The United Kingdom's area of responsibility in multi-national division (south-east) remains relatively quiet compared to other parts of the country, accounting for around 4 per cent. of overall attacks in Iraq. There has been a rise in violence in Basra, and there have been a number of developments since March that seek to address this. The provincial council has re-engaged with UK forces, allowing the recommencement of the full programme of operational activity for our forces in MND(SE). Most recently, we have secured important undertakings from the Iraqi Government on delivering a new security plan for Basra.
There are three courses specialising in Iraqi language training available for troops prior to deployment to Iraq, each with a different proficiency level. The numbers undertaking this training over the last three years are shown in the following table.
Standard language profile level(SLP) Proficiency descriptor Description of competence 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 1 Survival(one soldier per sub-unit) Copes with routine, social and practical demands and the most limited work demands. Cannot write in the language 36 60 60 1 Basic patrol Arabic (junior commanders and soldiers) Copes with routine, social and practical demands and the most limited work demands. Cannot write in the language n/a 250 250 4 Operational Linguist Copes with routine social and practical demands using spoken and written skills. Copes with some of the more sophisticated and demanding situations encountered when listening to and reading in the language N/A 12 24
In addition to these courses Cascade Training takes place at unit level during pre-deployment training over anything up to six months. The training is undertaken by those who have completed the Basic Patrol Arabic Course augmented by specially appointed and trained Operational Unit Education Officers. Once deployed training is continued by the same staff augmented by the Theatre Education Centre. Every soldier is also issued with a language card which is taught during pre-deployment training and is practised regularly by all in theatre.