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  • 330 Active Duty Officer and Enlisted Selected for Language Enabled Airman Program

    330 Active Duty Officer and Enlisted Selected for Language Enabled Airman Program

    Following a rigorous selection board process this summer, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 330 Airmen and Guardians in 39 languages from 1,158 applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program. Of the 1,091 eligible Air Force applications, 166 officers and 140 enlisted were accepted. With 67 eligible Space Force applications, there were 19 officers and five enlisted accepted.
  • Air Force Culture and Language Center personnel, Air War College Commander Col. Kevin “Buddy” Lee, and AWC Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Richard Brownlee Jr., watch as Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signs a proclamation on Oct. 10, 2024, declaring November as Alabama’s Second Annual Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Month in honor of the 9th Annual Air University LREC Symposium at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. L-R: Capt. Alexandru Stoica, James Brown, Chad Hermann, Robin Hunter, Col. Kevin “Buddy” Lee, Gov. Ivey, Chief Master Sgt. Richard Brownlee Jr., Howard Ward, Jamie Williams, Dr. Susan Steen, Lori Quiller, and Neka Ponn.

    Governor declares November as Alabama’s Second Annual LREC Month

    Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared November as Alabama’s Second Annual Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Month in honor of the 9th Annual Air University LREC Symposium, which will take place at Maxwell Air Force Base on 13-15 November 2024. Language, regional expertise, and culture education are essential for a mission-oriented and responsive Total Force, which includes information exchange and study, cultural analysis and discussion, diplomacy, risk management, and other regional topical issues.
  • Lt. Gen. Carlos Chavez, the Peruvian Air Force Chief of Staff, second from left, asks about the capabilities of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Shepherd Field, Martinsburg, West Virginia, June 6, 2023. Engagements such as this have been enabled through a long-standing partnership between the West Virginia National Guard and the Air Force Culture and Language Center that has connected Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars as interpreters for mobile training events. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle)

    Language Enabled Airman Program Opens to Select Air National Guard AFSCs

    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.
  • U.S. Air Force Maj. Anh Ison, 28th Medical Group pharmacy element chief, smiles during her volunteer shift in A Luoi, Vietnam, Aug. 5, 2024. Ison worked with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for nine weeks on a mission that had volunteers searching for the remains of people who went missing during the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo)

    Digging for answers: Ellsworth officer contributes to DPAA efforts

    ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- People join the Air Force for many reasons, from the potential to travel abroad to the educational benefits it affords. For some, the opportunity happens to present itself in a way that can only be described as the right place at the right time, and the story that blossoms from there can be filled with more opportunities than planned.
  • Members of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron flight medicine clinic pose for a photo within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 31, 2024. The flight medicine team broke new ground with host nation partners, introducing a Qatar Emiri Air Force hyperbaric chamber now available to U.S. personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo)

    LEAP Scholar helps 379th AEW build connection with host nation medical industry

    U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY – From improving wait times to expanding medical accessibility, the 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron (EMDS) has strived to increase capability and strengthen host nation partnerships.
  • Indonesian Air Force Academy Cadet Major Salma El Mutafaqqiha Putri and U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Michelle Cabonce are pictured on the Terrazzo during International Week 2024 Sept. 9-13.

    52 ally, partner cadets attend International Week 2024

    “I previously believed that learning about Indonesian culture in the classroom and staying informed on current events had given me a solid understanding,” she said. “But I learned that no amount of study could fully prepare you for the reality of immersing yourself in another culture. The firsthand experiences and interactions provided a depth of insight that cannot be replicated through academic learning alone.” -Cadet 1st Class Michelle Cabonce
  • An Airman from the Montana Air National Guard interacts with a Royal Cambodian Air Force officer while the unit’s C-130J Hercules refuels at the Phnom Penh International Airport for the joint military exercise Atlas-Angel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (courtesy photo)

    Building the bridge between two forces

    KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As he was about to head to work for another busy week, his phone lit up with an email from his supervisor. The Montana Air National Guard offered Royal Cambodian Air Force officers a tour of their C-130J Hercules while it was refueling at the Phnom Penh International Airport for the joint military exercise Atlas-Angel, requiring his presence as a translator between the two units. He was already getting ready for a temporary assignment in Houston, Texas, but after closing the message and putting his phone back in his pocket, the only thing that mattered now was preparing for the engagement and making sure his communication abilities were in top shape. A seven-year drought of engagements and partnerships between the two countries was coming to an end, and Dara would use his expertise to bring the rain.
  • An F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, South Burlington, Vermont, is refueled via a C-130 Hercules, during a FARP (Forward Area Refueling Point) mission as part of the exercise, “Maple Thunder,” at North Auxiliary Airfield, Joint Base Charleston, North, South Carolina, January 30, 2024. Airman with the 158th FW are participating in Maple Thunder to implement the Agile Combat Employment concept.

    Airpower for Great Power Competition

    Dr. Sandeep Mulgund, Senior Advisor to the HAF/A3 on Agile Combat Employment, highlights the importance of the Language Enabled Airman Program in the Developing Airmen section of this piece.
  • 2nd Lt. Calista Torbenson, left, a student pilot at Vance Air Force Base, was selected as a 2022 LEAP Scholar, with a little help from 1st Lt. Saribel Repollet, right, a veteran of the language program.

    Vance | Student pilot expands career opportunities by LEAPs and bounds

    VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - - The Language Enabled Airman Program allows Airmen and Guardians to enhance their abilities in a language and work with partner nations around the world.
  • LEAP Scholar Maj. Kenneth Hynes (right) presents the Air Force Culture and Language Center coin, as a thank you, to Col. Ilg, Director of Training and Deputy Commander of the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College, Hamburg during a Cyber Language Intensive Training Event (LITE) in Germany.

    LEAP Scholars merge Cyber, Language and Culture during training in Germany

    The emergence of cyberspace has been a shock wave affecting almost every aspect of society, including our national defense. The cyber domain factors into Great Power Competition and the U.S. is working with our allies and partners around the world to improve our capacity to collectively defend against and respond to cyber threats from authoritarian states.
  • U.S. Air Force Capt. Cassaundra Preston, a U.S. Air Force Language-Enabled Airmen Program (LEAP) Scholar, interprets customs forms with a soldier from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces on Aug. 15, 2024, at Agadir, Morocco.

    Fluent in Unity: How LEAP Airmen Powered Joint Success at Arcane Thunder 24

    Air Force Lt. Col. Rodrigo Ocampo, Capt. Cassaundra Preston and Staff Sgt. Arnaud Agbo arrived on July 24, 2024, in Morocco ready to support Arcane Thunder 24 with a unique skill set and capabilities that extended beyond traditional military strategy.
  • LEAP Scholars promoted to Colonel (S)

    Congratulations to LEAP Scholars promoted to Colonel (S)

    Congratulations to the 23 Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars who were recently promoted to the rank of Colonel during this promotion cycle! The Air Force Culture and Language Center is extremely proud of these LEAP Scholars and wish them well in their future endeavors.
  • LEAP Scholars selected for Officer Training School

    LEAP Scholars Selected for Officer Training School

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center proudly congratulates our Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars selected for Officer Training School! While being educated, trained, and developed, Officer Trainees are expected to enhance their knowledge and acquire the characteristics necessary to exemplify a warrior mindset. Officer Trainees are tasked with completing a rigorous 60-day training program with OTS staff developing through the Department of Air Force (DAF) Foundational Competencies (AFH 36-2647).
  • Col. Kevin R. "Buddy" Lee

    LEAP Scholar assumes command of Air War College

    Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholar Col. Kevin R. “Buddy” Lee took command of the Air War College during a July 16, 2024, Assumption of Command ceremony.
  • U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Smith, left, a team leader assigned to the Defense POWMIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nikola Bozic, center, a linguist attached to DPAA, and Dr. Laurel Freas, right, a forensic anthropologist and scientific recovery expert at DPAA, screen sediment from an ossuary in Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 24, 2024. An ossuary is a container or room used to store the remains of deceased individuals, found in various cultures and historical periods, serving both practical and ceremonial purposes. There are approximately 12 missing personnel in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 72,091 personnel missing from World War II. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Miller)

    DPAA Recovery Team Works to Bring Home WWII Service Member in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    A Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recovery team finished a joint field activity (JFA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 31, 2024. They worked carefully with local officials and the U.S. Embassy to attempt to recover the remains of a U.S. service member missing since World War II. This team, composed of specialists from various fields, is united by a common mission: to bring our fallen heroes back home.
  • Fuerza Aérea de República Dominicana Cabo Zarzuela Cuevas, firefighter, right, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Giancarlo Cintron, religious affairs noncommissioned officer, stand on the flight line at San Isidro Air Base, Dominican Republic, Feb. 16, 2023. These members are preparing for exercise Forward Tiger was designed to build on longstanding partnerships throughout the Caribbean and contribute to enhanced military readiness, humanitarian relief, and disaster response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christian Little)

    Language-Enabled Airmen bridge cultures, elevate missions

    In the modern interconnected world of cyberspace and AI, it might seem like everything can be done with a click of a button. Yet when faced with the realities of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and collaboration with global partners or adversaries in distant and austere locations, the significance of swift communication and cultural understanding cannot be overstated.
  • Staff Sgt. Vanesa Wagner eats lunch with instructors and fellow service members at the Spanish Artillery Academy in Sergovia, Spain, while learning how Artillery officer cadets prepare to conduct an Artillery exercise in the field. Wagner participated in a Language Intensive Training Event (LITE) at the academy in early 2024.

    LEAP Scholar’s training in Spain elevates her skills as an Air Force recruiter

    A Spanish Artillery Academy might seem like an unusual place to find a young Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer, but training opportunities that would normally seem unusual happen on a regular basis in the realm of language, regional expertise, and culture. Staff Sgt. Vanesa Wagner’s training in Spain was an example of the Department of the Air Force’s principle of following through on training transformation, and Wagner said the event was valuable to her in several different ways.
  • LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Staff Sgt. Edgar Bravo, a LEAP Scholar Inter-American Air Forces Academy Instructor, shows a Mexican delegation the use of a virtual reality simulator. This allows users to simulate being at a specific air base of their selection and practice all the techniques to defend and protect their resources.

    LEAP Scholars help solidify and strengthen American partnership with Mexican Air Force

    When Mexico wanted to start a security forces career field in its air force, it looked at several countries to assist them. The presence of Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholars, who have backgrounds in security forces, was a big factor in Mexico choosing to partner with the U.S. Air Force.
  • Joint Color Guard members prepare for the Chilean President’s arrival on the Joint Base Andrew’s flightline, March 30, 2016. More than 20 countries are scheduled to arrive for the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington, D.C. The summit provides a forum for leaders to reinforce commitments to securing nuclear materials. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nesha Humes)

    Language Enabled Airmen engage the global landscape in Chile

    The Department of the Air Force has a program that’s perfect for meeting our partners and allies in their language and culture, and it’s called the Language Enabled Airmen Program, or LEAP. The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s bench of nearly 4,000 highly skilled, language-enabled Airmen and Guardians have supported global operations in 128 countries in 98 languages since 2017. While many LEAP Scholars do this critical work outside their daily roles, some utilize their innate culture and language skills as part of their Air or Space Force specialty in Language Designated Positions (LDPs).
  • Master Sgt. Oscar Pena, Spanish LEAP Scholar

    LEAP Spotlight: Master Sgt. Oscar Pena

    The Language Enabled Airman Program is an incredible program that was key to my staying in the Air Force. It has allowed me to experience things outside of my career field, work with partner nations, participate in their culture experience, and feel an extremely satisfying sense of fulfillment. Serving in the security cooperation realm and expanding partner nations’ connections has been more gratifying than I ever imagined.
  • (From Left to Right) Air Force Culture and Language Center Director Howard Ward, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague, and Lt. Col. Charlynne McGinnis, a Tagalog LEAP Scholar who has participated in a DPAA mission, at the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, where McKeague spoke to a group of students and AFCLC personnel.

