Basic Military English Students Book

MILITARY BASIC ENGLISH
STUDENT’S BOOK
Authors:
Georgeta Obilisteanu
Marioara Patesan
Vasile Carutasu
"The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not
constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and
the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the
information contained therein."
This publication has been financed from Erasmus+ Programme,

Strategic Partnership „Creating international semester regarding
military education needs for future officers in Europe”
MILITARY BASIC ENGLISH – STUDENT’S BOOK

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Table of Contents
Unit 1. Branches of the Army ........................................................................................ 5
Unit 2. Military organization ........................................................................................ 11
Unit 3. A military career Part I ..................................................................................... 15
Unit 4. A military career Part II .................................................................................... 21
Unit 5. Education and training in the military .............................................................. 25
Unit 6. Life on base/post ............................................................................................. 30
Unit 7. Daily routines Part I ......................................................................................... 34
Unit 8. Daily routines Part II ........................................................................................ 40
Unit 9. Ranks and appointments................................................................................. 44
Unit 10. Leaders and leadership ................................................................................. 50
Unit 11. Military decision-making process .................................................................. 55
Unit 12. Military uniform and equipment Part I ............................................................ 59
Unit 13. Military uniform and equipment Part II ........................................................... 65
Unit 14. Weapons Part I.............................................................................................. 69
Unit 15. Weapons Part II............................................................................................. 73
Unit 16. Vehicles Part I ............................................................................................... 77
Unit 17. Vehicles Part II .............................................................................................. 82

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Unit 1. Branches of the Army
Task 1 Label each picture by identifying the branch of the army corresponding to
it from the list below.
1. Infantry
2. Field artillery
3. Air defense artillery
4. Aviation
5. Corps of engineers
6. Military intelligence
7. Chemical corps
8. Armor
9. Medical corps
10. Adjutant general corps
a) b)
c) d)
e) f)

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g) h)
i) j)
Task 2. Match the branches of the army listed below (1-10) with the
duties/responsibilities assumed (a-j). An example has been done for you.
A: BRANCHES ANSWER
1. Chemical corps 1. …e………
2. Air defense artillery 2. …………..
3. Military police 3. …………..
4. Adjutant general corps 4. …………..
5. Corps of engineers 5. …………..
6. Armor 6. …………..
7. Field artillery 7. …………..
8. Infantry 8. …………..
9. Signal corps 9. …………..
10. Military intelligence 10. …………...
B:DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
a. You are responsible for neutralizing the enemy by cannon, rocket and missile fire.
You must control the awesome firepower of the big guns while moving and fighting
alongside the infantry and armor.
b. You use intelligence systems and data to reduce uncertainty for a commander and
assess the risks associated with friendly/enemy courses of action. You must act to
counter/neutralize intelligence threats.
c. You maintain the army’s voice, data and information systems. Your job is to plan and
execute all aspects of communication on a mission.

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d. Your job is to build or demolish bridges and obstacles, create airstrips, lay or clear
mine fields and handle high explosives. You plan, design, build and operate water
resources and other civil works projects.
e. You defend troops against the threat of CBRN weapons and weapons of mass
destruction. Your job also involves decontaminating the environment.
f. You use tanks to provide troops with the necessary fire support and do
reconnaissance operations on the battlefield by means of armored fighting vehicles.
g. You protect the ground forces from aerial attack, missile attack and enemy
surveillance. You must be an expert in tactics, techniques and procedures for the
employment of air defense systems.
h. You protect the lives and property on army installations by enforcing military laws
and regulations. You also control traffic, prevent crime and respond to all
emergencies.
i. You fight on foot and are equipped with hand-carried weapons. You close with the
enemy by fire and maneuver to destroy or capture him and repel his assaults by fire,
close combat and counterattack.
j. You are responsible for providing personnel support that affects soldiers’ overall
welfare and well-being, while assisting commanders by accounting for and keeping
soldiers combat ready.
Task 3 Read quickly the information in the Officer Job Profiles and answer the
questions below.
OFFICER JOB PROFILES
Your exact duties as an army officer would depend on the Arm you work in and what
type of job you do.
In the COMBAT ARMS, you could be: DUTIES
 infantry platoon officer →leading a team of 30 trained soldiers on operations
 helicopter pilot officer → with responsibility for your crew and supporting ground troops
 tank troop officer → in charge of 12 soldiers and their vehicles
 aviation support officer → refueling and re-arming the aircraft
In the COMBAT SUPPORT ARMS, you DUTIES
could be:

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 artillery troop officer → leading a team of 30 soldiers and in charge of weaponry

 engineer troop officer → building bridges, runways and clearing mines
 communication troop officer → responsible for the army’s battlefield communications
 intelligence operative → gathering information on the enemy and informing superiors
In the COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT ARMS, you could be: DUTIES
 logistic troop officer → providing vital supplies to combat forces
 an adult health nurse → caring for injured soldiers in demanding situations
 medical support officer → caring for soldiers wounded in combat
 chaplain → looking after the health of army personnel and their families
(adapted from The National Careers Service/Job profiles providing information and guidance on learning,
training and work opportunities across England)
Questions
1. Which are the jobs that one can take in combat arms?
2. What is the main task of an aviation support officer?
3. What are the duties of an intelligence operative?
4. What is the main purpose of an engineer troop officer?
5. Which are the jobs one can take in combat service support arms?
6. What are the duties of a helicopter pilot officer?
7. What is the main purpose of a logistic troop officer?
8. Which are the jobs one can take in combat support arms?
Grammar Infinitive complement
Study the example.

The mission of the Engineers is to build roads and bridges.
We use infinitive complements to talk about purpose.
subject + be + to +
verb
Task 4 Complete the sentences. Use these verbs from the box.
destroy fly maintain provide protect gather

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1. The main responsibility of Infantry is ….. and suppress the enemy forces.
2. The mission of Armour is ….. fire support to the combat forces.
3. The duty of the Air Defence Artillery is … the ground forces against the threat of aerial
attack.
4. The role of Military Intelligence is ….. information on the enemy.
5. The mission of the Aviation is ….. the Army’s aircraft in combined arms operations.
6. The role of Ordnance is ….. the Army’s diverse range of materiel.
Task 5. Identify the picture corresponding to each military job listed below.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
a) An electronics technician works on all kinds of vehicles and weapons that have
failed, including communications systems. In installing and repairing electronic
equipment, he gets the chance to work with the latest technology and gain
experience from lasers to thermal imaging systems.

