A pair of American soldiers speak with two Iraqi civilians, introducing himself and building rapport, in a simulation from the Tactical Iraqi Language Trainer.Photo by: Courtesy Photo
Posted on 05/05/2006 6:29:17 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (May 05, 2006) -- Currently at the Combat Center’s Battle Simulation Center is a personal computer-based stand alone trainer designed to allow an individual to develop proficiency with the Arabic language. This simulated program is known as the Tactical Iraqi Language Trainer.
The program uses a mixture of skill building lessons and practice “talk-em-up” missions. It is intended for all skill levels and uses voice recognition systems to enable speaking practice. Unlike most simulation systems, this generally requires a significant investment in time for anything beyond the most basic language skills.
“This program is great for Marines who are eager to learn,” said Maj. William W. Yates, modeling and simulation officer with the Battle Simulation Center. “It’s the best tool I’ve ever seen for Marines who are deploying soon and would like to understand the language the Iraqi civilians are speaking.”
The simulation teaches an array of concepts to personnel who use the program. From meeting strangers to introducing your team and learning the duties as a guest, to body language and hand gestures, the program teaches customs and courtesies that are very important in Iraq.
Each skill builder, or short lesson, is followed by a quiz. The individual’s learning ability or understanding of the language allows him to move up in levels.
“If Marines come in several hours a day for a year, their level of proficiency would significantly increase,” said Yates. “It’s simple enough to learn and use, all that is needed is the time to come in and use the program.”
Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, trained in the simulation center April 20.
“From the beginning the program was easy,” said Lance Cpl. Andrew E. Mauk, an infantryman with Echo Company. “We started off on how to say hello, and hello back to Iraqi civilians. The program also gave us some good examples of what type of conversations and situations we might see out there.”
The program was a first experience speaking Arabic for most of the Marines with Echo Company. Some have not deployed yet and do not know what to expect or consider when dealing with Iraqi civilians, said Yates.
“This program will definitely help us out when we deploy,” said Mauk. “Just being able to say hello and make a welcoming gesture to them can break the ice when approaching them. It also taught a lot about the gestures that I wouldn’t even think of doing. It’s a very easy program to use, and we’re definitely going back.”
The program’s potential hasn’t been fully recognized, said Yates.
“We understand training is tight and learning Arabic is something Marines do on their off time,” continued Yates. “The simulation center is available for units 24-hours-a-day, so anyone can come in after work during their spare time to learn the language in an interactive method.”
Since the simulator deals with language, there are no weapons or tactical missions, said Yates. The purpose is to provide simulation-based training to exercise forces who are participating in Mojave Viper, a month-long predeployment training evolution. Learning how to interact and build rapport with the Iraqi civilians during a deployment is very critical to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The language simulator was created for that mission.
A pair of American soldiers speak with two Iraqi civilians, introducing himself and building rapport, in a simulation from the Tactical Iraqi Language Trainer.It's all about Computer Games Now!
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