Air University commander talks education, training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Corbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The general in charge of the Air Force's Air University recently visited Columbus Air Force Base on May 15 and took some time to talk about Air Force education and training.

Lt. Gen. Allen Peck, Air University commander at Maxwell AFB, Ala., talked about successes and challenges in education and the future of education in the Air Force, following his graduation speech for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 09-09.

Education and Training

"The key part of education and training is that both are absolutely essential," General Peck said. "Fundamentally, education is focused on developing critical thinking skills that help enable creative solutions. Whereas training is about developing specific skill sets for consistently reliable results."

The general said that while he focuses primarily on education in his role as AU commander, both are essential and part of all training, including pilot training. He said while it's called "pilot training," it includes educational aspects such as studies in propulsion and aeronautics, as well as traditional training aspects like aircraft control and emergency procedures.

Importance of education

"Education is the seed corn of the future," he said. "If we don't invest in education, how can we expect our Air Force to be led by leaders who have critical thinking capabilities and strategic thinking for the future?"

General Peck noted that if the Air Force needs a chief master sergeant, a colonel or a general capable of strategic leadership, they are unable to put out an advertisement and hire someone, like other industries can.

"If I want to have strategic-thinking leaders for the future, I have to invest in them from the moment they enter the Air Force," he said. "We have to grow our own, and education and training are vital parts of the future of the Air Force."

Successes and Challenges

The general said in the next fiscal year, AU will be facing a few challenges (some common across the Air Force).

"We will be facing a shortfall in resources," he predicts. "And, at the same time we'll be increasing network and information technology security while also trying to maintain academic freedom. There are some challenges in the future, but historically the Air Force has taken very good care of its education and training programs."
General Peck said amongst these challenges, AU has seen a number of successes in the last year. He gave as examples the retooled Air and Space Basic Course that newly commissioned lieutenants attend and the burgeoning distance-learning masters degree and professional military education programs.

"ASBC gives new lieutenants the opportunity to bond and learn about officership with peers from the other commissioning sources," General Peck said. Some of the recent changes to ASBC include a greater emphasis on expeditionary skills and combat training.

Future of Education

The general said education in the future will include a blend of online, distance learning and traditional education at brick-and-mortar institutions.

"We're looking at ways we can enhance and expand educational offerings through information technology that is being developed," he said. "What is really important, as it is in all things, is balance. What we're trying to do now is figure out the right hybrid or blended model for in-residence education and distance-learning."

The Air Force's growing variety of distance-learning opportunities recently saw an important milestone with the graduation of the first six Airmen from the AU Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative Program. The ABC Program allows Airmen to pursue a bachelor's degree via distance-learning and ensures their CCAF credits will transfer.

The Air Force's commitment to education is one aspect that makes us a great Air Force, General Peck said. Innovation is providing opportunities for Airmen to continue Professional Military Education in multiple mediums.