Current Class 24C:

4 Mar 24  - 5 Apr 24

Upcoming 24D

22 Apr 24 - 23 May 24

Attention students: Continue to check here for updates regarding 24A and beyond.  SOS is 100% in-residence. If you are an upcoming student please review the SOS Reporting Guide below for vital and pertinent information as well as the Commandant's Welcome Letter.

 

   24D Reporting Guide      24D Commandant's Welcome Letter      24D Student Services Welcome         (update coming)      


In SOS, you will get to Know Yourself to Lead Yourself, and our curriculum challenges students to conduct deep introspection and grasp who they are, their strengths and weaknesses, and chart a course to improve. Students next learn Know Your Team to Lead Your Team, where students will engage with each other on concepts of leadership and examples from across the Air Force, culminating in developing a genuine, powerful leadership story that will motivate and inspire. Also, students learn an in-depth look at applying leadership competencies to solve complex human-centered problems. It challenges students to apply their lessons learned and incorporate diverse perspectives to address a range of complicated and complex challenges using multidisciplinary design approaches. In the culminating phase, Leading in Context, students learn airpower doctrine, international relations theory, instruments of national power and joint all-domain operations, practice applying their knowledge of leadership and complex problem solving to the business of Air and Space Power. We can’t wait to see you at SOS to help you shape yourself into the best leader you can be!

SOS Curriculum

 

SOS Course Dates:

Class Course Start Date (CSD) Graduate Deadline for Waivers and  Student Updates (COB)
FY Class of 24
24A

8 Nov 23 - 15 Dec 23

*Observed holiday 23-24 Nov 23

15 Dec 23 26 Oct 23
24B

8 Jan 24 - 9 Feb 24

*Observed holiday 15 Jan 24

9 Feb 24 28 Dec 23
24C 4 Mar 24 - 5 Apr 24 5 Apr 24 22 Feb 24
24D 22 Apr 24 - 23 May 24 23 May 24 11 Apr 24
24E

5 Jun 24 - 12 Jul 24

*Observed holidays 19 June, 4 & 5 July

12 Jul 24 23 May 24
24F 29 Jul 24 - 29 Aug 24 29 Aug 24 18 Jul 24
24G

16 Sep 24 - 18 Oct 24

*Observed holiday 14 Oct 24

18 Oct 24 5 Sep 24
FY Class of 25
25A

6 Nov 24 - 13 Dec 24

*Observed holiday 28 - 29 Nov 24

13 Dec 24 24 Oct 24
OUTCOMES

The SOS Resident Program produces leaders who are able to:

Thinking:  Employ creative and critical thinking through problem-solving and deliberate decision-making. 

Warfighting:  Explain how Department of the Air Force (DAF) capabilities support national security objectives.

Leading: Apply leadership theories and principles as members of the profession of arms. 

Communicating:  Demonstrate effective communication skills across diverse audiences.

THINKING

Creative and critical thinking are vital for effective problem-solving on individual matters as well as larger Air Force level issues. This core topic guides  learners through problems-solving models to be able to make the best decision possible with the information available.  It prepares students to feel comfortable making decision as leaders where there may be second and third order effects and to understand what biases they may have as individuals.  Students will reflect on theoretical problems and review experiential activities to ensure skills learned are applied in pressure-filled situations.

WARFIGHTING

Primary-level emphasis is placed on the military's application as a national instrument of power.  Officers should understand their service's roles, missions, distinctive capabilities, core competencies, and structure both in the context of history and the joint operations that they may be called on to support.  Officers should also have a working knowledge of the capabilities of sister services to better support the joint warfighting team.

LEADING

The primary leadership team for the Air Force is the fight; therefore, the focus of the Leadership Studies at the primary level of PME is the flight level.  Emphasis on the tactical level provides tools officers need to build and lead small teams and serve as dynamic followers.  The focus at the primary level is on the dynamics of the interaction between individual leadership skills and group interaction in building successful teams.  Instruction is based on theories and principles that officers can use to improve leadership skills, adjust leadership styles to the situation, accomplish assigned tasks, and employ followers' abilities effectively.  There are experiential opportunities for officers to apply the leadership skills and techniques they have learned.

     At SOS, officers build upon their understanding of moral and ethical development by applying key concepts of accountability and professionalism to the challenges and opportunities inherent in leadership.  Officers will analyze case studies to grasp the unique but vital relationship that binds the US military in obedience to its civilian leadership and in defense of the civilian public.  They will also integrate personal and professional values into a warrior ethos consistent with the highest standards of conduct expected of military officers.

