Leaf: Diversity strengthens the Air Force Published Sept. 28, 2012 By Rebecca Burylo Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - -- Bringing his perspective on diversity to Air University students Sept. 14, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel Leaf shared his experiences of working alongside a diverse group of professors he calls his "fabulous faculty" and the benefits they contribute to Asia-Pacific security. Leaf, who retired in 2008 as the deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Command, is the director of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, a U.S. Department of Defense academic institute. "When we present the instruction, the diversity is real. It's not just a U.S. course. We're not just preaching from an American perspective. That diversity brings an openness and willingness to listen," he said. Leaf also touched on some of his responsibilities as director of APCSS and how it coincides with the center's mission of promoting the peace and stability of Asia- Pacific through education and networking of security officials and the community. "I spend every working day understanding, addressing, teaching and thinking about the issues in Asia-Pacific and not just bad issues, but everything that's going on. I hear the perspective of many countries, not just the U.S. perspective," he explained. "Some views of the region, some issues, current issues, some territorial disputes and some law of the sea issues." Leaf addressed the Asia- Pacific region's changing relationships with China and North Korea and what it means to the Air Force and other military branches present at the Air Command and Staff College, the Squadron Officer School, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies and the Air War College. Leaf said he hopes that from his visit, Airmen will realize how important their role is as a part of the Air Force in creating a joint military team among the different services. "The services are different, and the differences are a healthy, positive thing. They ought to be very proud to be Airmen," said Leaf, adding, "We are in fact a very positive influence globally. The world needs a strong and capable United States and our Airmen are a key part of that." APCSS, headquarted in Honolulu, opened in 1995, and was created to build on the strong bilateral relationships between the U.S. Pacific Command and the armed forces of the nations in the Asia-Pacific region by focusing on the broader multilateral approach to addressing regional security issues and concerns. For more on APCSS, visit www.apcss.org.