some countries have more than one official language.
for example, Canada has English and French, Finland has Finnish and Swedish, Belgium - Flemish and French.

How these bilingual countries have their armed forces function language-wise?
Are both languages accepted?
Should all servicemen(women) know both languages as a condition for recruitment or conscription?
Paperwork? Radio transmissions? Verbal orders?


What about the National Guard in those states that have English and Spanish as their official language?

I would really appreciate if somebody enlighten me on this matter!

well i can tell you that while NZ has both english and maori, english is definatley the primary language. and i would expect that for any bilingual armed forces that they would standardise to on shared language


the swiss army is a good example....they are all trained in the german language

I am not entirely sure but it seems the Belgians segregate in some cases.
Maybe it's only for boot camp.

Originally Posted by boris116

some countries have more than one official language.
Finland has Finnish and Swedish,

Finland have Swedish speaking battalions/brigades where orders and commands are in Swedish.
They are however nowadays quite few and I invision they will dissapear and melt into the Finnish speaking units in the future.

//KJ.

Originally Posted by KJ

Finland have Swedish speaking battalions/brigades where orders and commands are in Swedish.
They are however nowadays quite few and I invision they will dissapear and melt into the Finnish speaking units in the future.

//KJ.

How do they communicate with the rest of the Army?
Is it mandatory for the officers to know both languages?

If you are a Finnish 0fficer, can you give an order to the Swedish batallion's member in Finnish and get a reply: 'I don't understand your language'?

As far as I know, US armed force's offical language are English language. (Most of you probably know about it already) Same goes for Mexican armed force, I think, they only speak Spanish including the training or field.

Originally Posted by Fox

As far as I know, US armed force's offical language are English language. (Most of you probably know about it already) Same goes for Mexican armed force, I think, they only speak Spanish including the training or field.

Fox,

I am interested to find what's going on in the Armies where the state itsef has two official languages! The US, as far as I know has none

However, Canada has two and every official word there has to be in English and French!
That's why I wonder: how do they do it in the Armed Forces?
If it is "English Only", do the French Canadians accept this?
If it could be both, should all personnel by bilingual?

Belgium had a disasterous experience in world war one with his bilingual army!

Originally Posted by phoenix80

Belgium had a disasterous experience in world war one with his bilingual army!

Phoenix,

could you, please, elaborate on this?

Originally Posted by phoenix80

Belgium had a disasterous experience in world war one with his bilingual army!

make a statement....then back it up!


jesus