In this issue: • Remarks by new AFCLC AFCLC Works with Eaker Center to Integrate Director Dr. David Ronan (p.3) 3C into PCE Curriculum • Special Feature: LEAP Supports Major International Visit to AU (pp.4-5) • Special Feature: AFCLC, AFNC Partner with SOC to Promote 3C, Negotiation Skills (pp.6-7) • LEAP to Accept Applications Year-Round Starting April 2015 (p.9) • Remarks by DLIFLC Liaison Mr. Rob Miltersen (p.10) • DLI, AFCLC Connect to Field Test New DLPTs (p.11) • AFCLC Training Prepares General Officers for Deployment (p.12) Dr. Patricia Fogarty, Assistant Professor of Cross-Cultural Relations at the Air Force Culture and Lan- Important Dates: guage Center, gives a lecture on cross-cultural competence (3C) at the Eaker Center on Thursday, April • Fall 2015 ITC Enrollment: 23, 2015. (AFCLC photo by Brandon M. Bridges) 15-28 Sep • Fall 2015 Intro to CCC by Brandon M. Bridges Maxwell AFB. This involves that end, it oversees a variety of Enrollment: 13-26 Oct Air Force Culture and Lan- regular lectures at the Ira C. schoolhouses, one of which is • Deadline for consideration guage Center Eaker Center for Professional the Personnel Professional De- by 2015 LEAP Selection Development, delivered by Dr. velopment School. Board: 15 August Patricia Fogarty, Assistant Pro- MAXWELL AIR FORCE fessor of Cross-Cultural Rela- Working with the Personnel BASE, Ala. – A core element tions at the AFCLC. Professional Development of the mission of the Air Force School through the Eaker The Eaker Center’s mission Center, Dr. Fogarty teaches Culture and Language Center statement describes a goal of two principal objectives: one, (AFCLC) is to help to build a providing “the highest quality, focusing on workplace di- cross-culturally competent to- multi-disciplined professional versity and culture, and the tal force. In addition to its own continuing education and in-house programs and curri- training that drives the future other, focusing on cultural cula, the Center regularly part- success of Air Force, DoD, and diversity in other locations. ners with peer organizations at international students.” To See Eaker, p.8 Page 1 Colleagues, Cooperation Subject Matter Expert Four participants of the Language for the Air Force. While there, I Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Thanks for the warm welcome from pose by the Prop and Wings at worked with senior leaders in the Air University Headquarters, all of you at the Air Force Culture and Air Force and the State Department Maxwell AFB, AL. The quartet Language Center. I am privileged to to implement guidance from as high visited Maxwell to provide serve this team as your new Director. as the Secretary of Defense and the language and culture support for I look forward to getting to know President for our foreign advisors a visiting delegation of Chinese everyone as we journey together abroad. I also helped to apply officers. (AFCLC photo by to improve our skills, grow our Brandon M. Bridges) national-level security cooperation capabilities, develop each of your issues to theater level planning and careers. processes. While I acclimate to the Center and all that we With as many overseas assignments as I’ve do together, I’m honored to come alongside you experienced, I value programs such as LEAP, and discover the quality and expertise that you all culture studies, and our helpful field guides. As bring. I’m already impressed and humbled. I’ve an educator, it’s also easy for me to see the value in been preparing weeks to share this season with you, our distance learning courses, our eMentor efforts, and now I’m delighted to complete this transition. and our collaboration efforts with peer institutions AFCLC VISION Personally, I enlisted for four years in the United such as the Eaker Center. The Air Force Culture and Language Center, as the acknowledged experts, will lead the U.S. Air States Marine Corps serving as a communications In the weeks and months to come, I look forward Force in building a cross-culturally competent Total Force to meet the demands of the Service’s NCO. Later, I commissioned and spent almost to learning more about our people and missions dynamic global mission. 29 years as an Operations and Civil Affairs officer carried out here. I pledge to support you, and to in the US Army Reserve. I’ve deployed to Beirut, AFCLC MISSION do everything possible to maintain and expand Lebanon and served for over a decade in Japan and our footprint. The Air Force Culture and Language Center creates and executes language, region and cultural more recently completed tours in Kosovo and Iraq. learning programs for Total Force Airmen, and provides the Service with the subject matter My roles included a senior UN Liaison in Kosovo, I’d also like to express my sincere appreciation to expertise required to institutionalize these efforts. the senior tribal advisor in Iraq, and ultimately Lt Col Todd Butler, who served very capably as our as a GS-15 with the Human Terrain System in Acting Director in the months prior to my arrival. Baghdad leading a national level socio-cultural Thanks to his professionalism and his dedication, The Air Force Culture and Language Center was founded at Air 600 Chennault Circle Bldg 1405 research team while serving as the program’s we completed a seamless transition of leadership. University in April 2006, embracing the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Maxwell AFB, AL 36112 senior representative in the country. intention to improve Airmen’s cross-cultural competence. Phone: 334.953.7729 I look forward to coming alongside you, Fax: 334.953.1614 In April 2007, the Air Force further demonstrated its In the civilian world, I taught for 5 years on the discovering more of your skills and interests, commitment to culture learning by selecting cross-cul- E-mail: [email protected] graduate faculty at Cornerstone University, discerning relevance and value for our mission, tural competence as the centerpiece of Air University’s delivering courses including Organizational and then articulating the way ahead for our center. re-accreditation efforts. In December 2007, the Center Follow us on Twitter @AFCLC or Facebook at: Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Global was made responsible for culture and language train- http://www.facebook.com/airforcecultureandlanguagecenter Very Respectfully, ing, as well as education, across the entire Air Force. Impact, Organizational Change, and Qualitative The Air Force Research Institute hosts the AFCLC. Subscribe on DVIDS: Research Methods. Like my time on active duty, David Ronan, Ph.D. http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/AFCLC/ these teaching engagements took me to a number Director, Air Force Culture and Language Center of different countries, including Hong Kong, Public Web site: Thailand, Singapore, Burma and the Philippines. http://culture.af.mil/ Immediately before joining the AFCLC, I held a position as a Strategic Guidance and Security

Page 2 Page 3 “The advantage of having a toolbox of LEAP Supports Major International Visit to Air University cross-culturally competent Airmen is that you’re prepared no matter what situation comes up,” said Chiasson, a developmental engineer whose participation in LEAP began in 2010.

