Weaknesses in the Resident Language Training System of Defense Language Institute Affect the Quality of Trained Linguists

Gao ID: FPCD-82-22 May 6, 1982

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined the management operations of the Defense Language Institute (DLI), Foreign Language Center. The Foreign Language Center is responsible for providing foreign language training to military personnel who are being prepared for intelligence activities. The DLI mission is to conduct and supervise language training for such personnel and to provide technical support for all other foreign language training conducted for the services, except for military academies and overseas schools.

GAO reviewed the management and training at DLI and concluded that changes are necessary to improve the quality of language instruction. Specifically, DLI needs to: (1) replace outdated materials in basic courses; (2) upgrade the management of classroom instruction; and (3) better assess the effectiveness of its training mission.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Kenneth J. Coffey Team: General Accounting Office: Federal Personnel and Compensation Division Phone: (202) 275-5140


The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.