By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Col. Rex A. Berggren relinquished command of the California Medical Detachment to Lt. Col. Bill A. Soliz during a ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California, June 4. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – Col. Rex A. Berggren relinquished command of the California Medical Detachment to Lt. Col. Bill A. Soliz during a ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California, June 4.

The medical detachment, better known as CALMED, operates the Presidio’s health clinic for service members assigned to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language and the Naval Postgraduate School.

In his final remarks to the detachment, Berggren quoted King Solomon saying “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” He recounted his fondest memories from his two-year command and associated them with a line from the King Solomon quote. He concluded by saying “there is a season to let go.”

The ceremony was officiated by Col. Ramona Fiorey, commander of Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington. Madigan is the support organization for the clinic at the Presidio.

Col. Rex A. Berggren relinquished command of the California Medical Detachment to Lt. Col. Bill A. Soliz during a ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California, June 4. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Fiorey humorously spoke about the challenges of commanding a medical detachment more than 1,000 miles away from its parent hospital.

“This command requires the strength of Superman, the agility of Spiderman, the diplomatic acumen of Henry Kissinger, and the commitment of Captain America,” said Fiorey. “Fortunately, Col. Berggren is a super hero.”

Soliz, now the new commander, thanked the outgoing commander for his service and accepted the challenge of leading the medical detachment.

By Natela Cutter
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Students visit the mausoleum of Mohammed V in central Morocco, a central tourist attraction in Rabat, Morocco. (Photo by Natela Cutter)

RABAT, Morocco, – Lance Cpl. Paul Smith never imagined that one of his most challenging language instructors would be a two-year-old. In fact, just a few years ago, Smith never thought he would be studying Arabic, let alone attend one of the nation’s most difficult military schools, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California.

“While studying Arabic in the classroom, I never realized the concept behind the word ‘ball.’ Thanks to Riad, now I know that it can be anything that resembles something round,” said Smith speaking about his host family’s two-year-old boy. Smith returned in April from a month-long immersion trip to Rabat, Morocco where he attended classes at local language school and had an opportunity to be immersed in the culture.

With a student body of about 3,500 military service members studying some two-dozen foreign languages, DLIFLC currently sends more than 15 percent of its student body on immersion trips and plans to increase that number gradually over the next five years.

Lance Cpl. Paul Smith holds two-year-old Riad in his arms, his host family’s son, while Aisha and Hussein Boudrar prepare a delicious meal of traditional couscous with vegetables and chicken. (Photo by Natela Cutter)

“I am deeply convinced that sending students on in-country immersions is critical to language acquisition,” said DLIFLC Commandant Col. David K. Chapman. “Students not only have the opportunity to practice their language but gain in confidence and are exposed to the culture, sights, sounds, historical places, food, people and way of life. This can’t be replicated anywhere.”

For Smith and 10 of his classmates who traveled to Morocco, the trip was an experience of a lifetime. “There is no book you can learn this from, this is real, you can touch it, see it, feel it,” said Smith, standing before the mausoleum of Mohammed V, in central Rabat.

During the day, the students diligently attend a local Arabic Language Center where the curriculum is taught by highly educated Moroccan instructors and topics range from politics to economics, history, and culture and beyond.

Students bargain with a shoe merchant at an open air market in Fez, a historic Moroccan city located some 120 miles east of Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Students spent a weekend touring the ancient city with a professional guide who only lectured in Arabic to students. (Photo by Natela Cutter)

“When we moved to Morocco I immediately realized that there was no school for foreigners to learn Arabic,” said *Malaika Franklin. “It started as small project in 2007 and today we have more than 150 students per year who come from dozens of countries around the world to study Arabic or colloquial Moroccan Arabic,” said Franklin, adding that their program is based upon a communicative and immersive curriculum, with class sizes up to eight students.

“One of the most important things for me as a foreigner here was safety. I wanted to make sure that the students who come here feel completely secure and comfortable,” she said, adding that the center takes charge of the students from the moment they land until the day they depart.

“We pay close attention to their accommodations with host families, making sure that they have all the amenities that were promised, with adequate sleeping quarters, meals, etc. We also make sure the host families spend time speaking Modern Standard Arabic with them.”

For Smith, staying with his host family not only improved his fluency in Arabic but also left a deep impression.

“Before, I had a closed world-view. This experience opened my eyes and gave me humility. Now I understand that things are not really the way we see them, on TV for example. Wherever I go, I will be opened minded about everything and never judge based upon what it ‘appears’ to be, before I have experienced it.”

Lance Cpl. Paul Smith speaks with his host father, Hussein Boudrar, as he pours mint tea into glasses in his home in Rabat, Morocco. (Photo by Natela Cutter)

Arabic Language Center is situated near down town Rabat, in an area that houses most of the capital’s embassies. The modern two-story home is decorated with Moroccan style ceilings, plush sofas, a library, language labs, and large comfortable classrooms. The highlight, however, is the Bedouin tent in the backyard where students can drink tea, eat lunch, and relax during breaks.

“We offer breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. The meals are traditionally Moroccan and the students have the opportunity to enjoy authentic food prepared right here in our kitchen,” said Franklin. “We give students an opportunity to experience what it is like to live in an Arabic culture and to be able to use the language functionally in a natural setting.”

