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An Argentine affair

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) --  In today's modern Air Force, it is a necessity to create and maintain strong working relationships with our international allies. Senior leadership visits and exchange programs are a major part of establishing rapport. Such is the case with the Argentine air force.

Randolph AFB served as host to Brigadier (U.S. Air Force equivalent Major General) Raul Enrique Acosta, personnel commander, Argentine air force, May 3. General William R. Looney III, Air Education and Training commander, invited General Acosta to tour Randolph AFB in order to facilitate a better understanding of how the U.S. Air Force operates, trains, and educates its Airmen.

"Last year General Looney visited Argentina. This is a reciprocal visit," said General Acosta.

During his base tour, General Acosta was introduced to several different mission facets of Randolph AFB.

His base visit included stops at the Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force Recruiting Service and Air Force Security Assistance Training. At each department representatives briefed the general on the structure, role and mission of each agency.

Another aspect of his visit incorporated a more hands-on approach. General Acosta - a navigator by training - was able to experience first-hand how the U.S. Air Force trains its pilots as he operated the T-1, T-6, and T-38 simulators.

One purpose of senior leader visits is to build and develop global partnerships. General Acosta stressed the importance of having a reciprocal exchange program where Argentine cadets attend the U. S. Air Force Academy, as well as, having U. S. Air Force cadets train in Argentina.

The Argentine and the U. S. Air Forces are very similar, but also include some differences, according to the U. S. Air Force in-country officer. "One hundred percent of line Argentine air force officers come from the academy," said Lt. Col. Stephen Batts, U. S. Military Group, Argentina. "Argentina is graduating their first female pilot at the end of this academic year." General Acosta commented on manpower as the main difference between the Air Forces."

As he concluded his visit to Randolph AFB, General Acosta said he would take back to Argentina many lessons learned. "Totally, it was an excellent experience and personally, very gratifying," said General Acosta. "Everything was professional and well planned."

The U. S. Air Force continues to have a working relationship with the Argentine air force. "I do not anticipate any change," General Acosta said. "There has always been a certain mutual understanding between our Air Forces."