Shaping Future Leaders: Careers in Warfighting Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) stands at the nexus of academic rigor and military excellence. As the premier undergraduate institution for the Air and Space Forces, the Academy is currently inviting applications for Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor roles within its School of Integrated General Studies (SIGS). If you are an educator or professional with a passion for national security, strategy, and mentorship, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of developing leaders of character.

Job Responsibilities

Faculty members in the Warfighting thread are tasked with creating a coherent mental model for cadets. Responsibilities vary by rank:

Instructor: Delivering core curriculum and providing academic advising.
Assistant Professor: Taking on course leadership and contributing to curriculum planning.
Associate Professor: Mentoring junior faculty and leading multi-section courses.
Professor: Providing senior-level academic leadership and driving institution-wide initiatives.

Comparison of Faculty Ranks

Rank	Key Focus	Leadership Expectation
Instructor	Instructional delivery	Moderate
Assistant Professor	Course planning	Moderate/Developing
Associate Professor	Curriculum management	High
Professor	Strategic academic leadership	Senior

Requirements

Successful candidates must possess a Masters or Terminal degree. Beyond formal education, the search committee looks for:

Strong teaching efficacy in undergraduate or military settings.
A deep understanding of contemporary conflict (cyber, space, AI, electronic warfare).
The ability to integrate multidisciplinary perspectives into a unified strategic framework.
Commitment to mentorship and cadet development.

Salary Overview

Positions are compensated between $85,423 and $168,838 per year. The final offer is commensurate with the candidate's academic rank, years of experience, and relevant disciplinary expertise.

Benefits

Employees at the Academy enjoy the benefits of federal service, including robust health insurance options, federal retirement programs, and the potential for a one-time relocation or recruiting incentive for eligible, qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Tailor your cover letter: Explicitly describe how your experience allows you to contribute to the 'Warfighting' integrated thread.
Check the details: Ensure your CV includes dates and hours worked; missing data is the most common reason for rejection.
Follow formatting rules: Note the system's resume length flexibility for this position, but use the 'Other Documents' section for your full CV.

Serving as a faculty member at the U.S. Air Force Academy is more than an academic job; it is a service to the nation. If you are ready to apply your research and teaching toward building a more secure future, we encourage you to review the full requirements and submit your application package before the deadline.

Why This Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Warfighting Studies Job Matters

Shape the future of national security by mentoring the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Warfighting Studies Job Overview

The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is seeking dynamic educators for positions ranging from Instructor to Professor within the School of Integrated General Studies (SIGS). This is a unique opportunity to teach in an interdisciplinary environment, preparing cadets for high-end, multidomain conflict. Faculty members will lead the 'Warfighting' curriculum, integrating military theory, technology, strategy, and ethics to build a coherent mental model for future officers.

Requirements for Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Warfighting Studies

Masters or Terminal Degree in a relevant academic field.
Academic or professional expertise in contemporary warfighting, strategy, or defense studies.
Proven ability to teach undergraduate-level courses effectively.
Capacity to collaborate across diverse professional and disciplinary communities.
Experience or familiarity with high-end conflict domains including AI, cyber, space, and electronic warfare.

Preferred Qualifications for Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Warfighting Studies

Prior experience in immersive wargaming, simulation, or scenario-based instruction.
Demonstrated success in interdisciplinary or applied academic settings.
Direct operational, command, staff, or intelligence experience within the defense sector.
Established record of scholarly achievement or professional engagement relevant to warfighting.
Leadership experience in curriculum development or academic administration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Professional development and scholarly engagement opportunities.
✓Collaboration with a high-caliber integrated faculty of military and civilian experts.
✓Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package including healthcare and retirement options.
✓Potential for one-time taxable recruiting or relocation incentives.

💡 How to Apply Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Warfighting Studies Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Warfighting Studies Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter.
Address in your cover letter how you contribute to an integrated Warfighting thread.
Upload your CV using the 'Other Documents' section due to system constraints.
Submit your application and required documents, including transcripts, by November 13, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications regarding referral and selection.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your CV includes specific hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
Do not include personal information like photos or SSNs in your application materials.
Use the 'Other Documents' section for your CV, but ensure the 'Resume' section has a placeholder document stating where the CV was uploaded.
Ensure all transcripts are official and bear the university seal.
Double-check your package for completeness; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different requirements based on the faculty rank?

Yes. While all positions require academic or professional expertise, Associate Professors and Professors are expected to demonstrate progressively higher levels of academic leadership and sustained scholarly achievement.

What is the focus of the Warfighting curriculum?

The curriculum is designed to move beyond isolated courses, instead providing a cumulative model that integrates air, space, cyber, joint effects, and military theory to prepare cadets for high-consequence environments.

Can I email my application materials directly to the Department?

No. Applications must be submitted through the official USAJOBS portal. Direct emails to the department will not be considered.

Job from U.S. Air Force Academy

The U.S. Air Force Academy, located near Colorado Springs, provides a comprehensive education to approximately 4,000 cadets. The faculty is a unique blend of civilian and military educators who collaborate to deliver a curriculum that bridges the gap between traditional liberal arts and cutting-edge military technology. The mission is not just to teach, but to prepare individuals for the complexities of modern, multidomain warfare.