HomeACSCAcademics


Redirecting...

Student Calendar

Student Calendar

  • There are 4 main academic terms
  • 2 core classes per term w/ possibility of an elective
  • Black days are observed federal holidays/family days
  • Fall/Winter/Spring Breaks are non-contact duty days
  • Grey/light blue/brown days are mandatory school events
  • This schedule reflects AY26.  Inbound students should not use the AY26 calendar for AY27 long-range planning. The expected release date for the AY27 calendar is June 2026.


ACADEMICS

Curriculum


The ACSC resident curriculum is a rigorous 10-month graduate-level program taught through intensive small group seminars and engaging lectures. Courses cover topics that include the profession of arms, leadership and ethics, joint operations, airpower, and the international security environment. Additionally, students have the opportunity to conduct research and participate in elective courses that explore topics of varying interests. Successful completion of the ACSC Resident Program are awarded Joint Professional Military Education I credit and the Masters of Military Operational Art and Science Degree to qualified students who meet all curriculum and criteria requirements.

 

  

Foundations of Military Theory fosters understanding of classical thought on the nature and character of war. The course introduces canonical works of military theory, drawing explicit links between historical concepts of war and strategy, the conduct of the profession of arms, and the tenets of contemporary doctrine. Highlighting the effects of emergent ideas and technologies on the practice of warfare, the course analyzes continuity and change in armed conflict over the past three centuries. Foundations of Military Theory is designed to elicit critical thinking about the organization and employment of joint forces in support of national strategic objectives and frame subsequent engagements in the ACSC program.

The AY26 Leadership and the Profession of Arms course examines how leaders can build and sustain a culture that allows mission command to operate successfully along the continuum of conflict and develop the most lethal and effective warfighting force to meet the needs of future threats. A mission command culture relies on leadership skills like building and sustaining trust, encouraging initiative, providing shared understanding, clear and consistent communication, and defining and accepting risk. Through commander’s intent, which requires leaders to accept creativity and sometimes failure in the learning process, leaders can effectively utilize their teams by trusting their people to complete the mission, even when accomplished in surprising
ways.

The Joint Air Operations Planning course educates on the fundamental concepts, principles, and doctrine required to produce the air component portion of the joint/combined campaign plan. It includes four areas of instruction built around specific learning objectives: air component planning fundamentals; the Joint Planning Process for Air (JPPA), which incorporates operational design; the air component planning exercise; and a professional writing practicum.

Airpower Strategy and Operations examines the emergence and development of airpower from World War I through the early years of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to better understand airpower employment today. Using the lens of strategic competition, the course analyzes the development of key ideas, capabilities, limitations, organizations, and practices that framed the conduct of air warfare in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries as airmen adapted and innovated rapidly in the air domain. The case studies examined in Airpower Strategy and Operations continue to inform debates about airpower’s purpose, utility, and effectiveness. Course readings, lectures, and seminar discussions will cultivate adaptive leaders and critical airpower thinkers. The course challenges students to improve their ability to lead in complex, uncertain times while making ethical decisions with the ultimate goal of applying air power in a joint context to serve national strategic objectives.

US National Security (NS) explores how the United States defines and pursues national security in a dynamic international environment. The course introduces students to three grand theories used in the study of international relations – Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. These theories present distinct and contrasting perspectives on the causes of war, the conditions of peace, and, in turn, what counts as national security. The course also examines competing US grand strategies and examines the instruments of national power (DIME) by which security is pursued and protected. Further, it examines the actors and processes involved in creating and executing security policies. Finally, the course applies these analytic tools to better understand and develop responses to some of the most pressing security challenges the United States faces.

The Contemporary and Emerging Warfare (CW) course examines military capabilities, limitations, threats, and technology in contemporary and emerging conflicts. Additionally, it studies joint
doctrine and adversary trends in strategic competition. This course is designed to expose students to lessons learned in contemporary conflicts and the ability to apply them to future ones. Students will study current and emerging threats across the great power competition continuum and how our joint doctrine and capabilities can enable strategic solutions for integrated deterrence and future wars.