    Bringing Heroes Home: LEAP Scholars Enhance DPAA Mission Success

    Suzanne Walker was born the day after her father’s aircraft was shot down over France during World War II. Her father, Army 2nd Lt. James Litherland III, was declared non-recoverable after multiple retrieval attempts at the crash site. Seventy-nine years later, due to the work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Litherland was returned to his daughter, and given a proper burial with full military honors in 2023.
  • Developing Cultural Competence Course now shortened to 60 minutes.

    AFCLC’s course for Ready Airman Training updated – same value, half the time

    To streamline cultural competence education for the Total Force at an accelerated rate, the Air Force Culture and Language Center modified its Developing Cultural Competence (DCC) course from a projected completion time of 2.5 hours to 60 minutes while maintaining the course’s academic integrity.
  • Members of Team Kirtland participate in a senior enlisted mentorship at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 24, 2023. Senior Enlisted Leaders from various roles across Kirtland engaged in one on one discussions with Airmen during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by A1C Tallon Bratton)

    The Ultimate Investment – Mental Health is an Investment in Force Readiness

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues and highlight how mental illness and addiction can affect those in our lives. The Department of the Air Force values mentoring and coaching as imperative to implementing the National Security Strategy, which ultimately involves investing in personnel and ensuring force readiness.
  • A participant in the Language Enabled Airmen Postured for Agile Combat Employment tours the 727th Air Mobility Squadron Traffic Management Office at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 8, 2024. The course was aimed at increasing communication and cooperation among NATO and regional partnering air forces. (Courtesy photo by Senior Airman Jacob Polk)

    RAF Mildenhall hosts LEAP-ACE: language leaders leading the way

    The 100th Air Refueling Wing hosted a Language Enabled Airman Postured for Agile Combat Employment course at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, from April 29 to May 17, 2024
  • Capt. Lyudmila Mueller, executive officer for AFIMSC’s Financial Management directorate, volunteered for the Guardian Sphinx 24 exercise as a member of the Department of Defense’s Language Enabled Airmen Program. She was detained and interrogated by military police during the training exercise.

    AFIMSC officer supports global interrogation training exercise

    An Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Airman recently participated in a detention and interrogation exercise for 10 days at Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland, to support a special training opportunity with allied countries.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center has improved its signature Culture Guide App and released version 3.0 to optimize individual performance by transforming educational experience and functionality.

    AFCLC Culture Guide App 3.0 gives users an improved experience

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center has improved its signature Culture Guide App to optimize individual performance by transforming each user’s education experience. The new version of the app introduces more functionality and a better user experience.
  • 104 Cadets Selected for AFCLC’s LEAP Program

    104 Cadets Selected for AFCLC’s Language Enabled Airman Program

    After a virtual selection board process in April, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 104 Cadets for the Language Enabled Airman Program. Of the 104 Cadets selected, 67 were chosen from the United States Air Force Academy and 37 from Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 14 languages. Six of the selects will commission into the United States Space Force while 98 will commission into the United States Air Force.
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Myka Torres

    Building tomorrow’s Air Force: multi-capable, language-enabled Airman

    HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – At the age of 16, a girl migrated from the Philippines to the United States in order to pursue a better life.
  • Students at Dien Bien Phu battlefield.

    LEAP Scholars enhance senior leader’s security studies course in Far East

    As senior Air Force leaders gained first-hand knowledge of the Korean and Vietnam wars, Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholars helped them navigate the challenges of studying in a foreign country. LEAP Scholars recently assisted with a Regional Security Studies (RSS) course that covered the Korean and Vietnam wars from inside both of those countries, and provided instruction at the actual battlefields where fighting took place.
  • U.S. Air Force Capt. Timothy John D. Nolan, Deputy Officer in Charge of the Joint Live Fly Cell, hosts a bilateral class with Philippine Air Force members to share the best practices for implementing an integrated flying schedule to support exercise participation with multiple nations at Basa Air Base, Philippines during Cope Thunder Apr. 11, 2024. is an MQ-9 Pilot who has volunteered his time to work outside his traditional scope of duties to enhance U.S. and Philippine relations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady)

    Diversity is an Asset: Airman helps U.S. and Philippines relations ‘LEAP’ forward during Cope Thunder

    The U.S.–Philippine Alliance, complemented by our various relationships and partnerships in the region, reinforces a regional structure that has been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for decades.
  • Tech. Sgt. Alexander Kozyerinsky

    LEAP Spotlight – TSgt Alexander Kozyerinsky

    Growing up in Ukraine, I always wanted to join the U.S. military. Influenced by many Western action films, I dreamed of becoming a Marine one day who would inevitably save the world. In 2002, my family was allowed to immigrate to the United States, bringing me closer to realizing my dream.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released its “Introduction to India” course on its free Culture Guide mobile app.

    AFCLC releases new “Introduction to India” course for App and myLearning

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released its “Introduction to India” course on its free Culture Guide mobile app – one of 11 Department of the Air Force-certified courses available via the app and the myLearning platform.
  • LEAP Scholars posing together in Chile.

    Three amigos follow through on training transformation during intensive instruction in Chile

    Three Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholars recently strengthened their language and culture skills and forged new friendships as they participated in a month-long intensive course of Spanish instruction at the Escuela Bellavista school in Santiago, Chile. The course, which demonstrates the Air Force Culture and Language Center following through on training transformation, enabled them to learn and apply their Spanish skills more effectively as Non-Commission Officers in the U.S. Air Force.
  • LEAP Scholar and his tutor standing in front of a church in Norway.

    LEAP Scholar looks back on career filled with Language and Learning

    In his career in both the Air Force and the Space Force, Lt. Col. Samuel Shearer has traveled to many places and met many people, but one thing has remained a constant: his love of learning language. The Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) has been a way for him to pursue that passion as part of his military career.
  • LEAP Scholars attend training event.

    LITE U Prepares LEAP Scholars for Global Challenges

    The Department of the Air Force’s priority to modernize the learning environment involves developing innovative educational methods to increase Airmen’s knowledge, capabilities, and skills.
  • U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Darin Newberry, center-left, 75th Operations Support Squadron mission integration non-commissioned officer in charge, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Levy, center-right, 75th OSS weather forecaster, pose for a group photo with the Tsuiki Weather Squadron during an Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, Dec. 7, 2023. During ATR, Newberry met and discussed weather operations with the Tsuiki weather Airmen, learning on how they conduct their operations, creating weather forecasts and operating as a liaison between the U.S.-Japan forces during the training event.

    Cloudy with a chance of F-35s

    Whether it's rain, thunder or fire, weather forecasters around the U.S. Air Force provide pilots with active, timely and relevant weather forecasts so they are able to operate in a safe environment, execute their missions effectively and come back home safely no matter what nature throws at them.
  • Senior Airman Yayoi Brown (right), a Cope North 24 Japanese interpreter and LEAP Scholar, speaks with multinational partners during a Cope North distinguished visitor tour at Northwest Field, Guam, Feb. 13, 2024. Cope North enhances U.S. relationships and interoperability with our regional Allies and partners in support of regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

    LEAP Scholars build bonds in the Pacific with peak performance at Cope North 2024

    Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholars recently played a vital role in an annual multinational military exercise. These LEAP scholars were part of an 18-member multinational Japanese translation team that participated in Cope North 2024. This exercise aligns with our National Security Strategy priority of seeking deeper bonds with our Southeast Asian partners.
  • Air Force Culture and Language Center LEAP Operations Officer and LEAP Scholar Capt. Alexander Nastas is no stranger to the 100-mile ruck in Nijmegen, Netherlands. He’s completed the four-day event more than once and is now challenging others to do the same. (Contributed photo)

    This LEAP Scholar challenges you to a four-day, 100-mile ruck. Can you hack it?

    This isn’t a casual hike through the scenic Netherlands. Known as the Nijmegen International Four Days March, this 100-mile ruck march has occurred annually since 1909 and has become one of the world’s most famous hikes/walks. The grueling ruck takes place over four days in the Dutch municipality of Nijmegen and is a series of daily loops starting at the same location at Wedren.
  • Dr. Jacob Lassin & Mr. Howard Ward

    Focus on Faculty: New AFCLC Professor initiates an immediate insightful impact

    If the German class that Dr. Jacob Lassin wanted to take at The College of William and Mary had not been full, his life might have taken a much different path. Instead, he enrolled in a Russian class which put him on a track that led to him recently becoming Assistant Professor of Regional and Cultural Studies (Russia) at the Air Force Culture and Language Center.  
  • U.S Air Force’s 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron advisors stand alongside Fuerza Aérea de Peru (FAP)’s Grupo Aéreo N. 42 service members, Sept. 4, 2022, in Base Area Coronel Francisco Secada Vignetta Air Base, Peru. The FAP and USAF spoke about their shared common value and importance of supporting their nation’s most vulnerable species. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Garcia)

    571st MSAS prepares for partner nation integration with AFCLC’s SOUTHCOM Podcast

    Air Advisors from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron are utilizing the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s monthly Pulso Regional Podcast – available on the Culture Guide app – as a resource to stay abreast of current events and news in the SOUTHCOM AOR while enhancing their Spanish language listening skills.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Diana Brewer

    LEAP Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Diana Brewer

    "My experience as a Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar has been incredible! LEAP sparked my interest to further improve my native language skills and played a factor in my reenlisting later this year," Russian LEAP Scholar Staff Sgt. Diana Brewer said.
  • LEAP Spotlight - Capt Andre Pommersheim

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Andrew Pommersheim

    "My LEAP training really came into play this past summer when I went to Japan as part of an international agreement between the U.S. government and Japan’s Space Policy Secretariat. This experience stretched the viability of my Japanese while contributing to an important mission, which was incredibly rewarding," said Russian LEAP Scholar Capt. Andrew Pommersheim.
  • Fuerza Aérea de República Dominicana Cabo Zarzuela Cuevas, firefighter, right, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Giancarlo Cintron, religious affairs noncommissioned officer and Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar, stand on the flight line at San Isidro Air Base, Dominican Republic, Feb. 16, 2023. These members are preparing for exercise FORWARD TIGER, which was designed to build on longstanding partnerships throughout the Caribbean and contribute to enhanced military readiness, humanitarian relief, and disaster response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christian Little)

    LEAP Scholars Can Now Self-Report Utilization Events in LEaDeR

    Until recently, the Air Force did not have a means of collecting and tracking LEAP utilization outside of events coordinated through the AFCLC. Now, a module in the cloud-based Language Enabled Development Resource, or LEaDeR, allows Airmen and Guardians to self-report recent involvement in language requirements.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Ethan Sneider

