Squadron Staff Published Jan. 20, 2021 Air Command and Staff College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL SQUADRON STAFF The 21st and 38th Student Squadrons (STUS) are responsible for adhering to DAFI 1-2 which includes successfully executing the mission and ensuring the health, morale, and welfare of all students attending ACSC. The student squadrons serve as the Commandant’s direct link to student operational issues and provide feedback to the other elements of the school. Each squadron includes a squadron commander and two directors of operations. The remaining squadron-level staff in each squadron is composed of students. The chain‐of‐command for in-resident students is: Flight Lead (Flt/LD) Division Director of Operations (DO) Squadron Commander (CC) All issues should be routed through the chain‐of‐command. If there are academic questions, they can be directed to the Course Instructor (CI). Each flight will also be assigned an Military Advisor (MA) and an Academic Advisor (AA) for the academic year. The MA will serve as a mentor to the flight and the individual students; they will focus on life circumstances, professional issues, and performance. The AA will serve as an academic mentor and reviewer to improve intellectual performance. Non‐AF US personnel will work issues simultaneously through his or her service/civilian representative and his or her AF chain‐of‐command. Student Leadership Roles and Responsibilities: Initial Student Cadre (ISC): ISC is the advanced team of students out of each class. The purpose of ISC is to welcome, in-process, and acclimate the main student body to ACSC. These students constitute the core individuals filling student leadership positions. The members of ISC are volunteers and Fellows from the incoming class. Squadron Staff Positions: Each division has six positions on the squadron staff for students. These positions serve the following purposes: 1. Work directly for STUS leadership to support the flights in accomplishing the ACSC mission. 2. Ensure support and encouragement for the morale and welfare of students. 3. Work with counterpart staff positions in the opposite student squadron to ensure consistency of operations and to plan and execute school-wide student body activities under the advisement of STUS leadership. Two students per position, per squadron will be selected through interviews during ISC. Each squadron staff position is filled by one student each academic semester. Table 1. Student Leadership position descriptions Squadron Staff Positions Chief of Academics - Generates an environment where members of the squadron seek to invest in his or her academic experience - Connects squadron members with various academic resources available at ACSC, AU, and beyond - Facilitates collecting constructive feedback on curriculum, lectures, CSS, etc. - Meets with ACSC-R Dean of Education to discuss student academic issues regularly and has DIRLAUTH with the Dean of Education Treasurer - Manages funds collected for squadron/class events - Develops and manages budget for squadron/class funds - Sends financials to 42 FSS in accordance with AFI 34-223, Private Organization Program Chief of Athletics - Promotes a culture of health, fitness, and friendly competition within the STUS - Liaises with the 42 FSS Fitness Center to advertise and coordinate student participation in base intramural sports - Coordinates, monitors, and tracks monthly fitness challenges between flights - Facilitates athletic competitions on STUS days through coordination with STUS leadership Chief of Social Affairs - Promotes a culture of relationship building and social networking - Incorporates all demographics and cultures in activities (i.e., geo-bach, singles, IOs, and families) - Facilitates and coordinates events for squadron/class camaraderie and morale - Acts as primary liaison between squadron staff and student body spouse organization Chief of Student Affairs - Monitors and promotes squadron morale and welfare - Communicates feedback from the students to squadron leadership and offers solutions - Facilitates collaboration and execution of student-led initiatives across the squadrons - Introduces all DV speakers to the student body - Meets with ACSC Commandant to discuss student issues regularly and has DIRLAUTH with the Commandant International Officer (IO) Representative - Promotes overall welfare of squadron IOs - Communicates IO concerns to squadron leadership and offers solutions - Facilitates collaboration and execution of student-led initiatives across the squadrons (i.e. IO Cultural Day) ACSC Student Council: Comprised of both student squadron staffs (12 total students per semester; total of 24), the council’s primary purpose is to discuss class-wide events/business and provide avenues for ALL students to engage directly with the council on a variety of topics. The council will hold updates open to the entire student population on a recurring basis (frequency set by the council) and ensure they are published on the student calendar. Council updates will be organized and led by the combined squadron staff. At a minimum, a portion of the meeting will be conducted in a “town hall” format to give students in attendance the opportunity to give input, provide feedback, raise concerns, etc. Flight Level Positions: There are also student leadership opportunities internal to each flight. There are two designated positions: Flight Lead and Academic Officer. These two flight positions are mandatory; however, each flight may individually tailor its structure beyond this requirement to mirror squadron staff positions or accommodate the flight preferences and initiatives. Flight Lead (Flt/LD): Critical to the overall success of the flight, division, and squadron, Flt/LDs must intentionally lead his or her flight, reinforce policies, and encourage an environment of academic success. Chosen during ISC, they are the first point of contact for student administrative matters and serve as the official sponsor for the flight’s IOs. In general, each Flt/LD is responsible for the following aspects of the flight: Leads and promotes military courtesy, standards, and morale. Maintains awareness on accountability of flight members and assists with recalls. Communicates and coordinates all personal, professional, and/or academic issues through his or her STUS/DO. Communicates absences or issues of flight members as a result of an emergency or unusual circumstances (even during elective days). Functions as the flight security manager. Ensures flight responsibilities are met, including the neat and orderly appearance of the flight room. Flight Academic Officer: Responsible for facilitating flight academic success. Responsible for assisting in soliciting for feedback from the flight for all speaker series lectures. Ensures any members experiencing academic issues are directed to appropriate resources for additional help. Is proactive in ensuring additional academic resources are available for flight members. Works closely with the squadron academic chief for awareness on course/curriculum changes, school wide policy changes, and provides feedback to the squadron academic chief for DE.