Educating the interdisciplinary civilian airman

Abstract

Competency Based Education (CBE) is becoming increasingly popular with Department of Defense (DoD) training and education. Air University, located at Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB) Alabama, recently identified CBE as a key factor for consideration in future training. This article discusses Air Force Competencies, analyzes the evaluation of competencies, and transfer of learning. The Civilian Associate’s Degree, currently under beta testing, is discussed as an example of the need to consider transfer of learning with respect to institutional competencies. Beta testing of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Air Force Leadership and Management Studies is meant to pave the way for the development and implementation of Civilian Airman training. Based on Civilian Associate’s Degree (CAD) Beta Testing student data, our research examines how CAD faculty can best capture professional interdisciplinary knowledge and experiences present in incoming students. In turn, leadership and management theories will add to the student knowledge and experience. This paper is an effort to capture the utilization of previous professional student experiences while developing and updating course curriculum based upon research and Beta Test student data.