In its second year of implementation, the International Affairs Specialist (IAS) Program achieved several significant milestones. The inaugural class of 26 Regional Affairs Strategists (RAS USAF FAO equivalent) began deliberate development at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA. In 2006 the Program achieved substantial progress in Total Force implementation with the partial release (full report pending) of COCOM foreign language and regional expertise requirements, and IAS implementation guidelines for the Air Force Reserve. SAF/IA also improved the efficiency and utility of IAS career field management and DoD-wide RAS manning distribution with the development and publication of the IAS Prioritization Plan now a vital tool used by the Air Staff and Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC). One of the Program's most notable initiatives, however, establishes a larger rated officer presence in IAS.
General T. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, recently approved a request by Mr. Bruce Lemkin, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force (International Affairs), to augment rated presence in the International Affairs Specialist Program by 109 officers. This will be accomplished by converting selected non-rated IAS positions to rated. The increase will make it significantly easier for pilots, navigators, air battle managers, and electronic warfare officers to serve as RAS officers and Political-military Affairs Strategists (PAS). Billet conversions are expected to be complete by summer 2007.
The move to assign rated officers in greater numbers to IAS positions around the world was a calculated effort designed to ensure these critical billets remain filled at the proper rate, and with the proper mix of Air Force Specialties. "By increasing rated participation, we will infuse the IAS Program with an appropriate level of Air Force operational experts. Front-line operators with professional international skills bring additional credibility and increased potential to build enduring international partnerships essential to expeditionary air and space operations," said Mr. Lemkin.
International air force-to-air force relationships increase partner nation security, regional stability, and coalition interoperability, capability, and capacity. Furthermore, IAS officers are managed by their development teams to ensure they balance both operational and security cooperation skills, and remain competitive within their primary AFSCs. Ultimately, the IAS program will improve both near-term and long-term USAF capability, and create a cadre of future Senior Leaders with both robust operational and International Affairs education and experience.
Rated officers interested in the IAS Program are encouraged to visit the IAS website at www.my.af.mil/iaw/iaw for more information. Rated officers will typically be required to reach their second flying gate (120 gate months) before being released for IAS deliberate development.