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b) A design draughtsman creates the plans for roads, bridges, airports that need to be
built. His designs and blueprints are to be followed by the military people building
them.
c) A survey engineer surveys the ground for building projects from Army bases to
runways.
d) An intelligence operative analyses different kinds of intelligence to stay one step
ahead of the enemy.
e) A vehicle mechanic works on different vehicles (tanks, fighting vehicles, craft) every
day in order to keep them in working order. He also keeps vehicles on the road, even
in extreme weather conditions.
f) An explosives and ammunition technician is an expert on explosives, bomb disposal
and all types of ammunition. He inspects, repairs, stores and disposes of everything
from guided weapons to SA80 ammunition clips.
Task 6 Identify the jobs described in the following two short

presentations. Specify their roles.
Track 1:
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/194/military-police-officer
Track 2:
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/34/communication-systems-engineer
Bibliography
http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/23298.aspx
http://www.wvstateu.edu/wvsu/media/Research/Branch-Brief.pdf
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/202/human-intelligence-operative#related-roles-
head
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/194/military-police-officer
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/34/communication-systems-engineer

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Unit 2. Military organization
Task 1 Put the formations in the box in order from the lowest to the highest.
platoon battalion section fire team company
Task 2 Read the text, complete the chart and answer the questions.
Useful military language: strength, tactical unit, mortar, commanding officer (CO), fire
team, officer commanding (OC), NCO
UK: section US: squad
Battalion organization
Army formations are the building blocks by which fighting forces are created and
organized for any purpose, from patrolling a street or guarding a checkpoint to attacking an
enemy carrier or defending an important position.
In most armies, the battalion is the smallest organizational and logistics unit that is regarded as
a complete organization capable of operating on its own, with complete artillery, transport,
supply, catering and medical infrastructure. The battalion is the basic tactical unit, usually
comprising four to six companies, giving a total strength of around 600-1,000 soldiers.
An infantry battalion in the British army has a total strength of 625 officers and men and
comprises the Battalion Headquarters (HQ) Company, a Support Company and three rifle
companies. It is led by a lieutenant-colonel, known as the Commanding Officer or CO. The HQ
Company provides the battalion’s administration, command and logistics. Being equipped with
mortars, anti-tank weapons and machine-guns, the Support Company provides the necessary
fire support and operational assistance.
Consisting of a Company HQ and three rifle platoons, each rifle company is commanded by a
major, known as the Officer Commanding or OC. Each platoon is led by a lieutenant and
comprises a Platoon HQ and three sections. Commanded by a corporal, each section has a
strength of eight men and is divided into two fire teams. A fire team consists of an NCO and
three soldiers.

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Organization Strength Composition Commander

Formations battalion 625 HQ Company, Support lieutenant colonel
Company and 3 companies
(1)…. 100 Company HQ + 3 platoons (2)….
platoon 28 (3)…. lieutenant
(4)…. 8 2 fire teams corporal
(5)…. 4 1 NCO and 3 men (6)….
Now answer the questions.

1. What is the difference between OC and CO?
2. How many rifle platoons are there in a British infantry battalion?
3. What is the composition of a rifle company?
Task 3 Complete the following sentences using a word from the box.
battalion division company platoon section brigade corps
1. A colonel is in charge of a ….. which has headquarters and several battalions.

2. A captain with headquarters and two or more platoons makes up a ….. .
3. A major general is in charge of the smallest unit of combined arms and services,
called a ….. .
4. A lieutenant with two or more squads is typically in charge of a ….. .
5. A ….. usually has a lieutenant colonel, staff and headquarters and several
companies.
6. A ….. includes headquarters, two or more divisions and other organizations.
7. An NCO is in charge of a ….., which is usually made up of 8 to 10 people.
Task 4 Complete these sentences to describe a battalion.
1. A battalion is commanded by a ….. .

2. Each company has a strength of ….. men.
3. The rifle company is made up of/consists of/comprises ….. .
4. The Support Company is equipped with mortars, ….. and machine guns.
5. Each section consists of ….. men and is divided into ….. fire teams.

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Functional English: Describing military units
Study the examples.

1. A battalion is commanded by a lieutenant colonel.
2. An infantry battalion comprises the Battalion Headquarters (HQ) Company, a
Support Company and three rifle companies.
3. Each company has a strength of 100 men and consists of a HQ Company and three
rifle platoons.
4. Each section has a strength of eight men.
5. Each fire team consists of an NCO and three soldiers.
Task 5 Now describe different military formations by using these structures.

A/An ….. is made up of/consists of/comprises/ ….. . (military unit/composition)
A/An is commanded by ….. . (military unit/rank)
A/An ….. has a strength of ….. (military unit/strength)
A/An ….. is equipped with (military unit/equipment)
Describing responsibilities at work

Study the examples.
I work in an infantry regiment and I serve as Motor Transport Officer.
I am responsible for commanding and controlling transportation.
I supervise/control the transportation of supplies to the combat forces.
I report to/am responsible to Colonel Smith, the Regiment Commander.
I also deal with/handle moving troops to the front lines.
My area of responsibility includes movement of troops and supplies.
Task 6 Ask and answer questions about your partner’s job using the following
questions and prompts (pair work):
Where do you work? I work in …..
Who do you report to? I report to/am responsible to …..
What do you supervise? I supervise …..
What do you deal with? I deal with …..
What is your responsibility? My area of responsibility includes …..

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Task 7 Complete the text with the above structures.

Lieutenant Steve Brown serves as platoon commander with the 1st Infantry Battalion.
As a platoon commander, he (1) … for the training, fitness, operational effectiveness of a
platoon of 30 men. He (2) … the welfare of his men. He also (3) … with the servicing and
maintenance of platoon weapons, vehicles and equipment. His (4)… includes commanding and
leading the platoon on operations and exercises. He (5) … to Captain Johnson, the company
commander.
Writing Task 8 Write a description of your unit.
Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structure_of_the_British_Army
http://www.army.mod.uk/structure/32321.aspx
http://www.thecalculatorsite.com/articles/units/armed-forces-by-numbers.php
http://www.armedforces.co.uk/army/listings/l0014.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/military-unit

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Unit 3. A military career Part I
Task 1
a) Work in pairs. Write down three words you relate to a military career but you
think your partner does not know. Discuss the words with your partner. Take turns.
b) Choose the poster you consider appropriate for encouraging young people to
take up the military career and explain your choice.
1 2 3
4 5 6
Task 2 Why do young people decide to have a long term military career? Some
reasons are provided below. Can you mention others?
 family tradition
 sports and adventure
 stability of the job
 social status and prestige
 skilled training
 travelling and working abroad

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Task 3 Listen to an army ad and write down the components of the

British Army Infantry, as well as the reasons mentioned for joining the army.
Track 3; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snYeEMRXt2o
Task 4 Read quickly the guiding information below and complete with the
necessary information the sentences that follow.
WHERE WILL YOU USE YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS?

The ability to think clearly under pressure and to make decisions when lives could depend on
their outcome is the hallmark of an Army officer. This is why you’ll find them playing vital roles
wherever the Army is operating. Modern warfare means that the idea of a single ‘front line’ is
no longer relevant. Whether you serve as a platoon commander in an Infantry regiment or as
a doctor in a field hospital, you’ll still be at the heart of the action, using your skills in a way
that can make a real difference. All the units in the Army work together on operations.
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT ROLE INTELLIGENCE, IT & COMMS
Careers in the Army are grouped into seven Gathering and distributing information quickly
categories by the skills needed, and their and securely gives an important advantage
roles on the battlefield. on the battlefield. You’ll lead the skilled,
specialist soldiers who keep the information
moving.
COMBAT HR & FINANCE
Combat roles require officers to lead their Providing expert administrative support to
soldiers from the front, often in close every single unit around the world is a
proximity to the enemy. Whatever the task, demanding role. Army officers also serve as
being able to think quickly and act decisively police officers, lawyers, educators and
are vital skills. chaplains.
ENGINEERING MEDICAL
Officers in engineering units have the job of Officers in the Army Medical Services provide
finding solutions to practical problems on the a range of healthcare services to military
battlefield. Here their technical skills are as personnel and to working animals. They keep
much at a premium as their leadership skills. up to date by training alongside civilian
counterparts.