Structured class begins at 8 a.m. and normally finishes about noon. In the afternoons, the school organizes lectures by guest speakers or provides excursions to museums, universities, and other locations in town. On the weekends, the students embark on trips to nearby historic cities and are provided guides who lecture exclusively in Modern Standard Arabic.

“There is no rest here,” said Franklin with a chuckle. “Contrary to popular belief, we make the students work hard because we know that the stakes are high when they get home and that their final exam is very difficult.”

*names in this story have been altered for security reasons

By Natela Cutter
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Students take public transportation to the nearby Russian Cultural Center, a museum with Russian artifacts. Lance Cpl. Jordan Duncan, Airman 1st Class Jauric Flowers, Spc. Rachel Brookens, and their professor, Dimitri Olekhnovich, squeeze into a local tram for the short ride. (Photo by Natela Cutter)

DAUGAVPILS, Latvia – When the political situation became heated in the Ukraine in late 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia, received an urgent call. U.S. students studying Russian needed a place to continue their studies – and what better place but within the European Union, in a country where 50 percent of the population speaks Russian?

“In fact, about 90 percent of the people here in Daugavpils speak Russian and use it all the time. Because we are located at the eastern most part of Latvia, most who live here are ethnic Russian,” says Sergey Simonov, the director and program manager of a company that has partnered with Daugavpils University to make the program possible.

With a unique approach of customized individual and small group courses in Russian, taught by highly qualified professors, the program specializes in literature and post-Soviet studies and instructs more than 150 students from various countries annually.

“The best thing about our program is that we have such a wonderful partnership with the Daugavpils University linguistics department. We expect our program to grow, precisely because of that excellent quality, convenient location and the fact that it is very safe here. Daugavpils is the best kept secret,” says Simonov, with a grin.

Russian language students speak with food server in a restaurant in downtown Daugavpils about the menu selection in Russian. Though the population speaks almost exclusively Russian in this region, all public sings and written communication is in Latvian. (L-R) Lance Cpl. Alejandro Otero, the food server, Spc. Taylor Johnson and Seaman Israel Trujillo. (Photo by Natela Cutter)

“I spend about two hours per day talking with my family. We talk about everything that happened during the day, about life in the U.S., life here, and cover just about every topic imaginable,” said Army Spc. Taylor Johnson.

In a local restaurant, friendly servers enjoy chatting in Russian with students who are trying to practice their language. Because the menu is in Latvian, a language with very little similarities to Russian, the conversation is at first a struggle and then turns to laughter.

“I wish this immersion could last longer because I feel like I just got over the stage fright,” says Seaman Israel Trujillo, musing over the menu in one of the most popular restaurants in town that resembles a German or Irish pub, with countless beer mugs, antique collectibles, and even an old fashioned crank phone attached to the wall.

Downtown Daugavpils, with its main square and small shopping malls is a picturesque little town, with a population slightly below 100,000 and very little crime. The streets are kept pristinely clean, the buildings have all been remodeled, and the countryside resembles the Midwest, with flat land and quaint farms dotting the countryside.

While class is conducted at Daugavpils University in the morning hours, the afternoons are filled with excursions to significant war memorials, churches, museums, and other historic sites.

“This Russian Orthodox church is one of the original churches that is called the Old Believer’s Church,” said Professor Dimitri Olekhnovich, the assistant dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Speaking rapidly in Russian, Olekhnovich explained the schism that occurred within the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century still exists today. And it is precisely this type of lecturing that broadens not only the vocabulary of students, but gives them the historical context within which a particular society functions.

Students gather to listen to the local historian lecture at the Russian Cultural Center. (Photo by Natela Cutter)

“I feel that I better understand how people think, why they use certain colloquialisms, and why they act the way they do,” said Spc. Tyler West, after returning from Latvia. “I definitely feel more at ease speaking the language and I am more ready to jump into a conversation than before.”

Only a few months away from graduation, this group of DLIFLC students feel that they are more ready for their final exam, the Defense Language Proficiency Test, which they must pass in order to embark on their linguist careers.

“I think we are leaps and bounds ahead of where we were before we went to Latvia,” confirmed Spc. Rachel Brookens.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Commandant, Col. David Chapman, addresses FAOs telling them that performance, reputation and a broad education with language skills is key to success in their careers.

MONTEREY, Calif. – Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Commandant, Col. David Chapman, told a group of Foreign Area Officers in training June 12, that performance, reputation, and the learning of foreign languages and culture are some of the most important things to keep in mind while building their careers.

“Performance trumps everything,” said Chapman, adding that reputation is equally as important because of opportunities to serve in unique positions at home and around the world.

“Your reputation has already started, right here today, and the first impression is really, really important,” said Chapman, who has served at U.S. Embassies in Moscow, Russia, Kiev, Ukraine, Belgrade, Serbia, and Athens, Greece, with an upcoming assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France. “It is serious business, guard your reputation.”

“Stay current, read. And I don’t mean only read what is assigned to you, but understand current events, about art, history. You have to be able to have breadth of knowledge, and language is the ice-breaker.”

DLIFLC hosted the Joint Foreign Area Officer Course June 8-12 at the Weckerling Center on the Presidio of Monterey. FAOs, who come from the four branches of the U.S. military, are regionally focused and are considered experts on political-military issues. Once their FAO training is completed, they are expected to serve as defense attachés, security cooperation officers and political-military planners worldwide.

Three speakers were invited to share their experience gained during their work either at combatant command headquarters, as attachés, or in special operations environments.

Keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Matthew L. Brand, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Policy, NATO, addressed Army Foreign Area Officers June 8.

Keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Matthew L. Brand, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Policy, NATO, addressed the Army Foreign Area Officers as a separate group on June 8.

“If you want to know what you’re doing for the Army, you must know what the Army is doing,” said Brand.

To do so, Brand encouraged the officers to read, study and become familiar with the joint publications and Army doctrine. As the largest FAO program, Army officers transition from their primary-career fields to a full-time FAO-career track. Brand also spoke about how to look and act as a FAO and what to expect in their future careers.

The next day, June 9, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Rocco, Commanding General, Third Marine Aircraft Wing, spoke about the changing battlefield and the greater emphasis placed on regional expertise today.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Rocco, Commanding General, Third Marine Aircraft Wing, spoke about the changing battlefield and the greater emphasis placed on regional expertise today during the JFAOC on June 9.

“Those old (military) philosophies are long gone and that is exactly why you are here,” said Rocco. “You are here to take your regional expertise, language skills and boots on the ground experience — and provide it as resource to the geographic combatant commanders.”

Rocco was followed by Rear Adm. Colin Kilrain, a career Naval Special Warfare SEAL officer with multiple Joint Special Operation duty assignments. He is also a two-time graduate of the DLIFLC Spanish and German programs.

Though Kilrain was never a FAO, he reminded officers that everything is “connected in international relations,” a lesson he learned through his own experience in the Pacific, Middle East and Latin America.

Rear Adm. Colin Kilrain, a career Naval Special Warfare SEAL officer with multiple Joint Special Operation duty assignments, addresses FAOs on June 9.

Locally, the JFAOC normally takes place twice a year for future FAOs who either attend DLIFLC for language training or are in graduate school at the neighboring Naval Post Graduate School.

The concept of equipping military officers with regional expertise, language skills, and knowledge of U.S. and foreign political-military relationships dates back to 1889 when the U.S. sent permanent military attaches to London, England, Paris, France, Vienna, Austria and Saint Petersburg, Russia.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Thomas Coakley (pictured) relinquished command of the 311th Training Squadron to Lt. Col. James “Brian” McCullough during a change of command ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California, June 19. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – Lt. Col. Thomas Coakley relinquished command of the 311th Training Squadron to Lt. Col. James “Brian” McCullough during a change of command ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California, June 19.

The 311th Training Squadron is part of the U.S. Air Force 517th Training Group, which develops airmen skills and instills Air Force values while airmen train to become linguists at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.

In his final remarks to the squadron, Coakley reflected back on some of his best memories from his time in command and remarked on the squadron’s professionalism.

“When I look at the 311th Training Squadron I see a team of professionals; bright airmen working shoulder to shoulder in their commitment to the corps values; industrious and hardworking; proud and eager to be part of something that transcends individuality,” said Coakley.

Lt. Col. Thomas Coakley receives an award from Col. Ginger Wallace, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center assistant commandant. Coakley relinquished command of the 311th Training Squadron to Lt. Col. James “Brian” McCullough during a change of command ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California, June 19. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Coakley will return to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado for his next assignment.

McCullough, now the new commander, thanked the Coakley for his service and accepted the challenge of leading the squadron.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Daniel P. Feehan (center), joined by Dr. Michael Nugent, Director of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office, listens to a brief about the increasing of foreign language proficiency with DLIFLC Commandant Col. David K. Chapman (left). (Photo by Natela Cutter, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center welcomed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Daniel P. Feehan, to the institute at the Presidio of Monterey, California, June 25.

“The work that’s done here 100 percent saved the lives of my Soldiers, saved my life, and will continue to do so,” said Feehan, a U.S. Army Iraq veteran, with firsthand knowledge of the value of military linguists and acknowledges the vital role they play in the field.

Within his scope of duties, Feehan is responsibilities for policy and oversight of joint training, education, training innovation and capability modernization, and advanced distributed learning technologies for the Federal Government and the Defense Language and National Security Education Office.

During his visit senior DLIFLC leadership briefed Feehan on the institute’s goals to reach higher proficiency levels, faculty compensation, and distance learning capabilities, including online learning materials offered to not only the military services but also the public.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Daniel P. Feehan (left), joined by Dr. Michael Nugent, Director of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office and DLIFLC Assistant Commandant Col. Keith Logeman, speaks with an Arabic Levantine instructor at one of the schools. ((Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

“I think he was pretty surprised to see the variety of online learning materials we offer and that most of the products are available online and are accessible and free to the public as well,” said Branka Sarac, director of Technology Integration at the DLIFLC Directorate of Continuing Education.

During the day, Feehan visited classrooms, spoke with instructors and students of Arabic Levantine, and toured the Directorate of Continuing Education, as well as the Isolation Immersion facility for local immersion exercises.

“My take-away from here today is that you are incredibly unique,” Feehan told senior DLIFLC staff during his final meeting of the day. “The 2+ effort (increasing proficiency) is a huge piece and I want to set you up for success.”

Feehan emphasized that his newly gained knowledge about DLIFLC training capabilities of the services is essential in a globalized world, and stated that students graduating from the institute are in effect diplomats who promote and protect U.S. values and interests wherever they go.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Daniel P. Feehan, shakes the hand of a service member at the Presidio of Monterey’s Bela dining facility where he had lunch with students. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

“It is easy to take for granted that the world is globalized, but there are some places where globalization is not the norm.” said Feehan, explaining why cross-cultural competency is important, a skill that DLIFLC students graduate with.

