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CAO: 04 Feb 23

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Please return to this page frequently, as it is a live product that will be updated regularly. If you have any questions or concerns not addressed here, please contact the ACSC Director of Operations team at ACSC-STUS.OrgBox@us.af.mil.

Maxwell AFB and River Region Resources

Academics

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 Q: How can I prepare for the reading and writing required at ACSC?
A: There are several resources that will be issued to you upon your arrival. If you would like to get ahead here are the books and the sections that can get you started.
 
How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren
Suggested Reading: Ch1-2; Ch4, Ch7, and Ch11
 
Break-Through Rapid Reading
By Peter Kump
Suggested Reading: Ch18, Ch19, Ch20, and Ch21
 
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 8th Edition
by Kate L. Turabian
Suggested Reading: Ch 4-7, Ch 9-12
 
The Craft of Research, 4th Edition
by Wayne C. Booth, et al
Suggested Reading: Ch 7-8, Ch 10, Ch 13, and Ch 16
 Q: What is an ACSC Concentration and how do I apply for them?

A: An ACSC concentration provides students the opportunity to spend their time at ACSC focusing on a specific area of study. Joint All Domain Strategist (JADS) is the only concentration that can be applied for outside the boarded process. Inbound students may apply for JADS through their application process provided in the academics tab of the ACSC website.

 Q: When does the Academic Calendar get finalized?

A: The academic calendar for each year is finalized by ACSC leadership near the May-June timeframe. Once finalized the academic calendar depicts which core courses will be conducted in the different terms, key ACSC events, breaks, and holidays/family days. ACSC is a unit within AETC and honors all US National Holidays and AETC Family Days.

Do not make irreversible/non-refundable life plans for 7 Jul 2023 through 1 Jun 2024 based on the AY23 academic calendar. The schedule changes slightly between each academic year and accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

 Q: How stable is the daily/weekly schedule? Are there multiple changes?

A: Individual course day schedules are generally published at the start of each term for the entire term. Every effort is made to maintain the published schedule, but some events require the school to modify dates or times of events. Changes can be driven by weather events, changes to outside speaker schedules, or other similar circumstances. When changes occur, they are communicated through the Student Calendar or STUS leadership (if short-notice). Individual elective instructors and concentration leads may modify their own program’s schedules as well due to speaking engagements.

 Q: Where is the academic calendar and student schedule located?

A: The Academic Calendar and student schedule will be published on the Microsoft Outlook ACSC - ATO calendar.

 Q: What is CANVAS?

A:  CANVAS is ACSC’s registration and grade management system. It is the system that houses all of the courses you are enrolled in. During the academic preparation week you will receive a log-in. The system can be accessed through any device that is internet or WIFI capable.

 Q: How often should I check the student schedule?

A: Students are expected to check the student schedule daily, at minimum. It is the student's responsibility to check and know the official schedule and to be at all appointments on time. The student schedule is available through the Microsoft Outlook app and accessible on personal mobile devices.

Student Life

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 Q: Who handles ADP/Talent Marketplace assignments processes?

A: While attending ACSC all students are assigned to a student squadron. For all Active Duty Department of the Air Force personnel, the Student Squadron (STUS) commanders are responsible for submitting and/or assisting students with Talent Marketplace comments. STUS leadership will provide guidance as the assignment process window approaches.

For all Sister Service, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Civilians, and International Officers your follow-on assignments are processed by your respective Service, home station, headquarters, or nation.

 Q: How do I apply for special career opportunities throughout the year?

Throughout the year, many opportunities are made available for career enhancement. This includes Squadron Commander Boards, DET/CC and DO opportunities, Aide-De-Camps, USAFA Instructor, Advanced Academic Degrees, and more. You will receive notification of these opportunities through MyPers and/or the STUS leadership team. Submissions will be routed through the STUS/CC. If a senior rater is required, the ACSC/CC will submit the packages.

 Q: I would like to stay at Maxwell after my student year, is this possible?

A: If a student wishes to remain at Maxwell-Gunter AFB for a year or more post-graduation, they should discuss this with their DO and STUS/CC upon arrival or as soon as they are confident in this request. After this the student should discuss the feasability of approving a VML reclama and/or release from the career field with their assignment team. Students desiring a longer tour at Maxwell AFB should consider applying for OI&RSD during the Spring cycle just prior to ACSC start.

 Q: How does the follow-on assignments orders process work?

