MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA -- Air University’s yearlong schools have started the new academic year with students attending classes in person.
The School of Advanced Air and Space Studies started teaching on July 7, Air War College opened its doors to students July 21 and Air Command and Staff College classes start Aug 10.
Air University leadership made the decision to go ahead with in-residence instruction after lengthy consultation with school commandants, Maxwell’s medical community and with approval from Air Education and Training Command.
“Based on secretary of defense travel guidance, AETC guidance with regard to mission essential functions and a continuing assessment of local, state and federal COVID-19 guidance and mitigation protocols, the Air University commander made the decision for in-residence attendance,” said Col. Eugene Moore, Air University director of staff.
The schools will transition between in-residence and virtual in-residence-local as conditions require during the pandemic, he said. The transitions, however, will not be all-encompassing—some seminars can likely remain in-residence, while others would go to VIR-L.
If teaching VIR-L, students would stay at home in the local area and take their classes virtually. Unlike students who come to AU on temporary duty to attend its shorter courses, students attending AWC, ACSC and SAASS are permanently assigned to Maxwell for the duration of their studies.
Other ongoing in-residence education and training missions at AU include Air Force First Sergeant Academy, Officer Training School, summer field training for Air Force ROTC cadets and Chaplain Corps College’s Basic Chaplain Course.