The Master of Military Operational Art and Science (MMOAS) curriculum is an intermediate developmental education (IDE) master’s degree program designed to produce more effective officers serving in operational-level command or staff positions. The program fosters the development of higher order thinking by challenging students to think critically about applying airpower in joint campaign planning at the operational level of war through curriculum covering such topics as contemporary Air Force operations, national security, leadership, and joint warfare. More importantly, students can participate in a learning opportunity that is focused on the needs of the modern warfighter— gaining knowledge and developing skills that will serve them now, throughout the remainder of their military careers, and once they leave the military. The MMOAS – Joint Warfare concentration also awards Joint Professional Military Education Phase I (JPME I) credit. Each course requires 10 to 15 hours of work per week. Due to the level of work required, new students can take only one course each term; however, they may be approved to take two courses per term after they have successfully completed their first three courses. Tuition is free and there is no active-duty service commitment associated with the program; however, students incur the cost of required books, personal computer(s), and Internet connectivity. Additionally, students will require access to a common access card (CAC)-enabled system for registration and enrollment. Students who work steadily should complete their master’s degree in two years; however, students have up to five years to meet degree requirements. Due to the inherent flexibility of the program, student deployments, unique duty schedules, and job or personal demands while enrolled can be easily managed. Students can manage their course schedules to coincide with personal and professional commitments.

Student Handbook

The MMOAS produces graduates who are able to…

1. Demonstrate creative thinking, critical analysis, and persuasive communications about airpower and operational problem solving.
2. Apply principles of leadership and ethics to decision-making based on the shared values of the profession of arms.
3. Apply the capabilities, limitations, and integration of the instruments of national power across the spectrum of competition, conflict, and war.
4. Analyze operational environments marked by complexity, uncertainty, and surprise.
5. Apply military theory, doctrine, strategic guidance, and joint warfighting principles to plan for all-domain, globally integrated operations.
6. Explain the conduct of contemporary and emerging warfare.

Refer to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2670, Total Force Development, for general eligibility requirements. Additionally, see the sections below.

Grants IDE, JPME-I, and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree.

The Joint Warfare Concentration is specifically designed to prepare majors for the increased leadership and joint duty responsibilities they will face as they progress through their careers in the Air Force and Space Force. Graduates of this concentration will receive credit for IDE, JPME Phase I, and a Master of Military OperationalArt and Science degree.

US Air Force and US Space Force: Eligible personnel include O-4 selects and above who are on active duty or in the AFRES and ANG. Individuals who have completed IDE are still eligible. However, individuals who have already completed an Advanced Degree are ineligible.

Civilians: Full-time Department of the Air Force civilians in grades GS-12 through GS-14, or equivalent with a minimum of two years of federal service by the last day of the applicant window (Not Waiverable). Individuals who have completed IDE are eligible.  However, individuals who have completed an Advanced Degree are ineligible. Air Force civilians should contact AFPC CD Program manager, Mr. Brenton McCollum, brenton.mccollum.2@us.af.mil or your functional career field team (CFT) if you have any questions.

US Sister Service (Military): Eligible personnel include O-4, O-4 selects and above on Active Duty or in the Guard or Reserves.  Individuals who have completed IDE are eligible.  However, individuals who have completed an Advanced Degree are ineligible.  Sister Service acceptance into the program is limited by space availability within the program.  

Note for US Army: Army officers will not enroll in other than Army schools without written approval of the DCS, G-3/5/7 (Director of Training) per Army Regulation (AR) 350-1.

Military:  

Before applying, students must confirm that their official record accurately reflects all degrees earned. Refer to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) to check official records. Contact AFIT/RRC (DSN 785-6234) to update your information.

Please download and follow our detailed step-by-step program enrollment guide (with screenshots) here.  A CAC card is required to complete the enrollment process.

Civilians:  Applicants must apply through the Civilian Development (CD) annual nomination call in the Jan/Feb timeframe through MyVector. More information is available on the OLMP My FSS website. Please contact AFPC CD Program manager, Mr. Brenton McCollum, brenton.mccollum.2@us.af.mil or your functional career field team (CFT) if you have any questions.

To apply for MMOAS graduation, download the Graduation Information Request form and submit it via email to au.gcpme.olmp@us.af.mil.