Air War College (AWC), and Chris Stamper, Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), delivered ten lectures to students from six East African Nations and exchanged ideas on airpower history, air and space reconnaissance, campaign planning and joint air operations planning. Concurrently, the professors provided instruction on USAF capabilities and their application in both the historical and contemporary operational environments to the students and staff. The team also continued their previous collaboration with the SCSC Air Cell and other Ugandan military faculty to expand and refine curriculum ideas on air operations, intelligence preparation of the operational environment and irregular warfare, topical areas of interest identified by their hosts.

In support of the US Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) regional security cooperation plan and at the request of the Ugandan People’s Defense Force (UPDF), the AU team developed a series of lectures to support the East Africa Community’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the professionalization of the regions armed forces. This second visit remains part of the AU’s outreach program and continues to build on areas identified by the previous year’s visit. Since the Senior Command and Staff College’s inauguration in 2005, Uganda has worked hard to diversify the enrollment of the school. Consequently, they now support senior officer students from Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Government of Southern Sudan and of course Uganda. The focus of these contributing nations remains peace and stability within the East African Region, where they also are supporting deployments to Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Darfur.

The Air Cell, led by Lt Col Emmanuel Kwihangana (a member of the Air Cell’s directing staff during last year’s visit), praised the previous year’s efforts and expressed his appreciation for their return as well as the willingness of the Air University team to enhance the curriculum by adapting to this year’s SCSC lecture topics and focusing on emerging issues. The newest member to the Air Cell and directing staff, Major James Muhwezi, a 2010 graduate of Air Command and Staff College, has brought back a distinctively joint operational perspective to regional issues and is working diligently to incorporate those lessons learned into the evolving curriculum. In addition, the college’s Indian Military Training Team provides a pilot to the Air Cell. Group Captain Virk brings a comprehensive non-western perspective to air operations and the development of air doctrine.

A former J5 planner for East Africa, Chris Stamper said, “It is obvious to see how seriously the East African Nations are taking the professionalization of their military’s.” Their belief in the concept of cooperation to build partnership capacity and to further security force development is quite evident. Dr. Houchin said “These initiatives have been priorities for the East African region for seven years and their continued support is clearly evident in their willingness to support both student and instructor exchanges.” As an enhancement to the directing staff, the college additionally hosts three additional Indian Army Officers, one Tanzanian Army Officer, and one Kenyan Naval Officer (a US Naval War College graduate).

“The lectures provided by the Air University faculty are only the beginning.” said Major General Gutti, the Commandant of the college, who also expressed interest in developing and hosting an East African Regional center of excellence for junior Air Force officers. The new professional military education college would focus on the application of Air Power and Air Power studies. This may seem an ambitious goal; but with their existing desire, a growing cadre of professionals, and continued support, their vision could become a reality in the not too distant future.