Avoidable friction: language and coalition partners†. Issue 2 (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Robert
• Is Part Of: Canadian foreign policy. Volume 22:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: military -- language -- coalition; Canada -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; 327.71005
• DOI: 10.1080/11926422.2016.1183137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1192-6422

Abstract

Abstract: The challenges in multinational operations have been, and remain, understanding both allies and the environment in which one is going to be conducting operations. Rapid mutually intelligible communication is a key factor to mission success, whether during high-tempo operations or while conducting deliberate planning and administrative work with non-English-speaking allies. Given plenty of lead time and a large pool of qualified personnel from which to choose, an effectively functioning method of communication for the delivery of all necessary orders and situational reports to ensure a uniform comprehensive understanding of a military commander's intent to all coalition members should be both feasible and achievable. Based on historical experience during Canadian Army operations with the 1st Polish Armoured Division under command in North Western Europe during the last year of the Second World War, I will build a matrix that could be used to assist in recommendations for the deliberate selection of allies/coalition partners. Using these criteria, I will then, by way of the potential usefulness of this process, assess several recent Canadian overseas operations.