A: The STUS/DOs work directly with the MPF to execute student assignments for all Active Duty Department of the Air Force students.  STUS/DOs will disseminate information on the necessary actions to students throughout the year to ensure a smooth and efficient process.  Students will be matched to assignments as part of the AFPC Summer VML Cycle and can generally expect to receive assignment notifications between January through March.

 Q: I am interested in Advanced Studies Groups (ASG) after ACSC graduation, how do I apply?

A:  Each of the major ASG programs (SAMS, SAW, and SAASS) send representatives to ACSC to present their individual programs and application requirements. These visits occur during the fall, prior to application deadlines.  Each ASG has unique selection requirements, which will be clearly presented.  Selections are generally announced in December.

 Q: Who do I contact if I have an emergency that will require missing class?

A: The Student Squadron’s are responsible for handling all actions regarding student attendance or absences such as long term absences for medical issues, parental leave, or TDYs.  Students should always contact their STUS/DO first.  

 Q: Can I graduate on time if I have a long term absence (greater than 10 academic days in a term) during the academic year?

A: The STUS team works with each student to develop a Tailored Education Plan (TEP) for absences longer than 2 days per class that will help them make up all course requirements during absences, including parental leave. These plans will be approved by the Associate Dean of Education (Operations), following coordination with the applicable course instructors and department chairs. There are also options to extend the academics into the following summer, provided there is flexibility with the follow-on assignment.

 Q: Which Student Squadron will I be in?

A: The Student Squadron Commanders (STUS/CCs) will determine inbound student flight assignments based on class demographics.  Due to frequent and late changes to the inbound student list, students will receive their flight assignments during orientation, after the reporting window closes. Concentrations are unique to a particular squadron.

Students will not be able to request a particular squadron or flight. ACSC leadership attempts to distribute students so that each flight gets to experience a variety of view points within their class. Students in both squadrons are afforded the same leadership opportunities, apply for electives equally, and are treated as a single student body.

 Q: Does ACSC administer PT tests for students?

A: Department of the Air Force students will accomplish Physical Fitness Assessments through the Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC) and will schedule via myFitness.

For Navy, Marine, and Army students, your senior service representative will schedule your service specific tests and de-conflict them with the student schedule.

 Q: May I take leave during the academic year? 

A: Any use or lose leave you have upon sign-in at ACSC may be lost, as there is limited opportunity between sign-in and 30 September. Students will not be excused from class for routine leave. The academic calendar will be set up to enable, but not require, 30 days of leave during your time assigned to ACSC.  The Student Squadron DO's have leave approval authority and will give leave request process guidance to the entire class during orientation week.

 Q: How far is Gunter Annex from Maxwell AFB?

A: Gunter Annex falls under the authority of the 42 ABW and is approximately 15 minutes away. 

 

Q: What is located on Gunter Annex?

A: Gunter Annex offers additional housing options for students.  It also hosts a separate Child Development Center, School Age Center, and Youth Programs.  Additional Gunter services include:

  • Bowling Center
  • Commissary
  • Gas Station/Shoppette
  • Barber Shop
  • Fitness Center

Important Note: Signing up for child care on Gunter is a separate step from signing up for care on Maxwell.  If you wish to be considered for spots at both locations you must apply separately to both centers.

Inbound

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 Q: Does ACSC Send a hard copy welcome packet to my home address?

A: No. Please disregard the PPC code found in your orders and do not email ACSC with your physical mailing address. ACSC is working a fix for AY25 PPCs.

 Q: I am PCAing to ACSC from another unit already assigned to Maxwell AFB or Gunter Annex. What do I do?

A: Report to ACSC check-in with a signed, completed 2096 by your previous unit. The ACSC DO’s will check it and collect it during in-processing day.

 Q: What do Department of the Air Force Active Duty officers need to bring with them to check-in (and in-processing)?

A: Digitally signed, completed Narrative Only PRF (N-O PRF). This applies to all USAF AD students, regardless of whether they expect to meet a board during their time at ACSC.

Also have digital access to a signed, completed copy of your last OPR (May 2023 SCOD) and PCS decoration (if applicable). NOTE: Ultimately it is the member’s responsibility to ensure their records are current, especially when meeting any kind of selection board (promotion, position, advance degree, etc…).

 Q: What is Initial Student Cadre (ISC)?

A: ISC is made up of approximately 15% of the student population  and will in-process prior to the main student body. The role of ISC is twofold:
1) Fill critical student leadership positions. and all 60 leadership positions are derived solely from this group via an interview process. Students selected for leadership positions are vital players in establishing the culture, morale, and developmental opportunities for their class at ACSC.
2) Act as the ADVON team for the main body of students.  ISC members not selected for leadership positions will aid with in-processing and orientation for the main student body. 
Calls for volunteers will go out in February 2023.