Leadership in Command will arm students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in command. This course complements the leadership foundations learned in Leadership and the Profession of Arms. While it is not possible to cover all of the complexities and challenges of command, Leadership in Command aims to provide practical knowledge and lessons from graduated squadron commanders and other senior leaders in order to better prepare students for both the art and science of command. Students will be expected to develop their own first commander’s call brief, execute a crisis comminication exercise, and critically examine a root cause analysis on a squadron climate assessment survey (Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS).
The Joint Campaigning (JC) course is designed to demonstrate, at the operational level, how the U.S. joint force organizes, deploys, employs, sustains, and redeploys military capabilities in support of national interests. The primary purpose of the JW course is to comprehend and analyze how we, the Joint Force, go to war and prevail. The course will equip military and interagency professionals with skills to articulate and influence the application of the military instrument of power to provide commanders with options for the use of military force in support of national interests. Understanding operational art and design is essential for the military professional, no matter their specialty. Understanding operational context and strategic goals is necessary to properly plan and execute military operations in the modern operational environment. It is also imperative to understand how the U.S. military operates as part of a joint force in a multinational, interagency, and intergovernmental environment.
In conjunction with the core curriculum, students at ACSC take elective courses.  This academic year, the school provides students the flexibility to choose courses that cover various topics from almost seventy electives, including yearlong specializations and independent study options. These courses afford the students the opportunity to explore in-depth specific subjects that contextualize and enhance their understanding of the core curriculum. Elective courses are grouped into the following categories: Military and Operational Art and Science, Leadership and Culture, International Relations and Strategic Competition, and Specializations (Cyber, Space, Data Science and AI Leadership, USAFE Planning, PACAF Planning, SOUTHCOM Planning, and Homeland Defense).

Electives


In conjunction with the core curriculum, students at ACSC take elective courses. The school provides students the flexibility to choose courses that cover various topics from over 70 electives.

Specialization Electives

ACSC-R's Specialization Electives are year-long electives conducted through the Fall and Spring Semesters. The electives that fall into this cateory are; Space, Cyber, Data Science and AI Leadrship (DSAIL), USAFE Planning, PACAF Planning, SOUTHCOM Planning, and Homeland Defense. The USAFE, PACAF, SOUTHCOM, and Homeland Defense specializations work with Combatant Command or Component stakeholders to reserarch and execute planning processes to solve critical real world challenges. Space, Cyber, and DSAIL conduct research with external stakeholders to analyze real world problem sets and integration of AI across a variety of focus areas. Participation in these electives may require a current TS/SCI clearance. These specializations may require TDYs for curriculum objectives and meetings with stakeholders, as well as presenting research outcomes from final projects.

Warfighting Advanced Research Electives

The Research Task Force Electives are year-long electives conducted with the Air War College. Each Task Force spends the year examining a critical component of the joint fight. The current Task Forces are Airpower C2, Cyber, Deterrence, ISR, Virtual Reality, and Acquisitions. Participation in these electives may require a current TS/SCI clearance. Each of these Task Forces go TDY for professional development, curriculum objectives, and assisting with collecting research for the final projects.

Independent Study

Along with the various electives and research task force options, students can elect to use their elective credits to complete an independent research project. Students would select a faculty member at ACSC or within Air University to mentor them on their project. They would submit a research proposal within the first few weeks of school. Once approved the student works directly with their chosen faculty member to complete the independent study. Depending on the scope of the project, students can use one, two, or three elective periods for their independent study. For every elective course (equaling 2 credits) a student would need to produce a 20-25 page research project.

 

Joint All Domain Strategist (JADS)

JADS Background
JADS (formerly known as MDOS) is a Secretary of the Air Force recognized and AETC award winning concentration. In 2018, JADS won the AETC award for innovation in joint and multi domain warfighting and two Secretary of the Air Force leadership awards. Additionally, JADS was described in 2019 by the Secretary of the Air Force in Senate testimony as “THE EXAMPLE” for how the Air Force should innovate PME.
 
