Air Force officials seek nominees for Ph.D. program Published Sept. 1, 2010 By Erin Tindell Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Force officials are seeking to develop officers as strategic thinkers through a program that will allow them to obtain a doctorate in strategic studies. The Air Force Chief of Staff Ph.D. program will allow officers to attend a top-tier university to complete their doctorate in studies such as history, political science, international relations, economics and philosophy. Participating universities include Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Princeton, Harvard and the Tufts, Fletcher School. The program is geared toward the intellectual development of officers' critical thinking skills relatively early in their careers. Senior leaders hope the program will result in future Air Force and joint leaders who have the ability to communicate at a strategic level with civilian leadership across enterprises. Eligible officers include active duty captains with seven to eight years of service. They must have completed a master's degree with at least a 3.6 grade point average and have graduate admission scores commensurate with university requirements. Nomination packages are due to the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Learning Division no later than Oct. 8. For detailed information on how to apply, visit the Air Force Personnel Center personnel services website, e-mail afa1dl@pentagon.af.mil or call the Total Force Service Center toll-free at (800) 525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.