Officer Education

Officer Education: Preparing Leaders for the Air Force of 2035 The Air Force Professional Military Education (PME) program is stuck in the academic traditions of the past. In an information era with exponential technological growth, the Air Force PME programs are still teaching linear thinking with a historical orientation. In Air War College, less than 10 out of over 700 contact hours are devoted to future thinking and technology. Air Force leaders are expected to envision the future and adapt to surprise. Are we preparing them for this task? Exponential change refers to a compounded rate of increase. The world has entered a period where an exponential increase in new information and technology will continue through 2035 causing significant changes in society, and thus warfare. Adding complexity are current trends toward conflict that permeates all aspects of society. Some futurists see a transformation from an information age to a virtual age within the next 30 years with as yet indiscernible major changes to a globalized virtual society.