The Professional Military Education Instructor badge is awarded to noncommissioned officer who have completed the EPMEIC Course taught at the United States Air Force’s Air University. Located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, the Air University was originally designated the Air Service School by the War Department in February, 1920. Today, it is tasked with providing a complete spectrum of Air Force education, including the awarding of degree for officers, enlisted Airmen, and Air Force-related civilian personnel.
The EPMEIC is affiliated with the Community College of the Air Force, and is designed to enhance the ability of NCOs to serve as effective leaders, both in the classroom and outside it. Comprising nearly 160 hours of resident classes (20 academic days) and 35 hours of distance learning, the EPMEIC immerses its students in the methodologies that have proven extremely successful for in conducting professional military education, including guided discussions, formal lectures, hands-on activities, and case-study facilitation based upon the structured thinking process.
One of the most important classes that EPMEI Instructors lead is Airman Leadership School, the first step in the EPME process; completion of this school is a requisite for Airmen to be promoted to the grade of Staff Sergeant.
Note that the Professional Military Education Instructor badge may be worn only while performing duties as a PME instructor or in support of PME.