DAFPD36-40 — Language, Regional Expertise, And Culture Program

DAFPD36-40 governs Department of the Air Force policy for developing language, regional expertise, and culture capabilities.

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  • Publication number: DAFPD36-40
  • Title: LANGUAGE, REGIONAL EXPERTISE, AND CULTURE PROGRAM
  • Date: 2026-04-23

View DAFPD36-40 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes policy, roles, and responsibilities for creating and sustaining LREC capabilities supporting warfighting missions, security cooperation engagements, peacetime operations, and partner capacity. It requires a comprehensive LREC program across the Total Force and execution of the DoD English Language Training Program.

Applies to: This publication applies to Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilian employees and uniformed members of the Regular Air Force (RegAF), United States Space Force (USSF), Air Force Reserve (AFR), and Air National Guard (ANG).

Topics covered

  • Language capabilities
  • Regional expertise
  • Cultural capabilities
  • DoD English Language Training Program
  • LREC force development
  • Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus
  • LREC capability utilization

Questions and answers

What must the Department of the Air Force maintain for LREC capabilities?

Maintain a comprehensive LREC program to develop, sustain, and enhance such capabilities across the Total Force according to validated and prioritized mission requirements. (paragraph 2)

What does the DoD English Language Training Program support?

Execute the Department of Defense (DoD) English Language Training Program to meet DoD and international military partners’ English language training requirements in order to advance National Defense Strategy and DoD security cooperation goals. (paragraph 2)

What must the Department optimize for foreign language, regional expertise, and cultural capabilities?

Optimize the accession, development, sustainment, enhancement, and employment of foreign language, regional expertise, and cultural capabilities critical to the Department’s functions, and establish roles and responsibilities for LREC stakeholders across the DAF to ensure that Airmen and Guardians with critical LREC skills and competencies are available to meet validated and prioritized mission requirements that support global operational readiness. (paragraph 2)

Who oversees LREC force development for Foreign Area Officers and Total Force International Affairs Specialists?

The Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs (SAF/IA) will oversee LREC force development, sustainment, and manpower requirements for Foreign Area Officers and other Total Force International Affairs Specialists, as appropriate, in coordination with the DAF SLA and Air Education and Training Command, as well as AF/RE and NGB/CF for the Air Reserve Components (ARC). (paragraph 3)

What must the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff oversee for personnel with LREC capabilities?

Oversee the implementation of force development strategies and policies to recruit, develop, and retain Air Force personnel with LREC capabilities. (paragraph 3)

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