Strategists manage context for advantage. We gain that context by deliberately pursuing insights from diverse and varied viewpoints. As we educate strategists for the nation, SAASS is committed to recruiting a diverse student body, and supporting those students with a faculty dedicated to inclusive teaching and scholarship.
AY26 Program Information:
Location: Maxwell AFB, AL
Start: July 2025 / End: June 2026
Class Size: 45 total; anticipated 37 seats for active duty Air Force and Space Force
Eligibility Requirements:
- Rank of O-4 or O-5
- Less than 16 years total active commissioned service at the start of SAASS
- Graduated from or currently enrolled in an in-residence IDE program (ACSC/CGSC/etc.), program equivalent, or the ACSC Online Master’s Program (note: must be IDE in-res/equivalent/OLMP complete by the start of SAASS)
- Possess a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution or have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.25 or higher
- Career field release from their respective Career Field Team (CFT) Assignment Officer. The release may be in email format converted to PDF and included with the application.
The SAASS online application window opens mid-August each year, and application packages are due in the mid-September. Exact dates and an application hyperlink will be published here on a webpage banner when available--please check back here in early August.
Applicants without a master’s degree documented in military personnel records must provide an official copy of college transcripts to SAASS by the application deadline. SAASS/CC is waiver authority for basic eligibility requirements, with the exception of the rank requirement. Applicants should submit any waiver requests addressed to the SAASS/CC with their application packages. Applicants will receive a message confirming receipt of application package by mid-September.
The SAASS Central Selection Board will be held mid-October. The SAASS Select list is scheduled for release by mid-December each year. Primary selects have until early January to commit (see selection PSDM for exact dates); each class typically has students selected from the alternate list in the first half of January. Orders are issued in the spring with a RNLTD of 30 Jun. Class typically starts the first duty day following the July 4th holiday.
For SAASS application information and questions concerning program selection procedures/eligibility criteria, please contact Lt Col Rachel Seablom at 334-953-5815 (DSN 493-5815) or rachel.seablom@au.af.edu.
ACSC Early Select Program:
For officers who are selected to attend IDE in residence at Maxwell AFB, SAASS offers the opportunity to apply early for the following academic year. This early-application opportunity is available only to IDE-selects already coming to Maxwell AFB for school, giving a small group of early SAASS-selects the advanced knowledge that their upcoming assignment to Maxwell AFB will be two years instead of one. The SAASS selection board anticipates selecting a small number of the active duty Air Force and Space Force slots via the ACSC Early Select Program. Selection results will be released in December.
Application Instructions:
| For USAF and USSF Applicants |
To apply, complete the application form and attach any required documents if applicable. Be sure to indicate if you are applying to SAASS, STP, or both programs. Personnel records and letters of recommendation are not required or desired. |
| For USA/USMC/USN Applicants only |
Please upload a copy of your last 5 personnel record evaluations (to include an OEB, ORB or equivalent) along with your application. Letters of recommendation are not required or desired. |
| For AF Reserve and Guard component |
Please contact your respective branch point of contact below for more information on the application process. Air University Reserve Advisor: Col Casey Cooley; email: casey.cooley.1@us.af.mil. Air University National Guard Advisor: Lt Col Jeremy L Harris; email: jeremy.harris.3@us.af.mil.
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