Maxwell Air Force Base Relocates Professional Military Education Headquarters
The US Air Force has made a notable change by moving its Professional Military Education (EPME) headquarters to Chennault Circle. This location serves as the central education hub at Maxwell Air Force Base. The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education has transitioned from its previous site at Gunter Annex and is now situated in building 1400 on the Main Maxwell campus.
The relocation was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 9th. The event saw participation from Colonel Damien Schrussel, who commands the Burns Center, alongside Air Force Senator David A. Frosi and Major General Parker H. Wright, who oversees the Curtis E. Lemay Center and serves as Deputy Commander of the Aviation College.
In a post on Facebook, Colonel Schrussel shared his thoughts on the move. He stated, “The transfer from Maxwell’s Gunter Annex to Chennault Circle at Burns Center underscores the significance of enlisted education and our mission within the Air Force. Achieving any mission requires the active involvement of enlisted airmen, and our PME program should embody the collaboration between enlisted and officers.”
Named after the fourth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, the Burns Center manages various key enlistment development programs. These include:
- Airman Leadership School
- Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
- Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
- Chief Leadership Course
- Specialized military education instructor courses for enlisted personnel
- Air Force Entry Heritage Research Institute
- Foundation Course
Chennault Circle, an area known for its academic significance, was built in the 1950s and named after Lieutenant General Claire Chennault, famous for leading the World War II Flying Tigers. This site will be a pivotal educational center for the Aviation College, hosting institutions like Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School, and the newly established Air Force Warrant Officer Training School.
Maxwell Air Force Base is located just west of downtown Montgomery, Alabama, while Gunter Annex can be found near Dickinson Drive House, close to the East Boulevard Bypass.