“I was excited to take part in such an important event,” said Wang, a flight officer who joined LEAP in 2010. “LEAP is great since it brings together people from all backgrounds. Most of us don’t get to use our language skills on the job. Part of the excitement of coming here is to use our language skills.”

For Mo, a LEAP member since 2011 and a pharmacist, participating in the Chinese Capt Shaoping Mo, right, a participant of the Language Enabled Airman Program, speaks visit represented a chance to make use of with a member of the visiting Chinese delegation. Major General Han Xing, Deputy her native language proficiency. A native of Commandant, People’s Liberation Army Air Force Command College, and PLAAF China, she speaks seven different dialects Command College instructors and students, visited Air University headquarters and various AU schools, April 29, 2015. (US Air Force photo/released) of the language: Cantanese, Mandarin, Hakka, Chaozhaou, Fanghai, and Hunan, More important than the weather, “I’d never met a PLAAF officer, so it along with Kaijian, the dialect spoken in according to Chao, was the welcoming was eye opening to sit down and have her native village. climate that was established early on. a conversation about our military life,” said Chao. “Engagements and “I’m just as excited,” she said. Throughout the visit, the LEAPinteractions like this strengthen our Maxwell AFB, Ala. - Major General Han Xing, Deputy Commandant, People’s Liberation Army Air Force Command College, and PLAAF Command College instructors and students, visit Air University Headquarters and various schools, April 29, 2015. (US Air Force photo/ A Cross-Cultural Success participants engaged the Chinese officers trust and boost our understanding of released) in side conversations, and the on-the-spot each other, and all this together will When the delegation first arrived, they feedback they received was consistently help eliminate misunderstandings and by Brandon M. Bridges how the Air Force trains its leaders and abroad on Language Intensive Training were greeted by heavy rain. The moment, positive. miscommunications.” Air Force Culture and Language Center thinkers. Events twice—once to Beijing, and once to however, provided the first of what would Taiwan—but had rarely had opportunity at be many opportunities for a cultural “If you want to have global-reaching power,” The LEAP participants were Capt. Thomas “They liked that LEAP was supporting the home to put his language skills to use. exchange. visit,” said Wang. “The last time we did this added Wang, “then you need to develop MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – A Chiasson and Capt. Kevin Chao, both of global language and culture understanding. there was just one translator for the entire group of participants from the Air Force’s Los Angeles AFB; Capt. Timmy Wang, of “My trip to Taiwan made me realize how “To the Chinese, rain symbolizes washing And that’s what LEAP does.” Language Enabled Airman Program Creech AFB, Nevada; and Capt. Shaoping important it is for an officer to be bilingual, away dust, and bringing good luck,” group. This time, we only had five to six enjoyed a rare opportunity April 29, 2015, Mo, of Lackland AFB, Texas. to serve as that bridge between our country explained Mo. “It was perfect timing.” people per LEAP participant.” According to Col. Mark Swentkoske, the to provide direct support for a visit by senior and our partners,” said Chao. U.S. Air Attaché at the U.S. embassy in “Events like this serve as a reminder that international leaders to Air University. Beijing, the Chinese delegation lauded it’s not just about us as Americans,” said Prior to joining LEAP, Chao saw it primarily the AU stop as “the best” for support and Lt. Col. Joseph Thomas IV, Air University as an opportunity to study Chinese and As part of a reciprocal arrangement information exchange, and Air University protocol officer. “If we’re going to succeed maintain his proficiency. In his job as with the Air War College, Air University was quick to offer praise to LEAP for as a global influencer, then we have to a developmental engineer, he says, such hosted a delegation of Chinese officers helping make that happen. from the People’s Liberation Army Air show awareness of the cultures of those opportunities are rare. Force Command College. The four we respect and work with. Having people “Little did I know that not only does it “Their professionalism and participation participants from LEAP joined the group like our LEAP participants along who not focus on language, but also culture and were key in making this visit a success,” of Air University personnel escorting the only speak the language, but understand provided enormous opportunities to utilize said Thomas. “Their unique skill set and delegation around Maxwell, providing the culture, demonstrate that we truly value my language skills to support the actual expertise enabled AU and PLAAF to language and translation support along the diversity and are serious about cooperating share ideas and information in a way that with our global community.” mission,” he said. way. would not have been possible without The selection of LEAP members to support Purpose and Scope Involvement by LEAP their support. In addition, they displayed the Chinese delegation reflects a key Capt Thomas Chiasson (left), and Capt Timmy Wang (right), two participants of the the highest level of professionalism and The delegation visiting AU consisted of Upon being contacted by the LEAP office at objective of the program: to create a pool Language Enabled Airman Program, listen to a presentation during a visit by a Chinese portrayed Air Force captains as competent the deputy commandant of the PLAAF the Air Force Culture and Language Center, of ready and willing Airmen with a variety delegation. Major General Han Xing, Deputy Commandant, People’s Liberation Army Air and effective, further demonstrating the Chao was quick to volunteer. A participant of Air Force specialty codes to provide Force Command College, and PLAAF Command College instructors and students, visited Command College and a mix of instructors Air University headquarters and various AU schools, April 29, 2015. (US Air Force photo/ impact of professional education and and students, who were here to learn about of LEAP since 2011, Chao had been language support as needed. released) formal training.” Page 4 Page 5 AFCLC, AFNC Partner with Squadron Officer College (SOC) to