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AFOSI Airman selected Language Professional of the Year
Posted 1/19/2011
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by Kathryn Gustafson
Headquarters Air Force Office of Special Investigations
1/19/2011 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) -- An agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations was recently selected as the Air Force Language Professional of the Year.
Special Agent Slava is being recognized by the LPOY program for his linguist work with Department of Defense missions overseas, where he advised senior DOD officials, supported force-protection efforts and conducted liaison activities with foreign officials. He is fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian and English.
Due to the nature of his work as an AFOSI agent, a pseudonym is being used for his name.
SA Slava was inspired to join the Air Force by his grandfather, who was a World War II pilot. SA Slava joined in 1998 and began exploring opportunities as a linguist in 2002.
"Being able to communicate with our allies in languages other than English is a huge asset," SA Slava said.
The LPOY program was designed to recognize the important contributions military language professionals play in support of global operations and Air Force initiatives. In today's global military environment, language, region and culture capabilities are critical war fighting skills.
The ability to communicate and relate to foreign counterparts is critical to meeting mission requirements, and the Air Force remains dedicated to building a force of cross-culturally competent Airmen, officials said.
SA Slava said he realized during one of his deployments that his advanced language skills and indepth cultural knowledge would be of more value in a field where he is able to actively communicate, negotiate and relate to foreign partners or potential adversaries.
As a criminal investigator working abroad, SA Slava said his foreign language capability paired with cultural understanding and regional awareness provide him with an advantage.
"Fluent professionals understand the language and culture and can read between the lines that make up a thousand words, effectively doubling the available data," SA Slava said.
For example, he explained the similarities and differences between Russian and Bulgarian. While both languages are similar in nature, without a common understanding of the cultural differences, the chance for operational mistakes increases.
"Culture dictates language," SA Slava said. "Misunderstand the culture, and you will misinterpret the language and handicap the decision maker."
SA Slava attributes his success in winning the LPOY award to the support he has received, both at home and work.
"I have a wife who is willing to endure me watching foreign language TV during the few months that I am at home; teammates who cover routine tasks so I can focus on language-specific tasks and a top notch organization that looks for opportunities to use my language skills," he said.
(Randa Reyes contributed to this article) |
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