Air Force print news : Negotiation Center of Excellence established

Defense AT&L, Jan-Feb, 2006 by Mitch Gettle

WASHINGTON -- Air Force officials announced the creation of a Negotiation Center of Excellence at the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The center will spearhead the development and application of negotiation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills throughout the Air Force.

"More and more, negotiation training is important in the preparation of today's military leadership," said Maj. Gen. Robert J. "Bob" Elder Jr., Air War College commandant and Air University vice commander. "Negotiation skills are now a crucial part of the military's skill set."

As the center evolves, the Air Force will be able to refine a negotiation model that allows users to analyze negotiations as a distinct and manageable set of separately identifiable components. This model will give Air University students a tool to better understand, prepare, conduct, and evaluate negotiations of all types.

Having a common negotiation framework will also enable negotiation knowledge, techniques, and results to be organized, taught, and shared throughout the Air Force. This common framework allows the Air Force to learn from its negotiations--in essence, to develop and benefit from a corporate memory.

"My experience as a wing commander and during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Joint Special Operations Task Force-South has taught me that the ability to negotiate with a wide variety of stakeholders is vital to mission success," said Brig. Gen. Robert H. Holmes, Air Force director of Security Forces and Force Protection.

The center is the result of an innovative partnership between Air University and the Air Force General Counsel. Air University provides Air Force professional development, leadership, and management education and training. The Air Force General Counsel's office is recognized as a leader in the fields of negotiation, dispute resolution and conflict management.

Learn more about the new Air Force Negotiation Center of Excellence at <http://negotiation.au.af.mil/>.

Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle, USAF