gists, the list goes on—even international content.” officers.” Recently, for instance, Dr. Fogarty, along Promote 3C, Negotiation Skills “We want to prepare Captains to be leaders with Mr. Greg Day, Director of Staff at the who are ready to lead in complex, ambigu- AFCLC, reviewed SOS’s current lesson and ous environments,” he added. teaching plans, and made suggestions for revision. Indeed, the initial vision from Col Russell V. Ritchey, the first commandant of SOS, “In most cases, they show us what they’re was to take in a wide swath of experiences, already doing, and ask if it’s still current resulting in a curriculum written with a or needs revisions,” explained Dr. Fogarty. broad scope. “For example, over the past two years, we’ve worked with them on an ongoing basis to Partnership with AFCLC refine the source material to fit the chang- So how does the AFCLC fit into the mix? ing needs of their curriculum. What we’ve found is that as 3C has become more in- “We have two lessons that are hinged tegrated into the overall Air Force PME, deals with cross-cultural negotiations fol- on cross-cultural communication,” Capt SOS students have begun to require more lowed by an in class exercise to illustrate Noonan explains. “These two are actu- in-depth instruction. So, where we used to the teaching points and allows students to ally the longest lessons in the SOS course, only give that detailed education to field- apply what they just learned. and in terms of any one series of thoughts, grade officers, we’ve recently begun offering they’re the largest.” it to company-grade officers as well.” But, added Mr. Finn, there’s more.

The first of the two lessons deals with cross- While the scope of AFCLC’s involvement “We also provide a mediation elective,” he cultural negotiation, while the second changes from year to year in step with SOS’s explained. “It’s for a smaller class, usually focuses entirely on cross-cultural compe- needs and requirements, the two organiza- 60 to 70 students, but mediation skills are tence. tions continue to share a healthy and active just as important as negotiation, especially partnership. for anyone working towards a leadership “How do you operate in a culturally- position.” complex environment?” Noonan said in “It’s telling that as long as this has been explaining the guiding questions of both happening, SOS continues to find utility in Overall, AFNC sees its role as helping SOS lessons. “And then how do you effectively cross-cultural competence curricula,” said work through its needs, and providing sup- work and represent the US military in that Mr. Day. “As long as they continue to look port in whatever capacity is needed. With environment, and then operate towards to us for that information, we’re more than his background as an SOS Flight Com- Capt James Garris begins a class on Cross-Cultural Negotiations at the Squadron Officer College (SOC). (AFCLC photo by Brandon M. mander, Mr.Finn knows firsthand that the Bridges) mission success?” happy to provide.” needs of the teaching mission can change by Brandon M. Bridges during the formative years of their careers and prepare them for the strategic-level To answer that, the AFCLC provides con- Air Force Negotiation Center from year to year. tent that fits with Captains’ needs, as de- Air Force Culture and Language Center and helping prepare them to be the air- thinking that they’ll need at the field-grade Like the AFCLC, the Air Force Negotiation “We can provide as much or as little help power leaders of tomorrow. As part of that officer level.” rived from the Institutional Competency Center (AFNC) provides critical informa- as they need,” he said. “We can provide the effort, since 2009, the AFCLC has played a List from Air Force doctrine, the Air Uni- tion and expertise to SOS in support of curriculum, advise or help craft the cur- MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – critical role: helping shape the cross-cul- According to Capt Noonan—himself a versity Continuum of Officer and Enlisted Professional Military Education Strategic their curriculum. Negotiation is a required riculum, or we can teach it.” The nature of the mission of the Air Force tural awareness of SOS students. graduated SOS instructor—the course in- cludes cross-cultural competence (3C), Guide (a.k.a. the Continuum of Education competency for all Air Force service mem- Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) is Indeed, according to Dr. Stefan Eisen, Di- Strategic Guidance, or CESG), and ongoing bers, whether enlisted or commissioned, such that it contributes in ways great and History leading change, general leadership prin- rector of the AFNC, collaborations such as small to a wide variety of missions across ciples, communication, the profession of needs analysis discussions that take place and courses like SOS represent an ideal op- In its present form, SOS consists of a five- portunity to instill that skillset. the one with SOS are simply part of the job. the Air Force. Collaboration with partners arms, critical thinking, and joint operation- with SOS leaders. week graduate level experience focused on Dr. Eisen’s background also includes time near and far is simply a part of the job—but al planning. All represent key skillsets for leadership development. SOS is offered According to Dr. Patricia Fogarty, Assistant “We support all of the schools here,” said spent at SOS, and his time as a squadron an oft-overlooked truth is that some of the any leader, but they are especially critical commander there gave him a unique ap- seven times each year, with approximately Professor of Cross-Cultural Relations, who Mr. Hank Finn, Deputy Director of the most important collaborations are those for a 21st century military leader, given the AFNC. “Like AFCLC, we sat down with preciation for AFNC’s role in supporting 620 to 680 students in each SOS class. The serves as the primary liaison between AF- closest to home. One such collaboration is global and unpredictable nature of the Air CLC and SOC, much of what the Center the instructors at SOS, looked at what they Air Force PME. course is required for all Air Force Cap- with the Squadron Officer College (SOC), Force’s mission. provides is culture-general knowledge. were working on, and said, ‘Based on your tains, and is available to equivalent USAF in the development of the Squadron Officer need, here’s what we think.’ ” “As senior leadership continues to stress the School (SOS) program. civilians and international officers; every “These young officers are here to broaden “Our content has mostly focused on gen- importance of Air Force members develop- USAF O-3 is encouraged to attend. Its their horizons, expand their experiences,” eral 3C knowledge, skills, and attitudes For the SOS course, Mr. Finn serves as an ing negotiation skillsets to operate glob- Since 1950, SOS has played a key role in overall purpose is, in the words of SOS cur- said Capt Noonan. “We take the full gamut (KSAs), on cross-cultural communication instructor, providing a one-hour lecture. ally,” said Dr. Eisen, “we in the Negotiation the professional military education (PME) riculum designer Capt Jonathon Noonan, of what the Air Force does. Pilots, naviga- knowledge and skills,” she explained. “We That is followed by a two-hour class ses- Center remain dedicated to providing edu- system, educating and mentoring students “to take tactical-level experts in their field, tors, missile operators, nurses, psycholo- do content updates, as well as provide new sion with SOS flight commanders, which cation and training support at every level.” Page 6 Page 7 Eaker, continued from p.1 “The first course is all about helping flight LEAP to Accept Applications Year-Round Starting April 2015 commanders relate to other cultures, as by Brandon M. Bridges well as their own within the Air Force,” Air Force Culture and Language Center explained Maj Anthony Pickett, Course Director for the Personnel Professional Development School. “The course is geared MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. towards the internal dynamics of the US – Starting in April 2015, the Language Air Force, and when you have 100 to 400 Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) began people in a single flight, it’s a consideration accepting applications year-round. you have to take into account.” The move marks a transition from the A key element of recognizing the diversity established practice of having specific of cultures within the US Air Force involves application windows in advance of an acknowledgment of the various and scheduled selection boards. diverse backgrounds of its members. Factors such as racial background, gender, “We have almost two thousand participants and economic background all affect an as of spring 2015,” said Rebecca McKenzie, Airman’s beliefs and perceptions. who oversees LEAP at the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC). To demonstrate, Dr. Fogarty organized “Opening the application window year Capt. Kawika Berggren (far right) and fellow Language Enabled Airman Program participants a series of exercises with the diversity Dr. Patricia Fogarty, Assistant Professor of Cross-Cultural Relations at the AFCLC, gives pause for a photo after receiving their certificates of completion for the Language Intensive a lecture to a group of students from the Personnel Professional Development School. round will allow us to get a better overall students. picture of the language capabilities in the Training Events program in Ecuador, Sept. 13, 2013. As part of his LEAP training, Berggren (AFCLC photo by Brandon M. Bridges) traveled to Ecuador to immerse himself in the Latin culture and bolster his language skills. Air Force at any given time. We can then “First, I asked for a few volunteers,” Dr. (Courtesy Photo) assumptions about what’s normal. And it’s The second course objective focuses call on those capabilities at any time.” Fogarty explained. “We wrote down a reminder that they may not understand more on force support squadron (FSS) completed packages at any time during applications received prior to the cutoff assumptions about each volunteer— our perspective.” personnel, and reflects a growing emphasis The ultimate objective, says Ms. McKenzie, the year. Selection boards will continue to date will be reviewed by that board. including me—based on first impressions.” across the Air Force on diversity, a broad is to better target the proper languages, convene on a regular basis; when a board is Applications received after the cutoff date Then, the class performed the first exercise Next, she conducted an exercise to implementation of what the AFCLC refers ranks, and Air Force Specialty Codes scheduled, a corresponding cutoff date will again, to see how the step exercise had will be rolled over to the next board. demonstrate how life events affect to as cross-cultural competence, or 3C. (AFSCs) to meet whatever mission be announced for applicants wishing to be changed their perceptions of one another. perceptions. A group of students lined up, The FSS coursework has a broad audience, requirements may arise. considered by that board. “This year,” said Ms. McKenzie, “we have including mid-to-senior enlisted Airmen, and then moved forward or backward from The second course objective deals with Under the new approach, dubbed “open a board scheduled in mid-September. So as well as officers up through lieutenant This means that, although the application the starting line based on their responses to cultural diversity in other locations, such as application” by LEAP program managers, system will remain open and available we’ve set the deadline for online application specific scenarios or questions. colonel. other countries, and provides instruction applicants will now be able to submit after the board cutoff date, only completed completion for 17 August.” “It ended up giving people an understanding on dealing with non-American cultures. “We’re being asked to incorporate diversity of the impact different events can have on awareness and leadership training into all Interested in joining LEAP in 2015? one’s life and perceptions of others, on rate “The challenge with a course like this is of our PCE coursework,” explained Maj Current guidance, as published in the 2015 selection memo, outlines eligibility requirements for Airmen interested in of success in career and family,” said Dr. that participants are going to so many Pickett. “Collectively, both of the course LEAP: Fogarty. “The goal is to give participants different places,” said Maj Pickett. “They’d objectives that Dr. Fogarty teaches reflect a perspective on other people’s lives. It like information on specific locations, but the core mission of the Eaker Center, which • USAF Active Duty (AD) Enlisted Airmen (excluding 1N3 and 1A8 career fields) with at least 48 months Time in Ser- can help us understand that others may we make the coursework more broad so we is to professionally develop our Airmen vice (TIS), rank of Senior Airman (SrA) through Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), completion of all 5-Skill Level and have a completely different outlook on life, can make it relevant to everyone.” into better leaders.” Career Field and Education Training Plan (CFETP) requirements, and not within two years of separation or retirement. • USAF AD Commissioned Officers not within two years of separation or retirement. About the Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development Vision: • USAF Officer Candidates with a commission date scheduled for the current academic year may apply. However, officer candidates applying now will be considered by a 2016 board instead of the fall 2015 board. Further instructions for “The Center of expertise and innovation for professional development.” cadet applicants will be released in August 2015. Cadets not career designated should understand that participation in Mission: LEAP may influence their ultimate career paths and/or assignments. Additionally, their chosen language may change “Provide the highest quality, multi-disciplined professional continuing education and to accommodate demand signals from career field functional managers and needs of the Air Force. Involvement in training that drives the future success of the Air Force, DoD, and international students.” LEAP will in no way preclude participation in any rated Air Force program (pilot, navigation, etc.). 525 Chennault Cir, Bldg 1404 To apply, interested Airmen must be on a military domain computer with a CAC-reader and an Air University (AU) Portal Maxwell AFB, AL 36112 account to begin a LEAP application. Applicants that need to create or update their AU Portal account will be redirected (334) 953-2864 to the AU Portal before going to the application site.

Page 8 Page 9 Colleagues, 10 languages at Air University, DLIFLC, LEAP Connect to Field Test New DLPT including Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Greetings from the Defense by Brandon M. Bridges, Rob Miltersen, & French, German, Korean, Persian- Rebecca McKenzie Language Institute Foreign Language Farsi, Russian, Spanish, and Swahili. Air Force Culture and Language Center Center (DLIFLC) Language Training Detachment (LTD) at Air University! Alongside our support to AWC and ACSC, we also partner with the Air MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – The Defense Language Institute Foreign Lan- I wanted to take a few moments to Force Culture and Language Center introduce myself and the rest of guage Center (DLIFLC) will soon unveil a (AFCLC) to support a variety of new set of Defense Language Proficiency the DLI faculty, especially to those missions. Instructors from the DLI Tests (DLPTs). Like any form of examina- who didn’t know there is a DLI LTD LTD have taught dozens of Language tion, the DLPTs must be formally validated located at Maxwell AFB. before they can be implemented, and for Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) that, DLI teamed up with the Air Force DLI has been teaching foreign languages at Air participants in Language Intensive Training Events Culture and Language Center (AFCLC). (LITEs), and we have also supported instruction University since 2006, primarily focusing on Air A critical element of the vetting process A group of participants of the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) prepare to take War College (AWC) and Air Command & Staff of over a dozen General Officers heading for for the new exams is field testing, which newly revised versions of Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPTs) in German and College (ACSC) students. As the program steadily deployment as part of the General Officer Pre- involves Airmen taking the tests exactly as Hindi. (AFCLC photo by Brandon M. Bridges) grew, AWC Commandant, MG Stephen Miller, Deployment Acculturation Course (GOPAC). they normally would, and providing feed- coordinate between DLI and LEAP. “Our I was deployed to Oman,” said Patel. “99% back to DLI to help make improvements. formally requested that DLI hire a full time liaison LEAP participants selected as testers all of the people who came on base were third- In early 2011, DLI Commandant, Colonel Danial have relatively high DLPT scores, so they country nationals who didn’t know Arabic Upon being contacted by DLI officials in to manage the blossoming language program at bring an added perspective to the process.” or English. So when someone broke their Pick and the Commander, Spaatz Center for Monterey, CA, regarding the field tests, AU. hand and needed to communicate with the Officer Education, MG Robert Kane signed a DLI Liaison to AU Rob Miltersen saw a “We’re definitely benefitting from [the doctor, that was when I first started using perfect opportunity to partner with the AF- LEAP particiapnts’] feedback,” said Ms. In his request to then-DLI Commandant, Colonel Memorandum of Agreement formally establishing Hindi skills. I’ve assisted ever since, but CLC’s Language Enabled Airman Program Tara Hama-Amin, visiting from DLIFLC a DLIFLC Language Training Detachment at when I got back and learned about LEAP, Tucker Mansager, MG Miller stated: “It was the (LEAP). While a number of DLPTs are in to oversee the testing process. “Native I saw an opportunity to better use my lan- CSAF’s vision that Air University become a center Maxwell AFB. In 2014, I hired the last of 4 full- the process of being updated, AFCLC is speakers know the language very well, and guage skills.” of language learning for the Air Force, in efforts time language training instructors to permanently lending its support to two specific languag- the non-native speakers have seen other spread across the continuum of education.” This staff the LTD. My team consists of some of the best es: German and Hindi. DLPTs.” The LEAP Connection language instructors from DLI: Daniel Jimenez, request was eventually realized in October of 2009, “I’m very familiar with LEAP, and knew The result, she said, is very specific feed- In broader terms, the LEAP participants when DLI hired me to serve as the DLI Liaison to Assistant Professor – Spanish; Dr. Sandra Schoder, that they would have plenty of German and back, often right down to what words and viewed it as an excellent example of how Air University. Assistant Professor – German; Dr. Dongdong Hindi participants to help fulfill this re- passages need to be changed. useful the program can be—and how im- quirement,” said