 Q: How will ACSC communicate with me prior to my arrival?

A: ACSC DOs will request Microsoft M365 accounts from AU/A6 for all inbound students.  Instructions for account setup will be sent to your government email account (.mil, mail.mil, or health.mil).  The temporary password in that expires within 10 calendar days, so log into the account and change the password as soon as you receive the email. Do not make us submit a help ticket due to an expired temp password. Upon M365 account creation, Microsoft Teams and your associated "@au.af.edu" Outlook email will be the primary method of communication between you and the Student Squadron team. All students should download the Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook apps to their mobile devices, as they will be referenced daily.

 Q: Can I miss ACSC school activities to receive household goods?

A: Students should make every attempt to receive household goods outside of scheduled school activities.  Where that is not possible the student must request permission to be absent from the STUS/DO as early as possible in order to mitigate impacts to the student and the school.

 

 Q: Can I live on base and what is the process for getting assigned a house?  How do I apply?

A: Hunt Housing is the privatized housing company at Maxwell/Gunter AFB. If you’re interested in living on base, please reach out directly to Hunt. Let Hunt know if you are a FELLOW (1st year student, 2d year faculty at ACSC/SOS/OTS), as you’re eligible for permanent housing on Maxwell/Gunter. One-year in-res ACSC students residing on base are placed in student housing. Wait lists can be long so apply early if you would like to live on base! Students interested in living on installation should visit http://www.maxwellfamilyhousing.com/ for more information.

 Q: How do I sign up for child care on base?

A: Maxwell and Gunter utilize the MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) website for care requests.  All requests are managed through this site and separate requests are required for each program, dependent, and base.

Example: A student who lives on Gunter want their two children to receive care at the CDC but is willing to use either Gunter or Maxwell CDCs must submit 4 total requests in the MCC website.

MCC Link: https://militarychildcare.cnic.navy.mil/mcc-consumer/home/viewhome.action

 

Community

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 Q: How can I connect to other families and resources at Maxwell AFB?

A: Consider joining some helpful FaceBook pages. Be sure to answer any group entry questions to avoid delay in approval. NOTE: these pages are unofficial and no federal endorsement of businesses or products is intended.  “AY24 ACSC Students & Families Group” = Private to AY24 ACSC students, their dependents and select faculty and staff members who serve as mentors.

  • “ACSC/SAASS/AWC BUY/SELL/TRADE” = Private to the specified groups. Great place to find homes and deals on a variety of household items. 
  • “Maxwell AFB/Gunter Annex Curb Alert Page” = Advertisements for items being given away for free
  • “Maxwell-Gunter Spouses” = Intended for spouses of Maxwell/Gunter employees
  • “Maxwell-Gunter AFB Military Spouses” = Same intent as group above.
  • “DAF WOF: Manwell-Gunter” = Open to all Department of the Air Force female officers
  • “Maxwell-Gunter AFB Babysitting” = An opportunity to find babysitters and other child care throughoMontgomery region.
  • “Shop Maxwell-Gunter Spouses Personal Businesses” = Shop from spouse businesses or advertise your student spouse-owned business
  • “Maxwell AFB Runners” = A running group for events on/near base
  • “Team RWB Montgomery, AL” = A group for runners
  • “Montgomery Area Group Runs” = Another group for runners
 Q: If I live off base can my child attend the DoD school on base?

Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) Magnet Programs = See SY23/24 Magnet Application dates and details here.

Maxwell Elementary and Middle School (MEMS) = Enrollment for SY23/24 opened December 19 at 6:30 a.m. CST and will remain open throughout the pilot program. Details on how to apply can be found here. To be eligible for the pilot program, students selected to participate in the program must be a dependent of a full-time, active duty service member with orders to Maxwell Air Force Base or Gunter Annex. The priorities for new student applicants next school year are:
Students who were enrolled at Maxwell Elementary and Middle School the previous school year.
Siblings of students enrolled under the pilot program.
Contact the Maxwell AFB School Liaison Team with questions.  Robert Richert 334-953-6430 & Katheryn Ganster 334-953-1259, or email at 42fss.fyes.schoolliaison@us.af.mil.

 Q: I am an International Officer (IO), may my children attend the on-base DOD school?

IO’s who wish to have children attend the DoD School must comply with the following requirements.  The lodging dorms assigned to individuals are not considered base housing for enrollment purposes. For additional questions contact International Officer School at (334) 953-3799.

1) Foreign officer must show military orders assigning them to the location in the US.

