Squadron Officer College

This web page contains critical information relevant to your SOS in-residence experience.  You must read and comply with the instructions in their entirety prior to arrival at SOS.  Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in administrative elimination from SOS.

SOS Frequently-Asked Questions

Accessing SOS Online and Computer Requirements

SOC Blackboard Helpdesk Instructions

SOS curriculum is now delivered via the in-residence SOC Blackboard Learning Management System.  No hardcopy materials are provided. 

The SOC Blackboard site and your courseware is available five (5) days before your class start date.  To get a head-start on your readings and your 360-degree feedback assessment, log in at https://soc.blackboard.com.

If you have not received instructions for accessing SOC Blackboard five (5) days before your class start date, email SOC Blackboard account assistance. SOS correspondence/online master’s degree program Blackboard passwords will not work for SOS in-residence.

SOS highly recommends you bring a personal laptop (not a government laptop) and a CAT-5 network cable to access Blackboard while at SOS.  Loaner laptops are available on a very limited basis. Commercial internet access is available at the University Inn and Wi-Fi at the Cypress Tree Golf Course.  Additionally, all students will be issued a Maxwell AFB Outreach wireless password for use with a personal computer in the SOC main building (1403) or Air University Library common area.  USB printers are available in SOS hallways and student resource rooms.

Lodging Information

If you are attending SOS in unaccompanied status [alone], you must update your iGecko information, the SOS Student Management System. This information will be provided for the Maxwell Lodging Office to reserver your room.  Upon receiving your Blackboard account, follow the "start here" Step 1 instructions: If you do not have a Blackboard account, you may call Maxwell Lodging to provide the necessary information at DSN 493-2804 or 493-3931. You can also call Commercial (334) 953-2804 or (334) 953-3931.

If you wish to bring your spouse to SOS, a limited number of accompanied lodging rooms are available for students bringing spouses.  These rooms are assigned on a "first come, first served" basis through SOC Student Services and these rooms MUST be reserved and confirmed through SOC Student Services no later than 15 days before the class start date.  Spouses must stay at least three (3) weeks of the eight (8) week program to be eligible for accompanied lodging. Please note that unaccompanied lodging units are small with limited amenities. 

We pre-assign the accompanied students together with the same Squadron and "accompanied flights", providing the spouses the opportunity to spend time together, develop relationships, and get the most out of the military sponsor's PME experience.

Maxwell AFB lodging facilities are being renovated. Due to renovations, the only accompanied facilities available on-base are for couples with no children. No rooms are currently available for families with children. The lodging office in coordination with SOC Student Services will consider exceptions for families with children (PCS Enroute) on a case-by-case basis. A copy of PCS orders and any/all amendments will be required.

Aside from the above, students wishing to bring their families with children will be directed to stay off-base. Please note that lodging reimbursement is limited to Government quarters cost. Students will be compensated for lodging reimbursement NOT exceeding the rate charged for your assigned student dorm room of $39.00 per day. Additionally, all travel costs for spouses and families are at the student's expense.

Lodging for couples consists of one bedroom and a private bath. Accompanied lodging units are small with limited amenities. Although student rooms will NOT have kitchens, rooms will be furnished with a microwave and fridge. Common access laundry facilities are also conveniently located nearby.

Students who bring dependents beyond a spouse or do not receive accompanied lodging confirmation from SOC Student Services within 15 days before class start date are required to obtain off-base accommodations at their own expense. Lodging per diem is paid at the on-base rate.

To request an accompanied lodging room, send the following information to SOC Student Services NLT 15 days before class start date:  Student name, spouse name, arrival date.

For officers stationed at Maxwell-Gunter AFB, on-base lodging is available, but not required.  Since teamwork is an integral part of the SOS curriculum, on-base lodging is recommended for local students.

The lodging rate for all students is $39.00 per day, with no additional charges for spouses.  Lodging charges MUST be paid with a government-issued travel card.  Students are responsible for any additional lodging charges incurred.