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LOGISTICS & SUPPORT MUSIC & CEREMONIAL

The Army relies on its supply chain to keep Military music and ceremonial events give the
its soldiers equipped and able to carry out Army an important link with its past and keep
their tasks. Officers manage that process, traditions alive. Officers serving in ceremonial
ensuring that support is available wherever roles also deploy on operations.
it’s needed.
(adapted from Where will you use your leadership skills? retrieved from
http://docslide.us/documents/officer.html)
1. The hallmark of an army officer is …

2. The vital skills for … are the capacity to think quickly and the ability to act decisively.
3. The job of engineering officers is …
4. … officers provide ensure that support is available wherever it is needed.
5. Intelligence, IT &Comms provide a(n) … on the battlefield.
6. Officers in the Army Medical Services keep up to date by …
7. … make the army feel connected to the past and keeps traditions alive.
Task 5 Work in pairs. The teacher will give you a set of cards with accounts of
different military careers.
A Choose a card and extract the relevant information to fill out the table below in bullet
form.
B Ask your partner about the military career on his/her card. Complete the table below
with the information written in bullet form.
Name:
Rank:
Education:
Job responsibilities:
Job experience:
Hopes for the future:

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CAREER PROGRESSION
LIEUTENANT MARIE CARRIGY, TROOP LIEUTENANT CHARLIE CATLING, THE
COMMANDER, 1 Armored Cavalry Squadron ROYAL WELSH (infantry regiment)
I have completed my Cavalry Young Officer I joined the Army after graduating from
Course and driving courses including Nissan, university. After the officer training at
Transit, Truck and Mowag – all skills Sandhurst, I did some other courses to
necessary for the Cavalry Corps. Also I have improve the skills that are appropriate to the
completed an Infantry Light Support role of my unit. The Royal Welsh are an
Weapons Course and PT Supervisors Armored Infantry regiment, so I did a Warrior
Course, which allow me to run unit training Infantry
activities, as well as a Tactical Civil-Military Fighting Vehicles course and an armored unit
Cooperation (CIMIC) Course which would command course.
benefit me in an overseas environment. As a platoon commander, you’re in charge of
The job is very varied. It can vary from 30 soldiers, often working under very trying
organizing training activities for the unit to circumstances. That gives you a bond you
taking part in training exercises, weapons don’t get anywhere else. I’ve been with the
training, range practices, physical training. Regiment for nine months, almost exactly
The tactical exercise my unit carried out halfway through my time as a platoon
included giving an Orders session, moving commander.
tactically by vehicle or on foot and completing The first time I got to lead the platoon in a
missions, such as Close Target realistic context was in an exercise out on
Reconnaissance (CTR), mounted or Salisbury Plain. One thing I really want to do
dismounted Observation Posts (Ops), patrols, before I move on to my next posting is to
assaults and raids. deploy on operations with my platoon. Doing
In ten years’ time, hopefully, I’ll be in the rank the job you signed up to do and trained hard
of Captain in the Cavalry Corps having for, with the soldiers that you’ve been leading
completed a couple of overseas trips. over the previous months, has to be about as
great a reward as you can get.
RYAN VEAL, SERGEANT ARTIFICER FOLARIN KUKU, LIEUTENANT INFANTRY
I joined the Army in December 1999 and I joined the Army after completing a degree at
completed basic training at ATR Pirbright. Newcastle University. After officer training, I
This was followed by phase 2 of my joined the Grenadier Guards and prepared to
training during which I was taught my face a soldier’s biggest challenge: serving on
primary trade as a Vehicle Mechanic B at operations. I’d always been interested in the

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SEME Bordon. I was promoted to Sergeant Army and I realized that commanding troops
in February 2011 and selected for Artificer on operations would give me the opportunity
training on the April 2011 ASCLB (Artificer to experience all of those things. Being on
Course Loading Board) to be course loaded operations was the most intense situation I’ve
in October 2011. ever been in. As an officer you have to think
The pace of the artificer course has about the welfare of the people you
drastically increased, we have now command, as well as the best way to
completed approximately 5 months of the complete the mission. You prepare for it by
course. All members of the course have now training. If you’re joining the Infantry after
fully grasped the importance of having to put officer training at the Royal Military Academy
100% into the course in order to pass. Sandhurst, you then do the Platoon
Assignments are now coming thick and fast Commanders’ Battle Course, where you learn
as well as exams. all about commanding a platoon during high
Each Artificer has to complete a fairly intensity operations. Before you deploy, you
complex engineering project as an element of do extra training specific to the area you’re
their Artificer training. going to. I’m keen to go back and command
The Month of March is upon us, filled with troops in that situation again. I’ve been there,
exams, assignments, mess life and field seen it and I want to test myself again.
exercises. We only have a year left until There’s also a massive sense of bonding
promotion and scrolling. while you’re out there and that’s quite a
special experience.
(adapted from Career progression, Artificer training: Assignments coming thick and fast, and Being in
charge of 30 soldiers is a reward in itself)
Check the meaning of these words:

reconnaissance, mounted, dismounted, posting, deployment
Task 6 Describe your military career (motivation for joining the army, for choosing
the branch of the army, the training you have had so far).

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Bibliography
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/Officer_level_3_V_LowRes.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snYeEMRXt2o
https://britisharmy.wordpress.com/2012/page/11/http://www.military.ie/careers/army/cad
etships/career-progression/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/military/military-careers.htm

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Unit 4. A military career Part II
Task 1 Speak about the advantages of taking up a military career in your country.
Consider the following benefits.
1. high level of education and training
2. financial assistance while studying
3. getting qualifications recognized in the civilian world
4. high social status
5. opportunities to travel abroad
6. good payment
Task 2 Listen a presentation of the advantages provided by taking up the

military career. Make a list of these benefits.
Track 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UmRNlkihvg
Task 3 Use these words to complete the phrases. Make up sentences of your
own.
attend join/enlist enter serve graduate
1. enter a school or military academy 2. … a training course

3. … the army, navy or air force 4. … in UNPROFOR
5. … from university
Task 4 Read the text on becoming an infantry officer in the British army and
answer the questions.
Useful military language
To commission, to handle a weapon, to fire, camp, tactician, to promote
UK: Land Forces US: Army/Ground Forces (a branch of a state’s armed
forces which operates on land: infantry, armor, and artillery)

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You begin by doing the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military

Academy Sandhurst, which lasts for 44 weeks. This is the first stage of officer
training and education. You learn what is expected of a British Army officer,
as well as how to lead soldiers on and off the battlefield.
Officer training teaches you combat skills: how to handle and fire a weapon, how to
operate in all environments and all types of conflict, how to think and act decisively under
pressure, as well as how to manage people from very different backgrounds. You also learn
how to command and lead your team in combat and how to manage them in camp.
On commissioning, you become a Second Lieutenant. You join your Regiment and take
command of a platoon of about 30 soldiers. Your job is to ensure they develop into an effective
team. You are also responsible for their combat capability, training, welfare and career
development. If you join an Infantry regiment, you go on to do the 16-week Platoon
Commanders Battle Course in Brecon, Wales, after which you are a capable tactician, as well
as physically and mentally robust.
You are promoted automatically from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant. The job does not
change, but your pay increases. At this stage, your main objective is to use your experience and
leadership skills to the benefit of your platoon and company. You also begin to train for
promotion to Captain.
You will attend the 8-week Captain’s Warfare Course and learn more about military
tactics and develop your leadership skills. You take on varied roles, such as working as second-
in-command of a larger unit, or acting as the main advisor of a specialist platoon to the
commanding officer on operations.
As you move up the ranks, you will have plenty of opportunities to get qualifications that
are recognized by civilian employers.
(adapted from Leadership is central to everything you do as an army officer retrieved
from
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/Officer_level_3_V_LowRes.pdf)
1. How long is the first stage of officer training and education in the British army?
2. What do you learn during the first stage of officer training?
3. What are you responsible for on commissioning?
4. What do you have to do if you join an Infantry regiment?
5. What does promotion from second lieutenant to lieutenant involve?
6. How do servicemen promote to the rank of captain?