COMMUNICATION

Communication studies amplify instruction received at the pre-commissioning and basic levels and provide opportunities to apply the principles of effective communication and feedback.  Special attention is given to listening, speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication skills instrumental in team building.  Interpersonal communications emphasize maximizing the potential of the individual as a part of a team.  Officers learn to create and deliver organized, well-reasoned, and well-supported arguments to diverse audiences.

US SPACE FORCE AT SOS: SPACE GRAY RHINOS

With the establishment of the US Space Force, SOS has developed the "Spacepower Education and Advanced Readiness (SPEAR)" track, a space-specific academic track managed by the Space Gray Rhinos as part of the in-residence SOS curriculum.  Space Force Guardians and selected Active Duty and Total Force Airmen will focus on integrating spacepower disciplines, conducting space operations, and exploring how spacepower supports the instruments of power.  Students in the SPEAR track will complete a Space Force-focused capstone project tackling the focus areas outlined in the CSO Planning Guidance.

SOS has a robust elective program that is a required part of your SOS experience. There are two kinds of electives.  One is the standard elective which can be a single period or a series of three periods. The other types are the competitively selected Think Tank (TT), Air University Advanced Research (AUAR) electives, and Project Nova.

See below for descriptions of Think Tank, AUAR, Project Nova, and selected other electives. 

USSF Guardians should pay particular attention to Project Nova.

THINK TANK

Click on the Think Tank logo for additional information and the current topic.

This satisfies the elective requirement.

Every five weeks, SOS Think Tank impacts the Air Force with feasible, innovative hard-hitting solutions which are forged through teamwork and creativity. Each team of CGOs has full autonomy to research their problem sets. The teams gain better understanding by performing interviews with local units, base partners, co-workers, DoD experts, and other government agencies. This crucial step provides insight from a diverse set of mission partners and people. Students literally put themselves in the customers' shoes to design a solution. From there, students work through design workshops to craft creative solutions which are then pitched at a final out brief with AF senior leaders.

Past challenges have been designing solutions for AF Recruiting Agency, 1st AF and Homeland Defense, Great Power Competition, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, and Artic Regional security to name just few.

Fill out the application to apply.  The application process will be made available Day 1.

Click below to learn more about Think Tank.

Think Tank Promo

AIR UNIVERSITY ADVANCED RESEARCH

Click on the Air University Advanced Research (AUAR) logo for additional information and the current topics. 

This satisfies the elective requirement.

Competitively selected SOS students in the Air University Advanced Research program (AUAR) work alongside senior mentors and subject matter experts from across AU and beyond. Over the past years, hundreds of Total Force student researchers delivered concrete solutions directly to strategic sponsors to make real, tangible change in our shared Air Force community.

Fill out the application to apply.  The application process will be made available Day 1.

Click below to learn more about AUAR and the research opportunities we offer.  

Research Elective

PROJECT NOVA

  

 

Project Nova is a competitively selected elective that aims to tackle issues within the strategic picture of the space domain that could have an impact across the Space Force.

Just like a Nova found in nature, Project Nova has a chance to shed massive light on a strategic problem in the USSF through briefings to Space Force senior leaders. Each student group will choose a topic that aligns with one of the 5 focus areas from General Raymond’s CPG (CSO’s Planning Guidance). Groups will perform research on their topic, identify gaps, and develop countermeasures to come up with an innovative solution for future Space Force consideration.

General Raymond published the CPG to outline the priorities of the new service as it continues to develop. The 5 focus areas pulled directly from his priorities are:

  • How might we empower a lean and agile service?
  • How might we develop Joint Warfighters in world class teams?
  • How might we deliver new capabilities at operationally relevant speeds?
  • How might we expand cooperation to enhance prosperity and security?
  • How might we create a digital service to accelerate innovation?

Project Nova Format:

  • Students will work in small groups with a USSF mentor
  • Research and develop an innovative solution aligned to a CPG focus area
  • Three 5-minute presentations with slides followed by feedback/discussion
  • 1st presentation is a Vector Check to the SOS Space Grey Rhino faculty
  • 2nd presentation is a Vector Check to a panel of USSF O-6s
  • 3rd presentation is the final outbrief to a USSF GO
  • Associated Bullet Background Paper due to USSF senior leaders

Project Nova is a team effort in which students are encouraged to engage with SMEs. Student groups will meet with their mentor multiple times throughout the 5-week SOS course, which may include the 3 elective periods. Project Nova is a series elective that fulfills the requirement for all three elective blocks, but does not necessarily preclude your participation in standard elective classes, depending on how this particular “go” of Project Nova is scheduled (contingent upon the availability of the senior leaders). Students may also apply to the AUAR or Think Tank electives but will only be selected to participate in one.

