The Defence Centre for Languages and Culture (DCLC) has been a cornerstone of the Defence Academy since its relocation here from Beaconsfield in 2014. By delivering language and cultural awareness training to British and international defence personnel, the centre plays a crucial role in supporting operations, intelligence and defence engagement. DCLC is well-equipped, then, to prepare British personnel for study at the world-renowned École de Guerre.
Each year, five British defence personnel study at DCLC to learn or develop their French language skills prior to attending the Joint Services Command and Staff College’s French equivalent - École de Guerre.
The path to École de Guerre is challenging, but certainly worthwhile. The UK candidate officers need to get their French language skills to a level at which they can be admitted to the prestigious institution and actively engage in the learning and development that takes place there. They need to be able to study and participate in classes, conferences and deployments like native French speakers.
When a UK officer arrives at the École de Guerre, their written proficiency needs to be to the level of someone with a Master’s degree in French. However, the challenge does not end there: they also need to pass the 'Mess Test.'
The divergence between the written forms of French and the spoken forms grows year by year, and a British officer at the École de Guerre needs to be able to use informal registers when speaking to fellow officers in the mess. This will help them not only with their formal military education, but also with total immersion into their environment. Set against a backdrop of more than 100 bilateral agreements between the UK and France, building relationships with their French colleagues and other international partners can help British officers challenge their assumptions and biases, exchange knowledge and best practices, and see a bigger, more international picture.
Former École de Guerre student, Commander Alexander Westley, said:
Former École de Guerre student, Wing Commander Suzanne McLaughlin said:
She added:
Since its creation, DCLC has been the one of the main language and culture training providers for defence, teaching between 40 to 80 languages to approximately 300 students each year.
DCLC is separated into two departments: its English Language Wing (ELW) delivers courses in English to a wide range of overseas defence students on standard and tailored courses. At the same time, its Foreign Language Wing (FLW) provides core and bespoke language training to UK service personnel. The core language portfolio includes French, Arabic, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin) and Spanish.
Visit DCLC for more information.