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Ethan Sneider

    "LEAP is not solely a means to learn a language and study a culture, but a part of a holistic approach to becoming influential and impactful," Hebrew LEAP Scholar Capt. Ethan Sneider said.
  • Turkish LEAP Scholar Capt. William “Billy” Vician visiting the seaside town of Kaş, Türkiye. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. William “Billy” Vician

    "During the February 2023 earthquake relief efforts, I worked with Turkish civil engineers to power and locate buildings at the main aerial port for the devastated region of south-central Türkiye. These efforts were a testament to our teamwork and cooperation amid tragedy. I am happy that the relationships I built over the preceding year helped the base and the nation of Türkiye. I could not have built these relationships without my LEAP training.," Turkish LEAP Scholar Capt. William Vician said.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Yelyzaveta Schierer

    LEAP Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Yelyzaveta Schierer

    "LEAP has given me a chance to support the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian crisis by deploying me to establish communication between NATO leadership and Ukrainian forces as a Training Partnership Request," Serbian Croatian LEAP Scholar Staff Sgt. Yelyzaveta Schierer said.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Maj Daria C. Awusah

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj Daria C. Awusah

    "Serving as a Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar has been one of the main highlights of my professional career. The language training and the regional and culture training I developed through LEAP’s various programs enabled me to execute the mission of teaching human rights and international humanitarian law to Senegalese military personnel and intelligence community, while also strengthening our military’s partnership within the French-speaking country," French LEAP Scholar Maj. Daria Awusah said.
  • Sarah McKay serves as the content administrator for AFCLC to build and maintain the current inventory of ECFGs online and through the Culture Guide app. (Courtesy photo)

    AFCLC Spotlight: Sarah McKay

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Culture Guide app provides cross-cultural education to the Department of Defense through a comprehensive list of Expeditionary Culture Field Guides for more than 80 countries. Sarah McKay is one of the team members who works behind the scenes to bring these guides to life.
  • Japanese LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Joshiro Nagashima (Left) received recognition from the Japanese Air Self Defense Force’s Operation Support Wing Commander for providing English classes to the JASDF Airmen and Master Labor Contractors. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Joshiro Nagashima

    "The Language Enabled Airman Program has provided extraordinary experiences and opportunities. I am seeing the bigger picture of bilateral force, which has given me more enjoyment and fulfillment as an Airman. LEAP also made me rethink my career and ultimately re-enlist, as I enjoy being a LEAP Scholar. Overall, LEAP has enhanced my military experience and fostered a deeper sense of pride within me as an Airman," said Japanese LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Joshiro Nagashima.
  • Gen. Mike Minihan is Commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The command serves as U.S. Transportation Command’s air component, executing the air mobility mission in support of the joint force, allies and partners with a fleet of nearly 1,100 aircraft. Visit Maxwell air-force Base to speak to airmen. U.S. Air Force photo by Darius Hutton )

    Allied and Partner Integration the Focus of the 8th Annual Air University LREC Symposium at Maxwell AFB

    Air University and the Air Force Culture and Language Center hosted more than 350 service members, academics, scholars, and other professionals working in the LREC community for the 8th Annual Air University Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Symposium Nov. 15-17, 2023. The event, which carried the theme “Integrated by Design,” aimed to create and strengthen the bonds with U.S. strategic allies and partners to achieve mission success.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released an “Introduction to the Philippines” course on its free Culture Guide mobile app – one of 10 Department of the Air Force-certified courses available via the app and the myLearning platform.

    AFCLC releases ‘Introduction to the Philippines’ course on mobile app

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released an “Introduction to the Philippines” course on its free Culture Guide mobile app – one of 10 Department of the Air Force-certified courses available via the app and the myLearning platform.
  • Col. Erick D. Lord, Deputy Commander, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, delivered the opening speech for the inaugural “Around the World” potluck. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Danielle James)

    Barksdale Airmen Celebrate Cultures with “Around-the-World” Potluck

    The 2nd Bomb Wing and the LEAP Chapter at Barksdale Air Force Base recently collaborated on an initiative to allow more than 100 Airmen and community members at the base to highlight and celebrate diverse cultures with their first “Around-the-World” Potluck.
  • JSDF personnel toured the 18th AES Training Sustainment Center, where a KC-135 simulator is used as a ground training device to accomplish clinical and flight training requirements for Aeromedical Evacuation crewmembers. (Courtesy Photo)

    Language-enabled Airmen support medical training initiatives with Japanese partners at Kadena Air Base

    When the Japanese Self Defense Forces’ medical team from Naha Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, visited the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, for capabilities familiarization training, three language-enabled Airmen led the charge in facilitating partnership building by bridging language and cultural gaps.
  • Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass meets with Air University’s Resilience Research Task Force at the Air Force Culture and Language Center, Maxwell AFB, Ala., on Oct. 25, 2023. (US Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

    Exploring resilience: CMSAF visits AFCLC for discussion with Air University’s Resilience RTF

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass recently visited the Air Force Culture and Language Center to talk with members of Air University’s Resilience Research Task Force about their upcoming projects.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Master Sgt. Luisa Martinez

    LEAP Spotlight: Master Sgt. Luisa Martinez

    "Being there also helped the Panamanians improve their perspective of Americans. I showed them I understood their feelings toward the U.S. military and gave them a space to have those conversations while showing them we related to them. By the end of the experience, we had shifted mindsets to the point where several individuals emphasized they wanted U.S. military members there and asked when we were coming back," Spanish LEAP Scholar Master Sgt. Luisa Martinez said.
  • Seven Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars participated in the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s first overseas Guided Cyber Language Intensive Training Event, or Guided Cyber LITE, in Germany earlier this year. Pictured from left: Staff Sgt. Silvia Bowman, Capt. Stone Shoaf, Special Agent Schyler Turpin, Capt. Darren Hafke, Capt. Justin Williamson, Maj. Edward Wood, Senior Master Sgt. Benjamin Wilson, and Dr. Sandra Schoder from the Defense Language Institute Detachment at Air University and the guide for the LEAP Scholars in Germany. Photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Wongwai.

    Cracking the code: LEAP Scholars study cybersecurity in today’s military

    Seven Language Enabled Airmen Program Scholars and one guide traveled to Germany earlier this year as part of a special guided Language Intensive Training Event, or LITE, the centerpiece of which was participation in the 10th Annual CODE Conference at the University of Bundeswehr in Munich.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt Zechariah Sparrow

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt Zechariah Sparrow

    "Remember that you are not applying to learn a language but a people. You are applying to learn how to connect to another culture and open doors for the United States military," said Russian LEAP Scholar Capt. Zechariah Sparrow.
  • Air Force Culture and Language Center personnel, along with Maj. Gen. Parker Wright and Col. Robert Rowell, watch as Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signs a proclamation on Oct. 2, 2023, declaring the month of November as Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Month in honor of the Air University LREC Symposium at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. L-R: Scott Alford, Riley Hunt, Greg Day, Walter Ward, Maj. Gen. Parker Wright, Gov. Ivey, Col. Robert Rowell, Senior Airman Corbin Miller, Lori Quiller, TaeAjah Cannon-Barnes, and Mikala McCurry.

    Alabama Governor declares November as LREC Month

    Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared November as Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Month in honor of the 8th Annual Air University LREC Symposium, which will take place at Maxwell Air Force Base on 15-17 November 2023.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Joanne Whitlock

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Joanne Whitlock

    "LEAP has given me the opportunity to be closer to my heritage and language while representing the Air Force. More than ever, the Air Force values cultural competency and language proficiency," Tagalog LEAP Scholar Maj. Joanne Whitlock said.
  • member of Japanese Defense Force stands with dog and holds conversation with U.S. Air Force Airman

    LEAP: The solution to language, culture barriers in large-scale military exercises

    Large-scale military exercises across all branches focus heavily on integration with allies and partners as a cornerstone of the National Defense and National Security strategies. While seamless execution of this integration can pose a challenge when differences in language and culture are present, the Air Force Culture and Language Center offers a solution to overcome those barriers - the Language Enabled Airman Program, or LEAP.
  • INDOPACOM graphic

    AFCLC now has 17 Field Guides focused on the Indo-Pacific region

    Keeping in step with the recently released PACAF Strategy 2030 Evolving Airpower, the Air Force Culture and Language Center has released the latest of its Expeditionary Culture Field Guides specifically focused on the Indo-Pacific region. These 17 culture guides are easily accessible on the AFCLC Culture Guide app or website.
  • (Right) U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, speaks with various mission planners from numerous countries participating in MOBILITY GUARDIAN 2023 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 8, 2023. Minihan recognized outstanding performers and discussed the different roles each participant played in the exercise and the overall outcome. Staff Sgt. Noah Kemner (center), Japanese Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar, provided language support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tabatha Arellano)

    LEAP Scholars facilitate integration of Japanese partners in Mobility Guardian 23

    Six multi-capable, language-enabled Airmen from the U.S. Air Force Language Enabled Airman Program helped Air Mobility Command reach a new level of strategic partnership building and integration with the Japanese Self Defense Force and other international partners during the largest-ever, full-spectrum readiness exercise in the command’s history – MOBILITY GUARDIAN 23.
  • Migration graphic

    AFCLC, Air University move to cloud-based system to optimize access

    The United States Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, and Air University have a top strategic priority in common - the modernization of infrastructure to enhance access to resources for Airmen. The Air Force Culture and Language Center and Air University answered the call to address this priority for Airmen and Department of Defense users with the recent migration of its Language Enabled Development Resource, or LEaDeR, to a cloud-based system.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Christopher Wood

    LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Christopher Wood

    "I feel like being in LEAP has opened my eyes to how much language and cultural awareness is being talked about by our senior leaders, like General Brown and Chief Bass. LEAP does much more than just enhance language. It helps you understand the intricate details of the language and culture," German LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Christopher Wood said.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Cassaundra Preston

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Cassaundra Preston

    "I always tell people LEAP is one of those singularly unique and powerful Air Force programs that is as much a delight to contribute to as it is important to learn from. It’s my 'why' for staying in the Air Force when my desk feels far from the fight," French LEAP Scholar Capt. Cassaundra Preston said.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt Jessica Zenteno

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Jessica Zenteno

    The rewarding experiences I've had through LEAP are a major reason I've chosen to continue my service in the Air Force. The exchange of cultural knowledge is crucial in our roles as multi-capable Airmen, as it fosters global competence," Spanish LEAP Scholar Capt. Jessica Zenteno said.
  • PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: LEaDeR Migration – 7 to 9 September 2023

    PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: LEaDeR Migration – 7 to 9 September 2023

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center will migrate its Language Enabled Development Resource, or LEaDeR, to a cloud-based system from 7 to 9 September 2023. All LEaDeR functionalities will be unavailable during this time.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Jack Corriere

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Jack Corriere

    "There are a lot of pilots who don’t know about LEAP and think the only job they can have is being a pilot. They don't know you can do LEAP and be afforded these amazing opportunities while you are a pilot. You can have the best of both worlds if you are a pilot who speaks another language. We need pilots who speak other languages and can build relationships with their counterparts in other countries, specifically in Latin American countries, which are very important to our goals as NATO and in the U.S.," Spanish LEAP Scholar Capt. Jack Corriere said.
  • Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Senior Master Sgt. Alejandro Velez with Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Joanne Bass and her equivalent Royal Canadian Air Force Command Chief Warrant Officer John Hall. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Senior Master Sgt. Alejandro Velez

