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LEAP Scholars pave the way for collaboration and interoperability at Engineer Summit
LEAP translates strategy into action during first-in-a-generation DLE exercise series
Fairchild Airmen recognized for outstanding language skills
LEAP Scholars partner with U.S. Army Intelligence in immersive Warrior Engaged exercise
Language as a Force Multiplier: LEAP Scholars Bridge Cultures in Panamá

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  • Pictured from left to right: A hotel employee dressed in traditional Kenyan clothing, a General from Gabon and LEAP Scholar Maj. Peter Barnes. The General and Barnes bought matching hats after a visit to the East African Air Museum in Nairobi to commemorate their friendship as the LEAP team was able to get to know and work with him throughout the Silent Warrior 2025 symposium. (Contributed photo).

    More than translation: LEAP Scholars help forge critical alliances in Africa

    NAIROBI, Kenya -- In a significant display of international cooperation, senior special operations forces (SOF) leaders from more than 40 nations convened for the Silent Warrior 2025 symposium in December. The conference aimed to collaboratively address the continent's complex and shifting security landscape. Jointly hosted by the Kenyan Special Operations Forces Command (KENSOF) and U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (USSOCAFRICA), this year's event emphasized a united dedication. The core theme centered on responding to mutual threats by empowering and building African-led security solutions. The expertise of the six LEAP Scholars who participated in Silent Warrior 2025 proved to be a critical factor in its success.
  • LEAP Scholars 1st Lt. Masahito Nishimura (bottom far left) and 1st Lt. Yu Lei (bottom far right) pose with military members from partner allies, a member of Red Horse, and United States Air Force interpreters after a tent building event during the recent Allies & Partners Engineer Summit in the INDOPACOM AOR.

    LEAP Scholars pave the way for collaboration and interoperability at Engineer Summit

    When engineers from across the globe converged in Guam and the Philippines for an intensive training event, a standout group of LEAP Scholars helped strengthen bonds and elevate the learning experience.
  • PISAJ 21 participants and facilitators, including MSgt Ortiz, from the U.S. and Colombian militaries. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Taeckens)

    Financial Manager Bridges Cultures and Strengthens Partnerships Through LEAP

    Master Sgt. Michael Ortiz, Financial Management Superintendent at the 89th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md., is a shining example of how language skills and cultural awareness can significantly enhance a financial professional’s impact within the Air Force and beyond. Since 2018, Ortiz has been actively involved in the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP), focusing on Spanish, and his experiences have been transformative.

  • Forging the Future: How LEAP Scholars are Deepening the U.S.-Japan Alliance

    Three Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars have been selected for the highly competitive Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program. Established by Congress in 1994, the program builds a corps of U.S. federal employees with advanced Japanese proficiency and hands-on experience in Japan’s government to strengthen U.S.-Japan cooperation.
  • Following a rigorous selection board process last summer, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 314 Airmen and Guardians in 39 languages from 1,542 applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program.

    314 Active Duty Officers and Enlisteds Selected for Language Enabled Airman Program

    Following a rigorous selection board process last summer, the Air Force Culture and Language Center selected 314 Airmen and Guardians in 39 languages from 1,542 applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program. Of the 1,290 eligible applications, 153 officers and 161 enlisted were accepted, including 14 United States Space Force officers and five enlisted.
  • Spanish LEAP Scholar Senior Master Sgt. Pedro Estrada inspects partner forces magazines for live ammunition, before departing for an exercise mission during Southern Star 2025, to ensure the safety of the opposition team. Estrada was part of a group of 12 LEAP Scholars who were vital contributors to the two-week exercise. (Contributed photo)

    LEAP Scholars Drive Communication Success at Southern Star 2025

    Twelve LEAP Scholars recently took a star turn during Southern Star 2025 in Chile, enhancing communication and understanding among U.S. forces, six participating nations, and 10 observers throughout the complex multinational exercise.
  • From left, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Burris, 336th Training Support Squadron commander, and Staff Sgt. Maria Moskvichova, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron operations manager, stand in front of the Headquarters building at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Sept. 26, 2025. Burris and Moskvichova were named the 2024 Air Force Language Capable Airmen of the Year in the officer and enlisted categories. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Heather Ley)

    Fairchild Airmen recognized for outstanding language skills

    In an era where global threats are increasingly complex, only two percent of Air Force personnel are proficient in a foreign language. Beyond translation, language skills foster cultural understanding, build trust and serve as an essential element to mission success.
  • This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Air University Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Symposium. This event is free and virtual, and attendees can register at www.airuniversity.af.edu/AFCLC/AU-LREC.

    10th Annual AU LREC Symposium Puts Warfighter Readiness Front and Center

    For the 10th anniversary of the Air University Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Symposium, 5-7 November, the Air Force Culture and Language Center will celebrate a decade of warfighter readiness, strengthening strategic partnerships worldwide, and prioritizing interoperability by enabling coalitions with enhanced capabilities, new operating concepts, and collaborative-force planning.
  • LEAP Scholars and U.S. Army personnel assemble for a photo during the Warrior Engaged exercise at Camp Bullis, Texas. From left to right: USAF Tech. Sgt. Carlos Marrero-Estrada (Spanish LEAP Scholar); U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dale W. Hunter II (HUMINT Readiness); U.S. Army Lt. Col. Christopher L. Bettinger (Battalion Commander); U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Paulo F. Martinez, (Spanish LEAP Scholar); U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Georges A. Yaguibou (French LEAP Scholar); and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dorothy A. Sullivan (Intelligence Analyst). (Contributed photo)

    LEAP Scholars partner with U.S. Army Intelligence in immersive Warrior Engaged exercise

    To enhance realism in its training exercises, the U.S. Army has found that utilizing Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholars delivers maximum mission impact while remaining cost effective. The recent Warrior Engaged exercise at Camp Bullis, Texas, was another example of productive cooperation between the Army and Air Force.
  • U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Mark Fain interprets for members of the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines and Guatemalan paratroops, known as Paracaidistas, on May 16, 2025, at a training base near here during CENTAM Guardian 2025. CENTAM Guardian, an annual, multinational exercise, fosters strong partnerships by enabling combined forces to effectively address shared security challenges. The Air Force’s Language Enabled Airman Program, of which Fain is a member, includes more than 3,700 service members who bridge language and cultural barriers with allies and partners to create a more interoperable, lethal force. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Elio De Los Santos)

    Spanish LEAP Scholars sharpen the edge of joint force and allied operations

    Spanish isn’t just a language, it’s a cultural bridge spanning continents, histories and identities. And the tasks Spanish LEAP scholars accomplish span nations, skillsets, and military operations.

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    MISSION

    DoD Mission
    To provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security.

    AFCLC Mission
    The Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) prepares today's military personnel for global challenges by providing practical education in language, regional expertise, and cultural understanding. Courses and products are specifically designed to support the speed and scale of current operations and strengthen the National Defense Strategy's focus on collaboration with allies and partners.

    AFCLC Vision
    The “Air Force’s Global Classroom”

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