Maxwell Air Force Base and its Gunter Annex, both located in Montgomery, Alabama, are home to the prestigious Air University. Administrative and service support for the University are provided by the 42nd Air Base Wing. Additionally, Maxwell hosts the 908th Airlift Wing, which uses its C-130H Hercules cargo planes to deliver humanitarian aid worldwide.

Air University
Air University is primarily intended to serve USAF officers and enlisted personnel, but also admits students from other areas of the Department of Defense and from other nations. The University provides education for personnel at all levels, from pre-commission to the highest ranks. The University's Professional Military Education programs focus on the knowledge and skills needed to oversee air and space power at the highest levels of authority.

There are also specialized Professional Continuing Education programs designed to provide training in specific scientific, technological and managerial fields. At Gunter, enlisted personnel can attend Airman Leadership Schools, Noncommissioned Officer Academies and the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. The Air and Space Basic Course is a six-week program for second lieutenants, instructing them in the basic concepts of conducting aerial warfare.

Senior level offerings include the Air War College and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. At the Air War College, senior officers are taught to lead air and space forces at the strategic level. The curriculum focuses on coalition management and national security issues. The School of Advanced Air and Space Studies is an 11-month program for senior strategists.