Lodging Guidelines:  Housekeeping must have access to all student rooms on a daily basis for cleaning.  Absolutely no pets are allowed in any student rooms.  Smoking is prohibited in all lodging facilities!  Bicycles may not be kept in lodging rooms; racks are available outside the Lodging facility for storage.

Lodging Departure:  Student rooms are reserved through the date of graduation.  Late departures must be coordinated in advance with the Lodging office.

SOS Fitness Requirements and Profile Information

Physical fitness training and teambuilding sports activities are integral components of the SOS curriculum.  Students attending SOS are expected to be in top physical condition, able to complete a 10K run in the central Alabama summer heat and humidity, or in winter cold, rain, and wind.
 
The SOS Commandant assumes commander responsibilities for fitness standards and the safety of students attending SOS.  Active duty, reserve, ANG, and DAF Civilian students arriving at SOS must have a passing fitness score current throughout class duration IAW AFI 36-2301, paragraph 3.14.2. 

Military students must provide an Air Force Fitness Management System "Fit to Fight" printout on Day 1 showing a passing fitness assessment score that will not expire before class graduation.  Civilian students must provide a letter certified by a unit or wing Physical Training Leader showing a passing fitness assessment score.  These scores must be valid for the duration of the course. Inbound students will not be allowed to schedule a Fitness Assessment at the 42 ABW Fitness Assessment Cell.

Students are required to successfully complete a fitness initial safety test (FIST) on Day 2 of SOS. The test consists of sit-ups, push-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Failing to meet the minimum standards for these events IAW AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, will be evaluated for administrative elimination.

Table 1.  Excerpt from AFI 36-2905.

On a case-by-case basis, the SOS Commandant may grant an exception to policy for members deployed and unable to complete a fitness assessment prior to attendance.  Students who have a long-term profile may also request an exception to policy to attend SOS with exemption from specific fitness activities. For civilian employees with a disability, the Commandant will consider accommodation as required.

Duty Limiting Conditions Report (AF Form 469)

No one may attend SOS with an AF Form 469 without a code, or containing a code 31.   The Code 31 designates an illness or injury which will be resolved within 31-365 days.  Both cases are considered a temporary profile. Temporary profiles will not be waived.

Personnel with a Code 37 on an AF Form 469 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  The Code 37 designates a medical defect or condition which requires a medical evaluation board.  This is considered a long-term profile.  Long-term profiles may be considered for a waiver.

Notification of Air Force Member's Qualification Status (AF Form 422)
Personnel with a Code C1, C2, or C3 on their 422 are authorized to attend training.  The C-codes designate that an individual has met a medical evaluation board and the member has returned to duty with an assignment limitation code (as determined by HQ/AFPC).

Procedures for Request Exception to Policy for Students with Long-Term Medical Profile

Students attending SOS with a long-term profile must receive written approval before departing home station for SOS. Students must contact SOS Executive Services (phone number at bottom of page). Completed exception to policy packages must be submitted at least 5 duty days prior to SOS class start date.

SOS Executive Services will request the following documentation: 1) AF fitness assessment score, 2) AF Form 422, and possibly 3) AF Form 469.

The AF Form 422 must specify the specific fitness requirements from which the student is exempted (push-ups, sit-ups, running-how far, jumping, etc.) The AF Form 469 must contain a specific code. Each case will be reviewed by the SOS Commandant.

Procedures for Requesting Exception to Policy for Expired Fitness Assessment

For students attending SOS within 42 days after returning from a deployment of 90 days or longer, the home station commander must request an exemption to use the expired or overdue fitness score as the score of record. Students must receive written approval before departing home station for SOS. To request an exception to policy contact SOS Executive Services (phone number at bottom of page) at least 5 duty days prior to class start date.

Students who have been home for more than 42 days from a deployment must have a current fitness assessement score, valid through the end of the course, to attend SOS.

Please reference AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, and AFI 36-2301, Developmental Education, doe more information.

SOS Uniform Requirements

Military 

UOD for SOS is ABU/flight suit, except Mondays when the light-blue short sleeve shirt combination will be worn. Service Dress is required for the Opening Day ceremony, flight photo, and Graduation.

