Accession Number:

ADA463798

Title:

Selecting Foreign Languages for United States Army Special Operations Forces

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Sunds, Benett P.

Report Date:

2006-06-16

Pagination or Media Count:

105.0

Abstract:

The Global War on Terrorism GWOT is creating an ever-increasing role for US Army Special Operations Forces ARSOF. This fact is evident with the approved increase in Special Operations force structure in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review. With the global nature of the current war, the demand for culturally attuned and foreign language capable Soldiers have never been higher. Dubbed the long war, GWOT early lessons learned identified an increased need for various foreign languages at greater proficiency levels. As the US Army component of USSOCOM has the preponderance of forces with foreign language capabilities, this study focuses on the selection method for foreign languages taught to ARSOF. This thesis central research question is Is the current model or methodology for foreign language selection for ARSOF relevant and effective for the global nature of operations today and the future This thesis examines the current methodology for foreign language selection for ARSOF, and compares that model to similar models of like purpose. History shows a tendency in SOF to react to foreign language requirements vice anticipate them. Proficiency is increasing in initial language training, and to some degree in maintaining proficiency however, the selection process determining the languages taught receives little attention.

Descriptors:

• *ARMY PERSONNEL
• *PROFICIENCY
• *FOREIGN LANGUAGES
• *SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES
• GLOBAL
• THESES
• TERRORISM
• ARMY OPERATIONS
• LESSONS LEARNED

Subject Categories:

• Linguistics
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE