LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
In addition to teaching English to students from more than 100 countries at the Lackland campus, the Defense Language Institute English Language Center provides assistance for in-country English Language Training Programs through mobile training teams.
Currently in 11 countries, including Afghanistan and Iraq, the teams deploy for up to six months at a time, providing unique experiences and adventures for English instructors.
Michele Stockdale, a senior DLI instructor who taught English for three months to future air corps members in Afghanistan, said the program is critical to the training of our allied militaries.
"It's an important mission," she said. "We can't fail or there will be no (Afghanistan) air force until a new generation of pilots are identified and trained."
Ms. Stockdale said building and strengthening relationships are also important. "There's nothing like working in the trenches to build incredible rapport and experiences nobody else will have," She said. "The students have been through a lot and they all have stories - amazing ones."
Roger Cohen taught at the Kabul Military Training Center in Afghanistan for three months. "It wasn't easy being away from home, but it was definitely worth it," he said.
Mr. Cohen said he has fond memories talking with students about their lives under the Soviet occupation and Taliban era and would recommend teaching in Afghanistan.
"One of the things I liked about teaching in Afghanistan is the students really appreciate what we do for them," stated Kenneth Stroebel, an instructor in Afghanistan for three months.
In Iraq, DLI instructors provide oversight and training for Iraqis who will later teach English themselves, said Wesley Trueblood, an instructor who taught in Iraq for 273 days. "The hours are long with six-day work weeks, but there is satisfaction in fulfilling the mission with such eager students," Mr. Trueblood said.
Many Iraqi students must learn English before taking specialized military training. "My six-month TDY to Iraq was one of the most challenging things I have ever had to do, yet it was one of the most rewarding," said Kendall Tucker. "It was such a thrill to teach English to Iraqi air force cadets and see them pass the English test qualifying them for pilot training."
Deploying into a combat zone imposes unique requirements on the instructors, all of whom wear a military uniform while in Afghanistan and Iraq and deploy with a weapon.
Mr. Trueblood said that although the assignments are difficult, the deployments often feature many comforts from home. "Most assignments provide regular Internet and telephone access," he said.
Instructors also have access to a wide food selection at the dining facilities, along with many recreational opportunities provided through morale, welfare, and recreation programs.
Employment opportunities are listed on the federal government's official employment information Web site, USAJOBS. DLI instructors working in Afghanistan or Iraq must have a 4-year degree and professional knowledge in the field of English as a foreign language, English as a second language, linguistics, foreign languages, English, education or other related areas.