Mr. Miltersen. “It’s a great Zhang, Assistant Professor – Chinese; and Dr. In the case of Capt Nora Scheiber, one of portant it is to the greater mission of the Air help to DLI, and I think it will be a great op- Force. Since that time, the AU language program has Victor Mbodouma, Assistant Professor – French. portunity for LEAP members who get this the LEAP participants assisting with the had some significant changes. For example, when experience.” validation process, that feedback came with “With [the Secretary of the Air Force] say- I first came onboard, language familiarization Great things are happening at Air University each justification backed by experience. ing that every dollar has to count,” said 1st Altogether, the AFCLC brought 15 German and every day; the work that happens here has the “On the German portions of the old test, Lt Kedar Choksey, a logistics readiness of- courses were mandatory for all ACSC students, and 6 Hindi LEAP participants to Maxwell power and potential to reach all corners of the Air the passages were obviously written by a ficer stationed in Germany, who joined and available on a volunteer basis for the AWC. in order to take part in the validation pro- native speaker ” said Capt Sheiber, a force LEAP in 2010, “when you find capabilities Force. All of us at the DLI LTD are pleased and cess. The group took a different version of 22 language instructors spent 6 months TDY support officer who joined LEAP in 2011. like this that don’t need to be trained, it’s privileged to have a role in making that work a the test each day for four days, beginning to Maxwell AFB to provide foreign language “Then it seemed like the English questions highly cost effective.” with a 3-hour reading test in the morning instruction, and over 500 students would annually success, and we look forward to more of the same and answers were written by an American.” in 2015 and beyond. and a 3-hour listening test in the afternoon. SSgt Amol-Kumar Rathod, a crew chief complete a DLIFLC language course. Currently, Each participant holds a current DLPT The Hindi test, too, provoked strong reac- instructor from Sheppard AFB, TX, ex- participation in the language program at both the Very Respectfully, score between levels 1+ and 3+ in their re- tions from the testers, particularly TSgt pressed strong concurrence. spective language. Jignesh Patel, who joined leap in 2011. AWC and ACSC is voluntary; despite the busy “The capabilities and experience that we schedules of AU students, over 300 of them still Robert A. “Rob” Miltersen Patel, whose native language is Gujarati, “These tests are designed to gauge a person’s serves as a supply NCO at an air base in have aren’t just on standby,” he said. “They choose to take one of DLI’s language programs Defense Language Institute Language Training abilities in a particular language, based on Turkey. should be used to engage the cultural as- each year. Since the beginning, we have taught Detachment Liaison the United States Government’s Interagen- pects of a mission. What we do on LITEs cy Language Roundtable (ILR) proficiency “I’ve been using my Hindi language skills is to help us learn, with hopes of being used levels,” said Rebecca McKenzie, who helped since before joining LEAP, especially while for actual missions.” Page 10 Page 11 Preparation To maximize the effectiveness of the course, “Any senior leader going into a foreign AFCLC Training Prepares General Officers for Deployment GOPAC is designed to be a fully immersive theater is going to need to know how to As with any major undertaking, GOPAC experience. In addition to the rigorous interact with someone from that culture,” requires a significant amount of planning course of instruction, the training areas said Dr. Stefan Eisen, Director of the AFNC. and preparation. AFCLC and its supporting each feature décor designed to mimic the “When you’re acting on behalf of the United subject matter experts tailor each lesson to countries being discussed. GOPAC 15-2 States military, a key element of interaction the specific needs and circumstances of the saw an entire wing of the AFCLC facility is going to be negotiation. Nothing is ever general officers attending. transformed into miniature replicas of a given when you’re interacting with a “The greatest thing about GOPAC is that it’s meeting rooms in Qatar and Afghanistan, foreign leader, so it’s critical that we equip tailored for each general officer and their with touches both large and small. our leaders with the skills they need to accomplish the mission.” circumstances,” said Lt Col Todd Butler, Ornate floor rugs, gathered specially for the Acting Director of the AFCLC during both occasion, adorned one hallway. Miniature The end-of-course exercise is particularly 2015 iterations of the course. “We do as tapestries hung from the walls in the Afghan much as we possibly can to make the course important, adds Dr. Eisen. training room, while across the hall, Qatari material relevant for their specific location.” pottery filled the shelves of a bookcase. “Exactly what we do at the end of each Planning for the first 2015 iteration of GOPAC differs depending on a number of “With this year’s GOPAC I finally got to see the course began in early January. Dr. factors,” he said. “This April, the GOPAC behind the curtain,” said Olin Goodhue, Will Dulaney, Assistant Professor of team did both a Key Leader Engagement Chief of the Mission Support division at Organizational Communication at the (KLE) and a round table.” the AFCLC. “From that perspective the AFCLC, served as the professor of record most striking aspect of the program is the The round tables developed jointly by for both 2015 iterations of the course, and exhaustive interdisciplinary groundwork. AFCLC and AFNC exercise critical was responsible for the development of It goes without saying this is one of the negotiating opportunities when engaging both curricula. more critical things we do, and I can’t over with key leaders as they resolve issues. Lt Gen Stephen Kwast, Commander, Air University, delivers introductory remarks on the first day of the General Officer Pre-Deployment emphasize how the extensive preparation In addition, the KLEs involve building a Acculturation Course (GOPAC), Monday, April 20, 2015. GOPAC offers a comprehensive course of instruction to help prepare general “This iteration of GOPAC was particularly officers for service in support of the US mission in foreign countries. (AFCLC photo