DLIFLC is regarded as one of the finest schools for foreign language instruction in the world. The Institute provides resident instruction in 23 languages to approximately 3,500 military service members, five days a week, seven hours per day, with two to three hours of homework each night. Generally, students spend between 26 and 64 weeks at the Presidio, depending on the difficulty of the language.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Students from DLIFLC’s Korean School root for their classmate during the 13th Annual Korean Speech Contest June 26. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – The Korean School at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, held the 13th Annual Korean Speech Contest June 26.

The contest provides students with an opportunity to showcase their Korean language ability and cultural awareness.

Lance Cpl. Ean Johansen won first place with his speech titled “A Marine’s Korean love” where he spoke about his enjoyment of Korean popular music known as K-pop.

“I think that students who listen to K-pop learn Korean better than students who do not listen to K-pop,” said Johansen in Korean during his speech.

Johansen, who is three months into the Korean program, was recognized on stage by DLIFLC Commandant Col. David Chapman and received his first-place certificate.

Lance Cpl. Ean Johansen is recognized by DLIFLC Commandant Col. David K. Chapman for his first-place speech “A Marine’s Korean love” during the 13th Annual Korean Speech Contest June 26. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

“I did really well in high school and I came here and thought Korean would be hard but not too bad. At the end of the first unit I was blown away,” said Johansen about studying Korean. “It’s amazing how much we do every day, but after three months I can hold conversations with native Koreans.”

Seaman Martina Wilson won second place with her speech titled “A division of Korea and unification.” Wilson went on an overseas immersion to Korea to gain a better understanding of the language and culture. While there she conducted a survey on reunification of North and South Korea and used the results in her speech.

“I spoke about the changing attitude towards the reunification of Korea,” said Wilson. “My project while in Korea was an opinion poll of what Koreans thought about reunification. I was stunned to find that not everybody wants it.”

Wilson’s speech went into further detail about cultural differences that emerged between North and South Korea since the division and the economic burden that South Korea would face if it had to absorb the North’s economy.

Korea has been a divided country since the end of World War II. The Korean War began 55 years ago on June 25, 1950 when the north suddenly invaded the south. To commemorate the occasion, the Korean School has been holding the Korean speech contest every year during the week of the anniversary.

Seaman Martina Wilson won second place with her speech titled “A division of Korea and unification” during the 13th Annual Korean Speech Contest June 26. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Shin Joo-sik, representative from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco, gave the opening remarks at the contest. He spoke about how the U.S. and Korea have grown closer over the past 65 years and about the future vision of U.S.-Korea relations.

“Because of Chinese and Soviet support, North Korea’s economy was better than ours until the 1970s, but South Korean democracy is based on democracy in the U.S.,” said Shin. “Because of this model, South Korea’s economy today is stronger than North Korea’s ten times over. This could never have been if the U.S. did not help us in the war.”

The Korean War is said to have been the first military action of the Cold War. The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center has its roots in the Cold War with Russian becoming the largest language program, followed by Chinese, Korean, and German. After the Korean War, the school developed a national reputation for excellence in foreign language education.

Students from DLIFLC’s Korean School root for their classmate during the 13th Annual Korean Speech Contest June 26. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Today, the institute provides resident instruction in 23 languages to approximately 3,500 military service members, five days a week, seven hours per day, with two to three hours of homework each night. Generally, students spend between 26 and 64 weeks at the Presidio, depending on the difficulty of the language.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Colonel Ginger Wallace relinquished responsibility of her position as assistant commandant at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to Col. Keith Logeman (right) during a change of command ceremony June 26 on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California. (Photo by Sal Marullo)

MONTEREY, Calif. – Colonel Ginger Wallace relinquished responsibility of her position as assistant commandant at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center during a change of command ceremony June 26 on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California.

Colonel Keith Logeman assumed responsibility as DLIFLC assistant commandant, which also includes command of the U.S. Air Force’s 517th Training Group.

“I am passionate about this institute and this training group. I am convinced you are the right person to take both organizations to even bigger successes,” said Wallace to Logeman.

“I have known Ginger since we were captains at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and the last ten days she’s continued to teach me about this amazing institute as she did then,” said Logeman.

Wallace also thanked DLIFLC instructors for teaching students more than six to seven hours per day.

“You are the heart and soul of this institute,” she said.

Colonel Ginger Wallace relinquished responsibility of her position as assistant commandant at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center during a change of command ceremony June 26 on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California. (Photo by Gary Harrington, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

As assistant commandant, Wallace served as the most senior spokesperson for the faculty at DLIFLC since 2013. During her two-year tenure, the institute has been faced with a manpower study, faculty and staff cuts, a reorganization, budget cuts, sequestration, and a furlough. Through all of this she continued to advocate for the faculty and staff with enthusiasm.

For her leadership and service, Wallace was awarded the Legion of Merit, one of the U.S. Armed Forces’ highest awards, from Col. Kimberlee Joos, commander of the 17th Training Wing, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, which is responsible for the 517th Training Group.

Logeman will assume these same responsibilities from Wallace, but first thanked his family for their patience in the many moves that military families must endure.

“This is the fourth move in five years, and I just want to tell you how proud I am of you for making this transition and supporting my career with grace and a smile on your face,” said Logeman. “I promise we will have a blast during this command tour.”

