Air and Space Basic Course

Air and Space Basic Course
Air and Space Basic Course emblem
Active	12 September 1997 to 22 July 2011
Country	United States of America
Branch	Air Force
Type	Professional Military Education
Size	2,700 students annually
Part of	Squadron Officer College, Air University, Air Education and Training Command
Colors	blue, black, and gold
Decorations	Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (7)
Website	http://www.au.af.mil/au/soc/asbc.html

Air and Space Basic Course (ASBC) was a Professional Military Education (PME) course taught by the Squadron Officer College, Air University, at Maxwell AFB, AL. From 1997 to mid-2011, it was the first level of PME for U.S. Air Force second lieutenants and was required regardless of commissioning source. Together, ABSC and Squadron Officer School comprised the Air Force's Basic Developmental Education (BDE) program. Each ASBC class had approximately 12 students and was taught by an Air Force Captain.

In addition to newly commissioned Air Force officers, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians in pay grade GS-7 or NSPS Pay Band 2 or above who had completed a baccalaureate degree were also eligible to attend. Air Force guidance was for 100 percent of line, active-duty Air Force officers to attend ASBC, to include direct entry Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard officers who were on active duty for initial officer accession training and follow-on flight training or other technical training. Typical classes included representatives from all major commands and job specialties in the Air Force, and included Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members as well as DoD civilians, primarily junior Department of the Air Force Civilians (DAFC).

ASBC was activated on 12 September 1997 as part of the Air Education and Training Command. On 8 February 2000 it joined with the Squadron Officer School to form the Squadron Officer College. During its period of activation, the program was awarded the Organizational Excellence Award seven times.