The concentration is a selective, year-long, advanced course specializing in developing leaders who understand the employment of joint all domain maneuver to counter future threats in contested and degraded environments. The curriculum focuses on improving critical thinking and problem-solving skills at the operational level of war. It prepares selected students for future operational and command assignments requiring advanced knowledge of the capabilities, methods, and challenges associated with operations within and across six domains (electromagnetic spectrum, space, air, land, maritime, and human). Additionally, students study and apply strategic and operational design, reflexive control theory, aggregation theory, decision making theory, risk analysis, and a host of other essential topics crucial for developing future strategists. 
 
Students also have the opportunity to conduct advanced research that address real world hard problems with organizations such as MIT Lincoln Labs and Georgia Tech Research Institute.
 
JADS is a fast paced and exceptionally demanding course. It requires individuals that are dedicated, write well, complete tasks with minimal guidance, and can operate in a forward-looking educational environment where curriculum development is ongoing.

Application Process
JADS is limited to a maximum of 48 students who will be formed into four seminars. 
 
Students seeking admission to JADS must volunteer by submitting the following documents to ACSC.JADS.OrgBox@us.af.mil.

  1. TAB-1:  Application letter (Statement of intent): This is a one-page summary of their operational experience, why they are interested in our program, and what they can contribute to JADS plenary and seminar sessions.
  2. TAB-2:  Service-specific resume document:
    1. USAF…SURF
    2. USSF…SURF
    3. USA…ORB/STP
    4. USN… PSR and OSR
    5. USMC…Chronological Record

***Please use the following naming convention for your attachments: Lastname.Firstname_TAB-1_JADS application

Lastname.Firstname_TAB-2_SURF

*Note (regarding ‘TAB-2’) change the word ‘SURF’ to match the appropriate file.

Additional instructions:
All JADS students MUST have TS/SCI security clearances before they arrive at ACSC.
 
Please direct questions to our OrgBox, or DSN 953-0169

POC is Dr. Jeff Reilly, Director, JADS. Email: jeffrey.reilly@us.af.mil; phone (334) 207-5397.

 


   Specializations

 

      ACSC offers seven specializations which take the place of electives in one continuous year-long format.

  • Cyber Advanced Operational and Strategy Seminar (CAOSS) – A two-track specialization (operational and strategic) that combines academic and real-world research and experience.
  • Gathering of Eagles (GOE) – Students will research, select, and interview airpower champions to participate in ACSC’s capstone event prior to graduation. These ‘Eagles’ share personal stories of courage, perseverance, and innovation. Begun in 1982, past ‘Eagles’ have included Neil Armstrong, Jimmy Doolittle, and Chuck Yeager.
  • Space power – Introduces students to the use outer space and space strategies to advance national power.
  • Project SAGE: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Leadership (DSAIL) – Creates officers who can lead teams at the operational level, in developing data science and AI strategies.
  • PACAF Planning – Students will analyze real-world challenges in the INDOPACOM AOR and propose solutions to PACAF planning staffs.
  • USAFE Planning - Students will analyze real-world challenges in the EUCOM AOR and propose solutions to USAFE planning staffs.
  • SOUTHCOM Planning - Students will analyze real-world challenges in the SOUTHCOM AOR and propose solutions to SOUTHCOM and Interagency planning staffs.
  • HOMELAND Defense - Students will work with the University of Southern California (USC) and USNORTHCOM to analyze real-world challenges impacting NORTHCOM and NORAD and will propose solutions to planning staffs.
  • Political-Military Affairs Strategist (PAS) – A SAF/IA directed program with follow-on assignment in a PAS billet. Selection occurs prior to ACSC.

Student Calendar

  • There are 4 main academic terms
  • 2 core classes per term w/ possibility of an elective
  • Black days are observed federal holidays/family days
  • Fall/Winter/Spring Breaks are non-contact duty days
  • Grey/light blue/brown days are mandatory school events
  • This schedule reflects AY26.  Inbound students should not use the AY26 calendar for AY27 long-range planning. The expected release date for the AY27 calendar is June 2026.


