Government Relations Engages Community Partners and Military

In 2015, the University of Arizona joined with the City of Tucson, Pima County, and the Southern Arizona VA Health Center as participants in the Air Force Community Partnership program.  The program is a framework through which military and community leaders can identify creative ways to leverage their capabilities and resources to focus on achieving reduced costs by finding shared value. 

A shining example of success from this initiative is the University’s Critical Language Program partnership with linguists from the 55th Electronic Combat Group.  This program allows Airmen from Davis-Monthan to further their language proficiencies through training right here in Tucson, while cutting costs at the same time. Recent results show that Airmen graduating from the UA program have an average language proficiency increase of 11%, compared to a 6% proficiency increase for those graduating from the Defense Language Institute.  This increased proficiency rate is achieved at a lower cost, saving the government over $435,000 since the program began in 2016. 

GCR recently brought together partners from across campus who engage with the military to share information about their engagement and to focus on maximizing our partnership with the Air Force.  The meeting included representatives from the Executive Office of the President, Research Innovation & Impact, Athletics, Marketing and Communications, the VETS Center, the Critical Languages Program, Student Engagement & Career Development, Campus Recreation, Tech Parks Arizona, and the UA Applied Research Corporation. We invite other departments, colleges, or individuals with military connections, or an interest in developing partnerships with Davis-Monthan, to contact us so we can include you in future discussions.