May 12, 2025 Japanese LEAP Scholars Accelerate Warfighting Readiness On a frigid January morning in Hokkaido, Air Force Capt. Meghan Fong stood alongside American and Japanese Marines, providing interpretation and intercultural support to the 4th Marine Regiment. This remote place was a far cry from her native sunny California and a vastly different work environment
May 7, 2025 LEAP Forward: Breaking Down Language Barriers in Joint Military Operations When it comes to conducting military operations, make no mistake: the stakes are high, the margin for error is zero, and time is of the essence. Even the slightest of setbacks, delays, or miscommunications could be the difference between mission failure or success—between life or death. Successful
April 4, 2025 LEAP Scholars advance historic Quasi-Zenith system initiative with Japan LEAP Scholars have been a massive force multiplier in missions worldwide, but now their efforts have had an immense impact on a mission in a whole new frontier… space.
March 31, 2025 Special Agent excels during national linguist competition QUANTICO, Va. -- Capt. Daniela Carchedi didn’t know her passion for language would take her from counterintelligence operations in West Africa to the finals of a high-stakes military linguist competition.
March 11, 2025 Strengthening NATO Readiness Through ADR From Feb. 1-8, 2025, U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Navy Seabees teamed up with Spanish and Portuguese counterparts at Morón Air Base, Spain, for an Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) exercise. More than just fixing runways, this multinational effort focused on building strong partnerships, improving
Feb. 28, 2025 Speaking the Same Language: How LEAP-ACE Strengthens Multinational Missions MORÓN AIR BASE, SPAIN – In today’s fast-moving world, working closely with allies is key to mission success. Agile Combat Employment (ACE) focuses on being flexible, moving quickly, and working well with international partners. For that to happen, clear communication and cultural understanding are
Feb. 14, 2025 From wandering to witnessing: USAF Chaplain devotes himself to service OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – One wouldn't expect a preacher to be apprehensive in his faith. However, U.S. Air Force Capt. Bermsoo Kim, 51st Fighter Wing chaplain, was filled with doubt about his purpose and relationship with God throughout his youth, despite attending church his entire life.
Feb. 13, 2025 LEAP Scholars return to the Philippines as force multipliers during KAMANDAG-6 When two LEAP Scholars participated in a combined training exercise in the Philippines, it wasn’t just business as usual for them, it was personal. Capt. Timothy Nolan and Master Sgt. Ramchand Francisco were both born and raised in the Philippines, and they jumped at the chance to return to their
Feb. 12, 2025 Airman seeks to strengthen partnerships through language program HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A multilingual 66th Comptroller Squadron noncommissioned officer recently joined the Air Force Language Enabled Airman Program, or LEAP, which provides opportunities for Airmen to support military partnerships worldwide.
Jan. 30, 2025 Second Time Around: LEAP Scholar returns to Mongolia with Pacific Angel exercise In 2014, Air Force Capt. Michael Yim embarked on his first visit to Mongolia as part of a language-intensive training program. He said that experience deepened his understanding of Mongolian culture and laid the foundation for his future work in international health. Almost a decade later, in 2023,
