Strategic communication and cultural fluency are the glue that holds multinational operations together under pressure. When the margin for error is zero, especially in medical evacuations or weapons intelligence, language, regional expertise, and culture (LREC) become a critical warfighting capability.
This was evident during the massive African Lion 2026 exercise where U.S., Tunisian, Libyan, and partner-nation forces converged to strengthen interoperability and build partner capacity. But executing classroom instruction, medical readiness training, and airborne resupply across multiple languages is a monumental logistical challenge. This is exactly where Air University’s Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Scholars stepped in, turning potential communication barriers into a seamless collaborative environment.
“The mission created an environment where language, regional knowledge, and cultural understanding were essential to successful training and cooperation,” said Senior Airman Bassem Afli, a systems administrator with the 612th Air Communications Squadron at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz, who served as a hands-on Arabic interpreter and cultural advisor for the joint force.
Because of the massive scope of the exercise in Tunisia, LEAP Scholars had to be flexible, taking on a wide variety of technical roles that stretched far beyond basic translation. Afli found himself constantly shifting gears to meet the mission's dynamic, real-time demands.
“I interpreted for CID-related classroom and technical training, including forensics, photography, DNA collection, and investigative instruction," Afli said. "I also interpreted TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) and MEDEVAC instruction for approximately 60 students and translated senior leader remarks for a Tunisian First Brigadier General and a U.S. Colonel.”
For others, their presence ensured that highly technical, life-saving training was executed safely alongside partner forces.
“I served as a LEAP scholar providing language-enabled support to multiple training elements, including the forensics team, weapons intelligence team, and TCCC advanced training," said Tech Sgt. Marina Lipyanic, a quality assurance manager with the 1st Special Operations Comptroller Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. "I acted as a linguistic and cultural bridge between U.S. personnel and Tunisian and Libyan armed forces, facilitating real-time translation during instruction, demonstrations, and collaborative exercises.”
Navigating a joint environment with international partners always presents unique dynamics. Integrating different military cultures occasionally requires nuance, patience, and on-the-ground problem-solving.
“There were some challenges with Tunisian leadership communicating with lower-ranking personnel, who were not aware of certain information," said Staff Sgt. Shelan Kaky, a financial operations supervisor with the 55th Comptroller Squadron, Financial Management Flight at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
Despite those small hurdles, the interpersonal connections proved invaluable to the broader strategic mission.
"The one-on-one conversations between U.S. and Tunisian service members were especially meaningful because they helped build rapport at the individual level," Afli said. "Those smaller interactions strengthened relationships and made the formal training more effective.”
The specialized skills the LEAP Scholars brought to the table proved to be a major operational advantage. When dealing with complex operations, there is no room for misinterpretation.
“In an exercise like African Lion, technical instruction can be difficult even when everyone speaks the same language," Afli said. "When you add different languages, military terms, medical terms, dialects, and cultural differences, clear communication becomes even more important. LEAP Scholars helped reduce language barriers, clarify intent, support technical training, and strengthen trust with partner forces.”
The impact of the LEAP Scholars wasn't just felt by their peers; it was recognized at the highest levels of the exercise’s leadership. Due to their outstanding performance, two of the LEAP Airmen were recognized and coined by Tunisian General of the Army Corps Mohamed El Ghoul (Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Army).
Maj. Jay Jackson, the Lead Planner for African Lion Tunisia with the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), summed up the team's critical contributions.
"Now in my second year of integrating LEAP Airmen into the Tunisia exercise, their most lasting impact has been forged outside of the formal training scenarios," Jackson said. "They bridged cultural gaps during the 'margins of training,' facilitating the informal, personal interactions that build genuine trust between U.S. and Tunisian service members. With continued support from the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC), integrating these Scholars will remain a critical cornerstone of our international partnerships."
Operating flawlessly in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment requires rigorous preparation. Air University’s AFCLC, which administers the LEAP program, ensures scholars are ready before they hit the ground.
“AFCLC and LEAP helped prepare me by developing my ability to operate as a language-enabled Airman in a real-world mission environment," Afli said. "My previous LEAP development helped me adjust between Modern Standard Arabic, Tunisian Arabic, military terminology, medical terminology, and investigative terminology. The program gave me the foundation and confidence to support U.S. and partner-nation forces effectively."
For Lipyanic, the preparation translated directly to long-term career growth and joint-force capability.
“AFCLC enhanced my confidence in applying language skills in operational settings and reinforced my role as a force multiplier," she said. "Long-term, this experience aligns with my career goals of continuing to serve in roles that integrate language, regional expertise, and operational mission support.”