Those selected for Project Nova will receive an additional bullet on their SOS training report indicating that they were selected for a competitive program to research and solve a problem for the Space Force.

Fill out the application to apply.  The application process will be made available Day 1.

Applicants will be informed of their selection. Check the Canvas announcements page or with your flight commander.

ELECTIVES

There are three elective blocks during each SOS course. Students are able to sign up for different topics each elective and choose from three electives or a series that continues through all three elective blocks.  These topics vary from a wide array of options. SOS, AU faculty, and distinguished guests offer a dynamic array of topics from Great Power Competition, military strategy, artificial intelligence, and introversion in leadership. 

For information on the current class electives refer to the Canvas Home Page and select electives.

Please note if you are attending a classified elective, you need to clear the background check to be eligible. 

 

ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT

Please refer to ETP Checklist and ETP AFFMS Example Slide.


BLUF: Deadline for Exception to Policy (ETP) packages are due 7 duty days prior to Day 1 of class.  The waiver deadline for SOS Classes is on the SOS Student Experience Page under the "Dates and Welcome Info" tab.

IAW the SOS Exception to Policy Checklist, Exception to Policy (ETP) packages shall be submitted to SOS /A3 /5 Org Mailbox, sos.od.studentservices@us.af.mil.  Again, this is due 1200 CST 7 duty days prior to Day 1 of class.  Any packages submitted after this deadline but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis but may be rejected.

Direct all ETP questions to SOS Student Services at DSN 312-493-3231 or email at sos.od.studentservices@us.af.mil

Students attending SOS need to understand that compliance with the below eligibility requirements is mandatory and is the primary responsibility of the member.  Training managers should assist in the process, but each student must ensure that they have followed all the reporting instructions and that they have an approved Exception to Policy (ETP) as necessary.  

Training Managers should review current SOS Enrollment Policy and current SOS Reporting Guide.  Timelines under the policy are mandatory.  When an ETP is granted, the member will receive an e-mail confirmation that they have approval to proceed to SOS.  The member should not proceed without this confirmation.  Anyone who arrives without being approved will be sent back at the unit's expense and their commander will be notified of the failure to follow proper procedures. 

GRADE / RANK
  • ​Military: must be a Captain and CANNOT pin on Major while attending SOS. 

  • Students who pin on Major while at SOS will be sent home.

  • Captains must have at least 4 but no more than 7 years total active federal commissioned service at class start. Note: ANG, AFR, Line of the Air Force – Judge Advocate General (LAF-J), Chaplain Corps, Medical Services Corps, Biomedical Science Corps, Nurse Corps as well as Medical Corps and Dental Corps Captains are excluded from the 4-year minimum.

  • Civilians: must be GS-9 through GS-12.

  • See DAFI 36-2686 for more info.
CURRENT PASSING PT TEST


Unit Commanders must ensure their member is physically fit enough to attend and complete SOS.

-     USAF (AD, ANG, & AFRC) students must have a current and passing Physical Fitness Assessments through the graduation date.

-     For USSF students, unit commanders must ensure their members' physical fitness is commensurate with their Air Force counterparts.  USSF Students enrolled into the monitoring program MUST come with their wearable device OR a printed copy of a current and passing Physical Fitness Assessment.

-     Civilian students are required to complete and pass all physical components of the USAF physical components of the Physical Fitness Assessment, as outlined in DAFMAN 36-2905, within 30 days of their class start date.

ALL (USAF, USSF, Civilian, & Int'l Officer) students are expected to complete a weekly 5K run, a 10K at the end of the course, and other strenuous activities including climbing, lifting, and hoisting one's body weight, in the central Alabama weather conditions.

  • We understand that due to COVID most students haven’t been able to PT test for the last two years. If that’s the case, bring your last PT test with no exemptions even if it isn’t the most recent PT test. 
  • You MUST have a current/passing PT Test WITHOUT EXEMPTIONS on file in Myfitness that lasts through your graduation date.
  • If you have one or more EXEMPTIONS on your Myfitness printout, you must retest with NO EXEMPTIONS prior to attending SOS or get an approved Exception to Policy (ETP) to attend SOS, even if the profile that led to the exemption expired.
  • You will be REQUIRED to provide a hardcopy printout from Myfitness showing your current score and expiration date on Day 1.
  • Additionally, if you are on a medical profile, even if it will expire during the class, you cannot attend SOS without an approved ETP.

