Air Force Times August 14, 2007
Afghan translator to be trained at Laughlin
An Afghan translator is set to become the first in his country’s small air force to receive pilot training through the Aviation Leadership Program at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
Cadet Faiz Mohd Ramaki, who has worked with U.S. agencies in Afghanistan since 2002, said he was shocked to be selected.
“It’s still like a dream to me. I cannot believe it,” he said.
The 25-year-old Ramaki was tapped for the Air Force’s Aviation Leadership Program after being referred by Air Force officers who worked with him while deployed to Afghanistan. He scored the highest among his peers in all areas, Air Force officials said in announcing his selection.
The program, sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs office at the Pentagon is open to airmen in 20 international countries, with each country receiving one slot in the program for a deserving candidate, officials said.
According to the Web site Globalsecurity.org, Afghanistan requires a modest-sized air force, with emphasis on transport capability but also with combat capability, if the Afghan Air Corps is to operate independently of U.S. air power support.
The Afghan Air Corps generally lacks airworthy combat planes, according to the defense-related site, with its only assets being about 10 utility and attack helicopters and a few light transport planes.
© Copyright 2007, Army Times Publishing Company
