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1. Study Group 4
Harmonizing NATO operational language courses
2. Background
NTG/JSSG 2008/2009 Priorities, Annex C to ACT 5000TI-3222/Ser:NU Dated 3Aug 07
BILC
Action: English Language Training Support for ISAF Operations
Investigate the possibility of running central NATO courses aimed at teaching Military English to English instructors drawn from ISAF contributing nations
3. Background
JSSG Spring 2008 meeting
BILC should review existing operational English language courses
Report on these courses at the Autumn 2008 JSSG meeting
4. Unknowns
Need to identify the target group (ISAF HQ staff officers, commanders of the ISAF units, OMLT units, etc.)
Need to identify job tasks which require English language proficiency and any specialized terminology/phrases
Need information on the actual language deficiencies
5. Procedure Followed
Looked at language courses listed in E-Prime
Held discussions in the Study Group based on input from BILC member nations
Considered only
Short courses (less than 30 days)
Operational language (English for Specific Purposes)
No basic or introductory courses
6. Table of Operational English Courses
Does not include advanced aviation courses
Does not include courses at Joint Warfare Center (JWC) in Stavanger or at Joint Forces Command in Brunssum
7. Findings
Operational English courses for military personnel and train the trainer courses are available
Modifying these courses to make them more ISAF- specific is possible
Opening single nation courses to students from ISAF contributing nations is possible
8. Recommendations to NTG/JSSG
A needs analysis should be conducted to determine the ISAF target groups and specific language tasks and shortfalls
Military content courses, such as at the Turkish PTC and the NATO School, should be open to English instructors
More information is needed on how to list courses in E-Prime