Language Headstart Helps Soldiers

Week of December 22, 2008

The Defense Language Institute (DLI) developed a headstart program to help deploying troops gain skills in Arabic, Pashto and Dari -- languages spoken in Iraq and Afghanistan. Headstart is a computer-based, self-directed language learning program aimed at military members getting ready to deploy. The self-guided program takes between 80 to 100 hours to complete. All five language versions of the program are available from the Defense Language Institute's website and are also available on CD-ROM. The Headstart program also includes links to online "field support modules", that cover an array of cultural topics on nearly 40 countries.

To find more deployment news and resources, visit The Deployment Center.