Advanced Air Power Course
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Course structure
The Advanced Air Power Course (AAPC) is designed to give students an understanding of air power theory and doctrine that complements the training provided through the Air Force’s Professional Military Education and Training continuum. The aim of the AAPC is to enhance the professional knowledge of air power of personnel who have already developed an understanding of air power fundamentals. During the course of thirteen weekly seminars, students’ existing knowledge on air power is questioned and challenged, and they are encouraged to express opinions on each of the topics. Air power topics covered range from World War I to current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and conclude with a discussion of air power into the future. The course is particularly suitable for those members who have already spent some time in the RAAF (typically a minimum of five to ten years) and are seeking to supplement their understanding of air power.
The course is conducted via the Intranet and Internet. A comprehensive set of course readings and instructions is distributed to students on a CD-ROM.
The AAPC is conducted over a period of 18 weeks. The first 13 weeks consist of programmed reading and participation, via e-mail and web-based forum discussions, in collective on-line analysis of the weekly topics. Students must make active, well-considered contributions to these discussions. During the final five weeks of the course, students prepare and submit a 3000 word essay on one of a range of air power topics provided during the course. Completing the essay at the end of the course allows students to apply the knowledge they gain over the preceding 13 weeks.
The essay and participation in on-line discussions are assessed and students must obtain a pass in both components to pass the course. A commitment of approximately eight hours per week is required for reading course material and participating in on-line discussions.
Eligibility
The course is open to all ADF SNCO and officers up to O5, and ADO public service APS 4 up to EL1. Priority will be given to RAAF airmen up to Warrant Officer and officers up to O4. Several positions are also allocated to foreign serving military personnel. Expressions of interest from Navy and Army members are welcomed as the inclusion of representatives from other Services ensures that air power is discussed from a joint perspective, which is a critical aspect of understanding the ADF’s air power capabilities. Participation by other Service’s members also balances the course and enhances the achievement of course objectives by improving the mutual understanding of all Services’ capabilities that is essential in operations.
Applying to do AAPC
The course is generally run twice per year, with a call for nominations advertised at least six weeks before course start. The next course (AAPC 11-01) is scheduled to commence Monday 28 February with the final seminar concluding on Friday 03 June 2011.
Nominations for AAPC 11-01 are to be emailed to
airpower@defence.gov.au no later than close of business 16 February 2011.
Topics
The topics covered in the course are:
1. War in the Third Dimension – Kittyhawk to Iraq
Introduction to Advanced Air Power: What is Air Power?
2. Learning while Fighting 1914 – 1918
What might defence planners have learnt from the use of air power in the First World War?
3. Air power theory: from Clausewitz to Warden
Is contemporary air power doctrine still influenced by the classical air power theorists?
4. The Battle of Britain – The defensive counter air campaign
Why does the Battle of Britain appear to occupy such an important position in the history of air power?
5. The strategic air offensive – strategic bombing 1939-1945
How has the concept of precision attacks against key economic targets changed since WWII?
6. Japanese air power 1919 – 1945
To what extent did Japanese air power contribute to their successes?
7. Airpower, Vietnam & the art of the possible
Did the air war over Vietnam suggest a ‘best practice’ for the employment of air power?
8. Strategies of modern air power – the Air Campaign
What are the elements of the modern air campaign?
9. Air power and the Gulf War
Warden and the self contained air campaign - is it now possible for air power alone to force a favourable conclusion to any conflict?
10. Douhet Vindicated – Post Gulf war conflicts
Given the introduction and continued development of innovative weapon systems, is there a place for modern air power theorists?
11. Targeting and international law
Does international law favour the offensive air campaign?
12. Air Power and Irregular Warfare
In what ways might airpower theory and practice be adapted to meet effectively the challenges of irregular warfare?
13. The future of air power
What is the shape of future air power in small and middle ranked states?
Additional Texts
Additional books are sent to all course members, which they retain on course completion. These include The War in the Air, edited by Dr Alan Stephens, and A Fresh Look at Air Power Doctrine, by Dr Sanu Kainikara that describe some fundamentals of air power doctrine and addresses more complex aspects of air power that are particularly relevant to the the course.
Assessment
There are two assessment areas in this course: participation in weekly online discussions which require input from each course member to the academic supervisors for the 13 weekly seminars, and one essay of 3000 words. It is compulsory to obtain passes in both assessment areas in order to achieve an overall pass in the course.
Course schedule
One week is allocated to gathering all student details, ensuring relevant materials are received for start of course, establishing communications and ensuring everyone is available. The course then runs for approximately 18 weeks. One seminar will be covered each week and there will generally be time during the following week for consolidation and group feedback of submitted assessment tasks; a total of almost 14 weeks. Weeks 15 to 18 are allocated to the essay task however, it is prudent to begin the essay no later than the week of Seminar 10. Generally, about one month is required after receipt of all essays for marks to be allocated and final results to be determined. A course timetable is provided separately.
Course completion
On successful completion of the AAPC, the marked essay, a course report, a letter stating the member’s course result and a Graduation Certificate are posted to the graduate. For ADF participants, completion of the course is recorded in PMKeys. AAPC PMKeys codes are 110020 (course) and AAPCL1 (title). A grade of Pass or Fail only is recorded on PMKeys.
Course credit
AAPC is not an accredited course; it has no formally recognised tertiary qualification and, therefore, it cannot be used automatically to earn credit towards any undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Apart from the AAPC Graduation Certificate, end-of-course letter and, for ADF only, the PMKeys report, no other documentation or evidence will be provided by APDC regarding course completion. Any application for credit for AAPC towards other courses being sought by an AAPC graduate must be carried out entirely by the member. No additional course documentation to what is provided at enrolment and at end-of-course can be provided by APDC. APDC is able to confirm a graduate’s participation if contacted by an external education authority.
Supervision
Academic supervision is provided by Professor John McCarthy, a noted academic in the field of defence and air power, and GPCAPT Phil Edwards. The course is managed by the APDC Staff Officer – Doctrine and Education who is the point of contact for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions