Air attachés end conference on regional issues

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DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  The Latin American Air Attaché conference that brought together Airmen serving in 21 countries to discuss concerns including the global war on terrorism ended here today.

12th Air Force hosted the event, which started Dec. 5, for Bruce Lemkin, the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs.

The conference brings together Air Force air attachés serving in Latin American countries for discussions and briefings on key regional and Air Force strategic issues, officials said.

Personnel from Air Force headquarters, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Southern Command Air Forces and the Defense Intelligence Agency also participated.

Lt. Gen. Mark Schmidt said, “These attachés are Airmen first, with knowledge of air and space missions, capabilities and doctrine. They bring our unique skills to the Defense Intelligence Agency and international affairs mission.”

The general commands 12th Air Force and U.S. Southern Command Air Forces.

“This conference affords the attachés the opportunity to discuss key issues and exchange ideas,” said Col. Mark McAlpine, 612th Air Intelligence Group commander. “It also allows them to get to know each other better since they face similar or shared challenges.”

The attachés play a vital role in supporting the national interests of the United States, primarily facilitating close and continuous interaction with foreign governments and their defense or military establishments, officials said. They represent the Air Force to the host country and serve as the U.S. ambassador’s key advisor on Air Force and defense issues.

During a time of crisis or military contingency, attachés are often at the center of action, officials said.

“We must build, sustain, nurture, grow and develop international relationships around the world that are the critical enablers for an expeditionary air and space force conducting global operations and fighting the global war on terrorism,” Mr. Lemkin said.

There are 107 Air Force air attachés in 91 countries. In addition, 123 enlisted Airmen serve in defense attaché offices in key support roles.

“We have a great Air Force and great armed forces,” Mr. Lemkin said. “However, we cannot do this alone. We need friends and partners around the world with the capabilities to take care of their own security and the will to join us in coalitions.

“That’s what relationship building is all about and our Air Force attachés play an important role in this endeavor,” Mr. Lemkin said.

The attaché program falls under the umbrella of the new international affairs specialist program. The program develops officers with international skills needed to work as attachés, security assistance officers and political military staff officers. Together, these specialists provide expertise in planning and executing international operations, build relationships that enhance bilateral and multilateral military activities and ensure access to support expeditionary operations.

“These attachés may be the only Air Force personnel in their embassy … or in the entire host nation,” General Schmidt said. “They need to be knowledgeable of what the Air Force brings to the joint fight.”

Mr. Lemkin said attachés are critical contributors to the Air Force mission. He said they help in “building the relationships and generating coalition capabilities to support expeditionary operations around the world.”

The 12th Air Force traditionally hosts the conference, which happens every two years.

“It’s our honor to support this important conference,” Colonel McAlpine said. “It gives our staff and analysts an opportunity to interact with the attachés and build personal relationships.”

The colonel said all participants gain a better understanding of each others’ jobs and how they can mutually support each other.