Emerging Languages Task Force

The mission of the Emerging Languages Task Force (ELTF) is to provide a rapid response in establishing new language programs in low-density languages in support of DOD's pressing needs. This consists of establishing resident programs for language instruction, testing, familiarization training for deploying units, technology testing, as well as performing special translation projects.

DLIFLC set up the ELTF shortly after September 11, 2001 in response to DoD needs for language capability in certain less-commonly taught languages. The department was originally named the Operation Enduring Freedom Task Force, then later renamed to the Global War on Terrorism Task Force.

The ELTF serves as DLIFLC's rapid and flexible response language team…

The ELTF first began teaching Persian-Afghan (Dari), Pashto, Georgian, and Uzbek. Since this time, the department’s primary task has been to upstart new programs for those languages deemed of strategic importance to the nation. Once a language has matured to the point of having a trained teaching staff, set curriculum, and viable tests, the language is sent to one of the eight DLIFLC schools. Today, ELTF teaches five languages, the Kurdish dialects Kurmanji and Sorani, Hindi, Urdu, Uzbek, and Indonesian. The ELTF serves as DLIFLC's rapid and flexible response language team which provides adequate solutions to current and emerging mission needs.

All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, called SmartBoard™, and students are issued tablet PCs, as well as digital audio devices. Additionally, SCOLA, an international language rebroadcasting station, feeds into the whiteboards and broadens the pool of authentic materials available to the students.

All languages taught at ELTF fall under category III, requiring 48 weeks of active instruction, except for Indonesian, which is classified as a category II language, extending over 36 weeks of active instruction.