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

CALSTAR gave an orientation and overview of one of their helicopters at California State University – Monterey Bay July 2. Participants included first responders from the Monterey area and medics from the California Medical Detachment (CALMED). (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) gave an orientation and overview of one of their helicopters at California State University – Monterey Bay July 2. Participants included first responders from the Monterey area and medics from the California Medical Detachment (CALMED).

Lt. Col. Bill Soliz, CALMED commander, speaks with Seth Rae, a CALSTAR flight nurse. CALSTAR gave an orientation and overview of one of their helicopters at California State University – Monterey Bay July 2. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

CALMED operates the health clinic for service members assigned to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language and the Presidio of Monterey. During the training, the medics learned how to load a patient onto a CALSTAR helicopter if the need should ever occur.

Medics from the California Medical Detachment (CALMED), a California State University police officer and CALSTAR flight crew simulate loading a patient into a helicopter. CALSTAR gave an orientation and overview of one of their helicopters at California State University – Monterey Bay July 2. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

The time it takes to receive emergency medical treatment can mean the difference between life and death. CALSTAR can rapidly transport trauma patients via air ambulance to a major medical facility.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Captain Austin Holdridge, outgoing commander of Charlie Co., 229th Military Intelligence Battalion, receives an award from Lt. Col. Derrick Long, 229th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, July 2 during a change of command ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – Captain Shawn Zima assumed command of Charlie Co., 229th Military Intelligence Battalion, from Capt. Austin Holdridge on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California, July 2.

In his outgoing remarks, Holdridge complimented his soldiers on their perseverance and dedication to becoming proficient military linguists. He also thanked the leadership of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center and the 229th Military Intelligence Battalion for their support during his one-year command tour.

Zima, in his first remarks to the company upon assuming command, said that he has some big shoes to fill after Holdridge but sees the challenge as an opportunity.

Captain Austin Holdridge, outgoing commander of Charlie Co., 229th Military Intelligence Battalion, gives his outgoing remarks July 2 during a change of command ceremony on Soldier Field at the Presidio of Monterey, California. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

The 229th Military Intelligence Battalion assigned to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center facilitates the production of qualified warrior linguists and sustains soldiers and their families to support the operational force.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

More than 150 faculty and staff of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center said farewell to Col. David K. Chapman, DLIFLC commandant, during a luncheon at Khalil Hall on the Presidio of Monterey, California, July 16. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – More than 150 faculty and staff of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center said farewell to Col. David K. Chapman, DLIFLC commandant, during a luncheon at Khalil Hall on the Presidio of Monterey, California, July 16.

“Thank you faculty for all you do. You made my job so much easier. All those great ideas came from you. All I had to do was go along with it,” said Chapman, referring to some of the academic initiatives he spearheaded with faculty input.

“A three-time grad of DLIFLC, a true professional, and a very caring and compassionate person are all the more reasons we will miss Col. Chapman,” said DLIFLC Chief of Staff, Steve Collins. “We know he will stay in touch and will be looking to see if we can keep the momentum going on the many great initiatives he started.”

Detlev Kesten, associate provost for academic support, wishes Col. David K. Chapman, DLIFLC commandant, all the best in his next assignment in Paris. More than 150 faculty and staff of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center said farewell to Chapman during a luncheon at Khalil Hall on the Presidio of Monterey, California, July 16. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Although serving as commandant for only about a year, Chapman has been very busy with many initiatives that effect students and faculty and better the institute. Even after his change of command, scheduled for July 29, Chapman plans to remain an advocate for DLIFLC, in support of the institute’s future success.

“We thank you for your genuine concern for our faculty and students, for hosting faculty luncheons, for visiting the schools, and augmenting our overseas immersion program,” said Dr. Jim Zhao, associate provost of Undergraduate Education.

Although the faculty played host for Chapman at the potluck luncheon, he hosted faculty members for lunch in his home on a monthly basis throughout his year in command in order to learn more about the instructors and their successes and challenges. He was also eager for them to learn about the historic 1903 home he lived in with his family.

Col. David K. Chapman, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center commandant, speaks to faculty during a potluck luncheon in his honor July 16. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Chapman’s next assignment will be as senior defense official and defense attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France. As going-away gifts, his staff presented him with a few humorous French-themed gifts including a beret.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Cole Bunzel, adjunct professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and leading academic expert on the background of the Islamic State, spoke to Arabic language students at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 17. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – Cole Bunzel, adjunct professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and leading academic expert on the background of the Islamic State, spoke to Arabic language students at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 17.

The Islamic State became a growing concern for U.S. military leaders after it took control of most of Northern Iraq in 2014. Lectures such as this give students an opportunity to learn about potential issues they could be dealing with in their future careers.

Bunzel’s discussion focused on the ideology of the Islamic State and its desire to reestablish the Islamic Caliphate.

“The Caliphate is the state of the Prophet Muhammed. The successor to the prophet is the caliph,” said Bunzel. “It ceased to exist in Islamic history after the Mongols abolished it when they sacked Baghdad in 1258. The Islamic State today believes that the Caliphate is the only legitimate state in the world.”

