SOF Language Transformation Strategy Needs Assessment Project: SOF Operator Survey Report

Abstract

This report provides findings from Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF), Air Force Special Operations Forces (AFSOF), and Naval Special Warfare Command (WARCOM) personnel who responded to the SOF Operator Survey in the SOF Language Transformation Strategy Needs Assessment Project. The study was designed to collect data from SOF personnel, unit leaders, and instructors. Three comprehensive, issue-oriented surveys were developed and deployed online in July 2004. Among the findings, SOF personnel indicated that the most frequent and important use of language on deployment was building rapport. However, AFSOF personnel indicated that military-technical vocabulary was the most important and frequently used. Findings suggest that different types of SOF personnel use different skills on their missions and may require customized training to fit those needs. Findings suggested that language training could benefit from a shift in focus to aspects of language that are more related to SOF core tasks. This shift should be reflected in training, testing, compensation, and command support.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA634233

Entities

People

  • Eric A. Surface

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Personnel
  • Deployment
  • Formal Languages
  • Instructors
  • Language
  • Military Science
  • Navy
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychological Operations
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Students
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • Unconventional Warfare
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

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