AF vectors 38 to regional affairs strategist positions

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AF vectors 38 to regional affairs strategist positions
by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - RANDOLPH, Texas – More than three dozen line officers have been selected for development as regional affairs strategists, under the International Affairs Specialist Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.
RAS is a developmental initiative offered to Airmen who have 7-10 years of commissioned service, said Maj. Amy Rammel, AFPC International Affairs Assignments chief. Participants develop international insight, foreign language proficiency, and cultural understanding, she said.
Most officers selected for the program will earn an advanced academic degree, learn a foreign language, and serve a six month immersion among several countries within their assigned region.
Based on their existing degrees, foreign language proficiency, and in-country experience, selectees may have their advanced academic degree, language training, or cultural immersion training waived. This shortened training timeline limits their time away from their functional career field.
“Officers vectored to regional affairs strategist positions will fill international, political-military focused assignments following graduation from training,” said Rammel. “It’s an exciting opportunity, but it’s very challenging as well. Development teams are very thorough when identifying candidates for this program.”
The language requirements are varied, she said. In addition to Russian, French, Spanish, Chinese and other commonly spoken languages, requirements exist for officers proficient in Tagalog, Punjabi, Hebrew, Pashto, Urdu and Hindi.
“Completing a graduate degree and learning a second language are intensive time commitments away from their core community, so we need committed, focused Airmen who are ready for some hard work,” Rammel said.
Officers interested in the International Affairs Specialist Program can find more information on the Air Force Portal or on the Air Force Personnel Services website. Search for "IAS."
For more information about developmental opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.

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