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Scott captain uses military program to study in Prague

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Capt. Alan Kent, Air Mobility Command headquarters senior intelligence duty officer, has found a way to combine serving his country, earning education benefits and traveling the world. 

He was selected as an Olmsted Scholar through the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation, which allows him to obtain a Master of Arts degree in International Relations at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, as a full-time student. 

"The Czech Republic was number six of 10 places that I wanted to go to," said Captain Kent. "They are a staunch U.S. ally and it is important to maintain relations with them. Also, my wife's ancestors are originally from there." 

Captain Kent, currently has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Near Eastern Studies from Brigham Young University, Utah, and a Master of Arts degree in Diplomacy from Norwich University, Vermont. 

Under the program, he will go through one year of intensive language training with his wife. Mrs. Kent has a degree in linguistics, making this program a good opportunity for her, as well. 

"One of my goals is for all my six kids to become fluent in Czech," said Captain Kent.
The Kent family is expected to fully submerge in the Czech culture. 

"This will be a great way to learn leadership," said Captain Kent. "It's going to take a lot of work to make contacts with people and assimilate into the population, which are tools that can be applied to being an officer." 

Captain Kent will continue to receive his military pay, but he will be relieved of all military duties. In return, he will serve six more years in the Air Force. 

"I spent years in Brazil, so I speak Portuguese, but I have no experience in Slavic languages," said Captain Kent, who has also never been to that region of Europe.
Captain Kent encourages all officers to use the Olmstead Foundation to enhance their career. 

"This is the best dream job," said Captain Kent. "I get to learn a language and advance my career." 

Each year 35 officers are selected to study in different countries, so that they can return as better leaders who are more adaptable to other cultures.