Aligning Training and Testing in Support of Interoperability Varna 2010 Aligning Training and Testing in Support of Interoperability

Bureau for International Language Coordination What is BILC? Bureau for International Language Coordination “BILC is NATO’s consultative and advisory body concerned with language training matters” Est’d 1966 consultative and advisory body concerned with language training matters (approved 1978) relationship with JSSG/NTG

Outline BILC Interoperability Terms of Reference

Vision To achieve levels of excellence where progress made by one is shared by all.

Mission To promote and foster interoperability among NATO and PfP nations by furthering standardization of language training and testing. To support the Alliance’s operations through the exchange of knowledge and best practices, in accordance with established procedures and agreements.

ENHANCE INTEROPERABILTY Goals To disseminate to participating countries print and multimedia instructional materials, tests, and information on developments in the field of language training. To review the work done in the co-ordination field and in the study of particular language topics through the convening of an annual conference and seminar for participating nations. To act as a clearing house for the exchange of information between participating countries on developments in the field of language training. ENHANCE INTEROPERABILTY How are these shared responsibilities met? Informal bilateral and multilateral arrangements between participating education and training establishments, MoDs, and individuals with shared concerns and goals. BILC also conducts Language Testing Seminars, Advanced Language Testing Seminars, and Assistance Visits through the George Marshall Center in Garmish-Partenkirchen. Details will follow in the Secretary’s Report. I cannot stress enough the value of the Testing Seminars and TAVs in standardizing processes and procedures within the BILC community. Interoperability is the goal, and the value of extra work of Peggy, Keith, Jana and Julie is beyond measure. Here we are. What is lacking is financial support for travel. Can we collectively be more supportive of each other? Can the website be used more effectively? When will we explore the development of communities of practice? When will we begin sharing materials online through shared portals and standards? Collaboration with the IT&E ADL WG is essential in this regard. The BILC community has been very effective in building consensus in the area of testing. Nevertheless, testing is only one component of an education system. Strategic support, program management, teacher development, learning materials development, curriculum and methodology, learner support, and research are key components that we address in a less than systematic manner. At the seminars, there is a sense of exploration that is invigorating for participants. As educators responsible for the ongoing training and education of defence personnel to meet new challenges, that sense of adventure is something we cannot afford to lose.

Interoperability Report Analysis of Interoperability Shortfalls in Current NATO-led Operations Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre June 2010 IMC Control |10003401 Identify shortfalls with significant impact on IO, examine causes, recommend courses of action to correct for current and future ops. International Security Assistance Force ISAF and Kosovo Force KFOR primary field of research (others interviewed). Eight shortfalls selected, but Restricted. “Interoperability is not complicated, but it is complex.” IO is increasingly, exponentially more complex as more nations are engaged. Two main causes: due to inadequate harmonization of requirements and procedures, expectations not fully understood by Troop Contributing Nations; complexity of IO is often overwhelming. Wide disparity of English skills, national testing processes “fail to assure adequate abilities to listen, speak, read, and write.” Idiosyncratic English (e.g., stylistic conventions of avoiding repetition), slang and idiom (see Chaloupsky), and dialect variants impede communication in International English. Recommended COA generic (better coord of effort, clear articulation of expectations), but standard English should be recognized as a goal by English-speaking nations.

“Interoperability is not complicated, but it is complex.” IO is increasingly, exponentially more complex as more nations are engaged. Two main causes: due to inadequate harmonization of requirements and procedures, expectations not fully understood by Troop Contributing Nations; complexity of IO is often overwhelming.

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Recommended COA generic (better coord of effort, clear articulation of expectations), but standard English must be recognized as a goal by English-speaking nations.

Training and Education Complexity Strategic Level NATO IC/IMC ACT/ACO NTG Nations Ministries HR Mil/Civ Schools Managers Teachers Students Graduates Deployed/ Posted Strategic Alliances International coordination Civilian and Military Nations Operations Staffing Training and Education International HQs Staff NGOs Ops Commands Operational The role of BILC in this complex of systems is intricate because we are not only governed by it but are, like many other bodies within and external to the Alliance, involved in effecting change within it. BILC is the sole international Military Linguistics champion that I am aware of. It is time to make ourselves more visible if we are intent on surviving the next round of transformations of NATO. See JSSG notes Tactical National HQs Units Platoons Local Structures LRTs

Proposed Restructuring IC ? SCNTG EWGNTG The most prominent proposal sees a Steering Committee and an Executive Working Group, with an adjunct standards WG (standing). A virtual network of ad hoc WGs, meeting to effect tasks or advise on subject matter and strategic movement, would replace cuurent SGs and WGs. BILC does not fit this model and NTG, at the instigation of the Bulgarian delegation, has acknowledged this. Next week in Brussels, negotiations for new TORs for BILC will begin. A report will be ready by Spring 2011.

Presentations Topics and Themes Interoperability issues Assessment Higher Levels Curriculum and Teacher Development Alignment of standards National Programs Visit to Shumen – busman’s holiday – is a highlight

Cultural events You will be amazed and enchanted

BILC Photo Say “CHEESE”