The Academic Affairs Directorate (DE) is responsible for planning, developing, and training SOS instructors on curriculum delivery to educate Air and Space Force Captains and International Officers. DE maintains three academic departments, strategic outreach coordination, and program assessments in support of Officer PME operations. The mission of DE is to develop impactful curriculum to educate and empower Airman and Guardians to excel at mission command at any environment.

DE is further responsible for faculty education for all in-class instructors and staff.  This faculty development begins with the initial onboarding, learning the curriculum and how to teach, operational training, continuing education, and advanced education.

Lt Col Daniel Harris
Director of Academic Affairs

DE is led by Lt Col Daniel Harris, the Dean of Squadron Officer School, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.  The Directorate of Academic Affairs is responsible for developing and delivering the curriculum in professional military education (PME) for more than 4,000 students annually.  Additionally, Lt Col Harris and his department are responsible for training and professional development for over 80 faculty and staff.

Lt Col Harris received his PhD at Auburn University. He supported Operation ENDURING FREEDOM during two deployments as an intelligence officer.  His previous assignment was the Deputy 14N Career Field Manager at Headquarters Air Force A2. Lt Col Harris is a prior instructor and Vice Dean at SOS, serving as an Academic Department Chair. 

 

The Operations Directorate (OD) is responsible for planning, scheduling and executing all SOS events to include core curriculum, experientials and guest speakers. Additionally, OD provides cradle-to-grave student support: welcome packets, hosting ask me anything events, coordinating student acceptance to attend SOS, building flight rosters, processing graduation certificates and providing training reports. OD's mission is to provide the richest student and faculty experience possible.

OD is also the Mission Support Directorate (MS) which conducts and facilitates all support operations needed to successfully complete all SOS operations.  MS is responsible for strategic facility planning and daily operations/maintenance for 6 facilities and 50 acres of outdoor classrooms, field leadership support, supply/acquisition/contracts, financial management, and civilian personnel.  The directorate manages assets critical to the missions of SOS, as well as Officer Training School, Reserve Officer Training Corps, Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and International Officers’ School. 

Lt Col Brent Seton
Director Operations Directorate

OD is led by Lt Col Seton, the Director of Operations Directorate, Squadron Officer School, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.  The Directorate of OD is responsible for scheduling, registrar functions and operations coordination for the Air Force’s largest Officer Professional Military Education. He is responsible for ensuring 4,200 students attend Squadron Officer School annually. He is further responsible for all logistics to execute the SOS mission, including facilities, financial management, and supply.  In addition to the facilities and outdoor classrooms, the directorate maintains a $2M annual budget and a $500K inventory of supplies and equipment.

Lt Col Seton received his degree in Aviation in 2002. He completed four deployments in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and ENDURING FREEDOM.  He was responsible for over 60 combat saves.  Prior to his current position, Lt Col Seton was the Director of Operations for the 32nd Student Squadron at Squadron Officer School.