ACSC students set high standard

Published June 10, 2011
By Christopher Kratzer
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Air Command and Staff College held commencement ceremonies Monday, graduating more than 500 students.

The students this year performed at an impressively high level, according to ACSC Commandant Brig. Gen. Stephen Denker.

"The class has done exceptionally well in both the classroom and as vibrant members of many local communities. They also have maxed the fitness test, with more than 90 percent scoring a 90 or better," General Denker said. "Most importantly, they have developed lifelong relationships with fellow Airmen, sister-service officers, international officers and U.S. government civilians, which will serve them well in future assignments."

Along with 309 active-duty Air Force students, ACSC graduated 43 Army students, 30 Navy students, eight Marines, 15 Air Force Reservists, 12 Air National Guardsmen, 13 civilian and 79 international officers.

"One of the best aspects of being the ACSC commandant is the privilege [of] educating our 79 international officers from 67 countries. In order for their home country to send them to Air University, the international officer needs to be in the top of their peer group, and many return to rise to the highest ranks of their nation's air force," General Denker said. "The best part, though, is watching the learning that occurs between the American students and the international officers throughout the year. Both gain a much broader perspective and become lifelong colleagues and friends."

In addition to many accomplishments in the classroom, some of the ACSC students' biggest accomplishments involved giving back to the community.

"The class of 2011 worked very hard and met many challenges, and for this I'm proud to have served as the commandant," General Denker said. "The class donated more than $82,000 and volunteered more than 8,000 hours of their time to Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army projects, Relay for Life, local Veterans Administration hospitals and many others."

Because the ACSC curriculum is demanding, General Denker said he thinks the class of 2011 won't have any problem rising to meeting the challenge of the Air Force mission.

"ACSC today is a rigorous course of study that covers everything from international security studies to joint air and space operations. The graduates are ready to apply greater critical thinking and a broader perspective to address challenges they confront."