AFIT / School of Strategic Force Studies / Department of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Studies

Department of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Studies

Mission

To ensure PCE for Airmen, Guardians, and associated joint service personnel engaged in the nuclear enterprise mission by providing nuclear-related, time critical, standardized, and effective courses via command-sponsored NC3 education activity that directly supports the Air Force's top priority of reinvigorating and strengthening the Air Force's Nuclear Enterprise.

Goals

· Meet unique education requirements for a professional NC3/nuclear enterprise workforce. · Develop and deliver relevant NC3 education courses of instruction. · Establish OL-B as a center of excellence/influence for NC3 PCE.

Since 2021, the Air Force Institute of Technology School of Strategic Force Studies (AFIT/EX) Department of NC3 Studies (AFIT/EXB) has served as the leading provider of NC3 Professional Continuing Education (PCE). This program originally evolved from a 2017 partnership between AETC, the former AFNC3 Center, and Louisiana Tech University’s Research Institute. On September 1, 2020, AFIT/EX assumed operational control of the NC3 Education Activity known as Operating Location Bravo at Barksdale AFB, LA, establishing a vital collaborative framework with AETC and AFGSC Manpower, Personnel, and Services. The activity was formally recognized under Department of the Air Force Instruction 13-504 on November 23, 2021, and officially named the Department of NC3 Studies on July 7, 2023. Today, NC3 Education provides a specialized series of PCE courses designed to bridge educational and experiential gaps, ultimately strengthening NC3 and nuclear deterrence capabilities for Airmen, Guardians, Civilians, and Department of Defense agency partners across the broader nuclear enterprise.