MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) -- Air Force Culture and Language Center offcials recently announced the application window dates for the Fall 2012 Language Enabled Airman Program selection board.
 
Applications for the Language Enabled Airman Program will be accepted July 2 through August 31, and a selection board will be held this fall. The AFCLC, which is part of Air University's Spaatz Center, aims to choose 200 new LEAP participants from cadet and active-duty officer and enlisted Airmen applicants.

All Air Force officer candidates with a commission date scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year are eligible to apply. However, application eligibility for active-duty personnel is limited to certain career fields, based on current Air Force foreign language requirements, said Zachary Hickman, the AFCLC Language Branch chief. Enlisted Airmen who meet the minimum eligibility requirements in the following Air Force Specialty Codes can apply for the fall 2012 LEAP selection board: 1A2, 1A7, 1C1, 1C2, 1C7, 1P0, 1T0, 1T2, 1W0, 2A5, 2A6, 3D0, 3E2, 3E5, 3N0, 3S0, 4M0, 6C0 and 6F0. Commissioned active-duty Air Force officers from the following career fields are eligible to apply: 11F, 11G, 11M, 11S, 12F, 12M, 13A, 13B, 13S, 14N, 15W, 21A, 21R, 38F and 63A.

Throughout the career-long program, participants are provided structured language sustainment and enhancement opportunities to develop them as foreign language-enabled professionals and leaders. Participants will have opportunities to attain the highest sustainable foreign language proficiency through live, online classes and intensive training events. Ultimately, LEAP participants will be able to utilize their language skills within their career fields via language-related assignments and taskings, Hickman added.

"LEAP's end goal is to produce a language speaker who can perform their core job duties in their respective foreign language," said Jay Warwick, the director of the AFCLC. "Commanders have a need for cross-culturally competent Airmen -- individuals with language, cultural and regional abilities -- to help accomplish the Air Force mission. LEAP is one way we help provide that."

Application forms, instructions and complete eligibility requirements are available at www.culture.af.mil/leap. LEAP background information and frequently asked questions can also be found on the website. Please check the Frequently Asked Questions, and direct any additional questions not addressed on the FAQ to afclc.language@maxwell.af.mil. Deadline to submit application packets to the AFCLC is midnight Central Standard Time on Aug. 31.

(Courtesy of the Air Force Culture and Language Center)