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7. What are the roles a captain can assume?

8. Are the qualifications obtained in the military acknowledged in civilian life?
Grammar Study the examples.

1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment is based at Picton Barracks.
The rifle companies are supported by a Support Company.
It isn’t equipped with the M-22 TOW guided missile.
We use the passive to put the topic at the beginning of the sentence.
subject + is/are + past participle
Task 5 Now complete the sentences. Use these verbs.
assign station post equip mount base provide
1. The unit is currently stationed in Germany.

2. He was … to HQ 7 Brigade last year.
3. I am … to update the brigade security orders.
4. This machine-gun can be … on a tripod.
5. The Regiment is … in Shropshire.
6. Fire support is … by the artillery.
7. The Recce platoon is … with SCIMITAR reconnaissance vehicles.
Task 6 Underline all passive present simple verbs in the following text.
The armed forces of Belgium, which is a member of the NATO and the EU, are currently
restructured in order to be able to faster respond to humanitarian crises or disasters occurring in
the world. In order to do so, the Belgian Land Component is equipped with new vehicles: all
tracked vehicles are replaced with wheeled vehicles. Also, the new MOWAG Piranha and Dingo
2 vehicles are bought to replace the Leopard 1A5BE. In addition, the old aircraft for
humanitarian missions such as the Augusta 109 and Alouette 3 helicopters are accompanied by
new aircraft such as the Airbus A400M, NHI NH90.

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Task 7 Read and complete the text with the verbs.
deployed graduated posted promoted (×2) appointed entered joined
Haines started officer training after he (1) … from university. He joined the army as a
cadet and (2) … the Royal Academy. He got his commission as a Second Lieutenant and held
the rank for a year. He was (3) … with his platoon to Kosovo, where they had to control the
main border crossing against smuggling. When he came back from operations, he took charge
of the admin and the welfare of the soldiers. After a year he was (4) … to Lieutenant and was
(5) … to Canada for his first large-scale exercise with the tanks. Then they went to Iraq where
they stepped up from peacekeeping to fighting. On returning from these deployments, he was
(6) … to Captain and (7) … second in command of a squadron. At present he works on the staff
at Sandhurst. Due to the leadership skills he has gained, he is responsible for cadets who are at
the start of the process he began five years ago.
Task 8Use the following structures to talk about your military career.
Enlistment I joined the army/navy/air force/police force in …… (year) when I was …..
(age).
Training I graduated from basic training/NCO school/officer school in ….. (year). The
course was ….. (years/months).
Assignments I was posted to the ….. (unit) in ….. (year). I served in …… (country) in
…… (year) and I’m currently posted to ….. (unit).
Military rank I was promoted to ….. (current rank) in ….. (month and year).
Bibliography
http://www.careersinthemilitary.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=services.army_officer#becomi
ng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UmRNlkihvg
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/Officer_level_3_V_LowRes.pdf

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Unit 5. Education and training in the military
Task 1 Answer the questions. Work in pairs.

1. How can one join the Army in your country?
2. What kinds of job skills are learned today in the Army?
3. Do the military skills have an equivalent in the civilian world?
4. What kind of training does one attend to become a soldier?
5. What do officers have to do in order to move up in rank?
Task 2 Listen to a narrator speaking about training in the military and

choose the correct answer.
Track 5: http://todaysmilitary.com/training
1. What is a service member encouraged to do throughout his/her career?
a. pursue his/her interests b. learn and grow
2. What is necessary to do things well in the military career?
a. the right training b. the effort you put into it
3. Who starts service with Boot Camp?
a. officer cadets b. enlisted soldiers
4. Who attends Advanced Training after graduation?
a. both soldiers and officers b. soldiers only
5. How is the training you receive during Basic Training?
a. not so scary b. thorough
Task 3 Read the text and answer the questions.

Enlisted Training
Boot Camp
Basic Training, often called boot camp, prepares recruits for all elements of service:
physical, mental and emotional. It provides knowledge of military history and tactics and gives
service members the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be asked of them for
the duration of their tour. It is an intense, challenging experience.
No matter which branch of the service a recruit chooses, Basic Training is an intense
experience. The purpose of this training is not to ‘break’ recruits. In fact, the combination of
physical training, field exercises and classroom time makes individuals strong and capable. It is
a tough process, but a rewarding one that many service members value for life.

25

Advanced Training
After completing basic training, recruits receive additional training (Advanced Training or
specialist training) specific to their career field. It takes place at one of the skill-training centers
around the country. While there, he or she learns the skills necessary to succeed in his or her
specific career through hands-on training, classroom sessions and field instruction.
(adapted from 2016 Today's Military produced by the United States Department of Defense)
Questions
1. What career training and development do enlisted personnel have in your military?
2. What kind of training have you received so far?
3. What was the experience of training like?
4. What were the most common activities that took place during training?
5. What was the best part of training?
6. What would the ideal basic training include in your opinion?
Task 4 Study the promotional presentation of the education and training British
Army soldiers and officers are provided with. Answer the questions below. An example
has been done for you.
Joining the Army
Soldier roles and officer careers
Education and training
Join as a soldier Join as an officer
As a soldier, you’ll do a vital job, making sure Being an Army officer is about leading from
the Army operates smoothly and effectively, the front and caring for your soldiers. You will
at home and overseas. lead a life of challenge, adventure,
achievement and service.
Find your role Your profile
There are hundreds of roles in the Army to As an officer, you will work in:
choose from when you join: infantry soldier, Combat Arms (cavalry, armored corps, air
light gunner, electrician, electronics corps and infantry),
technician, aviation support specialist, logistic Combat Support Arms (artillery, engineers,
supply specialist, etc. signals, intelligence)or
Soldiers in the Army have a trade and get Combat Service Support Arms (adjutant
fully trained, with skills that count and are general’s corps, logistics, transportation
acknowledged in the civilian world too. corps, medical corps).

