Exchange officers help strengthen ties between nations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Editor's Note: This is part one of a five-part series highlighting the foreign exchange program. The next article will feature the pilots prospective on the program.

Four foreign officers stationed here are getting the chance to fly integrated missions with American pilots to train and take knowledge back to their home station.

The Air Force goals of the program include promoting mutual understanding and trust, enhance interoperability, strengthen air force to air force ties, and develop long-term professional and personal relationships.

"The exchange program allows other countries the opportunity to train with U.S. forces and gain valuable experience in exercises and operations they wouldn't normally be exposed to or participate in," said 1st Lt. Emily Grigsby, 317th Airlift Group foreign disclosure officer.

Dyess currently hosts exchange officers from Ecuador, France, Netherlands and Thailand. The program is reciprocal which enables the United States Air Force to exchange personnel with foreign nations, enhancing the Air Forces' ability to perform coalition operations with global partners.

"The exchange program provides us not only with a great relationship, but a better understanding for how both parties conduct operations," Grigsby said.

Each candidate goes through an in-depth screening process that includes an evaluation of their English language capabilities. For flying positions, their nomination package includes the individual's flying hours, altitude chamber and centrifuge certification and other special qualifications.

During the two year exchange period, the foreign pilots are fully integrated into the host squadron.

The pilots can hold the same position as any other pilot in the squadron all the way up to an aircraft commander, Grigsby said.

The officers are learning to fly the C-130 J and H aircraft. While they're at their home station the pilots fly their nation's C-130 variant.

"When they come here they do more than just train on our aircraft, they learn how to be leaders," Grigsby said. "That's just one of the things they can take home and teach their fellow pilots."