Second-Language Skills for All? Analyzing a Proposed Language Requirement for U.S. Air Force Officers

Many official Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force sources describe language skills as a key warfighting competency. Given the need to develop the language capabilities of Air Force officers, it has been proposed that all Air Force officers be required to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a foreign language at the time they are commissioned. The Foreign Policy Advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff asked Project AIR FORCE to evaluate how best to achieve this goal. In response, we reviewed relevant background information and research on adult language learning and designed and fielded a survey of Air Force officers to address the following: 1. Is a minimum score of 2/2 (limited working proficiency) or 3/3 (general working proficiency) on a language exam a feasible and achievable goal? 2. What potential consequences would implementing a language proficiency requirement for officers have?