Airpower Studies (minor)

The US Air Force mission statement is “To fly, fight, and win…airpower anytime, anywhere,” and official doctrine defines airpower as: “the ability to project military power through control and exploitation in, from and through the air.” Recognizing this fact, the airpower minor focuses on war in the air domain, as well as the role and capabilities of airpower across the competition continuum—from times of peace to times of armed conflict and war.

The Airpower Studies Minor is for those cadets who want to go beyond the basic understanding of air warfare and airpower capabilities offered in the core curriculum. It provides cadets’ exposure to tactical, operational, strategic considerations as well as technological capabilities and limits of the air domain. It adds to the core curriculum’s foundation with greater depth in the specific application of airpower relevant to any Air Force operational specialty. Cadets will interrogate the implications of fighting in the air domain and chart a course sequence that inculcates airmindedness, a habit of mind valuable for any Air Force officer. This minor is compatible with any academic major.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The Airpower Studies Minor requires a minimum of 15 semester hours. The student must complete these five courses (15 semester hours) with a grade of “C” or better. This is an interdisciplinary minor. No more than 2 courses for the minor can be from any one department.

With the approval of the minor AIC and the Department Head of an instructor offering a 495 or 499, cadets may substitute a 495 or 499 course offered by any department for this requirement.