Exceptions are further clarified in the ETP AFFMS Example Slide.

****Expiration Fitness Assessment Due to Deployment of 90+ days**** Students with an expired PT Test who will attend SOS within 42 days after returning from a deployment of over 90 days MUST request an ETP waiver and receive written approval to use the expired score. 

APPROVED EXCEPTION TO POLICY


***Completed Waivers Form MUST be submitted to SOS Student Services NO LATER THAN 7 duty days PRIOR to class start date (see the "Dates and Welcome Info" tab for class start dates/ETP due dates).

***  Any submission received after the cutoff date will be disapproved.

***All ETP Waivers MUST Be Signed By Your Home Station Wing Commander (or equivalent)***
    ETP are required for PT test exemptions, profiles, and waivers.   See chart below:

 
ISSUE EXCEPTION TO POLICY WAIVER REQUIRED?

Current PT test has exemptions

Yes, unless the exemptions are due to pregnancy or 12-month post-partum deferment period. 

Expired PT test due to Deployment

Yes, if attending SOS within 42 days after returning from a deployment over 90 day must submit an ETP.

Medical Profile for physical activity

Yes

Medical Profile for Pregnancy

No

However, SOS will need notification, along with your AF form 469 and AF form 422. Please email sos.od.studentservices@us.af.mil

- Regular OB/GYN care or appointments are not available through Maxwell clinic.
- Discuss with your doctors about attending the course without OB care.
- After Day 1, plan a time to speak with training health at the clinic to discuss SOS event participation.
- Some events pose a higher risk due to pregnancy.

Medical Profile for post-partum

No

However, SOS will need notification, along with your AF form 469. Please email sos.od.studentservices@us.af.mil
 

Medical Profile with mobility restrictions

No, not required if your profile is only for mobility restrictions and you are able to and not restricted from; running, doing push-ups and doing sit-ups.

Total Active Federal Service Commissioned Date

No

Other Issues

If in doubt, email sos.od.studentservices@us.af.mil
- Describe your situation and attach available documentation; AF-469, AFMS Fit Report

 

  • If you are on ANY medical waivers that limit physical activity, you must submit an ETP.
  • Students attending SOS with exemption on ANY component of their current PT Test, MUST request an ETP waiver (Fitness Waiver) and receive written approval.
  • ETP requests for students with PT exemptions that will limit their full participation at SOS are typically denied if the student will have additional opportunities to attend SOS after the issue is resolved.
  • Pregnant Students:
    • Maxwell AFB 42 MDG does not have the capability to provide routine OB/GYN care.
    • If you are cleared for the class, you MUST provide a 469 clearing you to attend SOS without routine OB/GYN care.
    • If you will require OB/GYN care while attending the course, you MUST coordinate from your home station PCM or OB/GYN to determine whether or not you will require routine OB/GYN care and can perform physical activities they are comfortable performing.
TOTAL ACTIVE FEDERAL COMMISSIONED SERVICE DATE (TAFCSD) WAIVER: YES, see below for information
  • You are NOT required to submit a TAFCSD waiver to SOS before attending the course.
  • All TAFCSD waivers should be routed through your MAJCOM/A1 office. -- Note: Some MAJCOMS have delegated the approval authority for TAFCSD waivers to individual Wing Commanders. Consult your MAJCOM A1.
  • SOS does not need to see your TAFCSD waiver. 
ANG AND AFRC STUDENTS

ANG and AFRC students should consult the SOS Reporting Guide as well as the lodging and finance information on the SOS website Lodging and Finance Information on the SOS FAQ and Additional Info tab. 

If you have any questions, please contact the AU Reserve Advisor at DSN 312-493-3290 or Commercial, 334-953-3290.

For questions regarding the Guard officer PME, please contact DSN 312-493-3060 or Commercial, 334-953-3060.   

For questions regarding orders, you may contact 908 FSS/FSO: DSN 312-493-9185 or Commercial 334-953-9185.

INELIGIBLE STUDENTS

Per Department of the Airforce Instruction 36-2686, if a TDY student reports for a course and is found to be ineligible due to failure to meet ANY eligibility requirements without an ETP, the student will be returned to his or her unit at the parent unit's expense.

                                                                                            Per Diem MFR

                                                                        SOS Student Lodging and Finance Information

                                                                        Accompanied Spouses Guide

                                                                                            Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a Guard, Reservist, or Civilian interesting in attending SOS, please CLICK HERE.

If you completed SOS and need to request a transcript, CLICK HERE.

 

 
 
 
 

Squadron Officer School
125 Chennault Circle 

Building 1403
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112