Bolsters international relationships

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. – Training personnel at Columbus Air Force Base create the next generation of AF aviators, but they also bolster international relationships by training partner-nation pilots. The journeys of international students in AF pilot training can be challenging - language barriers, different perspectives and comprehensions only to name a few. The International Military Student Officers provide support and assistance to students during training. Capt. Christy Martin, 14th Student Squadron’s primary IMSO and Maj. Dave Cote, 41st Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot is the secondary IMSO. Together, they take on the administrative hurdles and help ease the workload of the international students in pilot training. IMSOs handle student documents such as renewing passports and visas, updating orders, living allowance payments processed for each officer and all other administrative duties. At CAFB, there are 63 international students from 23 countries going through pilot training. First Lt. Sanni Kafayat, a student-pilot from Nigeria who recently completed pilot training, has been flying the T-6 Texan II and wants to fly fighter aircraft when she returns home. She was chosen by officials to train in the U.S., and is one of five Nigerian women pilots, and the only fighter pilot among them. “This is a very rare opportunity that I did not want to miss,” she said. IMSOs also work closely with organizations that track students’ progression, including the Air Force Security and Assistance Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas, and their international country managers. IMSOs monitor student training progress and address any concerns or administrative challenges during the student’s time in pilot training, like identifications to establish proof of residency and to ensure their health and well-being. “Things we take for granted … can be a challenge and often take a bit more time to accomplish for our international students,” Cote said. One major focus of a student’s time is to promote cultural and informational exchanges that develop mutual cooperation and understanding between the Air Force and those partner nations’ air forces. A huge obstacle for these students are the fear of failing that can weigh them down for long periods of time; being homesick and having flight commanders help them pull through. “As a military, we cannot be everywhere all the time,” Cote said, “but, we can have relationships everywhere and all the time.” These connections and relationships created today in CAFB flight rooms and pilot training may lead to future positive endeavors. (Source: 14th Flying Training Squadron 08/14/19)