TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- To aid and augment the aerial capabilities of U.S. allies, one Tyndall squadron teaches a portion of Air Force techniques to international military officers.
“The mission of the 337th Air Control Squadron International Studies is to teach international military officers U.S. techniques for command and control of combat air operations,” said Lt. Col. Alexander Maclean, 337th ACS director of international studies. “Our building block approach to instruction offers a student the tools necessary to become proficient with core skills on both the tactical and operational level of war.”
The 337th ACS offers two classes, the International Air Weapons Controller Course and the Theater Air Operations Course four times per year, lasting approximately two and a half months and three weeks respectively, as part of the curriculum offered under the Air Force Security Assistance Training Program.
“Of the 56 nations offered the class, currently there are an approximate 18 countries sending between 50 to 60 students annually,” Maclean said.
Maclean explained that through this partnership, international students were not the only beneficiaries of the training opportunity.
“We offer students and U.S. cadre a unique opportunity to foster lasting relationships with friendly nations through open dialog regarding professional differences, doctrine and culture,” he said. “This course pays dividends down-range when our cadre and personnel interact with course graduates in an operational environment.”
In an environment of Total Force Integration and joint environments the training that occurs at the 337th ACS can be viewed as the future of air dominance, albeit not a new advent.
“The 337th ACS has been training international students from over 56 countries for more than 50 years,” Maclean said. “Training has evolved to incorporate the latest techniques for counter-air and counter-land operations employed by Airborne Warning and Control Systems, Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System, Control and Reporting Centers, and Air Operations Centers.”
Maclean closed with his thoughts of the importance of the capabilities his squadron provides to the war fighting effort.
“In today’s multi-national environment, the International Studies Directorate offers an opportunity for Tyndall personnel to interact with our international partners. It offers team Tyndall personnel to help foster the building of partnership capacity,” he concluded.