Cole Bunzel, adjunct professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and leading academic expert on the background of the Islamic State, spoke to Arabic language students at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 17. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Bunzel discussed the rise of the Islamic State, beginning with al-Qaeda’s desire to establish a Caliphate in Iraq during the Iraqi insurgency in the early 2000s. Known as al-Qaeda in Iraq, it was led by Abu Mus’ab al-Zarqawi until he was killed by U.S. airstrikes June 7, 2006.

The period between 2006 and 2013 the Islamic State became known as the “paper state,” said Bunzel, as their claim to have founded a state was not being taken seriously and the state existed only on paper or online.

“Outside the narrow world of the jihadi Internet, the announcement of an Islamic State in Iraq drew little attention,” said Bunzel. “The new entity had difficulty convincing either Iraqis or outside observers that it was more than just a new name for al-Qaeda in Iraq.”

After a brief period of disunity from 2013 to 2014, when the group was plagued by infighting both on the battlefield and in the ideological realm, the Islamic State broke with al-Qaeda.

Cole Bunzel, adjunct professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and leading academic expert on the background of the Islamic State, spoke to Arabic language students at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 17. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

The Islamic State, then known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), or the Levant (ISIL), gained the world’s attention when they captured the Northern Iraqi city of Mosul, Iraq’s second most populous city, in June 2014 and declared itself the Caliphate.

A student asked Bunzel how the Islamic State recruits and why Westerners go to the Islamic State.

“It seems like a turn off, but the way they promote their cause brutality actually helps,” said Bunzel. “Surprisingly, 15 percent of their recruits are women. Many Westerners may go because of their heritage, while others for psychological reasons.”

Another student asked Bunzel if the Islamic State poses a valid threat to the U.S.

“Al Qaeda focuses its’ fight on the further regions, in particular the U.S.,” said Bunzel. “The Islamic State focuses on the near. Their drive is to eliminate Shia Islam, but they cannot take the war to Shia areas as of yet, such as Baghdad or Iran. However, there is a threat by those who would be inspired by the Islamic State – the ones who want to go to the Islamic State but cannot.”

Cole Bunzel, adjunct professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and leading academic expert on the background of the Islamic State, spoke to Arabic language students at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 17. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Senior Army leadership estimates that the fight against the Islamic State could last 10 to 20 years.

“The Islamic State has momentum. Their motto is ‘staying and expanding,’” said Bunzel, but stopped short, reminding students that nothing is ever certain in the Middle East.

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By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

About 3,000 service members, along with some family members, joined Col. David K. Chapman as he led his final run as commandant of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 24. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – About 3,000 service members, along with some family members, joined Col. David K. Chapman as he led his final run as commandant of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 24.

The Commandant’s Run, as it is called, began at the Price Fitness Center athletic field and wound through the Presidio of Monterey, California, for a distance of about two miles. Army, Marine, Navy and Air Force units held their guidons high and called cadence throughout as they made their way to the finish line at Soldier Field.

Throughout the U.S. Armed Forces these types of unit runs are designed to be challenging, team-building activities for service members. The runs are usually conducted within individual services, but at DLIFLC, the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force all have the unique opportunity to run together.

About 3,000 service members, along with some family members, joined Col. David K. Chapman as he led his final run as commandant of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 24. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

“This reminds us that we’re all in one military, and we’re all on the same team,” said Chapman at the conclusion on Soldier Field. He continued by giving the service members and families a congratulatory “well done” along with an informal good bye. Chapman changes command July 29.

By Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Bickel
DLIFLC

Sixteen service members assigned to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, and two service members in local reserve units earned the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. German Army Colonel Peter Frank awarded the badges following the DLIFLC’s Commandant’s Run July 24. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – Sixteen service members assigned to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, and two service members in local reserve units earned the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. German Army Colonel Peter Frank awarded the badges following the DLIFLC’s Commandant’s Run July 24.

Participants tested for the proficiency badge July 13 to 16 at Old Fort Ord in Seaside, California, with help from six German Army and Air Force officers. Eighteen of the 21 personnel who tried out qualified, with eight service members earning the gold badge and 10 earning the silver badge.

The German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency is one of several hundred foreign awards approved for wear on U.S. military uniforms. This was the first time DLIFLC conducted qualification events to earn the proficiency badge.

First Lt. Joy Palmer, DLIFLC executive officer, tests her marksmanship at the Laguna Seca Shooting Range in Salinas, California. Palmer is one of the service members who earned the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency awarded July 24. (Photo by DLIFLC)

“This was a good opportunity to get out into the field and do things I don’t get to do on a daily basis,” said 1st. Lt. Joy Palmer, DLIFLC executive officer. “I also enjoyed working with the German officers whom I just met from the Naval Postgraduate school.”

Palmer is one of the recipients of the gold badge.

“It’s an honor to be able to earn this award. I’ll always wear it with pride,” said Palmer.

To qualify, participants are tested in their physical prowess, marksmanship skills, first aid, and knowledge of nuclear, biological and chemical protective gear.

Service members don their nuclear, biological and chemical protective gear at Old Fort Ord in Seaside, California, as part of testing for the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency awarded July 24. (Photo by DLIFLC)

A 100 meter swim, basic fitness test and a ruck march tested physical fitness. Participants swam while wearing their combat uniform in under four minutes without assistance. This was followed by treading water while removing the uniform. The basic fitness test consisted of three timed events with averaged scores. This included a shuttle run, flexed arm hang keeping their chin above the pull-up bar, and a 1000 meter run.