by Brandon M. Bridges) challenging due to having two separate transforms this course into a comprehensive specific scenario using inputs from experts Areas of Operation, Afghanistan and learning experience.” and then simulating an actual meeting by Brandon M. Bridges receive thorough preparation in language in me respect and acknowledgement of the Qatar, encompassing three distinct Air between US military leaders and their Collaboration Air Force Culture and Language Center and culture before deploying to that danger of engaging with valuable partners Expeditionary Wing missions,” said Dr. counterparts. In keeping with GOPAC’s country. without cultural awareness.” Dulaney. “The Afghanistan course alone To make GOPAC a success, AFCLC immersive nature, the experts typically required extensive curriculum changes appear in appropriate regional garb, and That request, made to the Chief of Staff of routinely partners with several of its peer MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Today, GOPAC consists of a 30-hour block in order to meet the Culture, Regional staff members stand in to play the roles the Air Force, led the AFCLC to develop a organizations, one of which is the Defense When thinking of deployments to a foreign of instruction, with half devoted to language Expertise, and Language education needs of military and government attachés. formal curriculum with a focus on language, Language Institute Foreign Language country, most discussions turn immediately and half devoted to region/culture. Since of General Officers taking command Appropriate customs are also observed, culture, geography, and more. In its initial Center (DLIFLC). to the tactical questions: where is the its inception, AFCLC has conducted 20 there, especially with leadership changes down to the specifics of things such as form, GOPAC consisted of a single AFCLC enemy? And how can we best defeat them? GOPAC courses, graduating a total of 33 within the Government of the Islamic As the DoD Executive Agent for foreign pouring of tea. faculty member, Dr. Brian Selmeski, For senior leaders, however, deployments senior leader students. Republic of Afghanistan. All in all, the language instruction, the DLIFLC has conducting one-on-one training sessions feature another element, of equal if not challenge GOPAC presents brings out the provided all language instruction since the “We want to make it as authentic as we can, covering culture-general instruction; as greater importance: who are our allies? The key to its lasting success, according best in the AFCLC; working with our peer beginning of GOPAC. and show them what it’s actually going to be demand grew, the course expanded over And how can we best work with them? to Dr. Brian Selmeski, former Director of organizations continually results in quality like,” said Dr. Eisen. time to include an increasing amount of “Of all the things DLI contributes here at Plans at the AFCLC, lies in part with its education for important people doing Air University, GOPAC certainly gets the Conclusion For a group of general officers and culture-specific material. unique nature. important work.” most visibility,” said Mr. Rob Miltersen, general officer selects preparing for duty Asked about his feelings regarding “Developing trust and establishing “No other service has a program like That last is especially important, added who serves as on-site liaison between overseas, the answers can be found in the GOPAC, Lt Col Butler was effusive in his relationships with senior Emirati military GOPAC,” he said. “It’s a weeklong culture Dr. Patricia Fogarty, Assistant Professor of AFCLC and DLIFLC. “Each GO seems to Air Force Culture and Language Center’s enthusiasm. “From my chair as the acting officers has been both my most important and language prep for general officers going Cross-Cultural Relations at the AFCLC. really appreciate the language training they (AFCLC) General Officer Pre-Deployment director of the AFCLC,” he said, “I’ve now and most challenging obligation,” said Brig downrange.” receive prior to deployment, and we like the Acculturation Course (GOPAC). had the duty and privilege of overseeing Gen John Quintas, who participated in “In the United States, we’re used to opportunity to set them up for success.” History GOPAC prior to beginning a tour of duty in Just as important, he added, is the fact that interacting with one another in a particular the whole GOPAC process twice in 2015. Dubai. “Despite years of experience in the the course is fairly rigorous; Dr. Selmeski way,” said Dr. Fogarty, who also served as an The other major partner AFCLC works with I’ve said it many times before, but having GOPAC was originally conceived in region, every culture within the Gulf region describes it as “an academic program built instructor for GOPAC. “We, for example, on GOPAC is the Air Force Negotiation watched the process come together, I’ll say 2009, at the request of General Stanley requires and deserves specific training. The on solid theory and research.” might introduce ourselves in a very concise Center (AFNC). AFNC actually plays two it again: the team we have here is as capable McChrystal—then the Commander of the basic tools I developed at GOPAC proved way, which we may look at as efficient. In roles in GOPAC: first, to provide cross- and as dedicated as any leader could hope International Security Assistance Force valuable in every engagement, allowing “It’s more than just a scholarly venture,” Qatar, that same introduction might seem cultural negotiation training; and second, for. Thanks to them and their hard work, (COMISAF) in Afghanistan—in response me to succeed very early in my command he added. “We’re preparing them to do insulting, since it doesn’t observe their to plan and prepare for the end-of-course we didn’t just ‘do’ GOPAC, we’ve made it a to a perceived need for general officers to tour. More importantly, GOPAC instilled things.” greeting customs.” exercises. very successful course.” Page 12 Page 13 Going abroad? Don’t leave home without a guide! Captain Journeys Back to Vietnam in One LEAP by John Parker provided career-long language sustainment AFCLC maintains a collection of culture field Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs training, including live online language instruction through the eMentor program guides spanning a total of 29 countries, with more TINKER AIR FORCE BSE, OKLA. -- Born and language immersion opportunities on the way! Each guide is a