Special Operations Forces Language Transformation Strategy Needs Assessment Project: Final Project Report
Abstract
SOF personnel operate around the globe. A comprehensive language strategy was needed to guide the allocation of resources. SOFLO sponsored the Special Operations Forces Language Transformation Strategy Needs Assessment Project to address this deficiency. This study consisted of focus groups conducted at units across the SOF community and several surveys conducted via the Web. From November 2003 to March 2004, 21 focus groups requiring approximately 3 hours duration each were conducted in order to evaluate the current state of foreign language usage and training in the SOF community. Surveys were designed to gather data from SOF personnel, unit leaders, and instructors. Three comprehensive, issue-oriented surveys were developed and deployed in July 2004 (N = 899). This is the final report for the project. Overall, the message from SOF personnel and unit leaders who participated in the study appears to be that the current system for providing language training and resources is not effectively meeting the needs of SOF personnel and their units. The results of the study point to the need for improvement in many areas, including language training effectiveness, allocation of language training time, command support, language testing, and language proficiency pay.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA634229
Entities
People
- Eric A. Surface