Chief prepares for attaché assignment Published April 3, 2007 By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski Air Force Print News WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) -- At first, she didn't know all that much about the region, let alone what it would be like to be stationed in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. But for the past six months, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Doig has been training to do exactly that. Currently assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency, Chief Doig was selected to take part in the defense attaché program as an operations coordinator for the defense attaché at the American Embassy in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Chief Doig was born in Peru and her step-father was a Peruvian diplomat to Italy, Spain and several other countries. Living in embassies, learning different languages -- Azeri is her fifth -- and being exposed to different cultures are what best prepared her for her new assignment, she said. "I've lived everywhere else in the world, but never in that part of the world, so I'm really excited to be going to Azerbaijan," the chief said. "I'm a big history buff, so I'm looking forward to seeing the area. But this job will be so different from anything else I've done in the Air Force, and it presents some great challenges and opportunities for me." As a member of the Defense Attaché Office at the embassy, Chief Doig will work with the defense attaché as well as the ambassador and his staff to coordinate things like airlift, humanitarian relief and military exercises between the two nations. She'll also manage the day-to-day administrative duties for the staff, ensuring the entire operation runs smoothly. "Our Airmen serving in the defense attaché system at U.S. embassies around the world are keys to building, improving and sustaining international relationships," said Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs. "Airmen-diplomats like Chief Doig play a vital role in furthering national security interests." Before she had even thought about becoming a member of the attaché program, Chief Doig spent her first 24 years in the Air Force in the maintenance world. Five years ago, while stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan, she had the chance to cross over into the comptroller career field, learning a new job from scratch. The attaché assignment is the second time in her career she's made a total profession change, which has been extremely beneficial for her, she said. "The Air Force offers a lot of opportunities and too often people get stuck in a rut and their lives can become stagnant," Chief Doig said. "As an operations coordinator, I'll get to do things I never even thought were possible for me. Programs like this make you a more dynamic, more interesting person, and most importantly, a better Airman. "In the attaché support world, we're still in the Air Force, but we're supporting the mission in ways I didn't realize," she said. "It's been a real eye-opening experience for me, not just preparing to work in a joint environment, but an international one as well. We do a lot of good things for people overseas, and I'll get to help with that first hand." Chief Doig first heard about the defense attaché program while stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. She was actually beginning her retirement process when she spoke with another chief master sergeant who said he was coming from Helsinki, Finland. "But the Air Force doesn't have a base in Finland," she said. "He told me all about the attaché program and it sounded like something that was just incredible," Chief Doig said. "I thought I would be ready to retire, but this seemed like one more thing I could do. This assignment will take me to 31 years, so it will be time for me to finally retire and I can't think of a better way to end my career." Chief Doig suggested that anyone who is interested in the attaché program read about it on the Air Force Portal. "If your records are good, if you have good grammar skills, if you want to do something amazing, I can't recommend the defense attaché program enough," Chief Doig said. "The skills you learn will help you in anything you do. Being part of the defense attaché program is a challenging position, but one that will definitely be rewarding." The defense attaché program is open to NCOs with at least a 7-skill level. In addition, applicants should have their records updated and in order before beginning the interview process. For more information, click here to visit the attaché entry on the Air Force Portal. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page