About the Course

AFSNCOA provides a unique course of instruction that is ideal for active duty E-7 or E-6 above the cut for E-7 personnel who desire to take the next step in the enlisted leadership continuum and further their professional leadership development.  It is located on Gunter Annex, Maxwell Air Force Base. 

This five-week course provides students a relevant and interesting curriculum that is based on student needs, effective communication, teamwork, professional leadership, military science, and managerial development skills. The AFSNCOA is affiliated with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

All graduates are credited with 5 General Education college semester hours through CCAF. Montgomery, Alabama provides a unique course of instruction that is ideal for members who desire to take the next step in the enlisted leadership continuum and further their professional AFSNCOA classes consist of 300 top-rated Senior Enlisted leaders from all branches of the United States and Foreign Allied Forces. For some DOD and Foreign Service members, this will be their first contact with a Coastguardsman.

 Applicants are charged with the duty and responsibility of showing fellow Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen the amazing accomplishments of our great service and our Chief’s Mess. Coast Guard members attending this academy will have an impact on Coast Guard’s image locally, nationally, and throughout the world.

 Successful graduation satisfies the CPOACAD requirements for advancement eligibility to E-7/8.

Training Objectives

This academy develops Joint and Coalition senior enlisted leaders to be adaptable, critically thinking, and strategically relevant in their operating environment while providing a quality resident professional military education (PME) in a joint environment. This five-week course provides students a relevant and interesting curriculum that is based on student needs, effective communication, teamwork, professional leadership, military science, and managerial development skills.

Prerequisites

• Be an active duty Chief (E-7)
• Be an excellent representative of the U.S. Coast Guard and present a sharp, trim, and fit military appearance.
• Be in compliance with Coast Guard weight/body composition standards.
• Be able to pass the Boat Crew Fitness Test.
• Be fit for full duty and able to participate in the USAF’s fitness program. Members will be assessed on day 5 of class using the USAF Fitness Assessment. 
• Complete Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (EJPME) 1 & 2 prior to members assigned course convening date. This is a 40 and 45-hour, online, self-paced, course through the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) site. 
• CAC Log in, navigate to “Course Catalog” along the top of the screen, navigate to “Course Prefix” Drop down, scroll down and select EJPME, scroll down main screen, navigate to “Enroll” button next to EJPME 1.
• See further Air Force Pre-arrival requirements here>> EPME.

Submission Deadline & Guidelines

First round of nominations for FY27 are due to FC-LDR by September 15, 2026. If all seats are not filled, a second round will be announced.

• Nominations are handled through the members first gold badge command senior enlisted leader (CSEL) and forwarded to the course manager – MCPO Joe Hoff.
  Successful graduation from this academy satisfies the CPO Academy requirement for E-7 and E-8 Advancement.
• Members who have previously attended CPOACAD are eligible for nominations.
• The categories of PFA scores are:
  • Excellent (≥ 90)
  • Satisfactory (75 - 89.9)
  • Unsatisfactory (≤ 74.9 and/or any component minimum not met)
• Members receive a composite score from 0 to 100 based on the following maximum component scores:
  • 60 points for Cardiorespiratory
  • 20 points for Muscular Strength
  • 20 points for Core Endurance

Convening Dates 

Resources

• AFNSCOA Website and Student Guide: AF Senior NCO Academy
• USAF Fitness Information: DAFMAN 36-2905, 3.5.1&2
• Air Force Fitness Assessment Scorecard (DAF4446 found at Air Force e-Publishing): Department of the Air Force E-Publishing > Publications + Forms (af.mil)

Program Manager

MCPO Joe Hoff, Joseph.R.Hoff@uscg.mil

More Information

Coast Guard personnel contact: CG Liaison/Instructor TBD

ETQC website here>>