2) Child must be listed on orders (or have an affidavit stating that they are authorized to travel to the US with the officer).

3) Show the child's passport with visa.

4) Provide any previous school record showing current grade - must be translated to English.  If no previous grade, the child will be enrolled where they are age appropriate.

5) Show current lease with on base housing listing the child as authorized resident.

Children will be enrollment coded as 1MB.

 Q: What is required for School Registration in Alabama?

A: Required Items:

1) 2 forms of proof of residence (see school specific requirements)

2) Parents Picture ID

3) Child’s Birth Certificate

4) Child's past report card/withdrawal form/Transcripts

5) Alabama Immunization Record

6) Custody Papers (If applicable)

 

Q: What constitutes proof of residence?

A: Most districts require a primary and secondary proof of residence.  Primary proof consists of utility bills within the last 30 days and lease/mortgage/closing documents.  Secondary proof includes things like property tax statements, W-2 showing legal residence, correspondence from Social Security Office or other government agencies, and employment records within the last 30 days.

 

Q: Can I receive temporary enrollment status?

A: Some districts may allow for temporary enrollment prior to having all necessary proof of residence for military students.  Contact your district or school enrollment office to determine if this is possible.

 

Q: Can my utility provider send me a temporary proof of residency?

A: Some of the local utilities may be able to provide you with a record of residence prior to your first bill to serve as proof of residence.  Contact your utility directly to inquire about this option.

 Q: What is the Alabama Immunization Record?

A: Alabama requires a full immunization record transcribed onto the state form, known as the Alabama Certificate of Immunization (sometimes called the Blue Card).  This process can be accomplished by the 42MDG or at the Alabama Dept of Health.  This form is required as part of school, Head Start, or day care enrollment (off base) and should be accomplished as early as possible upon arrival. 

Mandatory Immunization Law -- Each child enrolled in day care, Head Start, and public or private school in Alabama must have a valid Alabama Certificate of Immunization on file at the facility that they attend. The certificate may be obtained from the physician or clinic that administers the vaccine or may be completed by any county health department in the state if the parent presents a vaccine record from the provider. For students who are moving to Alabama, out of state vaccine records must be transferred to the Alabama Certificate of Immunization prior to enrollment in day care, Head Start, or school entry. This may be accomplished by taking a vaccine record from the provider to the local county health department, or if a physician in Alabama has been chosen by the family, the record may be transposed by the physician. 

The State of Alabama does not recognize philosophical, moral or ethical exemption from vaccination. A medical exemption may be used by a physician or an Alabama Certificate of Religious Exemption may be obtained from the local county health department. Attendees of day care and Head Start must be age-appropriately vaccinated against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Haemophilus Influenza Type B, Polio, and Chickenpox.

NOTE:  There is currently no information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

 

Q: Can my middle/high school child play school sports?

A: School sports generally require a yearly physical for each athlete who wants to participate, along with other registrations forms.  For information about your child’s specific requirements please contact the appropriate organization early to ensure completion by applicable cut-off dates. There is an Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children that requires local schools to allow military dependents to receive consideration and participate in a special tryout.

Alabama High School Athletic Association (7th-12th Grades):

http://www.ahsaa.com/School-Parent-Resources/Parents-Resource)

Important Note: It is important to understand local eligibility requirements for those students seeking to participate in school sports as some situations may require a student to be ineligible to represent their school for periods of up to a year.

 Q: What services does the Maxwell Clinic offer?

A: Maxwell Clinic offers the following services:

  • Primary Care – Trainees, Family Health, Flight Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health
  • Behavioral Health
  • Chiropractor
  • Dental Clinic & Laboratory
  • Radiology
  • Immunizations & Laboratory
  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy

 

Note: There is only one pediatrician at the base clinic. Appointments can be difficult to schedule. If your family situation allows, it is recommended to seek care in the Family Health clinic or find pediatric care of base.

 

Q: If I am an ACSC Student which part of the clinic will I be assigned for my PCM?

A: The majority of students will have a PCM as part of Trainee Health, while flyers will fall under Flight Medicine, even in student status. 

 

Q: What are the options for specialty care and referrals in the local area?

A: As Maxwell has limited specialty services as a clinic, most specialty care is referred off base to local area practices.  Since the Montgomery region is also relatively small, some services have very long wait times or limited provider options.  Please ask your current PCM or EFMP office as necessary to work a referral early to reduce wait times when you arrive.

Students or families seeking additional options may be able to ask for a referral to the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Medicine or MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.  These options are about 1.5 hours away from Maxwell AFB but may provide faster access to care.