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— CH. 1 · ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND MISSION —

Air University Press

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections
  • Air University Press operates as a division of the Academic Services Directorate. It resides within the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. The press serves a specific mandate to publish professional military education materials for faculty and students. Its output includes academic journals, school-selected student papers, and faculty research efforts. These documents support the broader program of professional military education run by Air University.

  • The press produces several distinct paper series that carry unique names honoring historical figures. Air War College publishes Maxwell Papers while Air Command and Staff College releases Wright Flyers. The School of Advanced Air and Space Studies contributes Drew Papers to the collection. Additional series include the Fairchild, Walker, Chennault and Kenney series. Beyond these papers, the organization publishes Air and Space Power Journal which serves as the professional journal of the Air Force. They also release Strategic Studies Quarterly focusing on national and international security issues. Two regionally focused journals complete the portfolio with the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs and the Journal of the Americas.

  • In 2020 Air University Press joined the Association of University Presses. This membership marked a significant milestone for the organization's academic standing. Joining this group signaled recognition from peers within the publishing community. It validated the quality and scope of their scholarly output. The affiliation provided access to shared resources and standards expected of university presses.

  • A temporary offline period occurred to ensure Executive Order compliance across its extensive backlist. The press relaunched with a rebranded and modernized website on the 21st of April 2025. New books and journal issues began releasing on the 18th of April 2025. This update aligns with Department of Defense directives regarding warfighting effectiveness. The digital shift aimed to improve accessibility while maintaining strict adherence to government regulations.

  • Following a Department of the Air Force directive, new priorities emerged for publication submissions. The press now prioritizes publications that support operational readiness. Submissions must enhance strategic capabilities for the warfighter. Lethality and warfighting effectiveness became central themes for future releases. This focus represents a clear pivot toward practical military application over purely theoretical study.

Common questions

Where is Air University Press located?

Air University Press resides within the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

What paper series does Air War College publish under Air University Press?

Air War College publishes Maxwell Papers as part of its distinct paper series honoring historical figures.

When did Air University Press rebrand and modernize its website after going offline?

The press relaunched with a rebranded and modernized website on the 21st of April 2025 following an offline period for Executive Order compliance.

Which journals does Air University Press publish besides Maxwell Papers and Wright Flyers?

Air University Press publishes Air and Space Power Journal, Strategic Studies Quarterly, the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, and the Journal of the Americas.

Why did Air University Press change its publication priorities in response to Department of the Air Force directives?

New priorities emerged to support operational readiness by enhancing strategic capabilities for the warfighter and focusing on lethality and warfighting effectiveness.