PURPOSE: The Board, under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972, as amended, shall provide the Secretary of the Air Force, through the Commander and President, Air University independent advice and recommendations on matters pertaining to the educational, doctrinal, and research policies and activities of Air University. The Secretary of the Air Force or designated representative, on behalf of the Secretary of Defense, may act upon the Board's advice and recommendations.

MEMBERSHIP: The Board shall be composed of not more than fifteen (15) members, who are eminent authorities in the field of air power, defense, management, leadership, and academia. All Board members are appointed by the Secretary of Defense, and are appointed to provide advice on behalf of the government on the basis of their best judgment without representing any particular point of view and in a manner that is free from conflict of interest. Those members who are not full-time or permanent part-time federal employees shall be appointed as experts and consultants under the authority of 5 U.S.C. § 3109, and these individuals shall serve as special government employees (SGE).

MEETINGS: The Board shall meet at the call of the Board’s Designated Federal Officer, in consultation with the Chairperson and the Commander and President of Air University. The estimated number of Board meetings is four per year. The board presents a written report with its advice and recommendations to the Air University Commander and President and provides an annual out-brief to the Secretary of the Air Force and the US Air Force Chief of Staff. Meeting minutes, reports, or other documents pertaining to Board meetings may be accessed at the GSA FACA Database (http://facadatabase.gov).

HISTORY AND TIMELINE: General Muir S. Fairchild, the first AU Commander, established a board of visitors (BOV) composed of senior educators and university administrators who were to meet at Air University on a regular basis, advise the AU Commander on educational matters, and report directly to the Army Air Force Commanding General on conditions at Air University. The decision to create the AU Board of Visitors was made just fifteen days after Air University was established. The AU Board of Visitors was officially organized on 27 March 1946.

PUBLIC INQUIRY: Any member of the public wishing to provide input to the Air University Board of Visitors should submit a written statement in accordance with 41 CFR § 102-3.140(c) and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the procedures described in this paragraph. Written statements can be submitted to the Designated Federal Officer at the address detailed below at any time. Statements being submitted in response to a meeting agenda mentioned in a Federal Register notice must be received by the Designated Federal Officer at the address listed below at least five calendar days prior to the meeting date. The Designated Federal Officer will review all timely submissions with the Air University Board of Visitors´ Board Chairperson and ensure they are provided to members of the Board before the meeting date. Additionally, any member of the public wishing to attend a meeting should contact the Designated Federal Officer listed below at least five calendar days prior to the meeting for information on base entry passes and to ensure seating capacity.

FEEDBACK: Members of the public and other interested parties are encouraged to exchange ideas and provide feedback concerning the Air University Board of Visitors via the address below.

BOARD MEMBERSHIP CONTACT: To contact members of the Air University Board of Visitors, please send your request to the Designated Federal Officer listed below.        

Point of Contact for media concerns and committee documentation:

Email: au.bov1@us.af.mil
Phone: (334) 953-2989