Air University
Part of the U.S. Air Force, The Air University is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. As the main center for military education, it is known as the Training Command and Air Education headquarters.The university is comprised of several divisions and departments which include the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Force Research Institute, Carl A Spaatz Center for Officer Education, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development & Education, Education Logistics and Communications, Ira C. Eaker College for Professional Development, Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development, and Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education.
One of the university's most recognized divisions is the Air Force Research Institute (AFRI). Its mission is to “conduct independent research, outreach and engagement that contribute ideas for enhancing national security” and effectiveness of the Air Force. It is also sort of the think tank which aids in the idea-generating capacity of the university. It supports student research initiatives, enhances continuing study, and conducts research projects for the U.S. Air Force in an effort to improve national security and assure the ongoing effectiveness and competitiveness of the U.S. Air Force through improved combat capability. AFRI hosts the online publication Air & Space Power Journal which has over 13,000 subscribers and receives 800,000 monthly hits via its website.
Responsible for the professional military education of its officers, the Spaatz Center for Officer Education is another noteworthy Air University division. The goal of the division is to develop leaders, forge partnership to advance U.S. air power, and spur innovation. It is comprised of four smaller academic divisions, which include the Squadron Officer College (SOC), Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Air War College (AWC), and International Officer School. The SOC was initially commissioned to develop Air Force officers with integrity and advanced leadership ability. The ACSC is a 10-month masters degree program designed to prepare USAF, USMC and U.S. Army officer for upper pay grades and career advancement within the military and other federal government departments. The AWC is a 10-month program Lieutentant Colonels, Colonels, Commanders and Captains. The program is designed to prepare participants to lead joint and interagency military operations abroad.
Air University influences the careers of enlisted Air Force officers and personnel everywhere in the world. It develops the leaders and planners in air and space power for the U.S. Armed Forces, federal government, various international organizations, but most importantly the United States Air Force.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics