Technology and the Air Force Nonresident Intermediate Professional Military Education

Throughout history, state leaders, military leaders, and military theorists have recognized the important role that the military plays in achieving national objectives. To ensure success, military members must be adequately educated and trained. Current legislation, policies, and documents reflect those same views. Air Command and Staff College develops and administers intermediate level professional military education for the Air Force. Given the importance of professional military education for accomplishment of military and national objectives, the resident and nonresident curriculums should be equivalent. Yet, when compared, a significant difference exists between them. Increasing the use of and correctly integrating technology into the nonresident program is one option that can narrow the gap between curriculums. But should the Air Force integrate more technology into the nonresident intermediate professional military education program? To answer the overall question, two hypotheses were developed and explored. First, Air Force majors must be pre-disposed to be successful at distance learning programs. Second, the curriculum must be enhanced by the correct integration of technology. Both were found to be true. Overall, Air Command and Staff College should continue efforts to integrate technology into the distance learning curriculums. Further research is needed in the areas of organizational change, resources, and security implications to explore possible disadvantages on the mechanics of integration.