Much of the learning at AFIT takes place outside the traditional classroom. Some students take web-based courses at their home computers. Some study alongside scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Many of the international students, however, go all the way to Washington, D.C., for a lesson.

Each spring, Annette Robb, director of International Programs at AFIT, accompanies the newest group of foreign officer students to the nation’s capital for an educational visit spanning several days. The trip, funded for the officers by Air Force Security Assistance Training, is a Department of Defense Informational Program. According to the policy, the goal of the Program is “to ensure that international students return to their homeland with an understanding of the responsibilities of governments, militaries, and citizens to protect, preserve, and respect the rights of every individual.” Essentially, the Program’s objective is to provide the students “with an awareness and functional understanding of internationally recognized human rights and the American democratic way of life.”

To meet those objectives, activities during the Washington trip must be related to twelve basic areas: Constitution and Bill of Rights; local, state, and federal government institutions; civilian and military judicial systems; political processes; media; American family and community life; ethnic and other minorities; industry, environmental protection, and agriculture; economy; labor and labor-management relations; education; and public and social welfare. The Pentagon prepares the itinerary, with inputs from Robb.

Because there is so much to see, especially in support of the Program’s goals, each of the three days has a full schedule. Day one included a guided tour of the Pentagon, a tour of Arlington National Cemetery—including a viewing of the changing of the guard—and visits to several museums on the Mall. Day two started with a guided tour of the Jefferson, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, and Iwo Jima Memorials, a trip to the Capitol Hill area, visits to the Smithsonian and Air & Space Museums, and a social buffet with Embassy representatives. The final day included a tour of the White House area, a trip to Ft. Myers for a formal luncheon—hosted by the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs—with the Embassy representatives, and a visit to the Natural History Museum, leaving some time for self-touring.

According to Robb, the trip is more than just a whirlwind tour. “When we’re out and walking around, I’m sure to point out any protesters or public gatherings, so our international students can witness first-hand the freedoms and protection from discrimination that we have here.” After the first couple of days, Robb says, the students start telling her how worthwhile the trip is, and how it’s really helped them understand the way our country works.

One current AFIT student, Turkish officer Lt. Soner Ozer, says the trip was a lot of fun and that it fostered an “appreciation of the core values of American government system. Any questions about Washington, D.C. or the American government in general were answered in detail and that allowed us to learn more about American democracy.”