Genesis and Evolution of the United States Air Force Academy's Officer Development System

The U.S. Air Force Academy has begun implementing a new system for better preparing cadets to be effective leaders of character; it is called the Officer Development System (ODS). This initiative was a result of an integrative Tiger Team commissioned by USAFA senior leadership in September 2003 to design and implement a deliberate, overarching leader development system. The new system is a four-year, holistic leadership process focused on understanding, appreciating, and acquiring character-based officership. ODS heavily emphasizes the Air Force core values (Integrity, Service, Excellence), identifies officer attributes (Warrior Spirit, Professional, Leader of Character, Servant of the Nation), and aligns with Air Force's Force Development initiative* and associated doctrine. ODS' integrated approach is based upon education, training, and experiences that provide cadets with increased responsibility as they progress through their four years at the Academy. This increased responsibility applies to each individual cadet for his or her own development; however, everyone is just as closely tied to their subordinates' and peers' development as well. ODS rests heavily on teamwork and positive motivation methods. It adheres to established standards through continuous improvement in obtaining institutionally agreed upon competencies that will better enable this next generation of leaders of character to meet Air Force requirements.