Generolo Jono Žemaičio Lietuvos karo akademija

Foreign language proficiency is vital in military contexts for communication, coordination, and operational readiness. The NATO STANAG 6001 exam objectively measures soldiers’ language competence, supporting participation in multinational missions and exercises. This study examines independent English learning for STANAG SLP 2 certification using the Languages for the Army platform at the University of Defence. Employing grounded theory, data from second-year students who initially failed the exam were analysed through open, axial, and selective coding. Participants valued the platform’s accessibility and free skills practice but noted technical issues and limited speaking/writing resources. Findings suggest the platform supports autonomous learning, though enhanced materials and functionality are recommended for balanced skill development.

Foreign language competences for the military personnel of Lithuania and NATO are essential in sustaining National Security of the alliance especially by effectively performing their military duties that include not only specific military art but also administrative and managemental. The Military Academy of Lithuania is a unique higher educational institution that prepares specialists in administration, management, and other fields. Therefore, being a cadet of the Academy, he/she acquires all the necessary competences to obtain proficiency in these fields. However, the cadets of the Academy considerably need foreign language competences so that they could actively, successfully, and professionally conduct their duties not only locally but also participating internationally in various military organizations and missions. Thus, in many cases military’s success in multinational operations very often depends on soldiers’ ability to communicate and express themselves in English or any other foreign language. In this “global village” it is practically inconceivable to make career without the knowledge of the English or any other foreign language. Thus, the aim of the research is to analyze the role of foreign language competencies acquired at the Lithuanian Military Academy where cadets obtain qualifications and foreign language competences needed for successful career making, National and International security. Therefore, the objective of the research is how theoretically and practically resolve the issue of developing new linguistic competences in foreign languages necessary for MAL cadets through analyses of the results of the questionnaire.