School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies (SANDS) is AFGSC's premier Intermediate Developmental Education (IDE) experience located at Maxwell AFB, AL.  The mission of SANDS is to build nuclear deterrence and assurance experts with a deep understanding of deterrence concepts, strategy, policy and doctrine.  Our SANDS graduates possess the ability to serve as key advisors to combatant commanders, OSD, JS, HAF, and MAJCOMs on the role of deterrence and assurance as it impacts national security and the security of US allies.  Students come from key Nuclear Enterprise AFSCs (11/12B, 13N, 21M, 31P and 61D) and also include Air Force civilians, enlisted, USN, USA and international partners.   SANDS students are selected through the standard Air Force central selection board process for IDE schools. For more information click here.

Striker Trident is a USAF/USN nuclear enterprise officer exchange program.  The program's mission is to provide a greater breadth and depth of experience for future planners and leaders in the Nuclear Deterrence Mission.  Four USAF (13N) officers are working with the USN, two each at COMSUBLANT/CTF-144 (Norfolk Naval Air Station, Virginia) and COMSUBPAC/CTF-134 (Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii).  Two USN officers work with AFGSC/A3 and 20 AF/A3.  Air Force officers rotate through assignments performing duties of strategic targeting, exercise/evaluation development, and nuclear surety (COMSUBPAC).  In addition, the Trident Program professionally develops officers through academics, senior leader engagements and professional development TDYs.  Upon completion of the exchange program, officers are deliberately outplaced to hand-picked assignments designed to capitalize on their unique skillsets, and in some cases include intermediate developmental education.  Assignments include: USSTRATCOM, AFGSC staff, or HAF/A10.

AFGSC Intern Program (Formally “Striker Pathfinder”) is for highly qualified officers nominated by wing and NAF commanders and approved by AFGSC/CD.  The internship is designed to provide an in-depth view into strategic studies from various academic institutions (i.e. Harvard, Stanford, Missouri St, AFIT, etc.) while exposing officers to a wide variety of staff functions and providing unique developmental opportunities (conferences, training, and professional development TDYs).  Professional development TDYs are unique, diverse areas across the nuclear enterprise (National Labs, numerous bases and units across the USAF and USN), to the National Capitol region for exposure to strategic level and national leadership, to academic forums, and to allied foreign nations for exposure to the broader implications of the AFGSC mission.  Members gain unique staff experience in operations, requirements, fiscal policy and manpower as well as exposure to GO-level decision making.  Officers in this program are outplaced to handpicked duties and assignments, and in some cases include Intermediate Development Education.

Striker Titan is chaired by the AFGSC Command Chief, this MAJCOM-wide Enlisted Development Program for future enlisted leaders is administered by AFGSC/A9P Talent Development Branch.  The program is designed for highly qualified SSgts/TSgts nominated by the wings to the NAF Command Chiefs and approved by AFGSC/CCC.  NCOs are chosen from Air Force Specialties that have a high likelihood of multiple assignments in AFGSC.  The Titans remain assigned to their current squadron and development/education is accomplished through chunk learning opportunities approximately every five weeks.  This program allows NCOs to see a broad perspective of the Air Force’s long–range precision nuclear and conventional strike capabilities, how other agencies integrate into the mission, and strategic/nuclear educational opportunities.  Titans are provided leadership development and mentorship through assigned CMSgt senior mentors at their bases and regular interface with the AFGSC/CCC.  Professional development TDYs are to unique, diverse areas across the nuclear enterprise (National Labs, numerous bases and units across the USAF and USN), to the National Capitol region for exposure to strategic level and national leadership, to academic forums, and contact with allied foreign nations for exposure to the broader implications of the AFGSC mission.  Members gain unique understanding of ops, requirements, fiscal policy and manpower, future missions, as well as exposure to Air Force-level decision making.

Striker Stripe Seminar is a three-day event held at the AFGSC HQ twice a year, where 35-40 NCOs (E-5/E-6) from all over the command are hand-picked by their Command Chief.  They learn about leadership, mentoring and the nuclear mission from several DoD and AFGSC leaders and experts.  The event helps foster front line supervisor growth beyond that of local NCO Professional Enhancement Courses, Airman Leadership Schools and NCO Academies by developing the understanding of negative behavior trends and the impacts on the mission and people within their organizations.   Individual participants are exposed to presentations on current Air Force events/policies, Ethical Leadership, Enlisted heritage and the Command’s history, mental health resiliency, a personality type indicator assessment, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR).  The seminar also takes participants through a guided tour of the Global Power Museum and a tours of a B-52.  A mentor is assigned to each seminar, usually a retired CMSgt.  This individual is invited to be a part of the seminar for all three days and is available to impart his/her wisdom.

Striker Trailblazer (GS 09-12) is a MAJCOM-wide program administered by AFGSC/A9P Talent Development Branch. The Striker Trailblazer Professional Development Program targets eight civilian members grades GS-09 through GS-12 performing or supporting core nuclear functions.  This one-year program is designed to deliberately develop a cadre of AFGSC civilians who will be able to critically outthink and out compete our Nation’s adversaries.  Aligned with Air Force Nuclear Competencies, the program is intended to provide a wide breadth of experience in the command, supplemented by nuclear deterrence education, approximately 8-10 professional developmental and experiential TDYs, exposure to various strategic thought leaders, professional of arms leadership development, and monthly opportunities to participate in AFGSC Senior Leader forums (AFGSC/CC, CD brown bag lunches and other CC-hosted forums).  In addition, the programs will expose Trailblazers to multi-domain operations (Space Forces, Acquisitions, Cyber and NC3) and will demonstrate their interface with overall defense of the United States strategy, which forms the basis for our Nation’s strategic and operational decision-making.  The Trailblazers remain assigned to their current position and development/education are accomplished through chunk learning opportunities including TDYs approximately every four weeks. At the end of the program, Striker Trailblazers will have a solid foundation and understanding of the nuclear enterprise mission and all-domain operations, ultimately promoting effective advocacy and lethality for the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise.

AFROTC Summer Internship Program (ROTC SIP) is a three-week program offered two times between May and August.  This program is funded by AFROTC and executed by AFGSC.  Each class consists of eight cadets and has a ROTC cadre member and an AFGSC POC.  The desired audience is cadets transitioning into their senior year.  The desired learning objectives are to: develop a basic understanding of AFGSC mission and its role in strategic deterrence; develop basic knowledge of a USAF base including support, operations and maintenance; professional development opportunities to enhance their leadership abilities; and understand the fundamental reasons why U.S. nuclear capabilities and deterrence strategies are necessary for U.S., allied, and partner security.  Cadets gain an understanding of these topics through briefings from various AFGSC directorates and various 8th AF and 20th AF wings and units.