Experts with the Air Force Culture and Language Center at Maxwell AFB, Ala., are helping to prepare flag officers for deployments of more than 180 days by offering a course that familiarizes them with the languages and cultures they may encounter. “It was a fascinating two weeks,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Rock in describing his experience with the General Officer Pre-Deployment Acculturation Course. Rock was Air Command and Staff College commander at Maxwell through December. He is now starting his new assignment as head of USAF’s training and advisory mission in Iraq. “The culture training was more than just how to shake hands, how to drink tea,” said Rock. He said he saw first-hand the value of his training when he met some Iraqis on an orientation tour to Baghdad. “When I spoke a little Arabic, they were surprised,” he said. (Maxwell report by Scott Knuteson)
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