The following day, service members completed a nine or 12 kilometer ruck march in under 90 or 120 minutes respectively based on their qualifying scores in the fitness test up to that point. After completion of the ruck march, service members had to pass a first aid test and a nuclear, biological and chemical protective gear test.

Service members take a break with their German counterparts during testing for the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. German Army Colonel Peter Frank awarded the badges following the DLIFLC’s Commandant’s Run July 24. (Photo by DLIFLC)

The qualifications concluded with pistol marksmanship at the Laguna Seca Shooting Range in Salinas, California.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Col. Phillip J. Deppert assumed command of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 29. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – After serving successfully for more than a year, Col. David K. Chapman relinquished command of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, to Col. Phillip J. Deppert July 29.

The change of command ceremony was presided over by Kirby Brown, deputy to the commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, who paid his first visit to the institute.

“You have no idea what an amazing institution this is. Out of all the schools and centers in the Army, this institute has the most unique, toughest and challenging mission of any of the schools,” said Brown in his remarks after spending time engaging with service members undergoing language training earlier in the day.

Col. David K. Chapman passed the guidon to Col. Phillip J. Deppert, the new commandant of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, during his change of command ceremony July 29. (Photo by Gary Harrington, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

“When you talk to them you are in for one heck of an impressive experience. They are articulate in their work and dedication to learn a language, which is not to learn just a language, but to learn a culture,” said Brown.

Brown further highlighted several achievements during Chapman’s tenure, saying Chapman has “driven DLIFLC forward in an absolutely outstanding manner.”

Chapman, in his farewell remarks, recognized what he called a “world class faculty” and thanked them for their dedication and all they do for the institute.

“DLIFLC is the standard in language acquisition, testing and maintenance. No one does what you do and no one does it on this scale,” said Chapman.

After serving successfully for more than a year, Col. David K. Chapman relinquished command of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, to Col. Phillip J. Deppert July 29. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead such an amazing organization and I wish you all the best,” said Chapman.

Chapman also enjoyed the Presidio of Monterey’s rich history. Paying homage to that history, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regimental Horse Detachment participated in the change of command. The regiment has historic ties to the Presidio during the pre-World War II years when the Presidio was a cavalry post.

Deppert arrived in Monterey after serving as the chief of staff and deputy commander of Joint Task Force North at Fort Bliss, Texas.

“DLIFLC has established a great legacy of producing the best language professionals in the world,” said Deppert in his first remarks as commandant.

Col. Phillip J. Deppert assumed command of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center July 29. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Deppert told Chapman he can rest assured that the institute will remain in good hands and wished him and his family “fair winds and following seas” as they move on to their next assignment. Chapman departs for France where he will be the senior defense official and defense attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Paris.

Paying homage to the history of the Presidio of Monterey, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regimental Horse Detachment participated in the change of command. The regiment has historic ties to the Presidio during the pre-World War II years when the Presidio was a cavalry post. (Photo by Gary Harrington, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

DLIFLC is regarded as one of the finest schools for foreign language instruction in the world. The Institute provides resident instruction in 23 languages to approximately 3,500 military service members, five days a week, seven hours per day, with two to three hours of homework each night. Generally, students spend between 26 and 64 weeks at the Presidio, depending on the difficulty of the language.

See more change of command photos

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Specialist Caitlin League, an Arabic language student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City July 24.

MONTEREY, Calif. – Specialist Caitlin League, an Arabic language student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City July 24.

For League, speaking at the U.N. was not something she expected to do when she came to DLIFLC.

“I was dumbfounded when I got the letter saying I had been selected,” said League. “The closer the U.N. got the more nervous I became because I had only been learning for a little over a year when we went in July,” said League.

It all began in March 2015 when League’s chief military language instructor encouraged all Middle East school students to enter the “Many Languages, One World” international essay contest. She was only about 10 months into her Arabic program at DLIFLC.

The essay topic “should relate to the post-2015 global development agenda, in the context of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, and the definition of new goals reflecting the imperative of global sustainable development that recognizes, and is enriched by, cultural and linguistic diversity.”

“Just the topic alone was enough to deter a lot of people,” said League. “Fortunately, the organizers provided us with a lot of links to information to help us get started.”

The essay contest rules further stipulated that the essay be written in a language other than their first language and be an official language of the United Nations – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish.

“I chose to write in Arabic about the importance of cultural diversity in the U.N.’s sustainable development agenda and why it’s important to recognize view points from all over the world as opposed to just a Western point of view,” said League. “Bilingualism is important in sustainable development because it helps you speak to people in their native language where they’re more comfortable discussing ideas they may not have heard or encountered before.”

Students from 42 countries participated in the contest. All of them are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees representing 60 prestigious international universities. A total of 70 students were selected from a pool of more than 1,200 entrants. League was one of the 10 winning Arabic language students.

Those who were selected underwent an interview via Skype to further ensure the student is not a native speaker but also capable of speaking in that language.

Specialist Caitlin League (right), an Arabic language student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, joins others in her Arabic language group for a photo. She spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City July 24.

Finally, at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, League met the other Arabic language winners from around the world on July 20 at the “Many Languages, One World” forum. For the next two days, these students worked together to develop a topic to address to the General Assembly. From early morning until late at night the students wrote in Arabic about “equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.” They also had to ensure their presentation was within the time constraints, which equaled about two minutes for each student.

The “Many Languages, One World” forum culminated in the trip to the General Assembly July 24.