26

Training Education and training

Initial Soldier Training is conducted at a Although most Army officers are graduates, it
number of training centers around the country is not essential to have a degree. The
– which one you’ll go to depends on your age Commissioning Course for Regular Army
and which part of the Army you are joining. officers takes place at The Royal Military
Phase 1 (basic) training lasts for 14 weeks Academy Sandhurst and lasts 44 weeks. It
unless you’re under 17 where you would runs three times a year, starting in January,
attend the Army Foundation College, May and September.
Harrogate. If you join the Infantry, Phase 1 The course is divided into three terms and
and Phase 2 training is combined in a 28- includes training in leadership and
week soldier training course. (30 weeks for management, tactics, weapons and physical
Para and Guards). fitness.
The length of your Phase 2 (specialist) After this initial training, you will go on a
training depends on the job you do. Some second course to learn specific skills related
roles can be learned in a few months. Others to your first appointment. The length of this
might take more than a year to master. course varies depending on the type of role
you will be doing.
(adapted from The British Army Skills Offer - Career enhancing qualifications)
Example:
What is the training program that turns civilians into British Army officers?
The Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
1. Does the Army provide soldiers with qualifications that are recognized in civilian life?
2. What does being an Army officer involve?
3. Where does Initial Soldier Training take place?
4. How long is the specialist training of a soldier and why?
5. Is having a degree compulsory for attending the Commissioning Course for officers?
6. What does the length of specialist training for officers depend on?
7. When does the Commissioning Course for Regular Army Officers start?
8. How long is basic training for a soldier joining the infantry?
9. When does a soldier attend the Army Foundation College at Harrogate?
10. What arms and services can officers work for on commissioning?

27

Task 5 Listen to two British service members talking about their

experience in the army. Fill in the missing information in the table below. Check your
answers with the class.
Track 6:
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/81/infantry-platoon-officer
Track 7:
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/122/geographic-support-technician
Name and Role What the Challenge Reward Assignments

rank role involves abroad
Captain Guy getting Mali, Africa
Walker really close
up to the
enemy
Lance Geographic the
Corporal Technician opportunity
Lucy to travel
Seymour
Task 6 Read the text.

The Corps of Engineers is unique, with all the sappers being multi-skilled soldiers,
combat engineers and tradesmen working alongside all parts of the Army. In any country’s
armed forces, they play a vital role in the effectiveness of the military operations.
As Troop Commanders, they will command their Troop, of approximately 30 men, in
some of the most arduous and demanding conditions. Whether on operations, exercise or in
barracks, they will be actively involved in their soldiers’ welfare, training and career
development.
Officers are expected to master the same basic military skills and tactics as the soldiers
they command. In addition to their soldiering skills, they will also learn the skills pertinent to
being an officer in the Corps of Engineers, which includes learning Engineer reconnaissance,
demolitions and bridging to name just a few.

28

Answer the questions.:

1. How are the serving personnel working in the Corps of Engineers called?
2. What are the Troop Commanders responsible for?
3. Which are the skills pertaining to being an engineer?
Task 7 Write a short description of your duties and responsibilities and compare
your description with your partner’s. Report to the class.
Bibliography
http://www.army.mod.uk/training_education/6959.aspx
http://todaysmilitary.com/training
http://www.truity.com/career-profile/military
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/armyoffice
r.aspx
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/ARMY_OFFICER.pdf
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/81/infantry-platoon-
officerhttps://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/122/geographic-support-technician

29

Unit 6. Life on base/post
Task 1 In pairs discuss the following questions.

 How big is the base/post your work on?
 What facilities can you find on the base/post?
 What can you do there in your spare time?
 What facilities would you add to your base/post?
 Have you ever visited a military base/post abroad? If so, what were the main
differences between that base/post and yours?
Task 2 Match the facilities on the left with the activities on the right you associate
with them. There is one more activity than you need. An example is given.
Facilities Activities Answers
1. firing range a. jump, climb, crawl, run 1. e
2. cookhouse b. make plans, issue orders 2. …
3. guardroom c. work out, push up, lift weights 3. …
4. headquarters (HQ) d. march, assemble for parade drills 4. …
5. mess hall e. shoot at the target, load weapons 5. …
6. assault course f. have meals when at work 6. …
7. training area g. a room for soldiers on guard 7. …
8. infirmary h. sleep and live with family 8. …
9. married quarters i. show your ID, sign in 9. …
10. parade ground j. have a regular check-up 10. …
11. gym k. soldiers practice field exercises 11. …
12. main gate l. do recce, build shelters 12. …
m. soldiers’ food is prepared here
Task 3 Answer the questions.
1. Where do you enter a military base? At the main gate.
2. Where do the officers have their meals? ………………
3. Where do the soldiers assemble for room inspection? …………..
4. Where do the soldiers practice drill? ……………
5. Where do married soldiers sleep and live? ……………
6. Where do military personnel carry out live firing? ………….
7. Where do soldiers and officers take exercises for keeping fit? ……….
8. Where do commanders make plans and issue orders? ……….

30


Useful language: rank, recruit, quarters, shared room, amenities
Living on base
Although military housing varies by rank, location and family situation, new recruits
typically start their military careers living on base. During Basic Training, men and women live in
separate quarters known as the barracks, which consist of shared bunks and bathroom
facilities. Because service members are there for training, personal items are kept to a minimum
and everything happens on a set schedule, allowing service members to focus on learning and
working as a team.
As service members move up in rank, they get better housing options to choose from if it
is available. Single service members can live in complexes that resemble a modern college
dormitory, which could consist of a single or shared room and a shared living area, while more
senior service members or those who are married can select from a variety of apartments and
single-family homes.
Living on a military base is a lot like living in a town. There are post offices, shopping
centers, doctors, dentists and other businesses. The base amenities are opened to all resident
service members and may be open to guests on a case by case basis.
(2016 Today's Military produced by the United States Department of Defense)
1. What is the accommodation like for new recruits?
2. Is living on a military base different from living in a town?
3. Are things the same for new recruits in your army? If not, what is different?
Functional English Asking for and giving directions
Asking for directions
Excuse me. How do I get to (the railway station), please?
Excuse me. Where's the nearest (post office), please?
Excuse me. Can you tell me the way to the airport, please?
Giving directions
Turn left Turn right

Go straight ahead

31

Task 5 Look at the map of London and study the examples.

1. You are on Piccadilly Road.
A: Excuse me, how do I get to New Bond Street?
B: Go straight along Piccadilly Road and turn left. That’s New Bond Street.
2. You are in Victoria Street.
A: Excuse me, can you tell me the way to Millbank?
B: Go straight along Victoria Street and take the second turning to the right. You
can’t miss it.
3. You are in Victoria Street.
A: Excuse me. Is there a car park near here?
B: I think there is one in Church Street.
A map of London –Victoria Station

Now ask for and give directions for different places in the area. You are in Regent
Street.

32

Task 6 Look at the diagram of a military base. Ask for and give directions in the
situations below.
NAFI (BrE) = NAVY, ARMY and AIR FORCE INSTITUTES – a bar, canteen or shop
which is run by the NAAFI (Note: the American equivalents are PX or BX)
1. You are on the Parade Ground. You want to go to the HQ.
2. You are at HQ and want to go to NAAFI.
3. You are at the Cook House and want to go to the Parade Ground.
4. You are at the Officers’ Mess and want to go to the Sergeants’ Mess.
Task 7 Describe in writing the military base/post you come from (facilities,
accommodation, number of cadets etc.).
Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barracks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_base
http://www.army.mod.uk/join/A-day-in-the-Army.aspx
http://todaysmilitary.com/living/military-housing
Liz & John Soars, Headway (Elementary), Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1995

33

Unit 7. Daily routines Part I
Task 1 Which are the activities that soldiers usually do at work and in their free
time? Divide the following into two groups: work activities and leisure activities.
 take physical exercises drill on the parade ground
 attend morning roster do/carry out tasks
 play volleyball/football clear weapons
 practice shooting on the firing range attend courses
 swim in the swimming pool work out in the gym
 march to the training area maintain equipment
Task 2 Read the article and guess the rank of the soldier describing his day.
Useful language: squad, roll call, PT, laps, stretches, barracks, mess hall,
marksmanship, drill, ceremonies, briefings
A Day in the Life of a …..

