International Affairs Specialist Program begins second round Published March 6, 2006 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The International Affairs Specialist, or IAS, Program is entering its second year of competitive selection. The program will be targeting 117 mid-career line officers for the designation. The program seeks to enhance expeditionary capability by developing regional and international expertise, cultural sensitivity and language skills allowing Airmen to build, sustain or enhance relations with international partners, officials said. The program is tied directly to the Force Development concept and need for enhanced international skills as reflected in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review. Selected officers will receive advanced education, language training and cultural immersion to prepare them for the positions they will fill in the field. They will be designated on one of two secondary Air Force Specialty Code career paths -- the regional affairs strategist, or RAS, or political-military affairs strategist, or PAS. “IAS assignments are designed to be complementary to primary AFSC utilization and career development,” said Bruce S. Lemkin, Air Force deputy under secretary, International Affairs. “Development and assignment teams will carefully manage IAS officers to ensure they remain viable and competitive in their primary career fields while developing a strong foundation in international affairs.” Airmen who earn an IAS designation will continue to serve in their primary career field, as well as in IAS-related assignments. Air Force officials are seeking 42 officers with 7 to 10 years of commissioned service to enter the RAS career path; there is a need for 75 officers who are intermediate developmental education selects with 10 to 12 years of commissioned service for the PAS career path. Regional affairs strategists will advise commanders and senior leaders on regional issues, interacting with foreign counterparts on political-military issues, while developing reliable international relationships. They will be key to the formulation of relevant aspects of operational and contingency plans, and security cooperation initiatives to enhance international relationships. Political-military affairs strategists have duties similar to those of the RAS, however these positions require international political-military expertise without language proficiency. Selection targets are distributed through most line career fields. However, officers in the medical, chaplain and judge advocate career fields are not eligible to apply. More information about the IAS program and implementation dates may be found on the IAS Web site through the Air Force Portal.