WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- For military officers who have coupled their operational careers with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), a unique opportunity awaits.
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), a component of Air University, offers 16 doctoral programs for these accomplished individuals to not only achieve the pinnacle of academic success with a fully-funded doctoral degree (Ph.D.), but to then immediately apply that expertise as a member of AFIT's esteemed faculty.
Air Force STEM leaders who are ready to transition from operator to educator, and have a desire to shape the next generation of technical experts to drive the research that will define the future of the Department of the Air & Space Force are encouraged to apply to the Advanced Academic Degree/Special Experience Exchange Duties (SPEED) program as a faculty pipeline candidate.
The Mission:
AFIT’s mission is to educate defense professionals to innovatively accomplish the deterrence and warfighting missions of the USAF and USSF.
By joining the faculty, you become a direct steward of this mission, ensuring that the future leaders of the Air and Space Forces are technically adept and intellectually prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving battlefield.
The Pathway: Earn Your Ph.D. and Immediately Lead
AFIT's Graduate School of Engineering and Management provides a streamlined pathway for qualified officers to earn a doctorate in defense-focused STEM fields. This isn't just an educational opportunity; it's a career-defining experience. Unlike traditional civilian Ph.D. programs, the research at AFIT is directly tied to the pressing needs of the Department of War. Upon graduation, you will transition seamlessly into a faculty role, bringing your newly honed expertise and operational background to the classroom.
The Value Proposition: A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Serving as an AFIT faculty member provides a distinct and powerful value proposition that extends far beyond the classroom. The research conducted at AFIT is not merely academic; it generates real-world impact. Faculty and students at AFIT are at the forefront of innovation, producing cutting-edge research that translates into tangible military advantages.
The outcomes speak for themselves:
- Groundbreaking Publications: AFIT professors are prolific authors, publishing hundreds of articles in internationally-recognized, peer-reviewed journals. This body of work pushes the boundaries of scientific knowledge and solidifies the Department of the Air Force's position as a leader in technological innovation.
- Prestigious Awards and Recognition: The faculty at AFIT are consistently recognized for their contributions to science and engineering. They are recipients of numerous prestigious awards, including the Johannes Kepler Award from the Institute of Navigation, the AIAA MDO Award, and multiple "Best Paper" awards from organizations like ASME and IEEE. Recently, AFIT's Center for Space Research and Assurance (CSRA) received the General Muir S. Fairchild Educational Achievement Award for its significant contributions to Air Force education.
- Patented Innovations: Research at AFIT leads to the development of new technologies that are critical to warfighters. Faculty members hold dozens of U.S. patents for inventions developed through their research, spanning areas like turbine cooling systems, RF-DNA fingerprinting, and advanced radar systems. These patents represent the translation of academic discovery into protected, mission-critical capabilities for the Department of War.
A Call to STEM Leaders
If you are an officer with a passion for your STEM field and a desire to make a lasting impact on the future of the Air and Space Forces, the AFIT faculty pipeline offers an unparalleled opportunity. This is your chance to earn a terminal degree, lead groundbreaking research, and mentor the next generation of technical warfighters.
“This is more than just an educational program—it's your opportunity to build a bridge between the battlefield and the laboratory, taking your hard-won experience and elevating it to the highest level of academic inquiry. At AFIT, we don't just conduct research; we forge the intellectual arsenal of the future warfighter. We need leaders who have been there, operators who are ready to become educators and mentors. This is your chance to build a lasting legacy, shaping the officers and the technology that will define the future of the Air and Space Forces," said Col. Shawn Willis, Ph.D., associate dean, AFIT Graduate School of Engineering and Management.
The nation requires a force that is not only operationally sound but also intellectually dominant. By joining the faculty at AFIT, you answer that call.
Please review the following information regarding accessing the FY27 AAD and SPEED guide and upcoming deadlines:
1. Accessing the Guide: The updated guide, program details, and timelines are hosted on MyFSS. To navigate to the documents, please follow these steps:
- Log into MyFSS
- Type "AAD/SPEED" into the top search bar
- Select the USAF Advanced Academic Degree / Special Experience Exchange Duty (AAD/SPEED) Program page from the results to view the official guide and related resources
2. Application Window: The application window will officially open in MyVector on 15 June 2026. We highly encourage all interested officers to review the guide thoroughly now to ensure they understand the eligibility requirements and application procedures ahead of the window opening
Application Steps for AFIT Letter of Academic Eligibility (LOAE)
- Apply online at https://myvector.us.af.mil
- An AFIT admissions counselor will review applications and contact applicants to submit required documents
- Upon completion of the academic assessment process, applicants will receive an academic eligibility (LOAE) notification via email with additional instructions.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply and submit all required documents early. In addition, applicants should be mindful of processing times, start dates, and deadlines for secondary application processes (such as for sponsorship opportunities) which could impact selection/admission.
For more information about the application steps, visit www.AFIT.edu/admissions.