Any Air Force Officer's aware of the criteria that would make one more competitive for a Regional Affairs Specialist (RAS) selection?

2014-06-02T07:06:51-04:00

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 10:55 AM

2014-06-02T10:55:31-04:00

I started the process as soon as I commissioned, but have since decided to go a different direction. First thing you need to do is get that into your ADP. Let AFPC know early and often that you're interested in RAS. Second, if you're already fairly proficient in a language, go take a DLPT. Without the DLAB and DLPT in your records there is less competitive chance for you to be looked at. After that, find ways to keep your language fresh and keep every commander aware that you're interested. Of course, the language you're already learning isn't necessarily the language you'll get...but if you maintain the initiative to utilize your langauge-learning aptitude for the greater Air Force good, you'll have a leg up. Finally, in my experience, your best friends during this process are O-5s or O-6s who've got your back along the way. By the time you're a senior-ish captain and pull the RAS slot, their pushes will have helped quite a bit.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-04-07T14:34:21-04:00

Hey Robert, I just got picked up for it after someone got disqualified. Just like Capt Alford, above, I have been working at getting picked up since my commission. A few things that I did were:
1. Have Current DLPT and DLAB scores. One of the training requirements for RAS is to have a DLAB above 95 (i think that's the minimum but that won't make you competitive). A good DLPT score (above 2/2) means that they won't spend as much time having to train you.
2. Get your M.A. in International Relations. This is another requirement once you get picked up. If you can focus on a certain region, even better.
3. Apply to other programs which require your use of language in an official capacity. LEAP offer LITEs (language immersion). I also attended ISOS which is inter-american SOS (Spanish SOS).
Last, and more importantly, Have a current ADP and have your senior eater endorse you for this. Even if you meet all requirements, if you don't have their support then it's pointless.

Feel free to look me up on the global and I can answer any additional questions you might have.

-Alex Hau
2.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-05-08T22:06:48-04:00

I am looking into becoming a RAS too! what was suggested to me--get your master's in international relations with a focus in your intended area, join the LEAP program for your language, research what it takes to get your career field to release you, and go on as many trips to the region you are interested in. We have to wait till our 7 year point to apply.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 7:38 AM

2016-01-08T07:38:09-05:00

Get a high DLAB score. Select a language that isn't European. Express enthusiasm for a career in armpit places like Yemen, Pakistan, Nigeria.