Space Mishap Investigation Course (SMIC)
Course Number SMIC 001, PDS Code 20S


Course Description:
This course provides instruction on space mishap investigations and analyses of human and material factors. The focus of instruction will be on investigating and determining root causes of various mishaps. The course details investigative techniques and technical aspects of space and explosive mishaps. Further, the course also teaches its students how to prepare a narrative statement using AFMAN 91-222. Given a mishap scenario, the student will be taught to develop a complete narrative based on investigation and analysis information. Working in teams, students will investigate mishap scenarios and prepare a formal outbrief. The subject areas studied also include the impact of human behavior and culture on investigations, interviewing techniques, and space collision investigation. The course will utilize audiovisual materials, practical exercises, case studies, classroom exercises, laboratory work, and traditional lecture. Topics to be studied include a description of the mishap investigation process, fundamentals of mishap investigation, safety investigation board procedures, environmental and material factors, systems investigation techniques, mishap investigation methods, impact of human factors on investigations, and final report writing.

Eligibility Requirements:
For Space Guardians and Space Safety Officers (SSOs)--Military or Civilian, preferably already assigned to a space-related billet. AF space-related billets include any jobs focused specifically on a space mission: designing, integrating, operating, employing, sustaining, maintaining, or supporting space systems within the DoD and selected government positions. Highly recommended for Space professionals Level 1 or higher in the Space Professional Development Program (SPDP). Required rank: E-4 to E-7, O-3 to O-5, GS 11-14. Recommend Space 200, but not required. MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU/FOA Safety Training POCs must request waiver through AFSEC/SET (afsec.set@us.af.mil) for personnel who do not meet eligibility requirements. Air Force personnel must obtain class seats through their MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU/FOA safety office.

Prerequisites:  All students enrolled in SMIC must complete prerequisites before arrival. For instructions:

- Log onto the Air Force portal 
- Under "Quick Links," "Safety," select "Training and Force Development." 
- Under "TDY Information," select "AFSEC Course Prerequisites." 

Class Length: 10 days

Class Start Time: 0730

Class End Time: 1530 on last day of class

Materials Required: Note paper, pen and/or pencil

Recommended Reading: DAFI 91-202, DAFI 91-204, and AFMAN 91-222

Training Location: Please refer to your Command POC and the FY23 course calendar found at https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Training-and-Force-Development-Division/.

Students will receive a welcome email approximately two weeks before the start of class.

Kirtland AFB Lodging:
Do not use DTS to make your lodging reservations for AF Safety Center classes held at Kirtland AFB. AFSEC/SETM generates group billeting reservations on base for all students and will e-mail the reservation number to students NLT 2 weeks before class start dates. Students are responsible for confirming room reservations with their government credit card by calling the Kirtland Inn, DSN 246-9653, Comm 505-846-9653.

Transportation:
Students may be billeted on the east or west side of base, a minimum of 3 miles to the training location and dining facility. Base transportation is not available between the Government dining facility and places of duty and lodging. Recommend students obtain a unit funded rental car. Students funded by AETC TDY-to-School funds should refer to the TDY-to-School handbook for rental car information: https://tdytoschool.us.af.mil/login/.

Uniform Requirements:
Military members must attend class in the appropriate uniform and meet dress and appearance standards. OCPs and flight duty uniforms are permissible. Civilian members must wear business casual. Shorts, tank tops and athletic sweat suits are examples of inappropriate attire.

Contact Info:
SETM Course Managers, DSN: 246-1613/4093/9511/1449 (Comm: 505-846-1613/4093/9511/1449); Fax DSN: 246-1464; e-mail address: afsec.setm@us.af.mil.