The SHAPE of things to come… Michael Adubato, Chief, SLTC Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Belgium

GRAND QUARTIER GÉNÉRAL DES PUISSANCES ALLIÉES EN EUROPE B-7010 SHAPE - BELGIQUE SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE B-7010 SHAPE BELGIUM SHAPE DIRECTIVE NUMBER May 2006 LANGUAGE TESTING

CHAPTER 1 – POLICIES 1-1 Language Testing at SHAPE a.Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx b.Detailed language requirements for each post are included in JD and are expressed in References B and C. The work in all ACO HQs is conducted primarily in English. c.Non-native English speaking nations should carry out language testing on individuals nominated for SHAPE positions prior to their posting. Language testing should be conducted at a recognized national testing centre using nationally produced tests set against the standards in Ref B. These results are to be provided to SHAPE as an element of the nomination process for OFs and key ORs, 3 months prior to an individual taking up a position. Non-key ORs should arrive at SHAPE in possession of a valid certificate.

CHAPTER 3– PROCEDURES 3-1 Language Testing at SHAPE b. b.Testing. (1) (1)Language testing will be carried out on individuals who arrive at SHAPE without a certificate from a recognized national test centre, or when doubts arise over their language competence after some weeks in the new post. Doubts relating to an individuals language ability are to be forwarded to the division ACOS who will then determine if the individual should be referred to the SLTC for testing. (2) (2)If an individual fails to achieve the required skill level required on the initial language test, he-she will be counselled by the SLTC on the skills requiring improvement, and that he/she will be retested in 4 months…

What exactly does this mean? -All nations SHOULD test their personnel prior to being posted to SHAPE or to any other ACO post -If they are NOT tested prior to arrival at SHAPE, they will be tested by “yours truly” at SHAPE

What exactly does this mean? SHAPE no longer uses the “half” or “+” grades (since they do not exist in the STANAG, they no longer exist within SHAPE)

The updated directive takes into account the controversial Chief of Staff policy letter the controversial Chief of Staff policy letter from 2004 which stated that ALL personnel from 2004 which stated that ALL personnel should arrive at SHAPE with a STANAG should arrive at SHAPE with a STANAG certificate and those who do not will be certificate and those who do not will be tested at the SLTC. tested at the SLTC.

The way I see it… The SLTC is a “safety net” If there was no SLTC conducting testing, the problem would be worse because more the problem would be worse because more personnel would be sent to SHAPE (and personnel would be sent to SHAPE (and ACO posts) will worse, or no English ACO posts) will worse, or no English language proficiency! language proficiency!

Is Mike being melodramatic with this bold statement?? statement??EXAMPLES…

Private Seinhorst’s Oral Examination: -he was given 2 subjects to talk about: #1 – TV #2 – free time -he had to choose only one of these subjects to discuss and chose to speak about, in his words, “what TV means for me” so, “I tell to them” -the oral interview lasted approximately 20 minutes and the candidate was assessed as a Level 4.5 !!!

Private Seinhorst’s Written Examination: - The private was given a paper where, in his words, “we answered to the paper in front of us” -Writing task: write 80 words on the subject. - STANAG Level achieved: 4.0

FOR HAVING A COMMAND OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (STANAG 6001) THE OWNER OF THIS CERTIFICATE PRIVATE GERARD SEINHORST L: 3.5 S: 4.5 R: 1.5 W: 4 SIGNED: I. Shudnobetter COL, NL AF

STANAG CERTIFICATES FROM THE NATIONS - Should these documents be considered as true reflections of the individual’s proficiency?

One colonel arrived with a STANAG certificate from his nation but unfortunately it was non acceptable because his job required 3333 and his certficate did not state that he had it was non acceptable because his job required 3333 and his certficate did not state that he had 3333.

FOR PASSING AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST COLONEL KEITH L. WERT L: 2.5 S: 3.0 R: 3.0 W: 3.0 SIGNED: DATED: 3 April 2006 General Admission US Army

FOR PASSING AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST COLONEL KEITH L. WERT L: 3.0 S: 3.0 R: 3.0 W: 3.0 SIGNED: DATED: 3 April 2006 General Admission US Army

AnyEASYQuestions??