A U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot became the first United States service member to graduate from the language program of Kazakhstan’s National Defense University.
Maj. Abigail Blount immersed herself in Russian language courses at the university, emerging after nine months with advanced proficiency. Her new language skills enable her to communicate more effectively with counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At a ceremony in late May 2026, Maj. Gen. Baurzhan Abzhanov, head of the National Defense University, awarded certificates to Maj. Blount and other international students who finished the language program.
“Language training is an integral part of the formation of a modern serviceman. It expands his professional capabilities, ensures effective interaction at the international level and contributes to building a constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and trust,” Maj. Gen. Abzhanov said.
Also in attendance was U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stufft, who emphasized that cross-cultural military educational programs help build cooperation between the U.S. and Kazakhstan.
U.S. EMBASSY IN KAZAKHSTAN
Removing language barriers also improves interoperability when soldiers conduct multinational operations. Kazakhstan, for example, is a frequent contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The U.S. Department of State runs the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program that provides grants for foreign soldiers to study in the U.S.
Kazakhstan’s language program reciprocates IMET by providing soldiers from different nations opportunities to study at the defense university in the Kazakh capital of Astana.
Maj. Blount enrolled in the university during an assignment as a foreign area officer at the U.S. Embassy in Astana.
Maj. Blount is no stranger to arduous challenges, having undergone and successfully passed the U.S. Army Ranger School course and the U.S. Army aviator training program, each a tremendous accomplishment in its own right.
“What makes a good pilot, soldier, leader or professional is resiliency, persistence and humility,” Maj. Blount said in an earlier interview highlighting her Army experiences. “If you are afraid to fail, you will never push yourself to achieve what you’re truly capable of doing.”