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New SOS correspondence course hits the street

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • Air University Public Affairs
The distance learning version of Squadron Officer School has changed.

The first major revision of the SOS DL program in more than seven years, the new course recognizes the changes that have taken place in the Air Force and in the field of leadership, as well as advances in online curriculum delivery, according to SOS officials.

Students currently enrolled in SOS DL may continue their present course, but all new enrollees will take a new version, officials said.

Designated as Course 20, this new offering leverages the Blackboard learning management system to deliver updated content and multimedia learning experiences, as well as introduces scenario-based assessments to students around the world.

Course 20 continues the process of helping experienced company grade officer further develop the skills needed to excel in today's world of rapidly accelerating technology and limitless access to information, while preparing them to adapt to unforeseeable challenges and future risks, officials said.

Students are introduced to principles and applications of ethical leadership, explore the Air Force Core Values, and discover and apply various decision-making models, including Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century. Additionally, they develop tools to create a positive environment for building and leading effective teams and coalitions, examining the stages of development teams encounter en route to mission success.

School officials said the Air Force recognizes its need to develop Airmen to reach their full potential but also grasps that personal development is an individual responsibility; learners learn best when they are empowered and take charge of their learning. In support of this understanding, this course explains the importance of life-long learning, self-assessment, and helps its students seek and incorporate feedback throughout their Air Force careers.

Both the current SOS DL offering, Course 28, and Course 20 are open to eligible officers and civilians. SOS DL is also available to officers and civilians from other services. During fiscal year 2007, more than 9,000 students were enrolled in Course 28. The SOS DL course is particularly important for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel as the vast majority are unable to attend SOS in-residence, officials said.

Course 20 is scheduled for launch in early March 2009. Students actively enrolled in Course 28 at that time will be allowed to complete their Course 28 studies; however, SOC encourages students to disenroll from Course 28 and enroll in Course 20 to take advantage of the quantum improvements and the updated curriculum.

For further information on the new SOS DL course, visit www.au.af.mil/au/soc.