Time Schedule:
Jeffrey H. Gustafson
A S 431
Seattle Campus
Needs for national security, evolution of American defense strategy, policy, and organization; methods for managing conflict, alliances and regional security to preserve American interests. Arms control, terrorism, and current military issues; refinement of communicative skills. A one-hour leadership laboratory is also required for cadets, but not special students. Offered: A.
Class description
1. Description: The Air and Space Studies (AS) 400 series, which includes AS 431, AS 432, and AS 433, is designed to examine national security processes, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and understanding selected roles of the military in society. The course also challenges each student’s written and oral communication skills through individual writing assignments and oral presentations. AS 431 is the first of three courses designed to prepare Air Force ROTC seniors for entering active duty; the primary emphasis of AS 431 is on national security affairs.
Student learning goals
Know the basic elements of national security policy and process.
Know the air and space power functions and competencies.
Comprehend the role of AF commanders.
Know the functions and competencies of the other military services.
Apply listening, speaking, and writing skills in Air Force style and formats.
General method of instruction
Lecture, Student briefings, Current Events Attendance: Class attendance is mandatory unless excused. Prior coordination for an absence is required. Students NOT enrolled in the ROTC Program DO NOT have specific attendance requirements. Your attitude toward attendance and class participation will reflect your degree of maturity, sense of responsibility, internalization of AF Core Values, and essential traits of officership and leadership. Regulation requires cadet attendance at a minimum of 80% scheduled classes (or substitute activities) in order to receive a passing final grade.
Recommended preparation
Texts: a. National Security Affairs and Preparation for Active Duty (T-408) b. The Tongue and Quill, AFH 33-337 c. The U.S. Constitution Handbook
Class assignments and grading
a. Midterm(30%): Scheduled for 28 Oct 10. It will cover material from lessons previously covered. Expect multiple-choice, matching, true/false, and/or short answer questions. b. Final (30%): Scheduled for 9 Dec 10, the final exam will cover all material from the course. Expect multiple-choice, matching, true/false, short answer/fill-in, and/or short essay questions. c. Briefing (15%): Each student will present an advocacy briefing between 5-7 minutes in length. Topics will be approved by the instructor not later than 14 Oct 10. You are required to have at least two visual aids. Presentations will be scheduled by signup sheet for delivery during classes 2, and 4 Nov 10. d. Position Paper (15%): Each student will write a 1-2 page position paper in official Air Force format on a current national security topic or military issue. Topics will be approved by the instructor not later than 14 Oct 10. Follow the guidance in The Tongue and Quill. The paper will be evaluated on format and content. The assignment is due no later than 23 Nov 10. e. Quizzes/Participation (10%): Quizzes (including no-notice quizzes) will cover current and/or previous session assigned readings. Participation grading will be based on the instructor’s subjective assessment of student preparation and constructive contribution to class discussions. See paragraph 5 above.
