The Academic Affairs Directorate (DE) is responsible for planning, developing, and training SOS instructors on curriculum delivery to educate Air and Space Force Captains and International Officers. DE maintains three academic departments, strategic outreach coordination, and program assessments in support of Officer PME operations. The mission of DE is to develop impactful curriculum to educate and empower Airman and Guardians to excel at mission command at any environment.
DE is further responsible for faculty education for all in-class instructors and staff. This faculty development begins with the initial onboarding, learning the curriculum and how to teach, operational training, continuing education, and advanced education.
DE is led by Lt Col Nicolais Chighizola, the Dean of Squadron Officer School,Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The Directorate of Academic Affairs is responsible for developing and delivering the curriculum in professional military education (PME) for more than 4,000 students annually. Additionally, Lt Col Chighizola and his department are responsible for training and professional development for over 80 faculty and staff.
Lt Col Chighizola earned his commission at the Air Force Academy in 2006. He earned a Masters of Business Administration in 2012. In 2021, Lt Col Chighizola went on to get his Doctor of Philosophy. He is a senior pilot of the C-130H with more than 1,800 hours, including 760 combat hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn.
The Mission Support Directorate (MS) conducts and facilitates all support operations needed to successfully complete all SOS operations. MS is responsible for strategic facility planning and daily operations/maintenance for 6 facilities and 50 acres of outdoor classrooms, field leadership support, supply/acquisition/contracts, financial management, and civilian personnel. The directorate manages assets critical to the missions of SOS, as well as Officer Training School, Reserve Officer Training Corps, Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and International Officers’ School.
MS is led by Mr. Stephen Wales, the Director of Mission Support, Squadron Officer School, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The Directorate of Mission Support is responsible for ensuring all logistics to execute the Squadron Officer School mission, including facilities, financial management, and supply. In addition to the facilities and outdoor classrooms, the directorate maintains a $2M annual budget and a $500K inventory of supplies and equipment.
Mr. Wales earned his commission from the US Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He served in uniform for 28 years as an active duty and reserve member in civil engineering and professional military education. He has also served as a federal civilian for 13 years in professional military education and as director. Mr. Wales has masters’ degrees in Theology, Adult Education, and Military Operational Arts and Sciences.
The Operations Directorate (OD) is responsible for planning, scheduling and executing all SOS events to include core curriculum, experientials and guest speakers. Additionally, OD provides cradle-to-grave student support: welcome packets, hosting ask me anything events, coordinating student acceptance to attend SOS, building flight rosters, processing graduation certificates and providing training reports. OD's mission is to provide the richest student and faculty experience possible.
OD is led by Lt Col Anglin, the Director of Operations Directorate, Squadron Officer School, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The Directorate of OD is responsible for scheduling, registrar functions and operations coordination for the Air Force’s largest Officer Professional Military Education. He is responsible for ensuring 4,200 students attend Squadron Officer School annually.
Lt Col Anglin earned his commission through Officer Training School in 2001. Lieutenant Colonel Anglin was board selected to attend the Strategic Sourcing Masters of Business Administration program at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. Lt Col Anglin deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Lieutenant Colonel Anglin is from Kansas City, Missouri and is an APDP Level III Contracting Officer.
Squadron Officer School 125 Chennault Circle Building 1403 Maxwell AFB, AL 36112