pocket-sized cultural and raised in Vietnam until he was 15, called Language Intensive Training Events Capt. Thomas Pham joined the Air Force in (LITE). Advanced LITEs, such as the ones sourcebook designed to help familiarize you with 2004 with hopes of one day using his native completed by Captain Pham, can include the culture, history, and geography of a specific language fluency on behalf of his adopted internship-style training in foreign nations nation. -- essentially a chance to improve language country, with content broken down along the So when the Air Force’s Language Enabled skills through interactions with native USAF’s 12 cultural domains. Airman Program began, Captain Pham military and civilian speakers. “leaped” at the chance. LEAP seeks Airmen Captain Pham was first called for LITE duty So before you travel, visit: already proficient in foreign languages to in Hanoi in 2013, but the captain’s journey help sustain and improve their skills and to America and the Air Force began in http://culture.af.mil/ be on call for key assignments around the 1996. That’s when his family, after a decade globe. wait, was approved for emigration through and see if we have a guide for you! family sponsorship. The captain’s uncle was “I thought this might be a great program to Capt. Thomas Pham is a science and among the millions of refugees in the 1970s join and, who knows, I thought someday engineering development manager with who fled the country after the Vietnam War. the Air Force Sustainment Center. (Air they might be able to send people to Force photo by Kelly White/Released) *Don’t miss our newest field guide, US Forces Pacific Culture Guide: Japan, Vietnam to work in the embassy or The captain graduated from Oklahoma published April 2015! anywhere,” said Captain Pham, a science City’s Western Heights High School, Captain Pham’s performance led to another and engineering development manager at then acquired a bachelor’s degree at the trip to Hanoi last summer when the Office the Air Force Sustainment Center at Tinker University of Oklahoma in 2004 and of Defense Cooperation requested him AFB. “I applied and I’ve been in LEAP ever a master’s degree in 2011. He earned by name. He served as a cadre of the U.S. Are you in LEAP? Are you on Facebook? since.” naturalized American citizenship in 2001. Army’s Cadet English Language Training Team for two months. After two LEAP-related assignments Captain Pham’s first LITE assignment working with the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, was as an intern for the Office of Defense Captain Pham has vacationed several times Captain Pham said the experiences were Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. in Vietnam, but his work with LEAP was dreams come true. His extensive work the first time he traveled there for the Air there included clearing a diplomatic hurdle During six weeks, Captain Pham’s duties Force. They were his first trips to Hanoi and in preparation for an historic secretary of included translating for Ambassador David northern Vietnam. state visit. B. Shear during a ribbon cutting for a U.S.- funded Disaster Management Center and The captain highly recommends LEAP for A 6-year-old initiative of the Air Force a kindergarten. He also translated and Airmen. Culture and Language Center at Maxwell helped coordinate planning for a survey of “If you already have that skill in a language, AFB, Ala., LEAP has grown to nearly 1,900 three major Vietnamese seaports and two LEAP will help you throughout your career,” participants that speak over 80 strategically airports for possible use in humanitarian Captain Pham said. “You get sent overseas important languages. The career-spanning disaster relief, if needed. It was a site survey to that country to immerse in that culture, program is designed to help Airmen across for the U.S. Transportation Command. that language, and it helps you better that all Air Force specialties sustain, enhance skill throughout your career.” and use their language skills and create Captain Pham also successfully negotiated cross-culturally competent leaders who can “politically sensitive” flight permission with The captain said his LEAP experiences have meet Air Force mission requirements. Vietnamese officials involving Secretary been the highlight of his career. “I loved it,” of State John Kerry’s visit there in 2013, he said. The program seeks out Airmen who are according to Air Attaché Lt. Col. Raymond Be sure to join* our Facebook group! Learn about all already moderately to highly fluent in those M. Powell. “I recommend LEAP for anyone who wants things LEAP, share your experiences, connect with your languages found on the Air Force’s Strategic to improve their skill and someday connect Language List (SLL). Biannual selection “In short, Tom had to adapt and overcome with their home country and represent fellow group members, ask questions and get answers. boards typically choose new participants in precisely the manner required for service the U.S. military in some small way and from active duty enlisted, officer and officer here on the wild frontier of foreign service, improve the relationship of the U.S. in that http://www.facebook.com/groups/AFLEAP/ candidate applicants. and his success laid the foundation for an country.” historic diplomatic event,” Colonel Powell *Closed group; memberships are subject to verification by LEAP staff. After being selected, LEAP participants are wrote. Reprinted with permission. Page 14 Page 15 Capt Gordon Randall and Dr. Sandra Schoder represented the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) and Air University’s Defense Language Institution Language Training Detachment (DLI LTD) at the DLIFLC Language Day event in Monterey, California on 8 May. The target audience was the 1,000+ airmen linguists in training, hundreds of language instructors, major language- focused stakeholders, and thousands of middle and high school students in attendance. On Soldiers Field, Capt Randall and Dr. Schoder explained the mission set of the AFCLC and DLI LTD in Air University to mold cross-culturally competent language-enabled airmen. They passed out nearly 300 Air Force Expeditionary Field Guides, over 100 brochures promoting the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP), and many culture-related quizzes and fact sheets. This was an outstanding opportunity to represent the AFCLC, DLI and LEAP, to recruit potential LEAP participants, and encourage LEAP utilization. Page 16