The Old Soldiering Linguistic Category

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.

#203, 8912-156 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

 

February XVIth, MMXI

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA

Minister of Education,

Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Proving the old adage that you are never II old to learn, Master Cpl. Shawn Grove is learning to speak a new language, Pashto. A language of dialects & literatary orations that allow him II communicate on a daily basis with tribal Afghani's/Warlords/Citizens in the Afghan Battle Theatre. This is a superb idea as it cuts the need IV translators & gives the Afghans a sense of greater trust about the Canadian mission over there to stop terrorism as a whole.

I certainly applaud the Master Cpl. in his efforts to build bridges & make Afghans know that he respects them enough II converse with them in their first language. I cannot of course pick up other languages with my disability, but I certainly applaud the efforts of any Canadian & Allied soldiers in wanting II get II know folks on the ground. This War Theatre learning field can definitely also be handy in allowing Mstr. Cpl. Grove II gather intelligence. Not to mention the fact that he can come up with ground game adjusted battle plans for unexpected contingencies with locals. Ie: Landmines & other unexploded ordinance &/or possible guerrilla attacks by Al-Qaeda &/or Taliban insurgents.

It's Such An Icebreaker,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal, Ryan Cormier.