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AFSOC welcomes new MAVNIs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melanie Holochwost
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The United States Air Force Special Operations School (USAFSOS) welcomed two new Airmen into the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program this week.

Airmen 1st Class Mohamad Dannawi and Adrianna Choluj arrived here Nov. 28 fresh out of basic training to become language and culture advisors.

Dannawi, a native of Lebanon, has been in the United States for four-and-a-half years. Prior to entering the MAVNI program, he was a film student at a university in California.

“It was hard working as a film freelancer after college since I wasn’t a citizen,” he said. “I joined the MAVNI program because I thought it would be a great way to stay in the country.”

Choluj, a native of Poland, came to the United States as a nanny. For two years, she took care of two children in Charlston, S.C., while taking college classes on the weekends. Then, she applied for student status and studied criminal justice full time.

“I have a lot of friends in the U.S. military. I wanted to join since I got here in June 2012,” she said. “It’s been great so far.”

She said she is both nervous and excited to start her journey at USAFSOS.

“If I get the chance to deploy to Poland, I’ll only be 30 minutes away from home,” she said.

The road to becoming a MAVNI can be long and tedious. Applicants undergo language testing, immigration status verification and a security investigation. After a recruiter locks a position for a candidate, they interview with Lt. Col. Kelli Moon, USAFSOS language and culture center chief.

“I’m looking for applicants who are mature and able to operate in demanding environments both here and abroad,” she said. “Education beyond high school, critical thinking, and public speaking skills are highly desired.”

Moon said MAVNIs can expect to instruct USAFSOS courses (either locally or off-station), escort visiting partner nation delegations, tutor language students, and interpret conferences.

“MAVNIs also augment irregular warfare activities,” she said. “They attach to other units and teach them about the local language and culture. They translate as needed and give advice on any cultural matters that arise.”

If interested in applying for the MAVNI program, visit http://www.airforce.com/contact-us/recruiter-locator/. For more information on the program, visit http://www.afsoc.af.mil/Units/AirForceSpecialOperationsAirWarfareCenter/USAFSOS.aspx.