Special Operations Forces Language and Culture Needs Assessment: Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
Abstract
This study is one component of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Language and Culture Needs Assessment Project. The larger study consisted of23 focus groups conducted across the SOF cmmnunity and an issue-oriented web-based survey. This report examined SOF operators' aud leaders' perceptions of the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). Overall, results of this study indicate a misalignment between testing and SOF operators' language-related mission needs. Survey and focus group results indicated that SOF leaders do not !lilly support the use of the DLPT for language proficiency testing in the SOF community for two main reasons. First, SOF operators and leaders indicated that the DLPT does not assess language proficiency skills needed for SOF missions and believe instead that speaking is the most relevant language skill for their missions. Second, almost half of SOF operators reported experiencing scheduling and technical problems during DLPT testing. Combining past research with the cmrent study, it is evident that the DLPT does not meet the testing needs ofthe SOF community. USSOCOM and SOF component leadership should take steps to address these concerns to better align foreign language proficiency testing with the needs of the SOF community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA618284