An Analysis of the Balance of Management, Technical and Leadership Progression Through the Three USAF Officer Tiers

The purpose of this research was to identify the balance of management, technical and leadership responsibilities learned at each of the three USAF officer tiers. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer research questions addressing the essential learning elements for developing leadership, technical and management knowledge and skills as well as the proportional emphasis of the three areas in each of the three officer tiers. The questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review and a review of current professional military education (PME) syllabi and educational profiles of USAF officers. The research identified that management training does not grow with the level of PME, but rather is eliminated in the field grade officer ranks. Furthermore, general officers tend to follow the literature expectations by pursuing graduate level management education. The culmination of this effort was the possibility of emphasizing the need for management training at the field grade officer level. Recommendations to implement more management training are discussed.