Tested Experience Requirement, Department of Aerospace Studies

Overview:

The Department of Aerospace Studies, in coordination with Air University’s new policy to integrate board-selected Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Military Trainer Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) into the classroom, and in conjunction with hiring guidelines established by the University of Kansas in compliance with Higher Learning Commission (HLC) requirements, outlines minimum qualifications, based on HLC equivalent threshold of experience requirement, for AIR144/148 and AIR284/288 instructors. As indicated in the University course catalog, these introductory level courses focus specifically on United States Air Force and Space Force fundamentals such as leadership, followership, communication, team building, and Air Force and Space Force heritage and core values.

(In order to be hired, AIR300 and AIR400-level instructors must meet  University and HLC educational requirements and are not part of this policy.)

Required Experience:

• Applicant must obtain five years active duty service prior to applying.
• Applicant must be promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) prior to arrival.
• Applicant must achieve 5-skill level (Journeyman) in core Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). All AFSCs are permitted to apply.
• Applicant must have previously held one of the following duty titles: Supervisor, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, or Manager. Applicant must have been a supervisor, and responsible for the mandated feedback, annual performance reports, decorations, and other duties incumbent of Air Force and Space Force enlisted supervisors.

Required Professional Development Certifications:

• Airman Leadership School (ALS): This course teaches leadership skills required of supervisors and reporting officials throughout the Air and Space Forces. ALS enhances the development of Senior Airmen by strengthening their ability to lead, follow, and manage while they gain a broader understanding of the military profession. ALS is attended by Senior Airmen (E-4) and required for promotion to Staff Sergeant.
• Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA): NCOA prepares Technical Sergeants to be professional, war-fighting Airmen and Space Professionals who can manage and lead units in the employment of Air and Space power. (Will complete when eligible if not completed upon arrival due to Technical Sergeant (E-6) rank requirement.)

(ALS and NCOA are provided by the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education (Air University), which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.)

Required Academic Instructor Certification:

• Academic Instructor Course (AIC): AIC is a pre-requisite for all Air Force instructors, including the Professor of Aerospace Studies and all Assistant Professors of Aerospace Studies. It focuses on instructional systems design, domains of learning, and test item construction.

(AIC is provided by the Holm Center (Air University), which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.)