PLTCE Report In October and November 2021, three members of 54 Signals Unit personnel attended Arabic and Russian language training courses at PLTCE, an American-run school in GarmischPartenkirchen, Germany.
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AC Coventry and I were on the Russian course, and SAC Williams on the MSA Arabic course. Both classes were very small with only two or three personnel in each, the other members made up of US military linguists. This allowed us good access to the instructor and many opportunities to practice our speaking skills. The lessons were mostly based on listening and reading skills. We listened to and read from multiple sources on a wide range of topics from cryptocurrency to women’s rights. All instructors were native speakers and we spoke in the target language as much as possible during the lessons to increase assimilation. We found the course very beneficial and would recommend it to anyone that needs a refresher on their language skills.
a wide range of options available. During weekends we were able to visit neighbouring areas and places of interest. We visited Lake Eibsee, Mount Zugspitze (the tallest mountain in Germany) and Munich. SAC Williams also enjoyed a brewery tour at a local monastery, whilst SAC Coventry and I visited Salzburg with one of the American students. Overall, the whole experience was greatly beneficial and enjoyable for all, and I am sure the next cohort to attend are looking forward to it. Cpl Blair, SAC Williams and SAC Coventry, 54 Signals Unit
The lessons ran from 0840 in the morning until 1550 daily, with homework being assigned to encourage the students to continue learning away from the class. As regards local amenities, there were two shops on camp, as well as a fully equipped gym, and use of the swimming pool at the nearby Edelweiss resort. Accommodation was of a high standard, with each of us assigned a two-person room to ourselves, which included a television able to receive broadcasts in our target languages. Messing was equally impressive, with INSIGHTMAGAZINE 21
