Jamil Musa
September 16, 2013
Major in the U.S. Air Force.
Young Leader 2013.
Biography
Jamil is a Major in the U.S. Air Force. Currently, he is in the C-17A instructor pilot re-qualification process and will eventually be stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. An Olmsted Scholar and North Africa/Middle East Regional Affairs Specialist, Jamil studied contemporary history at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. Upon defending his thesis this fall, Jamil will become the first American to complete coursework towards a graduate degree predominantly instructed in Arabic at Mohammed V University. Prior to his time in Morocco, Jamil served as executive officer to the Commander 437th Operations Group, Charleston AFB, South Carolina, and as a C-17A flight lead airdrop and Special Operations Low Level II (SOLLII) instructor pilot. Jamil has flown nearly 2,000 hours in operations around the globe, including numerous missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. His awards and decorations include the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
He received his commission in 2003 from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he graduated with military distinction and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science and Foreign Area Studies (Western Europe) and minored in French. During this time, Jamil also spent a semester as an exchange student in France at the Ecole de l’Air, graduating from French survival school, earning French parachute wings, and flying in numerous French aircraft. He received his Masters in Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution in 2008 from Norwich University, Vermont, where he graduated with honors. He is a distinguished graduate of Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama.
Jamil’s personal interests include soccer, triathlons, traveling, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.
Interview
Why did you apply to the Young Leaders Program? What are you seeking to get out of it?
What is truly special about the FAF Young Leaders Program is that it unites successful individuals of seemingly diverse backgrounds from both sides of the Atlantic. However, the common bond is leadership. A fervent believer that the best leaders are broadly educated, I also recognize that education is emulation. Through cross-pollination with successful leaders, one’s peers become role models and teachers. Considering the magnitude of today’s global challenges, solutions are increasingly dependent upon comprehensive approaches rooted in civil-military, inter-agency, and international cooperation. I’m truly looking forward to being a part of the group and learning from new friends.
What is an interesting fact about you that some people might not know?
Although not a particularly strong swimmer, runner, or cyclist, I recently completed my first Ironman Triathlon in Nice, France.
What did you aspire to be when you were young?
Dentist
You are obviously highly accomplished professionally. What is one mistake you made that was a great learning lesson?
I’ve expressed dissent at times when it may not have been necessary given that a decision regarding the issue had been reached. While sometimes it is important to express one’s opinion, at other times there may be nothing to gain but harm