MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. - For the first time, the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center’s Paul H. Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center brought together two students from a unique international military partnership in the same Airman Leadership School class. 

Senior Airman Trace Olson from the North Dakota Air National Guard and Lt. Bertrand Zinsou from the Benin air force, Benin, West Africa — whose home country partners with North Dakota through the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program — gained leadership skills together in the intensive course, culminating in their graduation Feb. 20.

The SPP is a U.S. military initiative that builds long-term relationships between U.S. states and partner nations. It connects state National Guards with foreign militaries to strengthen security, share knowledge and develop leadership skills. 

The SPP improves cooperation and understanding between countries through training exercises, leadership programs and military exchanges. While the
program has allowed for cross-cultural exchanges in military training environments, this was the first-time students from an SPP attended ALS at the same time at the Lankford EPME Center.

“For decades, partnerships between nations have played a significant role in maintaining peace,” said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Butts, commandant of the Lankford EPME Center. “So, as our Air Force turns more toward leveraging and empowering enlisted leadership, it makes sense that we foster the same environment with our partners. Introducing partner Airmen early in their careers can be a catalyst for long-term relationships.“

The rigorous leadership development course challenged Zinsou and Olson, allowing them to push each other to succeed while forming a deep bond.

“EPME plays a vital role in preparing our enlisted force to lead and it will do the same for our partners,” said Butts. “So, when we had this opportunity to deliberately connect Airmen from state partners Benin and North Dakota, we couldn’t let it go. I’m confident that our continued efforts to capitalize on these opportunities will pay dividends for years to come.“

“This is a shining example of how we build bridges across continents, working together to strengthen democracy and freedom against those who would threaten it,” said Col. Angela Tapia, TEC commander. “The friendships and professional ties formed during this course will last far beyond this class and reinforce the idea that we are stronger together.”

For Zinsou, attending ALS alongside his American counterpart was a unique and valuable experience.

“Being here with our partner nation student gave me the opportunity to better understand the SPP and how it helps us develop cultural awareness,” he said. “The way the U.S. Air Force teaches leadership, teamwork and problem-solving is something I will take back and share with my unit in Benin.”

Olson shared similar feelings about the experience. 

“Being in ALS with Lt. Zinsou has helped me grow as a leader,” Olson said. “Leadership goes beyond borders. This experience helped me build camaraderie
with someone from another nation, and I feel more confident about training and working in different environments.”

Staff Sgt. Santiago Ospina Diaz, an ALS instructor, emphasized the significance of having international students in the course. 

“When we bring in students from different backgrounds, it enhances unity and strengthens interoperability,“ Diaz said. “Cultural differences can be challenging, but we create an environment that fosters inclusivity and understanding.”

Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin, senior enlisted advisor to the director of Defense Security Cooperation, said bringing together the two service members exemplified the importance of enlisted forces in advancing national security, institutional capacity and global stability. 

“As a global leader in security cooperation, we are committed to supporting, sustaining, and expanding these invaluable partnerships,” Sundin said.