Search Wright Flyer Archive

Curriculum


The ACSC resident curriculum is a rigorous 10-month graduate-level program taught through intensive small group seminars and engaging lectures. Courses cover topics that include the profession of arms, leadership and ethics, joint operations, airpower, and the international security environment. Additionally, students have the opportunity to conduct research and participate in elective courses that explore topics of varying interests. Successful completion of the ACSC Resident Program are awarded Joint Professional Military Education I credit and the Masters of Military Operational Art and Science Degree to qualified students who meet all curriculum and criteria requirements.

 

  

Foundations of Military Theory fosters understanding of classical thought on the nature and character of war. The course introduces canonical works of military theory, drawing explicit links between historical concepts of war and strategy, the conduct of the profession of arms, and the tenets of contemporary doctrine. Highlighting the effects of emergent ideas and technologies on the practice of warfare, the course analyzes continuity and change in armed conflict over the past three centuries. Foundations of Military Theory is designed to elicit critical thinking about the organization and employment of joint forces in support of national strategic objectives and frame subsequent engagements in the ACSC program.

The AY26 Leadership and the Profession of Arms course examines how leaders can build and sustain a culture that allows mission command to operate successfully along the continuum of conflict and develop the most lethal and effective warfighting force to meet the needs of future threats. A mission command culture relies on leadership skills like building and sustaining trust, encouraging initiative, providing shared understanding, clear and consistent communication, and defining and accepting risk. Through commander’s intent, which requires leaders to accept creativity and sometimes failure in the learning process, leaders can effectively utilize their teams by trusting their people to complete the mission, even when accomplished in surprising
ways.

The Joint Air Operations Planning course educates on the fundamental concepts, principles, and doctrine required to produce the air component portion of the joint/combined campaign plan. It includes four areas of instruction built around specific learning objectives: air component planning fundamentals; the Joint Planning Process for Air (JPPA), which incorporates operational design; the air component planning exercise; and a professional writing practicum.

Airpower Strategy and Operations examines the emergence and development of airpower from World War I through the early years of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to better understand airpower employment today. Using the lens of strategic competition, the course analyzes the development of key ideas, capabilities, limitations, organizations, and practices that framed the conduct of air warfare in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries as airmen adapted and innovated rapidly in the air domain. The case studies examined in Airpower Strategy and Operations continue to inform debates about airpower’s purpose, utility, and effectiveness. Course readings, lectures, and seminar discussions will cultivate adaptive leaders and critical airpower thinkers. The course challenges students to improve their ability to lead in complex, uncertain times while making ethical decisions with the ultimate goal of applying air power in a joint context to serve national strategic objectives.

US National Security (NS) explores how the United States defines and pursues national security in a dynamic international environment. The course introduces students to three grand theories used in the study of international relations – Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. These theories present distinct and contrasting perspectives on the causes of war, the conditions of peace, and, in turn, what counts as national security. The course also examines competing US grand strategies and examines the instruments of national power (DIME) by which security is pursued and protected. Further, it examines the actors and processes involved in creating and executing security policies. Finally, the course applies these analytic tools to better understand and develop responses to some of the most pressing security challenges the United States faces.

The Contemporary and Emerging Warfare (CW) course examines military capabilities, limitations, threats, and technology in contemporary and emerging conflicts. Additionally, it studies joint
doctrine and adversary trends in strategic competition. This course is designed to expose students to lessons learned in contemporary conflicts and the ability to apply them to future ones. Students will study current and emerging threats across the great power competition continuum and how our joint doctrine and capabilities can enable strategic solutions for integrated deterrence and future wars.

