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LEAP Scholars pave the way for collaboration and interoperability at Engineer Summit
LEAP translates strategy into action during first-in-a-generation DLE exercise series
Fairchild Airmen recognized for outstanding language skills
LEAP Scholars partner with U.S. Army Intelligence in immersive Warrior Engaged exercise
Language as a Force Multiplier: LEAP Scholars Bridge Cultures in Panamá

Latest News

  • Spanish LEAP Scholar, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Elio de los Santos interprets during exterior movement training for members of the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines and Guatemalan paratroops, known as Paracaidistas, on May 20, 2025, at the Paracaidistas’ training base near San Jose as part of CENTAM Guardian 2025. CENTAM Guardian, an annual, multinational exercise, fosters strong partnerships by enabling combined forces to effectively address shared security challenges. By deploying culturally and linguistically exceptional service members like de los Santos, LEAP directly advances the National Defense Strategy’s mandate to increase burden sharing with global allies and partners. This organic communication capability establishes the tactical interoperability required for combined forces to integrate seamlessly and share the operational responsibilities of regional defense. (Courtesy photo)

    Language + Culture = Speed: How the AFCLC is turning National Defense Strategy mandates into credible combat capability

    At the heart of the latest National Defense Strategy lies a critical mandate to increase burden sharing with allies and partners. For Air University’s Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC), this directive isn’t just a policy, it is their fundamental operational purpose.
  • LEAP Scholars and the Relámpago de los Andes exercise mission leadership team pose with Colombian Security Forces counterparts after a relationship building/training event. LEAP Scholars filled gaps in both language and technical capabilities during the demonstration portions and interactions in the event, which was part of the Relámpago de los Andes exercise.

    Speaking the Language of Warfighting: LEAP fuels joint exercise in the Andes

    Strategic communication isn’t just a complementary skill set; it’s a critical warfighting capability. During the Relámpago de los Andes exercise, Air University’s Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholars proved exactly that. By bridging critical communication gaps, they solved complex operational problems for the joint force and demonstrated the power of cultural expertise.
  • Master Sgt. Ramchand Francisco, a Tagalog LEAP Scholar, observes members of the Philippine Marine Corps putting together the roof of what's going to be a makeshift jungle shelter. This was part of JEST (Jungle Environmental Survival Training) during KAMANDAG-6, an annual Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise. During JEST, U. S. Marines and members of the PMC made animal hunting traps, butchered a pig and chicken, cooked a full meal, cooked rice using bamboo, learned how to build fire using sticks, and built shelters and hideouts.

    Integrated Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific Through LEAP

    Air University develops the expert joint warfighters the Joint Force needs to compete and win in today’s strategic environment. In the Indo-Pacific, that mission supports the National Defense Strategy priority to deter China through integrated strength.
  • Spanish LEAP Scholar Senior Master Sgt. Pedro Estrada inspects partner forces magazines for live ammunition, before departing for an exercise mission during Southern Star 2025, to ensure the safety of the opposition team. Estrada was part of a group of 12 LEAP Scholars who were vital contributors to the two-week exercise. (Contributed photo)

    The First Line of Defense is Language, Regional Expertise and Culture: How AFCLC Helps Secure the Homeland

    Defending the U.S. homeland is a cornerstone and the ultimate deliverable of the latest National Defense Strategy. It is also a task deeply intertwined with the specialized work of the AFCLC.
  • The 2026 National Defense Strategy demands a new framework for victory. Ours is D: Develop, Deepen, Deliver. It’s our commitment to Developing the human advantage, Deepening our understanding, and Delivering strategic multi-capable airmen. We're launching our #D_Campaign with an introductory article that explains the "why" behind this new strategic framework and how AFCLC is built to meet this moment.

    AFCLC and LEAP’s mastery of language and culture strategically aligns with National Defense Strategy

    When the latest National Defense Strategy was recently released, it reinforced that the Air Force Culture and Language Center and the Language Enabled Airman Program are more critical to national defense than ever before.
  • Pictured from left to right: A hotel employee dressed in traditional Kenyan clothing, a General from Gabon and LEAP Scholar Maj. Peter Barnes. The General and Barnes bought matching hats after a visit to the East African Air Museum in Nairobi to commemorate their friendship as the LEAP team was able to get to know and work with him throughout the Silent Warrior 2025 symposium. (Contributed photo).

    More than translation: LEAP Scholars help forge critical alliances in Africa

    NAIROBI, Kenya -- In a significant display of international cooperation, senior special operations forces (SOF) leaders from more than 40 nations convened for the Silent Warrior 2025 symposium in December. The conference aimed to collaboratively address the continent's complex and shifting security landscape. Jointly hosted by the Kenyan Special Operations Forces Command (KENSOF) and U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (USSOCAFRICA), this year's event emphasized a united dedication. The core theme centered on responding to mutual threats by empowering and building African-led security solutions. The expertise of the six LEAP Scholars who participated in Silent Warrior 2025 proved to be a critical factor in its success.
  • LEAP Scholars 1st Lt. Masahito Nishimura (bottom far left) and 1st Lt. Yu Lei (bottom far right) pose with military members from partner allies, a member of Red Horse, and United States Air Force interpreters after a tent building event during the recent Allies & Partners Engineer Summit in the INDOPACOM AOR.

    LEAP Scholars pave the way for collaboration and interoperability at Engineer Summit

    When engineers from across the globe converged in Guam and the Philippines for an intensive training event, a standout group of LEAP Scholars helped strengthen bonds and elevate the learning experience.
  • PISAJ 21 participants and facilitators, including MSgt Ortiz, from the U.S. and Colombian militaries. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Taeckens)

    Financial Manager Bridges Cultures and Strengthens Partnerships Through LEAP

    Master Sgt. Michael Ortiz, Financial Management Superintendent at the 89th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md., is a shining example of how language skills and cultural awareness can significantly enhance a financial professional’s impact within the Air Force and beyond. Since 2018, Ortiz has been actively involved in the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP), focusing on Spanish, and his experiences have been transformative.

  • Forging the Future: How LEAP Scholars are Deepening the U.S.-Japan Alliance

    Three Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars have been selected for the highly competitive Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program. Established by Congress in 1994, the program builds a corps of U.S. federal employees with advanced Japanese proficiency and hands-on experience in Japan’s government to strengthen U.S.-Japan cooperation.
  • Following a rigorous selection board process last summer, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 314 Airmen and Guardians in 39 languages from 1,542 applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program.

    314 Active Duty Officers and Enlisteds Selected for Language Enabled Airman Program

    Following a rigorous selection board process last summer, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 314 Airmen and Guardians in 39 languages from 1,542 applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program. Of the 1,290 eligible applications, 153 officers and 161 enlisted were accepted, including 14 United States Space Force officers and five enlisted.

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    551 E. Maxwell Blvd, Bldg 500,
    Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

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    MISSION

    DoD Mission

    To provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security.

    AFCLC Mission

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) prepares today's military personnel for global challenges by providing practical education in language, regional expertise, and cultural understanding. Courses and products are specifically designed to support the speed and scale of current operations and strengthen the National Defense Strategy's focus on collaboration with allies and partners.

    AFCLC Vision

    The “Air Force’s Global Classroom”

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    551 East Maxwell Blvd, Bldg 500
    Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

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    Fax: 334-953-1614