MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - Air University develops the expert joint warfighters the Joint Force needs to compete and win in today’s strategic environment. In the Indo-Pacific, that mission supports the National Defense Strategy priority to deter China through integrated strength.
One way Air University delivers that effect is through the Language Enabled Airman Program, or LEAP, managed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center. Through LEAP, Air University provides combatant commands, Headquarters Air Force and major command leaders a practical capability to reduce coalition friction, improve interoperability and support mission success.
LEAP scholars support exercises and engagements across the Indo-Pacific, where clear communication and trust are essential. Their presence helps units integrate more quickly and operate more effectively in multinational environments.
That impact is most visible when operations move fast and coordination matters.
“Relationship building takes time,” said Master Sgt. Ramchand Franciso, a Tagalog LEAP scholar and vehicle fleet manager assigned to the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. “When two nations have different cultures, values and belief systems, something has to bridge the gap. Military operations often happen with little notice, so there’s no time to build relationships from scratch. LEAP scholars close that gap. We’re the military’s built-in solution to this challenge.”
Franciso said the value of LEAP comes from lived experience, something that can’t be replicated through technology or short-term training.
“We navigate cultural and linguistic barriers because we’ve lived them,” he said. “We already understand both sides. In an age of artificial intelligence, the human element still matters, especially when it comes to relationships and working together effectively.”
That experience carries into daily operations, where even small misunderstandings can slow execution.
LEAP scholars contribute across multiple mission areas, including logistics, communications, public affairs and community outreach. Their role goes beyond translating words to ensuring intent is understood.
“I’ve seen firsthand how LEAP scholars bridge gaps and improve military effectiveness across the Indo-Pacific,” Franciso said. “Our background helps reduce friction so teams can focus on the mission.”
For planners at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and major command leadership, that translates into faster coordination, clearer communication and better integration across multinational forces.
“LEAP lays the groundwork we need to succeed alongside our allies every day,” said Tech Sgt. Eric Johnnson, a Japanese LEAP scholar and dental flight chief at Ramstein Air Base. “There’s no success in a multilateral mission without clear communication. When language barriers exist and no LEAP support is available, it slows things down and creates friction.”
As operations become more technical, the need for that expertise increases.
“Every training partnership request I’ve supported involves technical and military vocabulary,” said Capt. Shinryu Aoyama, a B-52 pilot and Japanese LEAP scholar. “You have to understand the concepts to translate them correctly. Without that background, it’s very difficult to communicate accurately.”
Air University’s impact is also evident in joint and coalition training across the Indo-Pacific, where integration is critical to mission success.
“I’ve used LEAP scholars in multiple trilateral conferences and exercises,” said Ken McAdams, an exercise project officer at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. “These events involve the United States, Japan, Australia and Korea. They wouldn’t be possible without LEAP support.”
McAdams said their contribution extends beyond coordination.
“In a warfighting context, LEAP scholars help train fighter pilots, airlift and tanker crews, along with maintenance and support personnel across U.S. Indo-Pacific Command,” he said. “We do much of that training in Japan, so coordination with the Government of Japan is critical. LEAP scholars help build relationships and partnerships that actually last.”
He added that aligning across different cultures and processes requires more than technical expertise.
“We all operate differently, with different cultures and procedures,” McAdams said. “Aligning how we work takes time and careful communication. That wouldn’t be possible without the language and cultural expertise LEAP scholars provide.”
Through programs like LEAP, Air University provides a capability that supports combatant command planning, major command readiness and Headquarters Air Force force development priorities. It reduces friction in coalition operations and helps forces integrate more effectively.
As competition in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, integrating Air University capabilities into planning, exercises and partner engagements gives leaders a practical way to strengthen alliances, improve operational effectiveness and support deterrence.