Leadership in Command will arm students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in command. This course complements the leadership foundations learned in Leadership and the Profession of Arms. While it is not possible to cover all of the complexities and challenges of command, Leadership in Command aims to provide practical knowledge and lessons from graduated squadron commanders and other senior leaders in order to better prepare students for both the art and science of command. Students will be expected to develop their own first commander’s call brief, execute a crisis comminication exercise, and critically examine a root cause analysis on a squadron climate assessment survey (Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS).
The Joint Campaigning (JC) course is designed to demonstrate, at the operational level, how the U.S. joint force organizes, deploys, employs, sustains, and redeploys military capabilities in support of national interests. The primary purpose of the JW course is to comprehend and analyze how we, the Joint Force, go to war and prevail. The course will equip military and interagency professionals with skills to articulate and influence the application of the military instrument of power to provide commanders with options for the use of military force in support of national interests. Understanding operational art and design is essential for the military professional, no matter their specialty. Understanding operational context and strategic goals is necessary to properly plan and execute military operations in the modern operational environment. It is also imperative to understand how the U.S. military operates as part of a joint force in a multinational, interagency, and intergovernmental environment.
In conjunction with the core curriculum, students at ACSC take elective courses.  This academic year, the school provides students the flexibility to choose courses that cover various topics from almost seventy electives, including yearlong specializations and independent study options. These courses afford the students the opportunity to explore in-depth specific subjects that contextualize and enhance their understanding of the core curriculum. Elective courses are grouped into the following categories: Military and Operational Art and Science, Leadership and Culture, International Relations and Strategic Competition, and Specializations (Cyber, Space, Data Science and AI Leadership, USAFE Planning, PACAF Planning, SOUTHCOM Planning, and Homeland Defense).

Electives


In conjunction with the core curriculum, students at ACSC take elective courses. The school provides students the flexibility to choose courses that cover various topics from over 70 electives.

Specialization Electives

ACSC-R's Specialization Electives are year-long electives conducted through the Fall and Spring Semesters. The electives that fall into this cateory are; Space, Cyber, Data Science and AI Leadrship (DSAIL), USAFE Planning, PACAF Planning, SOUTHCOM Planning, and Homeland Defense. The USAFE, PACAF, SOUTHCOM, and Homeland Defense specializations work with Combatant Command or Component stakeholders to reserarch and execute planning processes to solve critical real world challenges. Space, Cyber, and DSAIL conduct research with external stakeholders to analyze real world problem sets and integration of AI across a variety of focus areas. Participation in these electives may require a current TS/SCI clearance. These specializations may require TDYs for curriculum objectives and meetings with stakeholders, as well as presenting research outcomes from final projects.

Warfighting Advanced Research Electives

The Research Task Force Electives are year-long electives conducted with the Air War College. Each Task Force spends the year examining a critical component of the joint fight. The current Task Forces are Airpower C2, Cyber, Deterrence, ISR, Virtual Reality, and Acquisitions. Participation in these electives may require a current TS/SCI clearance. Each of these Task Forces go TDY for professional development, curriculum objectives, and assisting with collecting research for the final projects.

Independent Study

Along with the various electives and research task force options, students can elect to use their elective credits to complete an independent research project. Students would select a faculty member at ACSC or within Air University to mentor them on their project. They would submit a research proposal within the first few weeks of school. Once approved the student works directly with their chosen faculty member to complete the independent study. Depending on the scope of the project, students can use one, two, or three elective periods for their independent study. For every elective course (equaling 2 credits) a student would need to produce a 20-25 page research project.

 

Joint All Domain Strategist (JADS)

JADS Background
JADS (formerly known as MDOS) is a Secretary of the Air Force recognized and AETC award winning concentration. In 2018, JADS won the AETC award for innovation in joint and multi domain warfighting and two Secretary of the Air Force leadership awards. Additionally, JADS was described in 2019 by the Secretary of the Air Force in Senate testimony as “THE EXAMPLE” for how the Air Force should innovate PME.
 
The concentration is a selective, year-long, advanced course specializing in developing leaders who understand the employment of joint all domain maneuver to counter future threats in contested and degraded environments. The curriculum focuses on improving critical thinking and problem-solving skills at the operational level of war. It prepares selected students for future operational and command assignments requiring advanced knowledge of the capabilities, methods, and challenges associated with operations within and across six domains (electromagnetic spectrum, space, air, land, maritime, and human). Additionally, students study and apply strategic and operational design, reflexive control theory, aggregation theory, decision making theory, risk analysis, and a host of other essential topics crucial for developing future strategists. 
 
