Use of Strategic Languages

Seawings18

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The military has had a need for strategic language speakers for a long time now. Russian was the "thing to do" during the Cold War before it lost it's status to Arabic, and now it seems that Chinese will be the next big thing. My question is: as an officer at the junior and senior levels,how often does one use their unique language? Of course for Special Forces and Interpreters, their second language is probably spoken daily in many cases, but I am referring to the more conventional forces. Infantry, Aviators, Submariners, etc.
 
The military has had a need for strategic language speakers for a long time now. Russian was the "thing to do" during the Cold War before it lost it's status to Arabic, and now it seems that Chinese will be the next big thing. My question is: as an officer at the junior and senior levels,how often does one use their unique language? Of course for Special Forces and Interpreters, their second language is probably spoken daily in many cases, but I am referring to the more conventional forces. Infantry, Aviators, Submariners, etc.

There are special duty assignments available for officers with language expertise. But those fall outside your primary AFSC/MOS. As an officer in a conventional unit, you won’t use your language skills in day-to-day duties. The obvious exception to this would be if you were deployed (or on a combined forces exercise) in a country where that language is spoken.

In my opinion, knowledge of foreign languages and cultures is something all officers should try to acquire. But the primary focus needs to be on performing your primary job...i.e. being the best infantry officer, flyer, or submariner you can be.
 
The military has had a need for strategic language speakers for a long time now. Russian was the "thing to do" during the Cold War before it lost it's status to Arabic, and now it seems that Chinese will be the next big thing. My question is: as an officer at the junior and senior levels,how often does one use their unique language? Of course for Special Forces and Interpreters, their second language is probably spoken daily in many cases, but I am referring to the more conventional forces. Infantry, Aviators, Submariners, etc.

Unless you become a FAO, almost never.
 
After listening yesterday to excerpts of the debate over Syria in the House of Commons, I'd say we've neglected English as a strategic language.
 
After listening yesterday to excerpts of the debate over Syria in the House of Commons, I'd say we've neglected English as a strategic language.

Our Congress needs to make more use of the word "Harumpff"

I love watching the House of Commons debate.
 
The military has had a need for strategic language speakers for a long time now. Russian was the "thing to do" during the Cold War before it lost it's status to Arabic, and now it seems that Chinese will be the next big thing. My question is: as an officer at the junior and senior levels,how often does one use their unique language? Of course for Special Forces and Interpreters, their second language is probably spoken daily in many cases, but I am referring to the more conventional forces. Infantry, Aviators, Submariners, etc.

To the OP, DS is planning to begin studying Chinese intensely this summer, so just wanted to thank you for asking this question. I'll be following along too.
 
To the OP, DS is planning to begin studying Chinese intensely this summer, so just wanted to thank you for asking this question. I'll be following along too.

Is your DS going to be doing LBAT this summer in Shanghai and Qingdao?
 
Is your DS going to be doing LBAT this summer in Shanghai and Qingdao?

He'll be taking the Summer Language Institute in Chinese at UNG next July, hopefully getting a Project GO scholarship. Not sure exactly what happens after that, other than more Chinese classes in fall semester, then a study abroad semester at some point. Haven't really planned that far ahead yet. Still desperately trying to convince him that joining National Guard is not in his best interest.
 
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