Academy holds cadet exchange reception: International students connect, build relationships

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY. Colo. --  Officers from across the world and the U.S. service academies took the time to get to know one another during the annual sister service reception here last week.

At the Carlton House reception Nov. 14, hosted by Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, approximately 140 foreign exchange, international, and sister service exchange cadets mingled with Academy senior leaders to gain an international military perspective.

Cadets from Germany, Japan and Ecuador attended as did cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Naval and the U.S. Military Academy.

"One desired outcome of the four- year international cadet program and exchange program here is to build relationships that will potentially come together again in the future when countries and militaries work in a joint and allied environment," said Elizabeth Orie, the international programs coordinator here. "We've had a few international cadets go on to serve in high positions in their military. These small gestures could have a lasting impact and increase their affinity for the U.S."

The event lasted about two hours and throughout, Johnson emphasized the value of joint relations with sister military services and international allies.

"She spoke to the importance of international military connections, especially in modern military operations where very rarely will any of us go to war as a single nation," said Cadet 1st Class Stephen Kane, a foreign exchange cadet from Canada.

The first sister service reception occurred here in 2003 however, did not include international students until 2010. Prior to then, a reception for international students was held on a different night.

Cadet 2nd Class Ryan Hub, an exchange cadet from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, said the reception allowed senior leaders to receive direct feedback on the Academy from sister service exchange students.

"All the service academy and foreign exchange cadets are spread throughout the (Cadet) Wing, so it was cool to have us all in one place and give us a good opportunity to interact with one another," he said.

Midshipman 2nd Class Andrew Flegge, an exchange cadet from the U.S. Naval Academy, said he's appreciated the effort the Academy has put forth to welcome exchange students.

"They've rolled out the red carpet and done everything possible to ensure a smooth transition," he said. "This semester has definitely been one of the best semesters of my college experience."

The event was a great opportunity to hear various perspectives across the military, Flegge said.

"I met several different officers, both foreign and of various U.S. services," he said. "I learned a lot about different countries and the international programs that respective cadets take part in."

Kane said he was able to learn what other exchange cadets had to say about their experience here.

"It's been a great privilege to be at the Academy on exchange," he said. "The exchange program is not very well-known at the Royal Military College of Canada, so when I return in January I will be making sure to get people on board and aware that this great opportunity exists."

There are currently 59 cadets representing 27 countries in the Academy's four year international cadet program and 19 cadets representing five countries in the semester exchange program here.