Air Force officials believe that knowledge of a foreign language and cultural understanding are “critical enablers of global air and space operations.” USAF has a language and area studies immersion program that builds on foreign language training by providing an intense four- to six-week course in a foreign country, including excursions to speak with natives and learn their culture. USAF has taught 40 languages at 39 locations and plans in 2006 to teach 19 languages in 18 countries. The course, which is open to line officers in any career field, is part of USAF’s International Affairs Specialist Program. Want to learn more, go here.
It is critical that the Air Force move forward on the replacement for its E-4B “Doomsday” aircraft to keep the capability “viable” into the next decade and beyond, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. told lawmakers May 8.