Should the Army require Leaders and special assignments to know additional languages?

2014-04-13T20:05:08-04:00

Should the Army require their leaders (E-7+, WO1+, O-3+) and special assignments (i.e. Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, AIT PLT SGT, etc.) to learn/know/speak additional languages (i.e. Spanish) to get promoted/qualify for their assignments.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 13 at 2014 8:08 PM

2014-04-13T20:08:16-04:00

No.  While it would be good, we operate in English.  It should not be a requirement for advancement for anyone outside of a language-dependent MOS.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 8:11 PM

2014-04-13T20:11:37-04:00

No, a language is not something you simply just pick up and not everyone has the capacity for it.<div><br></div><div>In my opinion, an ability to learn a second language doesn't correlate to leadership capabilities.</div>

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 13 at 2014 8:40 PM

2014-04-13T20:40:56-04:00

How would this benefit the Army?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-04-13T21:59:10-04:00

This already happens to an extent. In recruiting some slots are allocated to Spanish speakers only. I know you are referring to a much broader initiative but its just an example SSG.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 10:45 PM

2014-04-13T22:45:03-04:00

This is easy No!! The Army requires an English language test for those who speak it as a second language. The only requirement would be the few MOS' that require a language to do their job (MI, SF etc...). Soldiers need to speak English and not teach instructors to speak different to accommodate everyone else.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 14 at 2014 7:02 AM

2014-04-14T07:02:08-04:00

There are certain specialties that do require linguistic skills, these are necessary and tracked and tested as such. In addition, the Army (and possibly DOD wide, not certain) allows those with knowledge of other languages to test in those languages and make their proficiency in those languages a matter of record in the event the service branch needs to 'reach out' to them for their skill in that particular language. Outside of this, I see no need to REQUIRE service members to have proficiency in any language other than English. It would be an additional cost (in training and testing) that DOD can ill afford, especially in the current environment.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 8:19 AM

2015-01-09T08:19:28-05:00

I vote no. I think the Army should require ALL SOLDIERS to speak, read, and write ENGLISH to get promoted/qualify for their assignments.

Response by SGT Steven Hines made Nov 21 at 2017 11:55 AM

2017-11-21T11:55:57-05:00

You joined the U.S. ARMY so speak ENGLISH. I do speak German and Korean thanks to the military. I see that as a bonus and not as a requirement.