Photo By Senior Airman Briana Beavers | Italian Air Force air battle management graduates from the 337th Air Control Squadron...... read more read more
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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- To support and enhance the aerial capabilities of U.S. allies, the 337th Air Control Squadron instructs international partners on air battle management.
This iteration of studies facilitates training to Indonesian and Italian Air Force officers.
“The 337th trains international military students on the USAF’s techniques for command and control of combat air operations,” said 1st Lt Thomas Goya, 337th ACS international studies OIC. “This offers students the tools needed to become proficient, while fostering relationships with allied nations through open dialogue regarding professional differences, doctrine, and culture.”
The 337th ACS offers two classes, the International Air Weapons Controller Course and the Theater Air Operations Course.
“There are currently 52 countries that participate in both the IAWCC and TAOC,” Goya said. “Generally, we facilitate four classes each per year, and graduate about 96 students annually.”
In addition to training international partners, the 337th ACS provides employment opportunities through the military personnel exchange program.
“I completed the TAOC course in 2016 and followed up with the IAWCC in 2019,” said Polish Air Force Maj. Krzysztof Wyrwich, 337th ACS Polish exchange officer and international studies graduate. “When I was a student, the commander at the time asked if Poland would like to join the MPEP program which would allow me to be a liaison for my home country.”
MPEP is a Department of Defense cooperation program that allows foreign military personnel to integrate into U.S. military units.
Wyrwich remarked on how rewarding this training is and his experience as a Polish liaison.
“It's an honor to be here,” Wyrwich said. “I learned something new every day from instructors on the U.S. side and from other countries. It’s a great opportunity to exchange experiences with other nations and learn from our differences.”
The training program has not only proved beneficial to international students but the 337th as well.
“What I’ve noticed is the constant exchange of knowledge between our members and national partners,” Goya said. “These partnerships have lasting advantages when our cadre and staff engage with course graduates in an operational setting.”
Goya closed with his thoughts on the value the squadron provides to the war fighting effort.
“Our alliances act as a force multiplier through multinational cooperation and coordination,” Goya said. “It proves that some of our actions are always greater than if we act alone. If the time comes for future combat, we know that we’ll be ready because of training like this.”
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.09.2025 17:10 |
| Story ID: | 494411 |
| Location: | TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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