The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Opens New Afghan Languages Portal
What is it'
The "Afghan Languages Portal" is a one-stop-shop for troops deploying or already located in Afghanistan. The site is designed to easily identify all Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC)- produced Dari and Pashto language products available for download or order. The portal is accessible at <a href="http://www.dliflc.edu/LangPortal/index.html" target="_blank">Defense Language Institute </a>
Since 9/11, DLIFLC has created Language Survival Kits and other language and cultural familiarization products for ongoing and potential overseas contingency operations. Through the new portal, Afghanistan-bound servicemembers will find basic language guides for Dari and Pashto, HeadStart programs with 80-100 hours of instruction in these languages, and training material for linguists with higher proficiency levels. Since 2002, DLIFLC has sent more than one million basic language and cultural familiarization training packets to deploying servicemembers.
What has the Army done'
DLIFLC opened the Afghanistan languages portal in response to a Jan. 24 memo sent by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, setting out his emphasis on language skills for brigade combat teams preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. McChrystal announced that he is requiring all troops to learn at least 200 words of Dari or Pashto and at least one Soldier per platoon is required to study the language intensively.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center has also responded to the Department of Defense's growing need for language training by planning the opening of a new language training detachment at Fort Campbell, Ky., with additional detachments planned for Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Drum, N.Y.
Because commanders cannot afford to send large numbers of Soldiers to resident training at DLIFLC's home base, Presidio of Monterey, Calif., these detachment sites will serve as "micro-DLIs" where troops receive on-site language training from DLI instructors and through robust distance learning. Additional language training detachment openings will be announced in the near future.
For bases without a permanent DLIFLC language training detachment, units can request language and culture mobile training teams. To schedule a mobile training team, email <a href="mailto:linda.villarreal3@us.army.mil" target="_blank"> Mrs. Linda G. Villarreal</a>.
Why is this important to the Army'
Without this crucial training, units could lack valuable rapport-building skills or miss important information about the situation in their area of operation. The language and culture training that DLIFLC provides can be a force multiplier in developing partnerships and fighting insurgency.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.dliflc.edu/LangPortal/index.html " target="_blank"> DLIFLC Afghan Languages Portal</a>
<a href="http://www.dliflc.edu/products.html" target="_blank"> DLIFLC Language Resources Site</a>
<a href="https://lmds.dliflc.edu/" target="_blank"> DLIFLC Language Materials Distribution System</a>
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