Challenging the US

Major Olof Ekman, from Sweden, Squadron Leader Lionel Bentley, from RAAF Base Williamtown, and Lieutenant Colonel Yishay Sachs, from Israel, on graduation day.

CHALLENGING the views of US military officers has led to a career highlight for Squadron Leader Lionel Bentley.

SQNLDR Bentley, from RAAF Base Williamtown, recently graduated with a Masters of Military Operational Art and Science from the United States Air Force Command and Staff College.

This course is equivalent to the Australian Command and Staff Course. The 600 students from all branches of the US defence services was complemented by 73 international officers from 62 different countries.

SQNLDR Bentley said representing his nation as part of the international officer body was a career highlight. “The sense of responsibility that you feel when standing on stage delivering a regional perspective on world issues, such as China as a military and economic power in Asia, when it contrasts greatly with that held by the mid-grade US military officer is humbling,” he said.

“The College Commandant sees it as a primary responsibility for international officers to challenge the norms of the US officers.”

Another highlight of the course for SQNLDR Bentley was a live-firepower demonstration at the Nellis AFB featuring the A-10, F-16, F-15, F-117, B-52 and the B-2, with co-ordinated live feed from a Predator UAV.

“It allowed me to more fully appreciate the weapon systems that we had planned for and used during war gaming,” he said. Since returning to Australia to the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office as the preparedness manager for the Hornets, SQNLDR Bentley said he had more skills and a better understanding of how an Australian capability might contribute to coalition operations.

Woven throughout the 10-month course is leadership and management training and a cultural experience program. “The US historical and political focus that the course offers allows you to better understand where the deep sense of patriotism that pervades the USAF comes from,” SQNLDR Bentley said.

The course, conducted at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, aims to graduate mid-grade officers to undertake further command and leadership roles in the USAF.

It covers topics such as US defence and foreign affairs policy, military strategy and history and joint campaign planning and theatre air operations.

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