    "By empowering our multicultural people and powerful diversity, we will remain the partner nation of choice because we are the only nation capable of delivering needed support in any language, for any culture, any place and at any time," Spanish LEAP Scholar Senior Master Sgt. Alejandro Velez said.
  • Lt. Gen. Carlos Chavez, the Peruvian Air Force Chief of Staff, second from left, asks about the capabilities of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Shepherd Field, Martinsburg, West Virginia, June 6, 2023. Chavez, along with other Peruvian Air Force, West Virginia Air National Guard, and 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) representatives met at Shepherd Field to discuss future engagements between the three entities and sign an agreement of cooperation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle)

    Language-enabled Airmen help facilitate trilateral agreement with Peru, Air Forces Southern, West Virginia National Guard

    Members of the Language Enabled Airman Program helped facilitate a groundbreaking initiative during the 2023 Peru Air Staff Talks by bridging communication gaps and minimizing language barriers.
  • Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars Chief Master Sgt. Juan Alvarez and Master Sgt. Karina Gonzalez interact with the Commander of the Mexican Air Force and Mexican Air Force Senior Enlisted Leader. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kenneth New)

    LEAP Scholars bring “home” to Central American and Caribbean senior leaders

    Twelve Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars provided language support for the 12th Air Force’s (AFSOUTH) 2022 Central America and Caribbean Air Chiefs and Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference, which took place at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
  • AFCLC 100th Video

    AFCLC released 100th video on Culture Guide app

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center has reinforced its commitment to being the “Air Force’s Global Classroom” and modernizing the learning environment for Airmen by releasing its 100th educational video on the AFCLC Culture Guide mobile app.
  • Air War College Regional Securities Studies cohort visited the Philippine Air Force Headquarters with Brig. Gen. Fabian M. Pedregosa, Philippine Air Forces Chief of Staff, accompanied by Tagalog Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Capt. Piara Swank. (Courtesy photo)

    Language-enabled Airmen support Air War College Regional Security Studies worldwide

    As a hallmark of Air War College’s educational curriculum in the Department of International Security Studies, 15 RSS trips are conducted annually to educate the next generation of military leaders. AWC has leaned on support from the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Language Enabled Airman Program to help facilitate relationship-building and strategic connections during these trips.
  • AFCLC Language Intensive Training Event Program Manager Keith McCabe visited the Ramstein Air Base LEAP Chapter. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Chapter Spotlight: Ramstein Air Base

    Language-enabled Airmen and community members at Air Force and joint bases worldwide connect in LEAP Chapters to grow their knowledge and appreciation for language, regional expertise, and culture. The LEAP Chapter at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was revived after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Advanced Special Emphasis Course allowed Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars to visit Argentina and expand their knowledge of the SOUTHCOM region. Pictured from left are Tech. Sgt. Hector Hernandez, Lt. Col. Lucas Hall, Master Sgt. Lagmai Pajela, Master Sgt. Luis Roa, Capt. Karla Cruz, Capt. Daniel Varela-Murray, Col. Phil Smith, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Daniel Uribe, Staff Sgt. Humberto Stripling, and Chief Master Sgt. Edwin Colón. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Scholars participate in Argentina Advanced Special Emphasis Course

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s U.S. Southern Command expert, Dr. Daniel Uribe, recently served as a guide for seven Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars who participated in an Advanced Special Emphasis Course in Argentina. This ASE course is one of AFCLC’s many training tactics that’s getting results.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Jessica Padoemthontaweekij

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Jessica Padoemthontaweekij

    "In 2022, Maj. Jessica Padoemthontaweekij was selected to attend the Royal Thai Air Force Air Command and Staff College in Bangkok, Thailand, as the first United States Air Force female officer to attend the school.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Kealey Patterson

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Kealey Patterson

    "As we operate in a strategic environment across the world, it is necessary to understand our adversaries to better support our partners and allies in matters that are important to all of us and effect world stability," Russian LEAP Scholar Maj. Kealey Patterson said.
  • Lt Col Michael Ball, Chief, International Affairs Policy and Programs Division, Air University International Affairs, chatted with a Philippine Chief Master Sergeant about enlisted PME opportunities at Air University during Air University’s inaugural International Alumni of Distinction Seminar in March 2023.

    LEAP to FAO Spotlight: Lt. Col. Michael Ball

    "I owe the last six years and all my future career success to LEAP. Without LEAP, I would not be here today, building global relationships with 80 countries as a Division Chief at the International Officer School at Maxwell AFB, AL, and future FAO challenges I hope to meet as well," LEAP Scholar Lt. Col Michael Ball said.
  • Four Airmen standing together in front of an aircraft on a landing strip

    Language-enabled Airmen strengthen commitment to regional Allies

    Two Japanese Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars worked alongside U.S. Air Force airfield experts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific through the exchange of skills with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force partners during Exercise Cope North 2023 (CN23), which took place Feb. 2-22, 2023, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
  • Airmen and civilians sitting around a table briefing

    Air University’s Resilience RTF teaches belonging as a key to resiliency

    The AU Resilience Research Task Force has been busier than usual this year, which culminated with a briefing at the Pentagon for Brig. Gen. Debra Lovette, Director, Air Force Integrated Resilience, and later held a special briefing at the Air Force Culture and Language Center for Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander, Air Mobility Command.
  • Airman standing in front of an aircraft

    LEAP Spotlight: Master Sgt. Ricardo Cepeda Pastrana

    "LEAP has helped me see the value of coming in with LREC skills, particularly now that there is a great emphasis on the Multi-Capable Airmen concept. If you’re a LEAP Scholar, consider yourself a screened and well-qualified MCA with a unique skillset that can’t be gained in a few weeks’ course," Spanish LEAP Scholar Master Sgt. Ricardo Cepeda Pastrana said.
  • Air Force headshot

    LEAP Spotlight: 1st Lt. Emmanuel Parushev

    "I particularly appreciated the holistic ethos of language acquisition adopted by LEAP. The emphasis on continual reinforcement of languages ... is an aspect of language acquisition I resonate with: there is no “end date” to improving language knowledge," French LEAP Scholar 1st Lt. Emmanuel Parushev said.
  • Airmen in front of an aircraft

    Language enabled Airmen support inaugural Vietnam senior leader course

    The National Defense Strategy identifies the Indo-Pacific as the priority theater for the United States Air Force to invest time, energy, and resources into building alliances and strengthening partnerships for integrated deterrence. To demonstrate the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the 36th Contingency Response Group recently held its first Senior Leaders Orientation Course for the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force with language support from five Scholars in the Language Enabled Airman Program.
  • Capt. Briana Winslow

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Briana Winslow

    "Not only have I met like-minded Airmen through LEAP, but I have also been given the opportunity to continue learning in a way compatible with my day-to-day military job. My language skills have opened some incredible doors for me since I commissioned, and I can’t imagine what the past six years would’ve looked like had I not been in LEAP and let those skills atrophy," Modern Standard Arabic LEAP Scholar Capt. Briana Winslow said.
  • Airmen having discussion in a classroom

    Agile combat employment course prepares Airmen for strategic engagements in Indo-Pacific

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center has partnered with the Air Force Special Operations School and the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center on an innovative agile combat employment course. The most recent course focused on U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and taught in the Tagalog language, to demonstrate U.S. long-term commitment to strengthening partner autonomy and options throughout this region.
  • Air Force Tech Sgt. Jude Baidoo poses for a photo with other LEAP scholars during their first day of class in West Africa.

    LEAP Scholars participate in first Area Studies Immersion in Sierra Leone

    Air Force Tech Sgt. Jude Baidoo, medical technician, Boston MEPS, is one of only 11 LEAP Scholars developed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) in the African language Krio. His career-spanning involvement in the highly selective program resulted in his participation in the program’s first-ever area studies immersion to the West African country of Sierra Leone in March 2023.
  • AFRICOM commander shaking hands with Angola medical personnel.

    Language enabled Airman supports military readiness exercise in Angola with AFRICOM commander

    Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, visited senior Angola defense officials in Luanda, Angola, while observing a military medical readiness exercise involving U.S. and Angolan doctors and nurses. There to provide interpretation support was Portuguese European Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Patrick Fromm.
  • AFCLC is proud to announce the 305 Active Duty Officer and Enlisted Airmen and Guardians who were selected for the highly-competitive and career-spanning Language Enabled Airman Program for the 2021 cycle.

    103 Cadets Selected for AFCLC’s Language Enabled Airman Program

    After a virtual selection board process this spring, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 103 Cadets for the Language Enabled Airman Program. Of the 103 Cadets selected, 67 were chosen from the United States Air Force Academy and 36 from Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 21 languages.
  • service member excavating during a recovery mission

    Fallen soldier recovery rebuilds connections in Laos

    The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency travels worldwide for missions to recover fallen soldiers from historical conflicts. Many service members volunteer with DPAA to help further the organization’s mission and bring closure to the families of the fallen. For service members like Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Master Sergeant Bounthai Chanthala, supporting DPAA provides multi-layered fulfillment.
  • graphic of document title and names of translators

    Language-enabled Airmen Translate Russian Memoir of Combat in Ukraine

    When an open-source document emerged on the social media account of a Russian parachutist detailing information on the Ukraine conflict that would be crucial for educating Airmen, Air University’s Office of Sponsored Programs called on five Russian language Scholars in the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Language Enabled Airman Program to translate the 140-page memoir.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Jessica Lugan

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Jessica Lugan

    'Participating in LEAP not only prepares me for work in interoperability, but also to serve in my current position. I feel equipped and prepared in my ability to make our patients feel comfortable and heard. Having exposure to other cultures has given me more empathy and understanding to better serve all types of families," Spanish LEAP Scholar Capt. Jessica Lugan said.
  • LEAP Scholars represent 73% of 2023 FAO Selects

    LEAP Scholars represent 73% of 2023 FAO Selects

    Congratulations to Language Enabled Airmen Program Scholars recently selected to the Foreign Area Officer career field! The International Affairs Development Team boarded and selected 22 officers for deliberate development and re-core as FAOs. Of the 22 selectees, 16 are LEAP Scholars, a 73% selection rate from LEAP.
  • Airmen in front of a plane

    “Low-density” language instruction forges strategic partners worldwide

    The nature of their language, regional expertise, and culture training allows LEAP Scholars to better support the application of air and space power through strengthening partnerships, interoperability, and adversary understanding regardless of whether their target language is considered high or low density.
  • Airmen in civilian clothing sitting in front of a wall with artwork

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt Eric Bentum

    I look at LEAP like an honor society for language scholars in the Air Force because it brings together language proficient, culturally competent, and like-minded Air Force members and affords them a broader opportunity to serve the United States in unique and diverse ways their regular career fields do not provide. I’d highly recommend LEAP to any Airman looking to develop their language and cultural portfolio while serving in the Air Force.
  • Students in a classroom

    LEAP Chapter Spotlight: Barksdale Air Force Base

    Language-enabled service members at Air Force and joint bases worldwide connect at their local bases through LEAP Chapters. At Barksdale Air Force Base, Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars and other Airmen and community members connect to enhance language and cultural awareness and proficiency in the Barksdale community.
  • USAFSOS Partners to Forge Multi-Capable Airmen

    USAFSOS Partners to Forge Multi-Capable Airmen

    The United States Air Force Special Operations School, Defense Language Institute, and Air Force Culture and Language Center recently combined efforts to create an advanced course focused on preparing multi-capable Language Enabled Airmen Program (LEAP) scholars for Agile Combat Employment, or ACE.
  • The new video series “Developing Resilience to Misinformation and Disinformation” is available now on AFCLC’s Culture Guide app. This series was developed by Dr. Elizabeth Peifer, the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Associate Professor of Regional and Cultural Studies (Europe).

