Corps expands language, cultural learning

[unhappycamper]

Lance Cpl. Matthew P. Ross studies an Arabic language textbook at Combat Outpost Akashat, Iraq.


Corps expands language, cultural learning
Staff report
Posted : Monday Feb 2, 2009 5:56:08 EST

An expanding foreign area officer program and more seats for enlisted Marines at the Defense Language Institute are small parts of an ambitious plan for building language skills and cultural expertise within the Corps.

The service also is implementing online tools for any Marine who wants to learn a language, and it is developing a new regional studies program that will emphasize global knowledge for Marines planning to make the Corps a career.

Brig. Gen. Richard M. Lake, the Corps’ top intelligence officer, said the service needs to place more emphasis on such programs so Marines will better understand foreign battlefields.

“We are very good at navigating the physical terrain,” Lake said. “We have to be just as good at navigating the human terrain. Our operations have been, and will continue to be, amongst the people.”

One way to remain aggressive and prepared is through the Foreign Area Officer program. Officers accepted into the FAO program attend graduate school, receive language training and gain first-hand knowledge with in-country experience, normally working for a defense attaché in an embassy.


Rest of article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/02/marine_language_training_020209w/%2e