1 Jul 2019

Speaking Air Force-fully

When I began working for the Air Force Culture and Language Center as a Subject Matter Expert in Culture (aka SME, pronounced like Capt Hook’s clownish pirate boatswain), I recognized that I was immersing myself in a culture that was fairly new to me – that of the United States Air Force. I quickly came to realize that there are many cultural assumptions in the Air Force that I was not aware of. Even now, years later, I am still occasionally caught off guard by a disconnect between my own cultural assumptions, and those of the larger Air Force. That’s when I learn something new about Air Force culture.

24 Jun 2019

Taking the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI): A Vital Readiness Indicator

LEAP Scholars, I want to talk to you about an important topic that deals with turning your LEAP education into a more precise measurement of military readiness—the OPI. The OPI provides data that offers planners a more refined picture of “right airman, right skill, right place, right time” when filling billets requiring LREC skills or contingencies where those skills add incredible value.

22 May 2019

AFCLC selects 149 cadets for the Language Enabled Airman Program

After a rigorous selection board process, the Air Force Culture and Language Center has selected 149 new cadets for the Language Enabled Airman Program. Participation in LEAP is voluntary and to become a LEAP scholar, Airmen must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language specified on the Air Force Strategic Language List, receive endorsement from their unit commander, and compete via a board process. Selection to LEAP is based on applicants’ existing language proficiency, potential to achieve higher levels of language proficiency, and Air Force language requirements.

2 Apr 2019

Air University and AFCLC hosted the fourth annual AU LREC Symposium

Air University’s Air Force Culture and Language Center welcomed more than 300 participants to the fourth annual Language, Regional Expertise and Culture Symposium here, from March 27 – 29. This year’s theme was “inter {culture} operability”, which was taken from the 2018 National Defense Strategy to focus on strengthening alliances and attracting new partners.

6 Mar 2019

AFCLC celebrates Women’s History Month

Historically, women have played a major role in shaping our nation’s narrative. Some women have served as vocal activists in many major movements; other women have worked quietly behind the scenes to battle oppression and injustices. This March, the Air Force Culture and Language Center celebrates all of these accomplishments for Women’s History Month. AFCLC pays homage to the wives, mothers, professors, service members, and pioneers who are making the world a better place.

5 Mar 2019

CULTURAL KSAs: Skill Development Using the OODA Loop

The AFCLC specializes in developing Airmen’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in various languages, in specific cultures, and in general cultural competence. We often call the latter “cross-cultural competence.” Cross-cultural competence, or “3C”, is “the ability to quickly and accurately comprehend, then effectively act in a culturally complex environment to achieve the desired effect, without necessarily having prior exposure to a particular group, region, or language.” 3C combines all the cultural KSAs you build over time into one idea.

26 Feb 2019

Five reasons you should attend Air University’s Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (LREC) Symposium

From interactive panels to the in-depth cultural discussions, Air University’s annual Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (LREC) Symposium sets the tone for the future of LREC and the Air Force. Each year, some of the biggest names in the LREC community gather at Maxwell Air Force Base to share their research and ideas.

12 Feb 2019

Three Central American countries added to AFCLC’s field guide inventory

Culture-packed, pocket-sized, and free to the public, the Air Force Culture and Language Center at Air University continues to expand its Expeditionary Culture Field Guides inventory. This year, three Central American countries have been added to the repertoire: El Salvador, Belize and Guatemala.

16 Jan 2019

LEAP: Improving my language skills at ISOS

The purpose of the Inter-American Squadron Officer School (ISOS) is to cultivate those leadership qualities expected in superior ranks. The course mirrors Squadron Officer School (SOS) at Maxwell Air Force Base, but taught entirely in Spanish alongside officers from our Latin American partners.

11 Jan 2019

The Air Force Culture and Language Center, the FAOs, and the Future

The Foreign Area Officer (FAO) Program deliberately develops Airmen with expertise in international affairs by facilitating language, regional expertise and culture courses. The Air Force Culture and Language Center has a similar mission, and for years now has been a critical contributor to the program.