    Developing Resilience to Misinformation and Disinformation

    The United States National Security Strategy recognizes the need to combat misinformation and disinformation to employ integrated deterrence successfully. The Air Force Culture and Language Center addresses that priority through an educational video series on its Culture Guide app focused on helping total force Airmen and the Department of Defense develop resilience to misinformation and disinformation.
  • LEAP Scholars promoted to senior master sergeant

    LEAP Scholars promoted to senior master sergeant

    21 Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars were recently promoted to the rank of senior master sergeant during the Air Force 23E8 promotion cycle!
  • plain clothes military members posing for photo in front of aircraft

    The Key to Building Partner Capacity

    The USAF Special Operations School recently hosted its annual Building Partner Aviation Capacity Seminar, or BPACS, with language and cultural support from multi-capable Airmen in the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Language Enabled Airman Program.
  • Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Oscar Castro visited historic sites during his Language Intensive Training Event in Colombia.

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Oscar Castro

    “LEAP is a phenomenal program that cultivates a passion for language and cultural diversity and allows one to put our inherent skills to good use to propel missions to success. The array of opportunities and people you will meet is too vast to describe; it is honestly a hidden gem, and I couldn’t be happier on my decision to join LEAP," Spanish LEAP Scholar Maj. Oscar Castro said.
  • students in a lab

    Connecting the Dots for the Korean Marine Exchange Program

    As a Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar, I had a unique opportunity to participate in the Korean Marine Exchange Program 23-1 as an interpreter. KMEP, a regularly scheduled training exercise between U.S. Marine Corps and ROK Marine Corps, featured bilateral training between the 3d Maintenance Battalion and 1st Maintenance Battalion.
  • CMSAF shaking hands with members of the Romanian Air Force

    Building Partner Capacity in Romania with Language Support

    Language, regional expertise, and culture skills are key to enabling Agile Combat Employment in Air Force missions. When the Air Force Office of Special Investigations needed language support for critical operations in Romania, Master Sgt. Christina Bennett, a Romanian Scholar in the Air Force’s Language Enabled Airman Program, answered the call.
  • Aerial view showing Maxwell and Douglassville circa 1928

    Remembering The Lost Neighborhood of Douglassville at Maxwell Air Force Base

    When mentioning “the City of Douglassville,” many people think about Douglassville, Penn., or Douglasville, Ga. However, very few individuals are aware of the forgotten community of Douglassville in Alabama, an African American neighborhood historically located where Maxwell Air Force Base currently exists.
  • woman standing on bridge with greenery in the background

    LEAP Spotlight: Master Sgt. Lisa Shurling

    “LEAP has made my career in the Air Force more enjoyable and has been one of the factors that have kept me in the Force. The fact that the Air Force cares enough to provide the tools I need to maintain and further develop my second language is something I value and appreciate very deeply," Spanish LEAP Scholar Master Sgt. Lisa Shurling said.
  • students sitting in an audience

    LEAP Chapter Spotlight: Yokota Air Base

    Language-enabled service members at Air Force and joint bases worldwide connect at their local bases through LEAP Chapters. For example, LEAP Scholars stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan have recently established a LEAP Chapter at their base.
  • female standing in front of building in the Netherlands

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Cara Fitzgerald

    “LEAP has prepared me for future Air Force utilization, working with NATO partners such as Belgium and the Netherlands and partners in SOUTHCOM," Dutch LEAP Scholar Capt. Cara Fitzgerald said.
  • graphic

    Language and Culture: Key Enablers of Agile Combat Employment

    A new video developed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center illustrates the vital integration of language, regional expertise, and culture skills as key enablers of Agile Combat Employment.
  • Airmen in civilian clothing standing together for a picture

    AFCLC Develops multi capable Airmen through isolated immersions

    The National Defense Strategy calls for the development of multi-capable Airmen who are postured for integration with allies and partners and equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to deploy Agile Combat Employment. The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s isolated immersion program is one tool used to answer that call.
  • Airmen visiting a memorial

    Air Force language supports strengthens global health alliance with African partners

    Mutually beneficial alliances and partnerships are an enduring U.S. strength and are critical to achieving United States Air Force objectives. French Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Master Sgt. Dieudonne Batawila recently supported the Office of the Command Surgeon USAFE-AFAFRICA in strengthening partnerships with 27 African partner nations through the global health engagement hosted by the African Partnership Outbreak Response Alliance, or APORA.
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    Being resilient: Air University’s RTF promotes well-being for all service members

    As reported cases of suicide and mental health issues among service members increased, military leadership stepped in to unveil a new initiative encouraging support for service members and their families: The Spectrum of Resilience. Members of Air University's Resilience Research Task Force gathered at AFCLC to exchange perspectives and hear out-briefs from a group of Squadron Officer School’s Air University Advanced Research elective participants.
  • Airman posing outside

    Sheppard instructor assists the Joint Task Force- Crisis Response team at 2022 World Cup

    While millions watched the 2022 World Cup, a team of five Arabic Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars, including Sheppard Air Force Base Instructor Staff Sgt. Zahra Karim Zadeh, worked behind the scenes with the Joint Task Force- Crisis Response team to bridge the language and cultural gap between the United States and multi-national forces.
  • The Nellis/Creech Air Force Base LEAP Chapter hosted its monthly meeting with chapter members.

    LEAP Chapter Spotlight: Nellis/Creech Air Force Base

    Language-enabled service members at Air Force and joint bases worldwide connect at their local bases through LEAP Chapters. For example, Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases, located in Nevada, have a combined LEAP Chapter led by Pashto Afghan LEAP Scholar 1st Lt. Skyler Sharp as president, Spanish LEAP Scholar 1st Lt. Sierra Rodriguez as vice president, and 2nd Lt. Rayne Jones as secretary.
  • Japanese Self-Defense Forces member and U.S. Airman posing for a picture

    Language-enabled Airman Defines Agile Combat Employment for Japanese Partners

    Language, regional expertise, and culture education are essential to enabling Agile Combat Employment within the United States Air Force. Recently, Japanese LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Chance Italiano defined and illustrated ACE for our partners at the Japanese Self-Defense Forces during the planning session for the 2022 COPE NORTH Exercise.
  • Airman posing in front of building in Angola

    LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Jorge Nevarez

    “One of the things I’ve learned in LEAP is there’s a difference between knowing the language and understanding the culture behind it. That’s something that LEAP enhances - understanding the culture and learning the language. That’s one of the things that has made me successful in my job,” Portuguese LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Jorge Nevarez said.
  • Airman standing in front of plane with French flag

    LEAP Spotlight: 2d Lt. Inkoo Kang

    “LEAP allowed me to gain an understanding of how the military values languages and how you don’t have to be a linguist in the military to contribute language skills," French LEAP Scholar 2d Lt. Inkoo Kang said.
  • medical service members reading patient chart

    Language-enabled Airmen support inaugural medical readiness exercise in Angola

    Language-enabled Airmen from the Air Force Culture and Language Center utilized their culture and language skills to support a historic medical readiness exercise between the United States and Angola, known as MEDREX.
  • leaders at a conference

    Language Enabled Airmen Integrate with AFRICOM Partners During Silent Warrior 22

    Members of the Language Enabled Airman Program provided interpreter and translation support to more than 30 African nations during Special Operations Command Africa’s Annual Senior Leader Conference, Silent Warrior 22.
  • Korea course graphic

    Introduction to South Korea Course Available on Culture Guide app

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently released an “Introduction to South Korea” culture course on its free Culture Guide mobile app.
  • Airman sitting in a helicopter with her son and dog

    LEAP Spotlight: SMSgt Martha “Priscilla” Meza

    “I believe LEAP is the art of cultural competency. LEAP and Intel go hand in hand. I can fuse my Intel background and Spanish speaking abilities to educate Airmen here on Kadena Air Base,” Spanish language LEAP Scholar Senior Master Sgt. Martha Meza said.
  • military headshot of U.S. Airman

    LEAP to FAO Spotlight: Capt. Rufus Gorkhali

    “LEAP has been instrumental in my professional growth as an officer. It has largely influenced my career trajectory as well. LEAP has improved my cultural understanding in addition to language comprehension," LEAP Scholar and Foreign Area Officer Capt. Rufus Gorkhali said.
  • NATO AWACS members participate in virtual International Aircrew Training

    AFCLC’s International Aircrew Cultural Training Qualifies for Special Experience Identifier

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s course for the NATO AWACS unit at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, now qualifies for a special experience identifier in the United States Air Force system of record.
  • Airmen standing behind a "LEAP Okinawa Chapter" banner

    LEAP Chapter Spotlight: Kadena Air Base

    Language-enabled service members at Air Force and joint bases worldwide connect at their local bases through LEAP Chapters. For example, the LEAP Chapter at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, also known as the “Shogun LEAP Chapter,” connects members of the Language Enabled Airman Program with members of the community and other language-enabled service members to enhance language capability and further the mission of LEAP.
  • Service members posing for photo with flag

    Language Enabled Airmen Build Partnerships Through IAAFA Course in Colombia

    Five Language Enabled Airmen Program Scholars joined approximately 60 Colombian Air Force, Army, and Navy members in a six-week Inter-American Squadron Officer Course and Inter-American Non-Commissioned Officer Course in Colombia for professional military education.
  • Four DPAA team members standing in front of the Sea War Museum

    Never Leave an Airman Behind

    LEAP Scholar and Air National Guard service member Lt. Col. Joshua Bibb speaks Danish, which is considered a low-density language. Bibb recently utilized his Danish language skillset with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to bridge language gaps and overcome communication barriers during an investigation in Denmark to potentially locate and identify missing Airmen from World War II.
  • Faculty members from Air War College and the Japanese equivalent standing together for a photo in front of a screen

    Enhancing Culture Education through Immersive Learning

    Both Air War College and the Air Force Culture and Language Center have regional subject matter experts on faculty to educate total force Airmen on current geopolitical landscapes. To further ensure that faculty members have the highest level of understanding to help Airmen become integrated by design with allies and partners, members of the AWC and AFCLC faculty recently visited several sites in East Asia, including the Japan Air Command and Staff College at Megura Air Base in Tokyo.
  • virtual teaching session on zoom with Airman and five AFCLC staff members

    Senior Leader Builds Capacity for Partner Engagements through AFCLC’s GOPAC Course

    Lt. Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, Deputy Commander of United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, recently completed the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s General Officer Pre-Assignment Acculturation Course, or GOPAC.
  • Brig. Gen. Joshua Olson presenting in front of a crowd

    AU LREC Symposium: LREC Skills, A Military Imperative

    Hundreds of service members, academics, scholars, and professionals in the language, regional expertise, and culture community gathered at Maxwell Air Force Base Oct. 19-21, 2022, to explore the importance of LREC skills to partner interoperability, adversary understanding, and military operations during the seventh Annual Air University LREC symposium.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Emmanuel Villasenor

    LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Emmanuel Villasenor

    “LEAP has impacted my personal life by deepening my language abilities and expanding my awareness of the German culture. Being stationed in Germany does not feel like I am stationed in a foreign land; instead, it feels like I am home," German LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Emmanuel Villasenor said.
  • Gabonese military members and civilians sitting in a classroom looking at a screen

    Language-enabled Airmen strengthen AFRICOM partnerships through life-saving course

    The Defense Institute for Medical Operations’ Mobile Training Team recently conducted a life-saving course for several Gabonese military and civilian organizations on Outbreak Detection and Response in Libreville, Gabon, with support from members of the Language Enabled Airman Program.
  • Spanish LEAP Scholars Capt. Jack Matson, 1LT Mikaela Dimaapi, and Master Sgt. Oscar Cohn visited the museum for the Miraflores Locks dedicated to the Panama Canal with their professor during a Language Intensive Training Event in Panama. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Jack Matson

    “As a flyer, I use the lessons from LEAP daily. When on the road internationally, I am constantly reminded that I am representing not only the Air Force, but also the United States. The program really captures the whole Airman concept of creating well rounded service members," Spanish LEAP Scholar Capt. Jack Matson said.
  • Colombian Air Force officers and United States Air Force Airmen standing across from each other in lines

    Multilingual Leadership: Speaking the Language, Airmanship, and Partnership

    Several Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars and Foreign Area Officers recently supported exercise RELAMPAGO VII with the South Carolina Air National Guard. This exercise focused on training techniques, tactics, and procedures to strengthen interoperability between the United States and Colombian Air Forces.
  • Three Airmen receiving Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals

    Pagpapatibay ng Kapatiran - Strengthening the Brotherhood

    Thanks to a partnership between the United States Marine Corps and the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP), Francisco - alongside Capt. Timothy Nolan and Tech Sgt. Cesar Salilican - embedded with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Command Element (CE) as Tagalog interpreters during exercise KAMANDAG 6 aboard Marine Base Rudolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines. For both services, the alliance unexpectedly became an unbreakable bond across cultures.
  • Airman standing in front of a brick wall showing Culture Guide app course on phone

    AFCLC culture courses required in new Air Force RAT program

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Developing Cross-Cultural Competence course is now available to all Airmen as part of the new Ready Airman Training program that aligns to the Air Force Force Generation model.
  • AFCLC is proud to announce the 305 Active Duty Officer and Enlisted Airmen and Guardians who were selected for the highly-competitive and career-spanning Language Enabled Airman Program for the 2021 cycle.

    311 Officer and Enlisted Airmen and Guardians Selected for AFCLC’s Language Enabled Airman Program

    Following a rigorous selection board process this summer, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 311 Airmen and Guardians in 42 languages from 1,119 applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program.
  • Tagalog LEAP Scholar Master Sgt. Patrick Singson represented PACAF Civil Engineers as he utilized his native language during a planning conference of the 38th iteration of Balikatan Exercise with the Philippine Air Force counterparts. (Courtesy photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Master Sgt. Patrick Singson

    “LEAP brought me closer to home and provided me with more leadership tools and skill sets. I instantly established a long-term personal and working relationship with our Philippine Armed Forces counterparts. Recently, I had the opportunity to utilize my language to be part of planning conferences for a historic bilateral exercise held annually in the Philippines. In addition, I get to witness how the program directly contributes to the overall Air Force mission in the pacific region," Tagalog LEAP Scholar Master Sgt. Patrick Singson said.
  • Airmen presenting to senior leaders

    AFCLC and Squadron Officer School Establish First Formal Active-Duty Record for Cadet Language Events

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center partnered with the Squadron Officer School at Air University to establish the first process to formally recognize pre-commissioning language events for cadets from the United States Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC in an official United States Air Force system of record.
  • official USAF headshot for Tech Sgt. Volodymyr Palko in dress blues

    LEAP Spotlight: Tech Sgt. Volodymyr Palko

    “My first language intensive training event aiding U.S. Army Europe during the Ukraine crisis response immediately became the defining moment of my Air Force career to that point. I was in a situation for which I was uniquely qualified. The assignment gave me space to exercise my advanced level of Ukrainian and Russian foreign language proficiency," Ukrainian LEAP Scholar Tech Sgt. Volodymyr Palko said.
  • Airman in civilian clothing standing at a loading dock in front of mountains in Nepal

    LEAP Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Sagar Khadka

    "Being a multi-language capable Airman, LEAP has taught me how my own actions can have a positive or negative impact in the Air Force. I am constantly utilizing the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained through LEAP. During OAR, I quickly became deeply involved with advocating multiple aspects of cultural competency, both with the Afghan persons that arrived in America as well as with the thousands of service members providing for them at the base," Urdu and Nepalese LEAP Scholar SSgt. Sagar Khadka said.
  • Members of the USAF and JASDF posing for photo

    Language Enabled Airman Supports F-35 Symposium with Japan Air Self-Defense Force

    Japanese Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Master Sgt. Daniel Toth provided language and tactical support for the F-35 Lightning II Symposium hosted by the 354th Maintenance Group and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Misawa Air Base, Japan.
  • French Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Darrell Moyers visited Roman ruins during a deployment in AFRICOM.

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Darrell Moyers

    "I leverage my skills and cultural understanding in ways that keep the U.S. as the preferred partner of choice in areas subject to influence by rival countries. Again, going back to understanding a language versus just knowing one, I can relate to partners in a way others cannot. As such, I can leverage these relationships to pursue U.S interests and enhance regional security," French LEAP Scholar Maj. Darrell Moyers said.
  • AFCLC course banner with AFCLC, AETC, and USAF logos

    AFCLC Culture Courses for Expeditionary Readiness Available Now in MyLearning

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s culture courses for expeditionary readiness are now available via the United States Air Force MyLearning platform in addition to AFCLC’s Culture Guide mobile app for course credit.
  • USAF Colonel symbol

    Congratulations to LEAP Scholars Promoted to Colonel

    Congratulations to the LEAP Scholars and Foreign Area Officers who were recently promoted to the rank of Colonel in four Line of the Air Force developmental categories: Cross Functional Operations; Combat Support; Nuclear and Missile Operations; and Air Operations and Special Warfare.
  • AFCLC staff members in class picture format in front of AFCLC banner

    AFCLC: Using Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture to Change the World

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center was officially born to fulfill a vision of a successful marriage of culture education and language training to deliberately develop within the General Purpose Force self-motivated, cross-culturally competent, and language-enabled service members with working-level foreign language proficiency. Armed with these skills, Airmen – and now Space Force Guardians – can better support the application of air and space power through strengthening partnerships and interoperability.
  • Team of Airmen standing together in OCPs

    Language-Enabled Airmen Support Senior Enlisted Leader International Summit: The “Super Bowl of AFCLC LEAP LITES”

    During a strategic gathering of senior enlisted leaders from more than 60 partner nations, a team of 14 Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars from the Air Force Culture and Language Center were on the ground ensuring communication and collaboration happened effectively.
  • official military headshot

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Mark Poppler

    “The skills I’ve learned through LEAP of integrating into various other cultures is the biggest thing I use in my everyday mission. It allows me to better understand the motivations, views, and customs of people I interact with to effectively communicate and work with people in general," French LEAP Scholar Maj. Mark Poppler said.
  • Korean Airman teaching a class of students

    AFCLC Partners with Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership for Immersion Camp

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently partnered with the Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership for its summer Korean immersion camp hosted at Pike Road Intermediate School from July 3-22, 2022.
  • Woman standing in front of a fountain

    LEAP Scholars Strengthen Language Skills with New eMersion Training Course

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center launched a new initiative to maximize language development and training opportunities for members of the Language Enabled Airman Program. This new course, known as an eMersion, combines online eMentor sessions with Language Intensive Training Event immersions.
  • Afghanistan course graphic

    AFCLC Launches Introduction to Afghanistan Course with Certificate on Culture Guide App

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently added an Introduction to Afghanistan course to its free Culture Guide mobile app.
  • Smiling Airman in flight suit with arms crossed standing beside U.S. Air Force plane

    LEAP to FAO Spotlight: Maj. Logan Barlow

    “Being a FAO, I utilize my LREC skillset along with operational relevance to engage with our bilateral partners regularly; but you don’t have to be a FAO to do that. Being good at your tactical skill set, and having LREC skills, empowers Airmen to be more lethal as a force. To remain tactically relevant and lethal, we must understand the operational environment we operate in; this includes language and cultures of both our allies AND our adversaries. Soft power skillsets will be vital to our lethality and ability to winning future wars," LEAP Scholar and FAO Maj. Logan Barlow said.
  • USAF Lt Col symbol

    Congratulations to LEAP Scholars Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in Four Line of the Air Force Developmental Categories

    87 LEAP Scholars were recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in four of six Line of the Air Force specialized developmental categories: Air Operations and Special Warfare, Information Warfare, Nuclear and Missile Operations, and Cross Functional Operations. Congratulations on achieving this milestone in your careers!
  • headshot of Dr. Dan Uribe

    AFCLC Consultant Spotlight: Dr. Dan Uribe

    After a 34-year career serving in the United States Air Force, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dan Uribe recently retired and brought his knowledge, experience, and expertise to the Air Force Culture and Language Center as a consultant focused on the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.
  • Capt. Holly Tolley, Capt. William Watson, Tech Sgt. Jennifer Shelton, Capt. Jason Pluger, and Capt. Spencer Snow participated in the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Belt and Road Initiative Advanced Special Emphasis Language Intensive Training Event. (Courtesy photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Holly Tolley

    “LEAP has provided me with unique learning opportunities while helping me keep my Chinese skills up. This has really helped in my Air Force career overall by broadening my mindset to consider opportunities and perspectives that are multicultural and multidimensional. This allows me to be able to approach problems that are difficult and consider them from multiple perspectives," Chinese LEAP Scholar Capt. Holly Tolley said.
  • Service members walking together in discussion

    Task Force Liberty Cultural Team Uses AFCLC Culture Guide app for Mission Training

    The Cultural Advisement and Assessment Team at Task Force Liberty, led by United States Space Force Guardians Lt. Col. Adam Howland and Capt. Ronald Miller, implemented a culture training regimen for the task force using the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Culture Guide app. This task force oversaw the immediate care and wellbeing of displaced individuals from Afghanistan during Operation Allies Welcome.
  • Airman holding Expeditionary Culture Field Guide

    Meet the Field Guide Development Team

    As the Air Force’s Global Classroom, the Air Force Culture and Language Center utilizes various education, training resources, and tools to develop a cross-culturally competent total force. One of the tools used to accomplish this mission is AFCLC’s library of Expeditionary Culture Field Guides. These handbooks, packed with invaluable cultural information, are developed by a team of dynamic research analysts, prestigious faculty members, and region and culture subject matter experts.
  • Lt Gen James Hecker pointing toward audience

    AFCLC and Air Force Cyber College Host Second Annual Cyber Training Event

    29 Language Enabled Airman Program scholars – including two U.S. Space Force Guardians, two U.S. Marine Corps Foreign Area Officers, and two U.S. Air Force crypto-linguists – gathered at Maxwell Air Force Base from bases worldwide for 10 days of advanced training during the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Second Annual Cyber Language Intensive Training Event from June 6-17, 2022.
  • professional military headshot of Capt. Kalynn Mendez

    LEAP to FAO Spotlight: Capt. Kalynn Mendez

    "The FAO career path soon became my ‘Air Force dream job.’ I knew being a LEAP Scholar would only make me a better candidate for FAO and build my language and cultural skills during the waiting period. I attribute a significant amount of the success of my FAO package to my LEAP experiences and training," LEAP Scholar and FAO Capt. Kalynn Mendez said.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently added Introduction to Japan and Introduction to Iraq courses to its free Culture Guide mobile app.

