MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Air Force Culture and Language Center has announced that the Language Enabled Airman Program, or LEAP, has been authorized by the Department of the Air Force Senior Language Authority in partnership with the Commander Air National Guard Readiness Center to board and select Air National Guard members in specific AFSCs into the program. Specifically, 14N Officers and 1A8X2/1NX Enlisted members (excluding 1N3) may apply directly to LEAP during the application window of 11 November 2024 through 13 January 2025.
Since 2012, LEAP has been centrally funded based on the potential to develop service members to fill regular Air Force language-designated positions. Until now, only regular active-duty members have been authorized to apply. However, service members who later transitioned to the Guard or Reserves could continue as LEAP Scholars and participate in eMentor online synchronous language courses on a space-available basis.
For example, in Fiscal Year 2024, eight members of the Air National Guard completed eMentor courses across five languages. With the new partnership with the Air National Guard, Airmen in select fields will have the opportunity to apply directly to LEAP, develop their language skills, and connect to utilization opportunities. The Guard members previously on active duty and in LEAP will be allowed direct ascension back into LEAP.
“This initiative is very promising and a long time in the making,” said Capt. Alexandru Stoica, Deputy Chief of the Language Division at AFCLC. “For years, our Center has provided courses to reservists and guard members, albeit on a limited, space available basis. Now, with external funding from the Guard, we are exploring new territory which could build momentum to expand opportunities to other fields in future years.”
While the initiative is new, staff at Air University are optimistic that interest will be high. “AFCLC anticipates several dozen applicants this first year, and we hope to recommend for selection 10 to 20 Airmen in the inaugural year,” Stoica said.
Application requirements for Guard members will be like those of their active-duty counterparts. Applicants will articulate their vision for developing and utilizing their language skills for future missions and substantiate potential return on investment through transcripts, proficiency test scores, and their Commander’s endorsement.
Chief Master Sgt. Seth Randleman, Senior Enlisted Leader, National Guard Bureau, A2/6, Intelligence & Cyber Effects Operations, was instrumental in the planning and executing this initiative.
“The incorporation of Air National Guard members into LEAP provides a unique opportunity to apply funding for Airmen serving in national security positions and providing a competition-focused force that is culturally competent and able to work by, with, and through our allies and partners. We greatly appreciate Air University’s efforts to get this off the ground! I’ve been pushing the message out to field units, and they are all super excited about the opportunity,” Randleman said.
The FY25 LEAP Air National Guard Officer and Enlisted Selection Boards are scheduled for 11-12 February 2025. Candidates and their commanders will be notified of the results approximately 60 days after the boards conclude.
For more information about FY25 Air National Guard LEAP Officer and Enlisted application requirements and general information, click here: https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/AFCLC/Language-Studies/Application-Info/.