The Air Command & Staff College Preparatory Course

International Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL / Published January 03, 2020

Arrival Window: 24 May - 26 May 2021

IOS Preparatory Course: 1 Jun - 22 July 2021

ACSC: 2 August 2021 - 6 June 2022

This seven-week course prepares international officers in the ranks of Major and Lieutenant Colonel (or equivalent) to participate in the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). The course's core curriculum focuses on development of creative, analytical thought and a better understanding of command and application of air power to foster teamwork and team building. Additionally, the course immerses the students in U.S. Defense organization, leadership topics, language and communication skills specific to ACSC, and U.S. culture and ideals through the Field Studies Program (FSP). Attendance at this IOS preparatory course is a prerequisite for IMS enrolling at the ACSC.

Commandant's Welcome Letter

2021 Air Command & Staff College ACSC - IOS Student Reporting Instructions

Learning Outcome: This IOS preparatory course is designed to

Allow IMS to understand and appreciate American society, institutions, and ideals
Understand the U.S. military missions, organizations, and terminology
Effectively communicate, integrate, and perform, both academically and socially, in the AU Professional Military Education (PME) environment

Prerequisites: IMS must meet the minimum English comprehension level (ECL) requirement of 80.

Uniform Requirements: The primary duty uniform at Maxwell AFB is the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Uniform and/or flight suit. IMS should bring a complete set of their country's equivalent of the camouflage fatigue/utility uniform (i.e. OCP), and a service dress uniform (coat, tie and hat).

A set of "business casual" or "smart casual" civilian attire will also be required for various FSP trips. "Business/smart casual" attire includes a collared button-up shirt or polo, slacks or khakis, and dress shoes (i.e. Derby, monk, or loafers). A blazer or jacket is optional.

Women's "smart/business casual" includes dresses or slacks, khakis, or a skirt with a blouse. Heels, loafers, or flats are appropriate shoes.

Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, tennis shoes, sandals, etc. will not be allowed during FSP trips.

Master's Programs: The Air University is the U.S. Air Force's center for professional military education, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award master and doctoral degrees. IMS attending SAASS may qualify to participate in the program. To qualify for completion of the degree programs, IMS may also be required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

For more information, please see the AU Degree Admissions Requirements FAQs