Air Force Culture and Language Center Articles - Search LITE

April 8, 2022
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.
April 5, 2022
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.
April 4, 2022
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.
March 30, 2022
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
March 22, 2022
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
Feb. 25, 2022
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
Feb. 11, 2022
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
Feb. 8, 2022
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.
Feb. 4, 2022
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.
Jan. 25, 2022
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