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Afghan Air Force Lieutenants head to specialized training in the U.S.

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rob Leese
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs officer
KABUL, Afghanistan --  Another three Afghan Air Force lieutenants from the AAF's English Immersion Lab, known as the Thunder Lab, graduated the program last week, preparing next to leave for more advance language training in the U.S.

2nd Lts. Jamshid Barayalay, Bakhtyar Hotak and Ziaurrahman Safi are going directly to the U.S. for language training at Defense Language Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and then to training in their career specialties of communication, law and civil engineering respectively.

Lt. Col. John Howard, officer-in-charge of the Thunder Lab, took time to present a military coin, graduation certificates and talked about each of the graduate's contributions to the Thunder Lab.

Colonel Howard, originally from Alexandria, Va., explained, "One of the things I will always remember about Lieutenant Jamshid is that he always looks very sharp and is always on time. He took a big leadership role as the student squadron commander for A-flight."

Lieutenant Jamshid is expecting to feel a little culture shock, but he is looking forward to coming to the U.S. to attend the Defense Language Institute and train as a civil engineering in Texas.

"I am eager to see some Texas cities. Many people say that Texas cities are nice and I am looking forward to meeting the people," said Lieutenant Jamshid.

Colonel Howard stated, "Lieutenant Hotak's language has improved dramatically and we have asked him a few times to be our translator. It just goes to show when you work hard that your English scores go shooting through the roof."

Lieutenant Hotak is excited to come to America to study law and believes it is very important. The law is good for all people, so that they know their rights.

"I want to meet the people of the United States and learn about their cultures, family and study my lessons," said Lieutenant Hotak.

Colonel Howard explained, "Lieutenant Safi is another positive influence in the Thunder Lab and doing a great job while he was here. He always cares and looks out for everyone and that is a characteristic of a leader."

Lieutenant Safi will become a civil engineering after training in the U.S.

"I want to study and I am eager to see some of the famous cities in America. I am definitely excited to be going," said Lieutenant Safi.

As the AAF lieutenants graduate and leave, the Thunder Lab gets ready for 50 new male and female lieutenants to arrive next month from the National Military Academy of Afghanistan and Officer Candidate School training.