IMPROVING THE OPERATIONAL READINESS OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CAPABILITIES

Abstract

The DOD faces challenges in the strategic management of its foreign-language-capable workforce that are inhibiting maximum utilization of non-lethal force multipliers critical to the execution of national security strategies. This thesis forwards a validated methodology for strategic organizational change the DOD can utilize to fill persistent gaps and improve operational readiness measurement of the foreign language workforce. Findings indicate the development of a competency framework will enable the DOD to achieve fidelity of requirements to align workforce capabilities with strategic objectives. Task-oriented and competency-based assessments built upon a competency framework would enable quantified measurement of capabilities most important to operational readiness metrics. Foreign language capabilities are core warfighting skills, and the DOD has the opportunity to improve operational readiness and employ its full strength in support of national security strategies.