Special Operations Forces Language and Culture Needs Assessment: Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus

Abstract

This report examined perceptions of the Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB) system, which is a type of competency-based (or pay-for-skill) system designed by the military to offer an incentive to active and reserve component military personnel for attaining and enhancing language proficiency. This report found that although most Special Operations Forces (SOF) operators are aware of FLPB, only a small percentage actually receive it. This suggests that FLPB may not be an effective motivator for language acquisition among the SOF community. SOF personnel who participated in this study suggested an increase in time or opportunities allowed for language training, use of a different test to determine proficiency, more emphasis on language from command, and simplification of the administrative process necessary to receive FLPB. Additional suggestions on how to increase FLPB s motivating potential were gathered from both SOF operators and leaders and are discussed in this report.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 27, 2010
Accession Number
ADA634202

Entities

People

  • Anna Winters
  • Eric A. Surface
  • Kathryn Nelson
  • Natalie Wright
  • Reanna Poncheri Harman
  • Sarah Bienkowski
  • Stephen J. Ward

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Applied Psychology
  • Department Of Defense
  • Foreign Languages
  • Language
  • Military Personnel
  • Motivation
  • Office Personnel
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychological Operations
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • Warfare

Readers

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  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Naval Personnel Management