337th ACS trains international partners

Published April 2, 2025
By Senior Airman Briana Beavers
33rd Fighter Wing

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --

To support and enhance the aerial capabilities of U.S. allies, the 337th Air Control Squadron instructs international partners on air battle management.

This iteration of studies facilitates training to Indonesian and Italian Air Force officers.

“The 337th trains international military students on the USAF’s techniques for command and control of combat air operations,” said 1st Lt Thomas Goya, 337th ACS international studies OIC. “This offers students the tools needed to become proficient, while fostering relationships with allied nations through open dialogue regarding professional differences, doctrine, and culture.”

A photo of graduates posing. — Italian and Indonesian Air Force air battle management graduates from the 337th Air Control Squadron pose for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Mar. 27, 2025. The 337th ACS graduates approximately 96 international students annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Briana Beavers)

The 337th ACS offers two classes, the International Air Weapons Controller Course and the Theater Air Operations Course.

“There are currently 52 countries that participate in both the IAWCC and TAOC,” Goya said. “Generally, we facilitate four classes each per year, and graduate about 96 students annually.”

In addition to training international partners, the 337th ACS provides employment opportunities through the military personnel exchange program.

“I completed the TAOC course in 2016 and followed up with the IAWCC in 2019,” said Polish Air Force Maj. Krzysztof Wyrwich, 337th ACS Polish exchange officer and international studies graduate. “When I was a student, the commander at the time asked if Poland would like to join the MPEP program which would allow me to be a liaison for my home country.”

MPEP is a Department of Defense cooperation program that allows foreign military personnel to integrate into U.S. military units.

Wyrwich remarked on how rewarding this training is and his experience as a Polish liaison.

“It's an honor to be here,” Wyrwich said. “I learned something new every day from instructors on the U.S. side and from other countries. It’s a great opportunity to exchange experiences with other nations and learn from our differences.”

The training program has not only proved beneficial to international students but the 337th as well.

“What I’ve noticed is the constant exchange of knowledge between our members and national partners,” Goya said. “These partnerships have lasting advantages when our cadre and staff engage with course graduates in an operational setting.”

Goya closed with his thoughts on the value the squadron provides to the war fighting effort.

“Our alliances act as a force multiplier through multinational cooperation and coordination,” Goya said. “It proves that some of our actions are always greater than if we act alone. If the time comes for future combat, we know that we’ll be ready because of training like this.”

A photo of foreign air battle managers talking. — 337th ACS trains international partners

Italian Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Giovanni De Vuono, 337th Air Control Squadron air battle management student, answers a classmate’s question at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Mar. 10, 2025. During the course, international students trained on techniques for command and control of combat air operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Briana Beavers)

SLIDESHOW | images | 337th ACS trains international partners

A photo of a Polish liaison working. — 337th ACS trains international partners

Polish Air Force Maj. Krzysztof Wyrwich, 337th ACS Polish exchange officer and air battle management graduate, works on his computer at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Mar. 10, 2025. Wyrich graduated from both international courses before joining the 337th as a Polish liaison. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Briana Beavers)

SLIDESHOW | images | 337th ACS trains international partners

A photo of a graduation certificate. — 337th ACS trains international partners

Indonesian Air Force Capt. Muhammad Ichasan, 337th Air Control Squadron air battle management graduate, holds a graduation certificate at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Mar. 27, 2025. The 337th ACS offers an International Air Weapons Controller Course and a Theater Air Operations Course to foreign students. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Briana Beavers)

SLIDESHOW | images | 337th ACS trains international partners

A photo of graduates posing for a photo. — 337th ACS trains international partners

Italian Air Force air battle management graduates from the 337th Air Control Squadron pose for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Mar. 27, 2025. During the course, international students trained on techniques for command and control of combat air operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Briana Beavers)

SLIDESHOW | images | 337th ACS trains international partners