Languages are an important part of Service life, and there are plenty of opportunities to improve your skills

As part of the Defence requirement to develop foreign language skills, there are a number of opportunities and incentives for you to develop your language skills in the following roles:

Defence Engagement.

• Support to Defence Engagement activities can include job roles in Embassies and Loan Service Teams, supporting Short Term Training Teams and overseas exercises.

Defence Intelligence.

• There are a number of roles within the Defence Intelligence community which actively utilise language skills to support current and ongoing operations.

Operations.

• There is a continued requirement for foreign language skills in a wide range of UK, NATO and overseas operational commitments.

If you’re not in a sponsored post or trade group that requires formal language training, there are still opportunities for you to brush up on your language skills. Service and other libraries are well stocked with language books, CDs and DVDs. You can also use Learning Credits to fund paid-for training - see the Standard and Enhanced Learning Credits benefit pages for more information.

You may also be eligible to receive a financial award under the Foreign Language Financial Award schemes if you are able to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in a foreign language by completing a MOD Language Assessment Board (MODLAB) multi level assessement - click on the MODLAB link below for more information.

You could also qualify to receive the DOLAS Deployed or Non-Deployed Active Use Allowance.

To Claim Speak to the staff at your local ELC centre.

The British Army protects the United Kingdom’s interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper.