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2004-07-06 Home Front: WoT

Virtual Camp Trains Soldiers in Arabic, and More

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Posted by tipper 2004-07-06 11:04|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I can't speak to the site chosen for implementing this training, but it's great news that Arabic language skills are getting increasing attention. Not having enough Arabic speakers in our forces (and society) places us in a much too dependent, much too trusting position in our regional interactions.

Posted by jules 187 2004-07-06 2:22:21 PM|| 2004-07-06 2:22:21 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 Jules, it's not just language studies. It's cultural immersion. The USMA (West Point) cadets mentioned in this article are part of a wider Academy effort to prepare future officers who are fluent in cultures as well as languages.

Not an easy task, especially when you consider all the cultures the Army may need to interact with up close over the next few decades ....

Posted by rkb 2004-07-06 3:09:16 PM|| 2004-07-06 3:09:16 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 Yeah, rkb, especially these days. I hope they mean cultural immersion and not cultural understanding, which too often these days seems to mean America bad, everyone else good. As a linguist, I am interested in reading this, but as an experienced "cultures-in-contact" educator, I am cautious.

Let's see, though; it wouldn't surprise me if these courageous and dedicated officers reveal some new opportunities for resolving problems.

Posted by jules 187 2004-07-06 3:42:55 PM|| 2004-07-06 3:42:55 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 It's already happening in Iraq via OJT .... 20-something officers learning to meet and negotiate with tribal and village leaders. Mixed results,but a fair number of important support networks have been built up by young Captains and Majors figuring out the culture on the fly. The Chief of Staff has made it clear he wants more prep for that sort of thing ....

Posted by rkb 2004-07-06 5:07:43 PM|| 2004-07-06 5:07:43 PM|| Front Page Top

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