69th FS pilot wins award for research thesis

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Suan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  An instructor pilot with the 69th Fighter Squadron was recently selected as the Culture Studies Research award winner for an outstanding research thesis at Air Command and Staff College .

Unbeknownst to him, Maj. James West's instructor submitted his research thesis to compete against all those in the Air Force who completed the ACSC online master's program during the 2009-2010 academic year.

"The Culture Studies Award recognizes the student whose research best investigates and analyzes the impact of culture on warfare, military history, military theory development and/or aerospace power theory," said Dr. Kathleen Mahoney-Norris, Professor of National Security Students and Director of Online Master's Research Program.

Major West focused his thesis on current methodology and training necessary to build a culturally aware combat Airman who is preparing to deploy as an air advisor.

"AAs are Air Force Airmen from a variety of Air Force career fields who are sent to interact with U.S. partner nations in an effort to build, rebuild and improve partner nation's air force," Major West said. "I evaluated current training methods and their perceived effectiveness as reported through multiple interviews with current and past air advisors. I analyzed other methods of training used by different services and organizations, such as Army Special Forces, and the Air Force's 6th Special Operations Squadron and finally recommended some improvements to our current training."

In 2008, Major West was deployed to Iraq as an air advisor. As such, he underwent five weeks of training that focused on convoy operations, base-perimeter defense, close quarters combat, combat lifesaving and a variety of other Army ground-combat maneuvers.

"The training was interesting and valuable;, however, upon arrival at my deployed location, I determined that my Arabic language skills and overall cross-cultural competence could have used some work," he said. "When it came time to write my thesis, I thought this topic might better prepare future AAs."

Although at the completion of his thesis, Major West said he was just glad to be finished, he had hoped it would make a small difference in the Air Force.

"The unexpected recognition was a huge bonus," he added.

"Major West chose a subject that continues to dog U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Dr. Gregory Intoccia, faculty advisor and a retired U.S. Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel. "While Air Advisors are making contributions, cultural and language barriers between the air advisors and our partner nations are numerous and are not being addressed, preventing air advisors from achieving their potential for much greater contributions to the mission. After interviewing experienced air advisors and evaluating current training programs, (Major West) makes specific, actionable recommendations that could help the war effort. Accordingly he is deserving of award recognition."

The online master's degree program provides Air Force majors and civilian equivalents an educational opportunity to meet the needs of the service while also accommodating today's high operations tempo, according to Dr. Mahoney-Norris.

The curriculum is a 33 semester-hour program comprised of 11 eight-week courses which explore areas of particular interest regarding modern U.S. Air Force operations and leadership.

"The ACSC Online Master's Program is a great way for majors and major-selects to expand their professional knowledge base and potentially impact the big Air Force through their research contributions," Major West said. "The flexibility and professionalism offered throughout the online course made it well worth the time invested. The course demands group interaction in the online environment, time-management skills, and a desire to learn. I highly recommend the program."