Air and Space Basic Course
Air and Space Basic Course (ASBC) is a Professional Military Education (PME) course taught by the Squadron Officer School, [[Air University (United States Air Force)|Air University], at Maxwell AFB, AL.[1] It is the first level of PME for U.S. Air Force second lieutenants and is required regardless of commissioning source.[1] Each ASBC class has approximately 12 students and is taught by an Air Force Captain.
Curriculum
ASBC is six weeks in length, with approximately ten start dates a year. One of the six weeks runs concurrently with a combined program at the Senior NCO Academy at Maxwell-Gunter Annex.[1]
The ASBC curriculum focuses on Airpower Doctrine, team building, and leadership. A component of the Airpower Doctrine instruction takes place through classroom "wargames" that simulate theater-level combat operations. Recently the course has added a "combatives" element that applies the classroom instruction to the expeditionary combat culture of the modern Air Force.
Mission
The organizational mission of ASBC is:
- To inspire new USAF officers to comprehend their roles as Airmen who understand and live by USAF core values, can articulate and advocate what Air, Space, and Cyberspace power brings to the fight, and are dedicated as warriors in the world’s most respected Air, Space, and Cyberspace Force Goals. Through a shared experience, ASBC commissioned officers and civilians will:
- 1. Comprehend Air, Space, and Cyberspace operations as the primary means for effectively employing Air, Space, and Cyberspace power as a part of the joint warfighting team.
- 2. Comprehend Air Force history, doctrine, and distinctive capabilities as the foundation for the effective employment of Air, Space, and Cyberspace power.
- 3. Embrace the profession of arms by applying the Air Force core values with the heart, mind, and body of an Air, Space, and Cyberspace warrior.
- 4. Value the expeditionary Air, Space, and Cyberspace force as a team and the role of Air Force officers in leading within the team.[1]