Your days in Basic Training are very repetitive. You begin bright and early at around
0500 and quickly make your bed, tidy up your personal area, brush your teeth, shave, and other
personal hygiene. Following that, you meet with the rest of your squad and divide the cleaning
duties and other tasks given to you. Then you are off to your first formation of the day with your
rifle in hand. Your Drill Sergeant calls roll at formation and your platoon marches out to do
morning physical training (PT).
You will normally start off by running some warm up laps followed by stretches led by
your Drill Sergeant. Next, you will return to your barracks and change into the approved uniform
of the day. Back in formation, you will march as a platoon to the mess hall for breakfast. You will
be under tight time constraints to get your entire company into the mess hall (one platoon at a
time) and fed, then back out again. It may result in only about 7-8 minutes per platoon to eat. It’s
all about time management – even while you are eating.
Back to the CQ you march after you are done eating. Your Drill Sergeant will now brief
you on the rest of the day’s activities.
This is when you will be divided into smaller groups to accomplish different training
objectives. These include marksmanship, drill and ceremonies, briefings, and a multitude of
other important classes and lessons.

34

You will continue to train throughout the day, eventually marching back to the mess hall
for dinner around 1900. Following supper, you will have your final formation of the day where
the NCOIC takes final roll call and lets you know what to expect for the next day and what gear
and uniforms are expected to be used. You will finally be released back to your barracks where
you divide up the remainder of the night before lights out to clean your bay, write letters home,
and try to relax.
Before lights out, you will need to secure your rifle, perform more personal hygiene.
During the night you will also be permitted to do your laundry and take showers. And the whole
routine begins again early the next morning!
(adapted from A Day in the Life of a Basic Training Private retrieved from
https://www.baseops.net/basictraining/army.html)
Find the words in the article that mean the following. An example is given.
Example:
A room where soldiers have their meals mess hall
1. Checking if everybody is present

2. The time that soldiers have to go to sleep
3. Learning how to do something by repetition
4. Equipment to be used
5. Giving instructions or preparatory information
6. Skill of shooting at a target
7. Buildings where serving personnel live and work
Look at the times below, then listen to the times which the teacher will read out.
Repeat them.
Telling the time – military style

For times from 1-9 am, we say this:
0100: zero one hundred (hours) 0200: zero two hundred
0300: zero three hundred 0400: zero four hundred
0500: zero five hundred 0600: zero six hundred
0700: zero seven hundred 0800: zero eight hundred

35

0900: zero nine hundred
From 10am onwards, we say this:

1000: ten hundred (hours) 1100: eleven hundred
1200: twelve hundred 1300: thirteen hundred
1400: fourteen hundred 1500: fifteen hundred
1600: sixteen hundred 1700: seventeen hundred
1800: eighteen hundred 1900: nineteen hundred
2000: twenty hundred 2100: twenty-one hundred
2200: twenty-two hundred 2300: twenty-three hundred
0000: zero hundred
For the minutes, it is very similar. For 1-9 minutes, we say this:
1902: nineteen zero two (hours) 0705: zero seven zero five
1005: ten zero five
From 10-59 minutes, we say this:

0925: zero nine twenty-five (hours) 1042: ten forty-two
0545: zero five forty-five 2358: twenty-three fifty-eight
So for hours and minutes from 1-9, we say: zero one, zero two etc.
From 10 onwards, we pronounce the words in full; e.g. ten, fifteen, twenty-four.
Task 3 Listen and write down the times presented in military style. Repeat
them.
Track 8.
Task 4 Read the article on what soldiers do on a regular basis. Below is a list of
typical activities carried out by soldiers. Tick the ones that are mentioned. An example is
given.
Daily routine in transforming civilian recruits into army soldiers

36

When a civilian person joins the military, he/she becomes a trainee. Basic training is
pretty tough. Trainees are learning to live their lives in the military. During the basic training
trainees will learn to follow instructions. They are supposed to do everything the training
instructors tell them to do. Drill instructors drill the new recruits. They give them physical training
and teach them to guard the military base. Trainees learn to stand at attention, fall in, march,
run, jump, climb, crawl, etc. They wear battle dress uniforms. When they graduate from the
basic training, they can be posted to a unit. Every soldier is assigned an appropriate rank. From
time to time, he/she can be promoted.
Soldiers live in barracks, and they are subject to strict discipline. They are responsible
for keeping their rooms clean and tidy. They have their meals at a mess hall. When they are
sick, they go to sick call. Military personnel wear a uniform. Their clothing must be in perfect
order, and their boots must be clean and highly polished. Their personal weapons must be in
perfect order, too. Soldiers must follow all orders, verbal as well as written. Officers and NCOs
give orders. It is soldiers’ responsibility to be well informed and to know exactly what they are
supposed to do.
All activities in the barracks are carried out according to a routine. Every activity has its
exactly assigned place and time. Daily activities of soldiers start with reveille, continue with
morning roster and end with tattoo. Their daily training tasks are specified in the orders of the
day. An inseparable part of the daily routine is physical training. Soldiers must be fit that is why
they do exercises every day. They train on the assault course and in simulated battle conditions
as well.
The training of every soldier and every unit depends on assigned specialization. They
receive different kinds of training, do a lot of exercises, and they attend various courses
according to their specialization. For example, there is communication training, first aid training,
weapon training, NBC training, training in map reading, etc. Soldiers are tested in military skills
such as shooting, attack and ambush drills, night patrolling, map reading, etc. They must be
excellent at shooting, so they spend a lot of time at a firing range. Soldiers must have no
obligations or convictions that will prevent them from using arms in supporting and defending
their country.
(adapted from Soldiers retrieved from
https://moodle.unob.cz/pluginfile.php/10263/mod_resource/content/1/TEXT%20Soldiers.pdf)

37

guarding the military base ˅ attending courses

drilling first aid training
reveille giving orders
tattoo supervising subordinates
physical exercises calling the duty officer
writing reports checking if everybody is present
assignment of jobs keeping rooms clean and tidy
Check the meaning of these words:

reveille, tattoo, order of the day, roll call, morning roster, assault course
Now answer these questions.

1. What do trainees learn to do during the basic training?
2. What is a key factor of soldiers’ life in the barracks?
3. Whose job it is to inform soldiers on what they are supposed to do?
4. How do soldiers keep fit?
5. What does every soldier’s training depend on?
6. Which are the military skills they are tested in?
7. What could prevent soldiers from defending their country?
Task 5 Describe your daily routine. Use the following format.

I usually start my day at … . First, I get up, have a shower and a … . Then I put on my …
and my … I have to … my bed too, in case there is a … in the afternoon. We normally … at …
in the mess hall. At … we have … and … on the parade ground. We have … from 8:40 a.m. to
1:50 p.m. After a short daily … with our platoon and … commanders, we … in the mess hall. In
the afternoon I go to more …, … on the parade ground, or work out in the … . After I finish, I
request an afternoon …, leave the … and go for a walk. I have … back in the barracks by … . I
have half an hour for my personal … and after … at 10:00 p.m. I usually … and fall asleep
immediately.
Task 6 In a paragraph of 100 words describe the daily routine of a soldier. Use the
vocabulary practiced in this unit.