Students are required to wear standard issue ABU/flight suit headgear while at SOS.  Unit hats, t-shirts, and morale patches are not authorized. 

A complete Air Force Physical Fitness Uniform is required for all military students.  More than one set is recommended.

NOTE:  All students must bring at least one serviceable ABU set specifically for rugged outdoor activities (Project X and CLX).  It is recommended students also bring an additional set of boots for the outdoor activities.

Civilian

Daily attire for the classroom should be professional, and comparable to the military light-blue short sleeve shirt combination.  "Khakis" and slacks or skirts with collared shirts or blouses are examples of acceptable wear. 

Civilians should bring coat & tie, or equivalent professional wear for women, for wear when military students are in Service Dress.

BDUs will be issued to civilians for classes requiring field gear.  Civilian students may wear boots or personal athletic shoes with issue BDUs.  For Project-X, personal combat boots or ankle supported athletic shoes are highly recommended.

International Officer

See uniform guidance provided by the International Officer School.

Special Notes on Athletic Gear

When participating in physical training (PT) during the duty day (0600-1800), students must be in an authorized PT uniform.  ALL students should bring a sufficient number of PT gear combinations to participate in at least three (3) PT sessions per week. During cold weather months (November to March) a set of Air Force PTU cold weather gear is highly recommended.

Appropriate team competition clothing is issued to all students for SOS outdoor field activities. Students may wear white/black/SOS squadron color turtlenecks, long-sleeve T-shirts, long underwear, and spandex/lycra garments under these items.

Stocking caps and gloves are recommended during cold weather months.
Our fitness and competitive sports program requires specialized footwear. Running shoes are not designed for lateral movement, so students should bring other sports shoes (tennis, basketball, cross training, etc.) in addition to running shoes.  Additionally, students are highly encouraged to bring a set of shoes with soft molded cleats.

Arrival Instructions

Taxi is the only transportation available to/from the airport.

Students must arrive and check in one (1) day before the class start date.

If you are weather-delayed or maintenance-delayed enroute and cannot arrive prior to the class start date, please contact SOS Student Services (see below) ASAP.

If you know that you will arriving more than two days early, call the University Inn at DSN 493-2055 // COMM (334) 953-2055 for Space-A room availability.  Because of limited billeting at Maxwell AFB, we cannot guarantee you will receive a room.

In-processing Instructions

SOS mass in-processing takes place between 1300 and 1900 on the day before class in the Squadron Officer College (SOC) Heritage Hall. SOC is located in building 1403, just across Chennault Circle from the JAG school and the B-52 static display.  At Heritage Hall, SOC Student Services will provide you with your flight assignment, classroom number, student ID number, and a schedule for the first day of class.  You will also receive your lodging room assignment and key.  All lodging rooms are within a short walking distance of the SOC building.

If you arrive outside of the mass in-processing time, report to the University Inn Lodging Office (450 N. LeMay Plaza, Bldg 682, situated between the Fitness Center and OTS) for check in and key issue.

NOTE:  If you were a late add or a replacement, you may not be in the SOS Student Registration Database.  If so, you will be assigned a temporary room and directed to contact the SOS Student Registrar on the first day of class.

A uniform is not required for in-processing.

All students must report to their assigned classroom in Service Dress (or equivalent civilian attire) at the scheduled time on the first day of class.

On Day 1, all students must provide:
Wing commander (or equivalent) contact information including:  Rank, Name, Organization, Street Address, Base, ZIP code, and email address.

A copy of a current AF fitness assessment score (from the Air Force Fitness Management System or your local Health and Wellness Center) good through the class end date.  NOTE:  Your PT test must NOT expire while at SOS.

Contact Information

Lodging or Registration Information, contact SOC Student Services, DSN 493-8064/8045/1463 // COMM (334) 953-8064/8045/1463

Waiver, Profile, or Fitness Information calll SOS Executive Services, DSN 493-6060 // COMM (334) 953-6060.