The Air Force recently selected 87 officers from a field of more than 400 volunteers to become the inaugural class of International Affairs Specialists. They will enter training this summer to become either Political-Military Affairs Strategists (PAS) or Regional Affairs Strategists (RAS).
The International Affairs Specialist (IAS) Program was established to produce a cadre of globally skilled airmen needed to achieve success in the Global War on Terrorism and today's expeditionary environment. "The vital need for these global skills is reflected in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review, which promotes increased language and cultural capabilities along with enhanced security cooperation activities," said Colonel Robert Sarnoski, Air Force International Airmen Division chief. "Fielding these skills is just as important as fielding new weapon systems."
PAS candidates will complete a political-military affairs oriented IDE program, such as Air Command and Staff College with the PAS specialized study track or the USAF Political Advisor (POLAD) internship, while RAS candidates will earn a regionally focused masters degree at the Naval Postgraduate School and learn a foreign language at the Defense Language Institute. They will then employ their knowledge and skills by serving in key international positions at regional Major Commands, Combatant Commands, and in military-diplomatic offices at U.S. Embassies.
"RAS officers combine professional military skills with foreign language proficiency and a focused education in regional history and international security studies to understand the specific regional context in which air and space power may be applied," said Major Paul Tombarge, chief of the Air Force International Affairs Specialist Branch. "They can then integrate this understanding into plans and operations, and build effective relationships with our global partners; relationships that are critical enablers for our Expeditionary Air and Space Force."
While this select group of officers will become international affairs experts, they will remain competitive in their primary Air Force specialty. "The IAS Program is designed to complement an officer's overall career development through carefully managed career broadening assignments," said Mr. Bruce S. Lemkin, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force (International Affairs). "Fully consistent with the Air Force's Force Development concept, we are committed to keeping these officers competitive in their primary career field while building their international expertise."
As this inaugural class enters the IAS training pipeline this summer, Air Force Personnel Center Development Teams will begin vectoring next year's candidates. Interested line officers with 7-12 years commissioned service should indicate a preference for IAS development on their Transitional Officer Development Plan (T-ODP). Intermediate Developmental Education selects should also reflect their desires on the AF Form 3849, PME/AFIT/RTFB Officer Worksheet.