JPME Phase II encompasses seven program standards and seven learning areas taught by the college faculty throughout the academic year and is the second of three elements required to become a joint specialty officer. The joint specialty rating indicates an officer who is experienced and knowledgeable in working with other military services in the warfighting environment.

Previously, Phase II education was available only at specialized military education facilities, such as the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va., and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

All students must complete either two 2-semester hour courses or one 4-semester hour course in the electives program. The electives program has two major objectives:

• Enhance and complement the core curriculum by providing students with opportunities to achieve greater depth and breadth of understanding in issues of special interest.

• Provide the AWC curriculum with the flexibility to adapt quickly to changes in the international and domestic security environments.

For additional details, including descriptions of individual electives, please see the AWC Catalog AY12.

The research requirement is designed to allow students to perform in-depth critical analysis on a subject of U.S. national security interest. The research process provides the opportunity to improve student argumentation and expression skills while creating products that address strategic and operational issues and topics vital to the national security community and its senior leadership. For the successful completion of the Research requirement, students must produce a professional studies paper (PSP) that does not exceed 5,000 words or approximately 20 pages in length. Most research will be conducted as an individual effort, but the AWC may offer selected students the opportunity to complete this requirement via a faculty-led group research project. The Research course has the following objectives:

• To improve student critical reasoning and writing skills under faculty mentorship;

• Provide students with techniques to find, sort, and assess the facts relevant to a topic of professional interest. Share the results of student research, writing, and analysis with key decision makers; and

• To motivate and help students write articles and essays for publication in major strategy and policy journals.

The Regional and Cultural Studies (RCS) course is an integral part of the curriculum, preparing senior leaders to evaluate the socio-economic, political, cultural, and security issues within a particular region. To meet the challenges of the Air and Space Expeditionary Force, the RCS course provides students the opportunity to evaluate an area of the world where a unified combatant commander must implement the national military strategy in support of US security policy. The RCS course provides the opportunity for students to gain unique perspectives by studying and visiting one of approximately 13 regions. During the third term, students complete 32 classroom hours (16 instructional periods) of focused academic preparation. The regional field study allows students to discuss security policy issues with senior political, military, cultural, and academic leaders. Logistic and administrative preparation and travel planning for the regional field research is accomplished throughout the academic year.

This course falls under the AWC Regional and Cultural Studies program and is structured to enhance the educational and cultural experience of AWC international students, and to support Department of Defense Field Studies objectives for international military students by assisting AWC International Fellows in gaining a balanced understanding of US society, institutions, and goals. The course builds on the AWC curriculum by exposing International Fellows to US military operations, training, organization, equipment, and facilities during a series of major field studies trips. Trip durations range from 3 to 13 days. The AWC Field Studies Program exposes students to leadership and management techniques and concepts used in military, government, and industrial environments; and provides students the opportunity to interact with senior level commanders, managers, and executives within and outside the US government.