Students also have the opportunity to conduct advanced research that address real world hard problems with organizations such as MIT Lincoln Labs and Georgia Tech Research Institute.
 
JADS is a fast paced and exceptionally demanding course. It requires individuals that are dedicated, write well, complete tasks with minimal guidance, and can operate in a forward-looking educational environment where curriculum development is ongoing.

Application Process
JADS is limited to a maximum of 48 students who will be formed into four seminars. 
 
Students seeking admission to JADS must volunteer by submitting the following documents to ACSC.JADS.OrgBox@us.af.mil.

  1. TAB-1:  Application letter (Statement of intent): This is a one-page summary of their operational experience, why they are interested in our program, and what they can contribute to JADS plenary and seminar sessions.
  2. TAB-2:  Service-specific resume document:
    1. USAF…SURF
    2. USSF…SURF
    3. USA…ORB/STP
    4. USN… PSR and OSR
    5. USMC…Chronological Record

***Please use the following naming convention for your attachments: Lastname.Firstname_TAB-1_JADS application

Lastname.Firstname_TAB-2_SURF

*Note (regarding ‘TAB-2’) change the word ‘SURF’ to match the appropriate file.

Additional instructions:
All JADS students MUST have TS/SCI security clearances before they arrive at ACSC.
 
Please direct questions to our OrgBox, or DSN 953-0169

POC is Dr. Jeff Reilly, Director, JADS. Email: jeffrey.reilly@us.af.mil; phone (334) 207-5397.

 


   Specializations

 

      ACSC offers seven specializations which take the place of electives in one continuous year-long format.

  • Cyber Advanced Operational and Strategy Seminar (CAOSS) – A two-track specialization (operational and strategic) that combines academic and real-world research and experience.
  • Gathering of Eagles (GOE) – Students will research, select, and interview airpower champions to participate in ACSC’s capstone event prior to graduation. These ‘Eagles’ share personal stories of courage, perseverance, and innovation. Begun in 1982, past ‘Eagles’ have included Neil Armstrong, Jimmy Doolittle, and Chuck Yeager.
  • Space power – Introduces students to the use outer space and space strategies to advance national power.
  • Project SAGE: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Leadership (DSAIL) – Creates officers who can lead teams at the operational level, in developing data science and AI strategies.
  • PACAF Planning – Students will analyze real-world challenges in the INDOPACOM AOR and propose solutions to PACAF planning staffs.
  • USAFE Planning - Students will analyze real-world challenges in the EUCOM AOR and propose solutions to USAFE planning staffs.
  • SOUTHCOM Planning - Students will analyze real-world challenges in the SOUTHCOM AOR and propose solutions to SOUTHCOM and Interagency planning staffs.
  • HOMELAND Defense - Students will work with the University of Southern California (USC) and USNORTHCOM to analyze real-world challenges impacting NORTHCOM and NORAD and will propose solutions to planning staffs.
  • Political-Military Affairs Strategist (PAS) – A SAF/IA directed program with follow-on assignment in a PAS billet. Selection occurs prior to ACSC.

Distance Learning

The eSchool's Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) distance learning (DL) intermediate developmental education (IDE) curriculum is designed to produce a more effective field-grade officer serving inoperational-level command or staff positions.  The IDE/ACSC DL program emphasizes applying airpower in joint campaign planning and the operational art of war.  Students explore national security issues, strategy and war theory, airpower history and theory, expeditionary Air Force force-employment concepts, and the capabilities and limitation that the Air Force and its sister services contribute to the joint force commanders.  All curriculum is web based and accessed through an online learning management system.  In addition to readings, the program includes a variety of computer-based interactive learning activities and exercises and leverages social media tools to enable peer-to-peer interaction and learning.  Self-paced study is enhanced by a national security paper and three multi-week, collaborative, online-facilitated seminars.


Search Wright Flyer Archive