    AFCLC Launches New Introduction to Japan, Iraq Courses with Certificates on Culture Guide App

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently added Introduction to Japan and Introduction to Iraq courses to its free Culture Guide mobile app. The addition of these courses answers the call set forth by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. in his Action Orders to “transform the way we learn across all facets of USAF education and training curricula.”
  • master sergeant insignia

    Congratulations to LEAP Scholars Promoted to Master Sergeant

    Congratulations to the Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars who were recently selected for promotion to the rank of master sergeant! 31 of the 4,040 service members selected for promotion in this year’s highly competitive process are LEAP Scholars, which is the highest number of LEAP enlisted service members selected for promotion to this rank to date.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Kenny Maeng

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Kenny Maeng

    “It’s been amazing being a part of LEAP because it has helped me to improve my language skills and allowed me to return back to my birthplace to gain cultural/regional expertise. As a LEAP Scholar, I know I play a big role in meeting not only the Secretary of Defense’s priority of strengthening partnerships with our allies but also my Wing’s mission, especially in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility," Korean LEAP Scholar Capt. Kenny Maeng said.
  • Staff Sgt. Paige Ferro and Senior Airman Marcus McLaughlin, administration Airmen assigned to the Air Force Culture and Language Center, use the center’s Culture Guide mobile app at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, May 18, 2022. The app trains Airmen for overseas environments and features 70 field guides for countries around the globe, certified courses, and a video library. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Greydon Furstenau)

    Barnes Center incorporates AFCLC’s mobile China, Russia courses in enlisted PME

    Always on the lookout for inventive ways to equip service members with the tools necessary to win in a high-end fight, the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education recently partnered with the Air Force Culture and Language Center to employ AFCLC’s Culture Guide mobile app as part of its enlisted professional military education curricula.
  • Capt. Geryn Paguio standing in front of a U.S. Air Force plane

    Using Language and Culture Skills to Help and Heal

    While language, regional expertise, and culture skills can be utilized in many ways to fulfill the United States Air Force mission, Tagalog Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Capt. Geryn Paguio uses her culture and language skills as a tool to help and heal others.
  • AFCLC is proud to announce the 305 Active Duty Officer and Enlisted Airmen and Guardians who were selected for the highly-competitive and career-spanning Language Enabled Airman Program for the 2021 cycle.

    89 Cadets Selected for AFCLC’s Language Enabled Airman Program

    After a virtual selection board process this spring, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 89 Cadets for the Language Enabled Airman Program out of 137 applicants. Of the 89 Cadets selected, 47 were chosen from the United States Air Force Academy and 42 from Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in 16 languages.
  • Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with Ukrainian forces via video teleconference

    Language-Enabled Airman Strengthens Partnership with U.S. Navy

    Ukrainian and Russian Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Capt. Jordan Garcia enhanced partner interoperability with the U.S Naval Special Warfare Command by providing language support to the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
  • Air Force Major rank symbol

    Congratulations to LEAP Scholars Promoted to Major

    Congratulations to the Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars who were recently selected for promotion to major!
  • Congratulations to Language Enabled Airmen Program Scholars recently selected to transition to the Foreign Area Officer career field

    LEAP Scholars Represent 72% of 2022 FAO Selects

    The 16F/16Z Development Team boarded and selected 39 officers for deliberate development and re-core as FAOs. Of the 39 selectees, 28 are LEAP Scholars, a 72% selection rate from LEAP.
  • Airman from the 42nd Medical Operations Squadron mental health clinic held signs outside the Day Street gate for Mental Health Awareness Month, May 28, 2020, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The signs featured various inspiring sayings in regards to mental health. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexa Culbert)

    Language-enabled Airmen Support Mental Health Initiative with Partner Nation

    A team of seven French Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars partnered with the Defense Institute for Medical Operations to provide language support for a mental health Mobile Training Team in N’jamena, Chad.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Russia Expeditionary Culture Field Guide is now available on its free Culture Guide mobile app, untethered from government IT platforms. The mobile app and its many educational features coincide with AFCLC’s vision to lead the U.S. Air Force in building a cross-culturally competent total force to meet the demands of a dynamic global mission.

    AFCLC’s Russia Expeditionary Culture Field Guide Available Now on the Mobile App

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Russia Expeditionary Culture Field Guide is now available on its free Culture Guide mobile app, untethered from government IT platforms. The mobile app and its many educational features coincide with AFCLC’s vision to lead the U.S. Air Force in building a cross-culturally competent total force to meet the demands of a dynamic global mission.
  • Pictured left to right: Matthew Berriman, AFRICOM; Sinclair Smith, EUCOM J7 Directorate; James Heath, EUCOM J7 Directorate; Keith McCabe, AFCLC; Capt. Krista Bible, AFCLC; Lt. Col. Mia Kreimeier, LEAP Scholar and USAFE; and Vincent Gilkey, EUCOM. (Courtesy Photo)

    AFCLC Builds Interoperability with Air Force Partners in Germany

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center recently accomplished the charge of building interoperability by connecting with U.S. Air Force Major Command stakeholders, partners, and allies in Germany during a large-scale international mission briefing.
  • Developing Cultural Competence Course - Available now on AFCLC CULTURE GUIDE app with certificate for your learning record!

    AFCLC Offers Developing Cross-Cultural Competence Course with Certificate on Culture Guide App

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center offers a “Developing Cross-Cultural Competence” Course on its free Culture Guide mobile app, untethered from government IT platforms. This course coincides with AFCLC’s vision to lead the U.S. Air Force in building a cross-culturally competent total force to meet the demands of a dynamic global mission.
  • Serbian-Croatian Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Tech. Sgt. Nikola Bozic returns home to Bosnia to provide support for a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mission. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Scholar Connects Cultural Understanding to Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Mission

    Serbian Croatian Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Tech. Sgt. Nikola Bozic recently had the opportunity to honor and give back to the community that has given so much to him while supporting the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in Bosnia.
  • A team of French and Arabic Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars provided language and tactical support for U.S. Army Europe’s Exercise Lightning Focus 2022. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Scholars and FAOs Support U.S. Army Exercise Lightning Focus 22

    A team of five French and four Arabic Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars provided language and tactical support to U.S. Army Europe and Africa for Exercise Lightning Focus 2022 through the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Training Partnership Request.
  • “We live in a multi-polar world where cultural and language skills are essential to the Air Force mission. Those skills increase our military lethality and shape our interactions with our allies and partners,” Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Jonathan Vazquez said. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Jonathan Vazquez

    “We live in a multi-polar world where cultural and language skills are essential to the Air Force mission. Those skills increase our military lethality and shape our interactions with our allies and partners,” Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Jonathan Vazquez said.
  • Members of the total force and Department of Defense organizations can view utilization for language-enabled service members in the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Language Enabled Development Resource, or LEaDeR.

    Accelerating Learning Through AFCLC’s Data-Driven Culture

    As charged by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. in his modified Action Orders, AFCLC utilizes data as the foundation to transform the way service members learn across all facets of USAF education while preparing them for strategic utilization anytime, anywhere. One resource AFCLC utilizes to develop and train language-enabled service members is the Language Enabled Development Resource or LEaDeR.
  • Standing from left to right: Capt. Eric Yuan, Capt. Mitchell Yuan, Capt. Spencer Snow, Capt. Osbert Xiao, Maj. Ty Payne and Maj. Anne Ly. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Spencer Snow

    “I am thankful LEAP has given me a formal setting to continue studying Mandarin Chinese, and it has provided me with unique immersion and learning experiences. I will continue to actively participate in the program and hope to become increasingly involved in Air Force work that requires the language skills and knowledge LEAP has afforded me," Chinese LEAP Scholar Capt. Spencer Snow said.
  • “As much as I struggle between two very different cultures as a 1.5 generation immigrant and feel the pain of fighting the battles to resolve the conflicts, I also feel empowered and obligated to utilize this gift and ability to help others overcome misunderstandings and bridge cultures and civilizations. This is also my advice to Airmen interested in LEAP: remember our obligations and responsibilities, build the bridges with our language skills, and find a balanced world of peace and prosperity.” Mandarin Chinese LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Shelton said.

    LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Shelton

    “As much as I struggle between two very different cultures as a 1.5 generation immigrant and feel the pain of fighting the battles to resolve the conflicts, I also feel empowered and obligated to utilize this gift and ability to help others overcome misunderstandings and bridge cultures and civilizations. This is also my advice to Airmen interested in LEAP: remember our obligations and responsibilities, build the bridges with our language skills, and find a balanced world of peace and prosperity.” Mandarin Chinese LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Shelton said.
  • AFCLC’s faculty completed its first SOUTHCOM Pre-Assignment Acculturation Course in March with two more scheduled so far this year. (Courtesy photo)

    AFCLC Completes First SOUTHCOM PAC

    In March, the Air Force Culture and Language Center completed its first Pre-Assignment Acculturation Course for U.S. Southern Command or SOUTHCOM. PACs are designed to prepare Air Force general officers, group commanders/senior staff officers, and command chiefs for key overseas operational and staff assignments with formal, tailored instruction on culture/region and some focus on language/communication skills.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Carlos Flores Reynes

    LEAP Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Carlos Flores Reynes

    “I wish more people knew about LEAP and the resources and experiences it can provide. This program is vital to ensure the Air Force continues to develop personnel with different languages and cultural skillsets to develop strategic partnerships worldwide. These skillsets will become more valuable as we work with other countries to create long-lasting partnerships to enhance global security," Spanish LEAP Scholar Tech. Sgt Carlos Flores Reynes said.
  • The gonculator’s enigmatic nature is key to its appeal – you don’t need to know how it works; you need to trust its results. (Courtesy photo.)

    Speaking Air-Forcefully: The Gonculator Knows Best

    Today’s Speaking Air Forcefully term is “the gonculator” – a mythical, mysterious problem-solving machine that crunches overwhelming masses of data and then offers an optimal solution.
  • Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Jose Torres presented his eMentor Special Project Course research assignment to an audience of his peers and AFCLC leadership. Maj. Torres was joined by Spanish LEAP Scholar Master Sgt. Jorge Anchundia as his event moderator and AFCLC team members Ms. Gloria Milner, Ms. Lori Quiller and Senior Airman Marcus McLaughlin.

    AFCLC’s LEAP Scholars Develop Skills Through eMentor Conversations

    One of the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s educational tools is based on the premise of conversation. As charged by Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown in his modified Action Orders, AFCLC develops cross-culturally competent Airmen and Guardians for utilization in critical missions anytime, anywhere through a program called eMentor.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center now offers a new “Introduction to Russia Culture” Course on its free Culture Guide mobile app, untethered from government IT platforms.