38

Bibliography
http://www.army.mod.uk/join/A-day-in-the-Army.aspx
https://military-government-careers.knoji.com/the-daily-life-of-a-soldier/
https://www.baseops.net/basictraining/army.html
http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/becoming-a-soldier/basic-combat-training.html
https://moodle.unob.cz/pluginfile.php/10263/mod_resource/content/1/TEXT%20Soldiers.
pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Basic_Training

39

Unit 8. Daily routines Part II
Task 1 Talk about the activities that cadets usually do in their free time. Use these
suggestions.
 practice sports go to the fitness centre
 go to the cinema listen to music
 go to the theatre take part in competitions
 read fiction go to clubs
 watch TV play musical instruments
Task 2 Watch this video and answer the questions.
Track 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrvxRJZIvYk
Questions
1. How important is the regimentation of the schedule in the cadets’ successful
accomplishment of their tasks?
2. How is discipline a benefit to the students?
3. What is the cadets’ daily schedule?
Task 3 Read the following information on the academic and training program of
cadets and compare it with your own.
Academies have a long tradition of fostering personal growth through a comprehensive
system built on certain cornerstones: academic excellence, character development, personal
motivation, physical development and leadership.
Cadets’ Daily Routine

During the academic year, cadets participate in a structured program designed to
develop the fundamental characteristics of an army officer.
Cadets’ Daily Schedule is roughly similar to the one below.
6:00 a.m. Wake up - Cadets wake up, dress up and make their beds.
6:10 a.m. Formation and check - Companies form up and cadets are checked at the
parade ground.

40

6:10 a.m. - 6:40 a.m. Morning exercise

6:40 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Personal hygiene - Cadets have a shower and get ready.
7:30 a.m. – 7:40 a.m. Morning check - Commanders check if cadets’ uniforms and hair
are neat and shoes are clean.
7:40 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. Breakfast - Cadets have breakfast at the mess hall.
8:10 a.m. – 8:20 Morning roster - Cadets sing national anthem and march on the parade
ground.
8:40 a.m. – 1:50 p.m. Studies - Cadets attend classes.
1:50 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Daily report
2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lunch - Cadets have lunch at the mess hall.
3:10 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. Forth lecture
4:50 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. Fifth lecture
6:20 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Free time - Cadets exercise in the gym individually or have dance,
drama and guitar/rock music classes.
7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Dinner - Cadets have dinner at the mess hall.
8:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Free time
9:30 p.m. – 9:40 p.m. Roll call - Commanders check if every cadet is present.
9:40 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Personal hygiene - Cadets clean personal items and get ready
for the next day.
10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. Sleep time
10:00 p.m. – midnight (till 2:00 a.m. during exam period) Additional time for studies - If
cadets lack time for self-study during the day, they are allowed to study during the sleep time.
(adapted from Cadets‘ Daily Routine retrieved from
http://www.lka.lt/en/cadets/cadetsdaily-routine.html)
Questions
1. Is your daily schedule the same or different?
2. How do you prepare for the physical fitness test?
3. What do you do in your free time on the premises of the academy?
4. What would you change to this daily schedule to improve performance?

41

Task 4 Listen to a presentation of a cadet’s daily schedule and complete

the missing information in the table below.
Track 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np1dxwbrb8c
Name and rank Time Activity
6:30 wake up
7:00 ……....
Angelia Villarreal Cadet 2nd 08:30 – 11:30 ………
Class, Junior 11:35 ………
12:00 lunch
13:45 -15:00 ………
15:45 – 17:00/17:30 falconry practice
after dinner - until midnight …….

Useful language: combat, shooting range, land navigation courses, hand to hand
combat, cleaning weapons, maintaining weapons, deployment, shift
A typical day in the life of an officer

Your day to day schedule depends mainly on your job in the Army. Most of the army
does PT (physical training) starting at 6 or 630 a.m. After 1-2 hours of physical training, they get
some time to get a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, and most have to report back to work at
9a.m. After that what you do for the rest of the day depends on your job. If you have a job that
is only used during combat (infantry, artillery, etc.) you will spend a lot of time doing training like
shooting ranges, land navigation courses, hand to hand combat, cleaning and maintaining
weapons, and other stuff like that. If you have a job that is used in the Army all the time (medical
workers, cooks, administrative jobs, etc.) you will go to work and do whatever needs to be done
for the day. The time that you get to go home also depends on your job. Some people have set
office hours (usually 9 a.m.-5p.m.) and some jobs have varied hours that may let them go home
after lunch one day and then the next day they may have to work 14 hours or more (usually that
is aviation jobs).

42

Deployments are a different world and again your hours depend on your job. Some jobs
require 24 hour shifts, and then they get 12-24 hours off, while other jobs have the same set
hours. Prior to a deployment, everyone will work a lot of long days, getting equipment and
people ready to deploy. When you get back from a deployment, you get some time off, but you
will put in more long days when your equipment gets back, getting it fixed, up and ready for your
next deployment.
(retrieved from https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081101190504AAWiPtU)
1. What does an officer’s daily schedule depend on?

2. How does a combat arms officer spend most of his time at work?
3. How does an administrative officer spend his time at work?
4. What do officers do before and after a deployment?
Task 6 Use the vocabulary practiced in this unit to describe your daily program.
Write a paragraph of 120 words.
Bibliography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np1dxwbrb8c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrvxRJZIvYk
http://www.lka.lt/en/cadets/cadetsdaily-routine.html
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081101190504AAWiPtU
https://britisharmy.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/a-day-in-the-life/

43

Unit 9. Ranks and appointments
Task 1 Arrange the terms in order from the highest ranking officer to the lowest.
1. NCO
2. lieutenant colonel
3. major general
4. lieutenant
5. colonel
6. captain
Task 2 Put the following words under the correct headings. An example has been
done for you.
 lance corporal vehicle mechanic
 armor second lieutenant
 squadron tank crewman
 private 1st class artillery
 second-in-command of a company logistics
 signals captain
 company intelligence operator
 division battalion
Ranks Branches of the Army units Appoint

army ments
captain
Task 3 Choose from the box and name the people.

security guard quartermaster intelligence officer
signals officer ops officer company commander
duty officer battalion 2IC platoon sergeant

44

1. Who is in charge of administration at the battalion HQ? The adjutant.

2. Who is responsible for the information about the enemy? …
3. Who commands a company? …
4. Who is in charge of managing operational planning in the Battalion HQ? …
5. Who is responsible for the security of the military base? …
6. Who is in charge of the communications systems? …
7. Who is in responsible for security and communications during a 24-hour period? …
8. Who assists the platoon commander with the command of the platoon? …
9. Who is responsible for providing supplies at the barracks? …
10. Who assists the battalion commander with the command of the battalion? …

