Language Specialists?

[Wynne]

I was just wondering if there are reserve units that do have language specialists.  Right now, I've started the application process to join and my main career choice is an RSM clerk, though really not what I would like to be doing.  I'm really good with learning languages and I am trying to find a place where I can put that knowledge to good use.  If any of you know the best place I would fit in, I would love to hear it because I am just at such a loss right now.  Thank you!

 

[medicineman]

You may want to look into Intelligence or Comms Research, though unless there are Int/Electronic Warfare units in your hometown, chances of being used as a "language specialist" are slim.  The closest thing to an MOC in the CF is Comm Research, that has language specialty training as part of the career path.

MM

 

[c1984ml]

You might also try Communications Security Establishment (CSE) if you already speak several languages, and want to live in Ottawa. It is not with the Candian Forces but it is still serving Canada (in a different way.)

 

[Wynne]

Thank you both very much.  I speak English and my French is rusty, along with some basic knowledge in German.  The thing is, I am able to learn languages fast and I really want to put it to good use.  I was thinking CSIS, but without a degree, I'm pretty much useless hehe.  I'm working on learning some basic phonetic Arabic at the moment but I still need to know where I'd be best placed.  Thank you both a lot for your comments and for taking the time to help me out!

 

[Centurian1985]

Languages are always useful, especially if you know severla, and especially if you know arabic (or persian) you can probably write your own ticket these days.

But first, you gotta get in the door and pass the basics!

 

[rz350]

Yes, and before you can even do that, you need to bring your medical papers down to the CFRC! *pokes Wynne* come down on friday and just get it over with. I'l drive ya from Union if you want.

 

[Wynne]

Getting the basics will be good.  I don't know much arabic, just some basics so I would need school and such which I will go do as soon as I am able *g*.  Thank you guys for your help!!!

rz350 - Hehe we already have plans for this girly to embarrass herself on Friday, but while I wait..you could drop them off?  hehehe.  I have a bet to win.

 

[rz350]

LOL, okay. I'l drop em off for ya on friday will your embarrsing your self.

 

[dk]

Languages are always useful, especially if you know severla, and especially if you know arabic (or persian) you can probably write your own ticket these days.

But first, you gotta get in the door and pass the basics!

I'm set to start Comm Rsch course on May 8th. I am fluent in Farsi (Persian). I am correct in assuming the said opportunities will present themselves AFTER completing 291 course?

Thanks

 

[Centurian1985]

Guidance for soldiers with secondary language skills:

1) get in the door
2) pass basic
3) pass trade quals
4) get formal evaluation of your skills through BPSO office or through University offices, get skill levels verified and documented.
5) advertise competency to appropriate units, preferably through your own chain of command.

 

[medicineman]

You don`t need to advertise to appropriate units anymore - the CF has finally woken up to the fact that there are other languages in the world besides French and English.  Ensure you get tested throught he BPSO in the languages you are proficient in and this will go on your MPRR as well as a national database, so that when we end up in some of the lovely places we go to now, and translators are needed, both overt and covert, they`ll come looking for you.

MM

 

[Wynne]

The languages that I know, other than French, English and German I have learned on my own.  So, I would still have to attend school to be able to be fluent in them.  My proficiency in French is ok, been about 5 years since I spoke it and I abhor it (sorry just do even if it is our official second language) German I took during my semester at university so my knowledge is pretty basic.  So how would it work if you want to learn the languages, have the ability to do so (I learn them very quickly) but don't know how to go about learning them.  Are there any special programs with the forces to help you gain a broader knowledge of them?

 

[Centurian1985]

French language can be arranged through the BPSO office.

While there are some language programs for other than E/F, they are only open to certain trades (last i heard anyway, about 2002).

 

[CougarKing]

No offense to anyone here,

I am not sure about the CF's own TRUE needs for foreign languages, but the languages to know nowadays if one wants to be in the fast track in the foreign affairs area or international business area are Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic.

The reasons I say Spanish are obvious, especially if you lived in the US or have been to Mexico or any Latin American nation.

I also say Mandarin Chinese, because of the growing emergence of China as a world economic (and even military) power as well as the fact that overseas Chinese minorities (Hua Qiao) own most of the local companies/large comglomerates in neighboring Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. Don't forget that Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore and Taiwan (the ROC) are also within the Chinese cultural sphere, though they used to be (HK, Macao) or are still seperate nations (please no Taiwan independence debate here). Plus there's the 2 million man strong, nuclear-armed Chinese People's Liberation Army to worry about.

Since you yourself are going into the CF, you must consider Arabic or Pashtun especially with the CF's large presence in Afghanistan now. Even if the CF withdraws from Afghanistan, the Islamic minority in Canada are still a concern for those dealing with counterrorism issues, so either language will be handy if the threat of homegrown Islamic fundamentalist terrorists in Canada proves real.

Consider going to a local university or community college if they offer any of these languages- there are lots of Study Abroad programs for Arabic.

If you're willing to spend and study in the US, consider the Monterey Institute in California- I think a US military postgraduate school is also there, as well as some extension of the Defense Language Institute, though I assume the DLI is only for US citizens.

Here's the Monterey Institute link and check out the non-degree intensive Arabic program at the bottom of the page.

http://www.miis.edu/

So the best course of action would be to go back to school if you still want to be a language specialist.

 

[medicineman]

Hmmm, true needs of the Forces would be pretty much most languages.  When I first got to Afghanistan, obviously a knowledge of Pashtun and Farsi would have been useful.  Although our allies there largely spoke English, it was nice to have some of us about who had at least a basic working knowledge of German, as they were commanding KMNB at the time and we had German soldiers on our camp for communications integration.  We had one fluent speaker with us, I know enough to get my face slapped and a few other things, and lo and behold, I looked after German soldiers when they got sick and also had to liaise the odd time with the German hospital.  When we were in Haiti, we had naitve Creole speakers in the Froces that were brought down specifically as translators (more trade specific jobs were found for them as well).  When the UN assumed command, Spanish and Portugese speakers had to be dug up so that the transition would be smoother (Brazil had a sizeable contingent).  We had pers of Yugoslav extraction with us in Croatia when I was there as a backup to the local translators (and a background filter as well).  The list goes on.

I understand where you're coming from foreign service wise and even from a business point of view.  I grew up in BC - the school I went to eventually brought in a madatory Japanese program at the junior school level as at that time, that was what was thought would be the business language of choice in the Pac Rim (things changed a little in 20 years).  Militarily, we still have to be able not only to deal with locals, but liaise well with whoever our allies are on operations or figure out what our opponents are up to through ELINT or direct interrogation - and it's always better to deal with people in their own language.

MM

 

[Wynne]

Thank you guys for all your replies.  You've really given me a lot to think about.  As for school, I will have to wait on that, not something I can dive into again right now.  I'll try to keep on learning the languages I know right now better, and learning a bit more of the others.  Some I can read and understand but not speak (odd I know, but what can you do).  Thank you again!!!