Building the Culturally Aware Combat Airman

The Air Force (AF) is making major contributions in conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan through the work of air advisors (AA). AAs are Air Force airmen from a variety of AF career fields, who are sent to interact with US partner nations (PN) in an effort to build, rebuild, and improve the PN's air force. The cultural and language differences between the United States and these PNs are numerous and are not being adequately addressed. Providing pre-deployment training that teaches cross-cultural competence through foreign language and cultural education is essential to AAs' success. A review of the history of AA operations, reports from language and anthropology experts, and a description of current AA missions provides an understanding of some of the skill sets necessary for AA success. An evaluation of current pre-deployment training programs was conducted by interviewing past and presently deployed individuals on the perceived applicability of the training they received and whether or not they were adequately prepared for the AA role. Interview results confirmed that language and culture training needs improvement; however, the current AF AA Course in Ft Dix, New Jersey received some good reviews. Recommendations for improvement include incorporation of successful training methods used by Army Special Forces, the Air Force's 6th Special Operations Squadron and the AA Course.