An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September / October 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 24 | REINFORCER LA NATION BY COMDT TADHG O'DONOGHUE S ince 2017 the DF has encouraged the development of French Language capability. TI 04/2017 'Defence Forces Foreign Language Training Policy' outlines how the DF are committed to training DF personnel in modern foreign languages with an initial emphasis on French. The DF has engaged language training partners in Alliance Française Dublin and Alliance Française Cork to deliver a language learning product to DF personnel. Since 2017 approx. 300 DF personnel have engaged with formal language learning with Alliance Française. The majority of participants continue to examination; starting at A1 (beginner level) and progressing eventually to C1 (professional level). DEFENCE FORCES FRENCH LANGUAGE TRAINING Who can apply? This course is open to ALL RANKS What level would suit me best? A1: This level recognises basic knowledge. It is the most basic level at which a language is used, called the 'discovery' stage. At this stage the learner can interact in a simple way; he/she can speak about him/herself and his/her immediate environment. A2: This level recognises the linguistic competency of a basic user, considered as a social actor. The candidate can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring the most common polite phrases and exchanges of information. B1: At this level, the user becomes independent. He/She can maintain interaction: he/she can understand and maintain a discussion and give his/her opinion. He/She is capable of dealing with situations likely to arise in daily life. B2: A B2 user has a degree of independence that allows him/her to construct arguments to defend his/her opinion, explain his/her viewpoint and negotiate. At this level, the candidate has a degree of fluency and spontaneity in regular interactions and is capable of correcting his/her own mistakes. For more information contact: DF App French Language Space or Tadhg.odonoghue@defenceforces.ie A significant development in the DFs offering is the linguistic immersion program. DF students who are at B1 level and higher can apply to visit a French Military Regiment for two (2) weeks. In France the students are challenged by being fully immersed in French Military culture and of course French Language. The DF send 12 personnel (six pairs) on the program each year. It has proven to be an enriching experience for all participants so far. VIGNETTE 1: CAPT KIMBERLY KING, 12 INF BN Lt Eamon Hennessey and I spent 2 weeks with the 3eme Régiment de Hussards (a Cav Sqn) which was split with one week spent in the bks in Lorraine and the second week spent in the training area in Saumur. Both weeks were directed towards pre-deployment training for the Sqn who were due to deploy to Djibouti. Activity 1 PDT: Trg/stands this was done during the first week in the Battalion and there was training in all areas such as FAR, MOUT, Comms between vehicles, Section level tactics and formations and PT which included an assault course, orienteering, climbing and running. Activity 2 Simulato: This was during the second week, because it was a Cav Sqn and their vehicles in theatre require them to train in AMX 10RC and the Le Clerc. This involved the whole team using computer simulators and communicating what they could see on screen and firing on targets (on screen). Activity 3 Battlion Run: The 3eme Régiment de Hussards hold a monthly unit run to build esprit de corps. Each Company marches to the main square singing their Company chant in unison. Once the entire regiment is present (approx 400) they are addressed by their Unit OC. Then the run commenced with each company following the next, totalling 15 kilometres around the local town. The unit run was a good way to build unit pride, esprit de corps amongst Companies and maintain physical fitness. While the trip was enjoyable it was extremely beneficial in terms of communicating in french but also for AF Exams. VIGNETTE 2: CS CONOR KELLEHER, 1 CIS Lt Jack Setright and I visited the 19th Engineer Regiment in July 2022 for a two week language immersion program. As part of the program, we were introduced to the Regimental Commander and his staff on the first day, after which the liaison officer outlined the program of training for the two weeks. In general this consisted of being attached to each Company for a briefing and some practical training or demonstrations. The working day was from 0800hrs to 1700hrs, usually starting with PT and from there partaking in Company activities. As the days progressed, our use of French increased and it was a source of pride that a lot of the French actually forgot that WO Robin Finn and Lt David Kavanagh on linguistic immersion programme with 1er Spahis Regiment CS Kelleher pictured in the camp at Besançon

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