Reimagining enlisted education: Space Force launches Vosler Fellowships

Reimagining enlisted education: Space Force launches Vosler Fellowships
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 24, 2024

The U.S. Space Force has revamped its enlisted professional military education (EPME) to better suit the specific needs of its enlisted personnel, known as Guardians.

A key milestone was celebrated at the Vosler Academy at Peterson Space Force Base on April 19, with the induction of the first cohort of Vosler fellows from the newly established Fellowship II. This initiative is aimed at mid-tier noncommissioned officers.

This development is part of the broader roll-out of the Space Force's EPME curriculum, which was preceded by a six-month strategic review period.

Chief Master Sgt. April Brittain, commandant of the Vosler Academy, emphasized the tailored nature of the new curriculum. "Our service required an education system designed specifically for Guardians," Brittain remarked. "Previously, we were using a curriculum that was too focused on Air Force roles and did not adequately address our unique needs."

The revamped curriculum is designed to deepen the understanding of space as a distinct warfighting domain and underscore its critical role in national defense.

Fellowship II, retaining its five-week duration, incorporates key Space Force competencies, enhancing understanding of space-centric responsibilities. It covers combatant command missions, space domain operations, and the governance mechanisms involved.

The curriculum also focuses on enhancing strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, integrating thinking strategies, cognitive frameworks, warfighting doctrine, and problem-solving methods to enhance the military decision-making skills of the Guardians.

According to Vosler Academy officials, the course emphasizes active learning over traditional lectures, drawing on principles from Malcolm Knowles' Adult Learning Theory. It promotes engagement and practical application through an interactive, student-centered approach.

Master Sgt. Dalton Grainger, the academy's superintendent for Curriculum Development, noted the innovative teaching methods being employed. "Fellowship II is designed to challenge traditional education norms, integrating guest lectures, hands-on learning, and space-focused discussions to prepare technically proficient and strategically astute Guardians," he said.

The curriculum also stresses the Guardian Values-Character, Connection, Commitment, and Courage-and integrates these into its structure, aiming to cultivate a comprehensive guardianship philosophy.

Project-based learning activities are incorporated, encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions.

The development of the Fellowship curriculum has been a collaborative effort by the academy's cadre, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Space Force.

Chief Brittain shared her enthusiasm for the project's progress. "The journey to develop the Fellowship series has been incredibly transformative, despite the challenges of a constrained six-month timeline for development," she stated.

The Vosler team's dedication to creating an innovative and adaptable educational model is clear, as they strive to provide a curriculum that not only meets current needs but also prepares Guardians for future challenges.