Update & Future of DoD Linguistic Training

LTC Jason WeeceDirector, Foreign Area Officer Program Office

Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center 19 September 2012

Agenda

• DLIFLC Update• Future of Language Training• FAO Issues

Linguistic Readiness

DLIFLC Mission & Vision

DLIFLC provides culturally-based foreign language education, training, evaluation, research, and sustainment for DoD personnel in order to ensure the success of the Defense Language Program and enhance the security of the nation.

Delivering the world’s best culturally-based foreignlanguage training and education—at the point of need.

Mission

Vision

Core Competencies

linguist

DLIFLC Languages

Category IVModern Standard ArabicArabic - LevantineArabic - IraqiChinese MandarinKoreanJapanesePashto

Category IIIDariPersian FarsiRussianHindiUrduHebrewThaiSerbian CroatianTagalogTurkishPunjabi

Category IIGermanIndonesian

Category ISpanishFrenchItalianPortuguese

91% of Students taking CAT III & IV Languages Course LengthsCAT I – 26 WeeksCAT II – 35 WeeksCAT III – 48 WeeksCAT IV – 64 Weeks

• Title 10 Department of the Army civilian faculty• 95% native speakers: 17% Ph.D., 53% M.A.

Faculty Profile

• DLI-Washington: Contract faculty provide flexibility and surge

capacity• Robust Faculty Development

Division• Professional development

opportunities: MIIS, CSUMB, Argosy, Brandman, University of San Francisco, etc.

Resident Student Profile

• ~3,500 multi-Service • 66% - under age 25• 99% - high school graduates• 17% - college graduates• 5% - officers • 85% - majority of students

will support intelligence related missions

• 7,500+ - AA degrees awarded since 2002

Linguistic Readiness

Linguistic Readiness

Support to AFPAK

General Purpose Force (GPF)

Website Resources:WWW.DLIFLC.EDU

• GLOSS• Headstart 2• RAPPORT• Gateway2• Language Survival Kits• Countries in Perspective• Cultural Orientation

Linguistic Readiness

Language Training Detachments

Linguistic Readiness

• Purpose: To improve efficiency of language learning and retention

• Collaboration with the Center for Advanced Study of Language, University of Maryland

• Sponsored by NSA• Focused on Working Memory, which can be improved• Learn faster – retain longer• Pilot testing started in July 2012 with DLIFLC Iraqi Dialect

students

Future – Research Initiatives

Brain Fitness Training

• Purpose: To pinpoint and implement specific components of student success

• 18-month evaluation of five Persian Farsi Basic Courses• Started in February 2011 – results in evaluation• Employed video diaries for students to record daily

progress• Evaluation included interviews, questionnaires, sensing

sessions, and classroom observation

Future – Research Initiatives

Attrition Reduction Initiative

Advantages:

• 40 times faster than legacy network• Access to more language learning resources• Saves 9-10 training days per language program• Lifetime connection for alumni• Greater public access to language training materials

Future – Technology Initiatives

Migration to DLIFLC.EDU Network

Future – Technology Initiatives

Upgrade Technology Issued to StudentsGoals FY12-15:• Replace all tablet PC’s with 13” Macbook Pro• Replace iPod Touch with iPad HD• Distribute to all students and faculty

Advantages:• Standardization• Backward compatibility• Allowed on Academic Network• Control content, security, and apps through network• Reduce failure rate and help desk call volume

• Special Projects (15-Level) Courses– Russian, Arabic, Spanish,

Korean, Chinese, Japanese• Joint FAO Course, Phase I• FAO Association of Monterey

DLI FAOs

Summary

• DLIFLC Update - Focused on improving all aspects of language acquisition and sustainment to meet DoD requirements

• Future of Language Training• Better language learning results through

application of research• Efficient use of technology to build and

sustain language learning • FAO Issues

• Adapting to FAO language needs• Developing joint FAO skills early

Questions?

www.dliflc.edu