“It was really, really amazing to actually go into the General Assembly where you see major decisions taking place,” said League. “We walked in and were treated like very important dignitaries. We had seats assigned just for us. We had interpreters assigned just for us.”

“It was also interesting to see everything come together and to listen to the other groups and what ideas they came up with,” said League.

The U.N. set sustainable development goals for 15 years in 2000. Now, the U.N. is coming up with its post-2015 agenda through 2030. Many of the U.N. delegates in attendance were interested in what the students had to say.

“I could see people there listening to us and trying to pick out what they can take away from our presentations,” said League.

Afterwards, the students had an opportunity to socialize with U.N. delegates, but learned also how busy life can be as a U.N. delegate as many had to leave to attend other forums.

League visited New York many times before but believes this will be her most memorable experience in the city.

“I don’t think anything will ever top this,” said League.

Specialist Caitlin League, an Arabic language student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City July 24.

The “Many Languages, One World” international essay contest held annually and is organized by ELS Educational Services, Inc. and the United Nations Academic Impact.

The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center is a degree-granting institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. DLIFLC is regarded as one of the finest schools for foreign language instruction in the world. The Institute provides resident instruction in 23 languages to approximately 3,500 military service members, five days a week, seven hours per day, with two to three hours of homework each night. Generally, students spend between 26 and 64 weeks at the Presidio, depending on the difficulty of the language.

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Col. Phil Deppert (left), commandant of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, and Col. Keith Logeman, assistant commandant, cut the ribbon opening the Office of Standardization and Academic Excellence Aug. 13. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, opened the Office of Standardization and Academic Excellence Aug. 13.

The new office was established to help the institute to achieve its mission, which is to graduate proficient linguists to enhance national security.

Col. Phil Deppert, DLIFLC commandant, and Col. Keith Logeman, assistant commandant, cut the ribbon officially opening the office.

In his remarks, Deppert spoke about the importance of standardization in the military and for the academic institution.

Dr. Betty Lou Leaver, provost, Maj. Hatem Abdine, OSAE coordinator, Col. Keith Logeman, assistant commandant, and Col. Phil Deppert, commandant, talk after the ribbon cutting for the Office of Standardization and Academic Excellence Aug. 13. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

He also said that DLIFLC is embarking on a decade of “firsts” as the institute is looking at the way ahead.

Col. Ginger Wallace, former assistant commandant, now at the Pentagon, was also instrumental in helping to establish the office, but her change of command took place before the opening.

“Congratulations on getting to this day. I know a lot of people worked hard to establish this office and I am glad to know that it has been finally realized. I firmly believe it will be key in taking an already outstanding institution to even greater accomplishments,” said Wallace.

DLIFLC is a large scale organization with a variety of practices and procedures within the various directorates. As the mission requirements increase, identifying best practices in teaching and leadership, and standardizing routine functions across schools will enable academic leaders to focus on implementing innovations and maximizing language teaching and learning.

DLIFLC is regarded as one of the finest schools for foreign language instruction in the world. The Institute provides resident instruction in 23 languages to approximately 3,500 military service members, five days a week, seven hours per day, with two to three hours of homework each night. Generally, students spend between 26 and 64 weeks at the Presidio, depending on the difficulty of the language.

The Office of Standardization and Academic Excellence opened Aug. 13. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

By Patrick Bray
DLIFLC Public Affairs

Students studying Korean language at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center performed a traditional fan dance at the 23rd Korean Day Cultural Festival at Union Square in San Francisco Aug. 15. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

MONTEREY, Calif. – Korean language students studying at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California, performed a traditional Korean fan dance at the 23rd Korean Day Cultural Festival at Union Square in San Francisco Aug. 15.

Buchaechum, as the dance is known in Korean, uses large fans painted with pink blossoms and the dancers represent birds, flowers, butterflies and waves. The students learned the dance on their own time as the intensive Korean program is 64 weeks long requiring seven hours of class per day, with two to three hours of homework each night.

“At the normal pace, it takes three months to learn and master the basic traditional dance techniques and to perform the fan dance on stage,” said You-chung Kim, the executive coordinator of Korean culture at DLIFLC’s Korean school. “It can take a year, not only to teach students how to dance, but it also (takes time to) design choreography, select and edit the music for the dance and arrange proper traditional Korean dresses for the stage.”

Students studying Korean language at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center performed a traditional fan dance at the 23rd Korean Day Cultural Festival at Union Square in San Francisco Aug. 15. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

Kate Hwang, the Korean dance director, has taught students fan dance since 2002. Her belief is that students can be motivated and reach higher language goals when they are more immersed in the culture. For the past 13 years, Hwang has taught hundreds of students how to perform the fan dance.

The festival was hosted by the Korean American Association of San Francisco and Greater Bay Area. This year the festival also commemorated the 70th anniversary of Korean Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of the Korean American Association.

The DLIFLC joint-service color guard also attended by presenting the colors, officially kicking off the festivities. Command Sgt. Maj. Matildo Coppi, the institute’s most senior enlisted leader, gave remarks on behalf of the institute.

The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center participated in the 23rd Korean Day Cultural Festival at Union Square in San Francisco Aug. 15. (Photo by Patrick Bray, DLIFLC Public Affairs)

DLIFLC is regarded as one of the finest schools for foreign language instruction in the world. The Institute provides resident instruction in 23 languages to approximately 3,500 military service members.