    AFCLC Offers Introduction to Russia Culture Course with Certificate on Culture Guide App

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center now offers a new “Introduction to Russia Culture” Course on its free Culture Guide mobile app, untethered from government IT platforms. This course coincides with AFCLC’s vision to lead the U.S. Air Force in building a cross-culturally competent total force to meet the demands of the a dynamic global mission.
  • LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Ramon Mangles-Manco

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Ramon Mangles-Manco

    “I think the professionalism, development, and readiness skills I’ve gained through LEAP are paramount. If I didn’t have this training, I wouldn’t have been ready for working in SOUTHCOM with different partner nations throughout the AOR to build mutually beneficial relationships,” Spanish LEAP Scholar Capt. Ramon Mangles-Manco said.
  • Brig. Gen. Jennifer Short, Deputy Director for Strategic Planning and Policy at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, recently completed the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Pre-deployment/Pre-assignment Acculturation Course. Short is the first female general officer to complete the course.

    AFCLC’s PAC Prepares Senior Leaders for Overseas Assignments with Culturally Focused Training

    Brig. Gen. Jennifer Short, Deputy Director for Strategic Planning and Policy at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, recently completed the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Pre-deployment/Pre-assignment Acculturation Course as the first female general officer to complete the course.
  • During his Language Intensive Training Event in Shanghai, LEAP Scholar Capt. Wiiliam Watson visited the Yu Yuan (Garden of Peace and Comfort). It was originally built in the later 1500s during the Ming Dynasty, and now exists as a classical garden in the middle of the Shanghai urban sprawl. (Courtesy Photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. William Watson

    “Oftentimes, rated members are so zoned in on tactics and our specialty, it can lead to tunnel vision. LEAP allows me to take a step back and put all the pieces together to get a broader context and be a better officer and Airman. I think that’s what the Air Force is looking for," Chinese LEAP Scholar Capt. William Watson said.
  • The Air Force Culture and Language Center now offers a new Introduction to China Culture Course on its free Culture Guide mobile app, untethered from government IT platforms. This course coincides with AFCLC’s vision to lead the U.S. Air Force in building a cross-culturally competent Total Force to meet the demands of the Service’s dynamic global mission.

    AFCLC Offers Introduction to China Culture Course with Certificate on Culture Guide App

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center now offers a new Introduction to China Culture Course on its free Culture Guide mobile app, untethered from government IT platforms. This course coincides with AFCLC’s vision to lead the U.S. Air Force in building a cross-culturally competent Total Force to meet the demands of the Service’s dynamic global mission.
  • AFCLC currently offers two academic courses to enlisted members of the total force enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force – Introduction to Culture and Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication. In addition to these educational courses, AFCLC also offers several training courses, including the Cultural Awareness Courses exclusively available through AFCLC’s Culture Guide app and Basic Airman Readiness training courses available through the Air Force’s myLearning site.

    Educational Support Staff: AFCLC’s Media and Technology Development Team

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center offers several online education and training courses to help service members and civilians develop expeditionary readiness, culture awareness, and cross-cultural competency. All courses are developed in-house by experienced developers, subject matter experts, and distinguished faculty members. AFCLC’s media and technology development team is responsible for the professional look, feel, and performance of these courses.
  • Eleven Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars translated technical documents to aid in a well-building project in Niger. As part of the translation project, Scholars were tasked with reconstructing the graphic above and translating the text from French to German to English.

    LEAP Scholars Build Partner Interoperability with African Partners

    Eleven Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars accomplished the charge of building partner interoperability with our African nation partners through language support that aided the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing and 409th Air Expeditionary Group with enhancing water sustainment at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niamey, Niger.
  • During a deployment in Burkina Faso, French Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. James Beard helped with an Embassy program to provide a well in a village. (Courtesy photo)

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. James Beard

    “LEAP has impacted both my personal life and my professional life in the Air Force. It has made me keep up with my French; I really try to stay engaged with it and study on my own. It’s amazing how many different places I’ve used the language skills I’ve gained in LEAP," French LEAP Scholar Maj. James Beard said.
  • “Overall, I’ve had an excellent experience in LEAP. Being a LEAP Scholar has gone a long way toward helping me both maintain and further my language ability," Chinese Mandarin LEAP Scholar 1st Lt. Jason Pluger said.

    LEAP Spotlight: 1st Lt. Jason Pluger

    “Overall, I’ve had an excellent experience in LEAP. Being a LEAP Scholar has gone a long way toward helping me both maintain and further my language ability," Chinese Mandarin LEAP Scholar 1st Lt. Jason Pluger said.
  • Currently, AFCLC offers two academic courses to enlisted members of the total force enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force - Introduction to Culture and Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication. Also, within the Culture Guide app, there are three training courses currently available to service members and civilians untethered from Government IT platforms – Developing Cross-Cultural Competence, Introduction to China Culture, and Introduction to Russia Culture.

    Educational Support Staff: AFCLC’s Curriculum Development Team

    As the Air Force’s Global Classroom, the Air Force Culture and Language Center stays on the cutting edge of accessible, relevant and impactful curriculum. Behind the scenes making our education and training courses come to life is a team of dynamic curriculum developers.
  • CLTR201, Introduction to Culture, is offered to enlisted members of the U.S. Armed Forces participating in the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) program. It fulfills three semester hours of Institutional (Resident) and/or Program Elective credit requirements of the CCAF Associate of Applied Science degree.

    Enrollment Window Opening Soon for Introduction to Culture – 8-14 March

    CLTR201, Introduction to Culture, is offered to enlisted members of the U.S. Armed Forces participating in the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) program. It fulfills three semester hours of Institutional (Resident) and/or Program Elective credit requirements of the CCAF Associate of Applied Science degree. The enrollment window opens 8 - 14 March, 2022.
  • CLTR202, Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication, is offered to enlisted members of the U.S. Armed Forces participating in the Community College of the Air Force program. It fulfills three semester hours of Institutional (Resident) and/or Program Elective credit requirements of the CCAF Associate of Applied Science degree.

    Enrollment Opening Soon for Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication – 12-18 April

    CLTR202, Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication, is offered to enlisted members of the U.S. Armed Forces participating in the Community College of the Air Force program. It fulfills three semester hours of Institutional (Resident) and/or Program Elective credit requirements of the CCAF Associate of Applied Science degree. Enrollment opens 12 - 18 April, 2022.
  • “The Language Enabled Airman Program has promoted my personal and professional growth while allowing me to build relationships. You don’t have anything to lose by applying for LEAP but could miss an opportunity to develop your cross-cultural and language skills by not applying,” Spanish LEAP Scholar, 1st Lt. Mariah C. Pérez said.

    LEAP Spotlight: 1st Lt. Mariah C. Pérez

    “The Language Enabled Airman Program has promoted my personal and professional growth while allowing me to build relationships. You don’t have anything to lose by applying for LEAP but could miss an opportunity to develop your cross-cultural and language skills by not applying,” Spanish LEAP Scholar, 1st Lt. Mariah C. Pérez said.
  • LEAP Scholar and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Asim Khan, director of staff, U.S. Air Forces Central Air Warfare Center, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, helps transition Afghan evacuees from Abu Dhabi International Airport to the Emirati Humanitarian City during the evacuation of American citizens, special immigrant visa applicants and other at-risk individuals from Afghanistan in August 2021. (Courtesy Photo provided by U.S. Air Force Maj. Artemis Winkley)

    LEAP Scholars: Equipped with Skills that Cannot be “Just-in-Time” Trained

    With events happening around the world at a moment’s notice, Airmen and Guardians must always be ready for the fight. Not unlike the skills built over time by a pilot, the culture, language, and regional expertise the total force needs for critical missions cannot be “just-in-time” trained.
  • “The Language Enabled Airman Program has enriched my life in the Air Force by enabling me to serve using my interests and skills outside of my AFSC,” French LEAP Scholar Capt. Victoria Smith said.

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Victoria Smith

    “The Language Enabled Airman Program has enriched my life in the Air Force by enabling me to serve using my interests and skills outside of my AFSC,” French LEAP Scholar Capt. Victoria Smith said.
  • “LEAP has enriched my military career greatly. I am very proud of the opportunities I’ve been given to contribute to the Air Force mission as well as to the defense and our country by using my language and cultural skills,” Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Andrews Gonzalez said.

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Andrews Gonzalez

    “LEAP has enriched my military career greatly. I am very proud of the opportunities I’ve been given to contribute to the Air Force mission as well as to the defense and our country by using my language and cultural skills,” Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar Maj. Andrews Gonzalez said.
  • “I wish more people knew about LEAP and the resources and experiences it can provide. LEAP is absolutely vital in ensuring the Air Force develops personnel with language and cultural skillsets. These skillsets will become invaluable as we continue to leverage and foster our partnerships across the world.” Chinese Mandarin LEAP Scholar and FAO Capt Jimmy Chien said.

    LEAP Spotlight: Capt. Jimmy Chien

    “I wish more people knew about LEAP and the resources and experiences it can provide. LEAP is absolutely vital in ensuring the Air Force develops personnel with language and cultural skillsets. These skillsets will become invaluable as we continue to leverage and foster our partnerships across the world.” Chinese Mandarin LEAP Scholar and FAO Capt Jimmy Chien said.
  • Introduction to Cross Cultural Communication

    AFCLC Faculty Enhances Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication Course

    In response to the Department of Defense and Air Force guidance to provide cultural education and awareness to the enlisted corps, the Air Force Culture and Language Center offers participants in the Community College of the Air Force program a distance learning course, Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication, to provide knowledge and skills associated with cross‐cultural communication in an applied context. Recently, the CCC course received major enhancements from course instructors Dr. John Miller, Adjunct Instructor and Dr. Susan Steen, professor of record for CCC and AFCLC’s Faculty and Region Division Chief.
  • Judi Goodall (left) and Marsha Russell (right) handle all student-related matters for the Air Force Culture and Language Center’s Community College of the Air Force courses, Introduction to Culture and Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication.

    AFCLC’s Educational Student Support Team: Judi Goodall and Marsha Russell

    The Air Force Culture and Language Center has a unique team of individuals whose mission is the administration of the Center’s two courses that each receive three semester hours of credit through the Community College of the Air Force. Part of that team consists of Judi Goodall and Marsha Russell, who handle all student-related matters from course registration to reminding students of assignment deadlines.
  • U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alfredo Miranda Rosales (far right) and Master Sgt. Carlo Estrada Oquendo (third from left) were the first Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars and among the first U.S. Airmen to attend the new Inter-American Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy course. The course was implemented in the fall of 2021 to help address partner nation needs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)

    LEAP Scholars Attend New SNCO Academy Course at IAAFA to Address Partner Nation Needs

    Spanish Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars Master Sgt. Alfredo Miranda Rosales and Master Sgt. Carlo Estrada Oquendo were among the first U.S. participants and Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars selected to attend the new Inter-American Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy course.
  • Language Enabled Airman Program Scholar and Foreign Area Officer Maj. Timothy Bettis shakes hands with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during Secretary Austin’s visit to the 2021 Manama Dialogue, the largest security conference in the Middle East. Maj. Bettis provided language and tactical support to the U.S. embassy for the event.

    LEAP Spotlight: Maj. Timothy Bettis

    "The ability of AFCLC to be forward-thinking and enable USAF students to flex their curriculum to anticipate future DOD needs is highly important. The bottom-up nature of the Language Enabled Airman Program allows students to be more agile in matching their interests and capabilities to emerging DOD needs more than a top-down, requirements-based bureaucracy could ever be," LEAP Scholar and FAO Maj. Timothy Bettis said.

    • AFCLC emblem. Air Force Culture and Language Center. Air Force's Global Classroom.

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