International cadets visit Barksdale Published Aug. 10, 2009 By Sarah Woodham and Rachel Smith 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs Interns BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Ten cadets from around the world visited Barksdale as part of the International Air Cadet Exchange July 29. The cadets, who came from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, gathered in Washington D.C., to make their way to the 2d Bomb Wing for a visit. While here, the cadets were able to experience some American culture by visiting places such as local museums, eateries, shopping plazas and going on multiple base tours. Cadets got to visit the military bases, share ideas, meet families, and compare the way of living in U.S. to their countries. One particular difference is the size of the cars since many come from densely populated areas of the world where sport utility vehicles are reserved for the rich and famous. Cadet Oliver Brown, 18, from the United Kingdom stated, "We went to Wal-Mart and the food section is the size of our largest shop, everything is just ten times larger." Along with its sheer size, a lot of cadets were amazed by how massively capitalistic and commercialized America is. However, they were impressed by how enthusiastically Americans welcomed them and made them feel at home. "The people are lovely, it's very inviting and warm," said Brown. Most of the cadets are not only interested in the military aspects, but are also here for the unique experience. "Previous people from my country had gone on the International Exchange to different countries and I thought going to the United States of America would be an interesting experience to see the different things and get an actual view of the people as opposed to the tourist approach," said Cadet Brown. This organization not only allows cadets to experience American culture, but teaches the cadets to appreciate each other's cultures too and establish diplomacy. "I've learned that no matter where someone comes from everyone has something in common even though we come from countries that sometimes don't agree," said Desiree Skubleny, 17, from Canada. Air cadets ages 17 and 18 years old are chosen from all over the world through an interview system for the opportunity to visit bases in different countries such as the U.S. and experience new cultures. It all started in 1946 when UK Air Training Corps representatives visited Montreal to discuss mutual interests with the Air Cadet League of Canada. During this discussion the ATC welcomed a proposal made by the ALCL for an Air Cadet Exchange plan and it was agreed to submit an official proposal to both sides of the Atlantic. To further develop this program, Air Cadet League representatives met in London and discussed exchange plans for the next year. As a result of this conference in London, the first exchange of 46 cadets and two escort officers was carried out between Canada and the UK in the summer of 1947. This was to be the foundation of all future exchanges. A few years later, the United States launched an expansion of its own program involving 19 countries, South America included. By the mid-1950s, it was apparent that the need existed for an international organization capable of coordinating and administering the overall exchange efforts. The International Air Cadet Exchange Association was born. Every autumn Civil Air Patrol members gather at an IACE conference hosted by one of the participating countries to plan for future events and discuss proposals. Each country is responsible for the exchange costs and transportation of their cadets and escorts to and from the host country. Some especially supportive governments provide military air transportation while others transport their cadets and escorts by civil aircraft or other means of ground transportation. Most importantly, cadets in this program learned to look past each other's differences and look at their fellow cadet's character.