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 is the U.S. Air Force's senior school for 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 at Maxwell AFB is the U.S. Air Force's senior professional military education school, founded 1946. For senior officers — not open to civilians.
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 ESA: $7,000 Toward Military School
Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA provides $7,000 per student toward private school tuition, including military school. Eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply.
Career Paths After Military School: Most Grads Go Civilian
70-80% of military school graduates go on to civilian colleges and careers—in business, law, medicine, and tech—and employers value the discipline they bring.
Sports, Arts & Extracurriculars at Military Schools
Military schools offer varsity sports from football to rifle team, plus marching band, drama, robotics, and flight training toward a private pilot's license.
Virginia Private School Tax Credit: EISTC Cuts Tuition 65%
Virginia's EISTC gives a 65% state tax credit for donations to scholarship foundations — a $10,000 gift can cost ~$2,625 and fund private military school tuition.
Post-Graduate (PG) Year at Military Prep Schools
A post-graduate (PG) year is an extra prep school year after high school graduation. See the 8 military schools with PG programs, who benefits, and what it costs.
Benefits of Military School for Girls: Leadership & STEM
Girls hold the same ranks and commands as boys at coed military schools — and make up about 20% of enrollment. Leadership, STEM, and academy benefits.