SG#5: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SHORTFALLS IN NATO-LED OPS

SG#5: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SHORTFALLS IN NATO-LED OPS SG#5 was invited to consider the JALLC identified shortfall in English language skills from individual national perspectives. Assuming that there is still a perceived problem, identify what could be done and/or is being done to mitigate this interoperability shortfall. If there is a general perception that nothing more can be done, what are the key reasons for this perception?

SG#5: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SHORTFALLS IN NATO-LED OPS The SG brainstormed the issue and decided that the best way to obtain ‘national perspectives’ was to invite all BILC delegations to contribute via a mini survey. The survey invited Delegations to agree that there was and continues to be a English proficiency shortfall and to explain what actions were being taken or should be taken to mitigate this problem.

SG#5: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SHORTFALLS IN NATO-LED OPS Not many responses were received, primarily because many delegates were not aware that this was an issue. The responses received were in general agreement that there was and continues to be an undefined English proficiency shortfall. A small number of responses suggested that there was no shortfall as far as their country was concerned.

Why has no action been taken? What’s the problem? Financial constraints, Time devoted to training not long enough, Individuals/Organisations not willing to take responsibility for the issue, Low motivation or will, Attrition rates of language pool.

What action is being taken? General and specialized courses in place, Training at units rather than in language schools, Additional funding provided for language training, especially at unit level, Self-study courses, Specialist training undertaken abroad.

What actions could be taken NATO NATIONS – INDIVIDUALLY AND/OR COLLECTIVELY Need for further research: accurate LNA for posts. ’Awareness’ training for native speakers – courses/leaflet/aide memoire. Introduction of ’plus’ levels??? Review of Defence Planning Targets (Force Goals). Specialised/general courses / refresher courses before deployment. Operational English courses/staff oriented courses. Open language courses to other nations. Greater Collaboration. Greater use of ’new’ technology – incl development of existing e-learning packages, such as provided by Bulgaria (www.pfp.ethz.ch) Testing before deployment? Adapt ‘officer’ level courses to NCO level.

SG#5: ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SHORTFALLS IN NATO-LED OPS