Leigh Brown has an idea
Whether interacting with partners, civilians or adversaries the ability to communicate in someone else’s language and empathise with their worldview is a combat multiplier. Despite being a relative leader within the ADF, Army’s development and management of Languages other than English (LOTE) for the tactical level of conflict is currently suboptimal. This is largely due to language aptitude mismanagement, unclear language capability requirements and a disconnect between formal training at the Defence Force School of Languages (DFSL) and linguist capability application post-graduation. Improvements in the management of regional LOTE capability and the appointment of Brigade Language Managers to coordinate linguists could streamline current efforts with minimal increase in resources.
See full idea pitch: #DEFAus18 Idea Pitch – Language Capability Within Combat Brigades and join the @DEF_Aus conversation on Twitter by following #DEFAus18 from 15-16 Nov 18.