New Delhi: With the military’s strategic approach towards the northern frontiers moving beyond its traditional focus on China, it is now expanding its understanding of both Mandarin as well. Tibetan Culture and Language.
Sources in the Defense and Security Establishment said the Army has recently obtained necessary approvals for induction of Mandarin-trained personnel at the officer ranks in the Territorial Army.
The notification inviting applications from Mandarin experts was issued on Sunday. The Army is looking to recruit five civilian candidates and one ex-service personnel.
Graduation in Chinese Language from a recognized University with minimum 55% marks or Graduation in any discipline with two years Diploma in Mandarin from a recognized University.
Sources said that with the re-evaluation of its approach towards the northern frontiers, the Army has increased its Chinese language training and synergistically incorporated appropriate scaling up of Chinese linguists within its overall strategy.
He said a number of measures have been taken to improve its internal Mandarin expertise.
It aims to empower junior and senior military commanders to engage with People’s Liberation Army (PLA) personnel when the situation arises. Sources said that with improved Mandarin skills, the Army personnel would be given better authority to express their point of view in a more articulate manner.
Incidentally, Chinese language specialists are a functional requirement at the strategic level and are required to provide analysis at the operational and strategic level, while meeting future needs and maintaining adequate numbers at all levels.
A source said, “For better exchange of our views and more Mandarins to understand the PLA version of their activities during various interactions like Corps Commander level talks, flag meetings, joint exercises, border personnel meetings and others. Experts are needed.”
Army has signed MoU with National Defense University, Central University of Gujarat, Shiv Nadar University to impart Mandarin proficiency to its personnel.
Simultaneously, internal efforts include increasing vacancies at the Army Training School in Pachmari and the School of Foreign Languages in Delhi. Mandarin language courses are being run in the language schools of the Northern, Eastern and Central Commands.
Sources said proficiency-level testing of trained soldiers is being conducted through civilian institutions like Langma School of Languages, Delhi to assess the competency level of linguists as per international standards.
In October last year, ThePrint reported that the military had started a course Tibet Science To its young officers and men for enabling them to have a better understanding of Tibetan history, culture, language and topography.
The curriculum, which was initiated as a pilot project on a voluntary basis, has been extended to ensure that future decision makers have an understanding of Tibetan culture and people.
(Edited by Tony Rae)
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