MEC, MFC, PSOTC

Military English Course, Military French Course, Peace Support Operations
Terminology Course

1. Concept and Purpose of MEC/MFC/PSOTC
MEC, MFC
The aim of the course is to enhance the language skills of Finnish military personnel in preparation for duties in crisis management or international tasks. The courses are blended learning courses including two three-day instructor-led periods and two three-week distance learning periods when students complete different given assignments.

PSOTC
The aim of the three-day course is that students broaden their military terminology vocabulary and activate their military English language skills.

2. Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student should:
MEC, MFC
-Be able to give military-style briefings and presentations using appropriate military expressions, a coherent formula and precise English/French.
-Be able to initiate and sustain face-to-face conversations with foreigners while considering small talk rules and cultural issues.
-Be able to communicate with improved pronunciation, intonation and inflection.
-Be able to communicate in writing.
-Be able to apply the main grammatical rules.
-Be familiar with military-related vocabulary.

PSOTC
-Be able to recognize vocabulary related to NATO and the UN.
-Be able to understand various concepts of PSO, with emphasis on related terminology.
-Be familiar with the essential expressions, styles and abbreviations in the context of staff work.
-Be familiar with terminology used in radio communications.

3. Student Criteria
To be eligible to attend MEC/MFC/PSOTC, nominees must fulfil the following criteria:
-Planned task in mission year 2012–2013 as Staff Officers or Military Observers.
-Students have to fulfil at least the following proficiency standards in English/French, as described in STANAG 6001: Listening (2), Speaking (1), Reading (2), and Writing (1).
-Consistent ability for independent work.
-Have basic knowledge of computer skills.

4. Course Dates
MEC 1   January–February 2012
MEC 2   April–May 2012
MEC 3   August–September 2012
MEC 4   October–November 2012
PSOTC  November 2012
MFC      Cancelled