Air War College
Maxwell AFB, AL
"The premier war college: forging architects of victory through intellectual rigor and creativity"
The Verdict
Located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, the Air War College stands as the U.S. Air Force's premier institution for senior professional military education. Since its founding in 1946 by the Army Air Forces, AWC has served as the intellectual center for developing strategic leaders who understand the decisive application of air, space, and cyberspace power.
The institution's mission centers on "forging architects of victory through intellectual rigor and creativity." As one of six war colleges within the Department of Defense's Joint Professional Military Education Phase II program, AWC prepares senior officers to think strategically about national security challenges.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The Air War College (AWC) is the senior professional military education school of the U.S. Air Force. Its mission is to develop air-minded joint warfighters and be the premier war college for forging architects of victory through intellectual rigor and creativity.
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Part of Maxwell AFB
Enrollment
245
Academics & Outcomes
Hall of Fame
General David W. Allvin
23rd Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force (2023-2025)
General Norton A. Schwartz
19th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force (2008-2012)
General Kevin P. Chilton
NASA astronaut and Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (2007-2011)
General B. Chance Saltzman
2nd Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force
General Daniel 'Chappie' James Jr.
First African American four-star general in U.S. military history
General Wayne A. Downing
Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (1993-1996)
Athletics & Physical Training
Facilities
Maxwell AFB Fitness Center with gymnasium and aerobic rooms, weight room and cardiovascular equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball and wallyball courts, four-field softball complex, seven soccer fields, four tennis courts, and women's dedicated workout room.
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Guides & Resources
Alabama's CHOOSE Act: Using ESA Funds for Military School
How Alabama families can use Education Savings Account funds from the CHOOSE Act to pay for private military school tuition.
Beyond the Uniform: Career Paths for Military School Grads Who Don't Join
Military school doesn't mean military career. Discover how alumni thrive in business, law, medicine, tech, and every field—and why employers value military school graduates.
Free Military Schools: Your Complete Guide to No-Tuition Options
Yes, free military schools exist. Public academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge programs offer tuition-free military education—each with different requirements and trade-offs.
Beyond the Uniform: Sports, Arts, and Extracurriculars
Military schools offer far more than marching and discipline. Discover the robust athletic programs, arts opportunities, and leadership clubs that make cadet life well-rounded.
New York's Excelsior Scholarship: A Free Path to SUNY Maritime
How New York families can attend SUNY Maritime Academy tuition-free through the Excelsior Scholarship—a maritime military education at zero tuition cost.
The Cadet Readiness Checklist: Is Your Child Actually Ready?
Not every child is ready for military school. This honest assessment covers emotional maturity, physical ability, and the traits that determine success or failure.