Useful language: lance corporal, corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant, warrant officer (US
petty officer), second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel,
brigadier, general
Non-commissioned ranks
Young people join the army on an engagement of 3, 6 or 9 years with the intention of
having a career of 22 years. Within this period, if everything goes well, they climb the promotion
ladder from private to lance corporal, to corporal and then to sergeant, where they enter the
Sergeants’ Mess. Once they are there, they look for further promotion to staff sergeant and then
to warrant officer at the level of which there are two classes, class 2 and class 1.
Commissioned officers
Commissioned officers are mostly graduates in their mid-twenties, who after university
graduation attend the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst for a year and come out as second
lieutenants. After about 18 months, they become full lieutenants and then captains. The rank of
captain is probably the most interesting rank in the British Army because that is when they really
get interested in staff work. They are second-in-commands of their companies and they do
important courses for their promotion. When they are promoted to the rank of major, they
command sub-units. So a squadron or a company is commanded by a major. The big promotion
comes from major to lieutenant colonel, when they command regiments. This is the last time
they actually work with soldiers unless they are lucky to command a brigade. Full colonels and
the majority of brigadiers work in staff appointments and on headquarters. Some generals work

45

in field appointments and some of them on the staff. In reality, the last time officers get to
command soldiers is at lieutenant colonel level and at regimental level.
(adapted from Becoming an officer retrieved from http://www.myfuture.com/military/articles-
advice/becoming-an-officer)
Questions
1. What is the lowest rank for warrant officers?
2. What is the lowest rank for non-commissioned officers?
3. How many officer ranks belong to regimental officers?
4. What are the two junior NCO ranks?
5. What is the usual rank of a company second-in-command?
6. When is the last time that officers actually work with soldiers?
7. Who is higher in rank: a Lieutenant General or a Major General?
8. What appointment can a major have?
Task 5 Listen to a British serviceman presenting his 9-year long career in

the army and fill in the missing information in the table below.
Track 11: https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/170/communication-troop-officer
Name Pete Crawley

Rank and Captain and …
appointment
Chief duty The … management of the … Royal Signals personnel within the
squadron, which includes … , training and ... .
Challenge Every 2 years I’ve been posted to a new ... and this includes ... .
Postings for a The first posting could be in command of a .., the second one in a
Signals officer .., while another one might be a ... posting, requiring the
management of the diverse ... available in the army.
He enjoyed most the army’s continued ... of its personnel.

46


In the British Army, at the end of the Commissioning Course a newly- commissioned
officer will be qualified to lead and manage soldiers while at the same time upholding the army’s
core values of selfless commitment, respect for others, loyalty, integrity, discipline and courage.
Military training is infantry-based so that everyone will have mastered the core essentials
before they go on to more specialized training after academy. The officer cadets will have been
trained in the basic skills and battlefield disciplines of soldiering.
Life-long training is an essential part of a career in the military. After commissioning,
officers are supposed to take promotional courses, so as to be eligible for promotion to the next
rank. They are also scheduled for specialist courses in their own specialty field on a regular
basis. If they do not achieve further qualifications, they have to leave the military.
(adapted from Commissioning Course retrieved from
http://www.army.mod.uk/training_education/25498.aspx)
Questions
1. How important is life-long training for an officer’s career in the British Army?
2. What is an officer cadet trained in on commissioning?
3. What is a newly-commissioned officer qualified to do?
Task 7 Work in pairs. The teacher will give you a set of cards with accounts of
different military careers.
A Choose a card and fill out the table below with relevant information extracted from the
information about the soldier on your card.
B Ask your partner about the military career on his/her card. Complete the table below
with the information.
Name:
Rank:
Initial education:
Educational qualifications and
promotion:
Plans for further education:

47

ROLE CARDS for PHOTOCOPYING
Name: Napier Name: Dixon

Rank: WO2 Rank:WO1
WO2 Napier joined the Army with nine GCSEs WO1 Dixon came to the Army with eight
and three A-levels. Since joining, she has GCSEs grade B to D, but since then he has
gained all Command Leadership and gained a vast list of qualifications including a
Management (CLM) qualifications related degree in Construction, a BTEC Higher
to her Army career, a Chartered Institute of National Diploma in Civil Engineering and
Management Accountants (CIMA) many qualifications required as part of his
qualification and a BA Honors in Business military role.
Performance and Sustainability Management. At the end of last year, having achieved the
The CLM courses, the course for CIMA BSc, WO1 Dixon was eligible and
qualification, as well as her BA Honors degree subsequently selected for a commission. He
were all funded through MOD. will take post as a Captain this year.
WO2 Napier now works as an accountant and He plans to continue his studies with a
hopes to go on to complete a Master’s Master’s Degree.
Degree.
Name: Jeni Nicholson Name: Lewis Duff

Rank: Sgt Rank: Lance Corporal
SgtJeni Nicholson joined the Army straight Lance Corporal Lewis Duff, 4 RIFLES, joined
from Sixth Form with a complement of the Army with GCSEs in English,
GCSEs. Since joining, Jeni has gained an Geography, Graphic Design, Art, Science
NVQ level 3 in Communications and IT, and a and Media Studies. Since joining Lewis has
level 5 Advance Diploma in Administrative gained L2 Maths equivalent to GCSE, a
Management. management qualification on SCBC (Section
Jeni’s qualifications were fully funded by the Commander’s Battle Course) and qualified
Army, Royal Signals and she was supported for his CAT B driving licence.
in her studies by her Chain of Command. His Maths and English qualifications will

48

Being able to gain her qualifications allow him to move up through the ranks.
has made Jeni more confident in her abilities. As to learning in the future, he would
Her new-found confidence has made her look like to do courses that would help him get
into gaining a degree through further into some sort of security job when he gets
education. out of the Army.
(adapted from Case studies - Career enhancing qualifications in the British army)
Task 8 Make a table of commissioned officer ranks and appointments for your
own army.
Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_rank
http://www.army.mod.uk/structure/32321.aspx
http://www.alanharding.com/Military/ranks/ranks.html
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/ARMY_OFFICER.pdf
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_(armed_forces)
http://work.chron.com/differences-between-commissioned-noncommissioned-officer-
army-20793.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-commissioned_officer
https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/170/communication-troop-officer

49

Unit 10. Leaders and leadership
Task 1 Answer the following questions.

1. How do you define a leader?
2. Which are the qualities necessary for a military leader?
3. Would you convey the image of a tough or benevolent leader to your soldiers?
4. Of the military instructors you know, which role model would you emulate?

Useful language: character, strength of will, administrative ability, core, outgrowth,
casualty
A leader is defined as being the one fitted by force of ideas, character, strength of will or
administrative ability to arouse, incite and direct individuals in conduct and achievement.
The art of imposing one’s will upon others in such a manner as to command their
respect, their confidence and their whole-hearted cooperation is the definition given to
leadership. The essence of the definition relies on the fact that the leader must determine others
to follow his/her orders; they must do what the leader directs them to do. Leadership is essential
to the successful military personnel. It is the most exciting and interesting experience the
service can offer servicemen.
At the core of leadership there are three fundamentals: character, knowledge and power
of decision. By character is meant integrity, courage, morality, humility and unswerving
determination. The job of a leader is to know his/her weaknesses and conquer them.
Knowledge is power. People will seek a leader who knows what to do. The job of a leader is to
thoroughly learn what to do and how to do it with respect to each position he/she holds. The
power of decision is actually an outgrowth of character.
A leader must be able to assess situations rapidly and to make sound decisions. He/she
must be able to reason under the most trying conditions and to decide quickly what actions to
take. If he delays or tries to avoid making a decision, he may cause unnecessary casualties and
fail to accomplish the mission. Indecisive leaders create hesitancy, loss of confidence and
confusion. In order to lead effectively, a leader must gather essential information before making
decisions and consider the short- and long-term effects of these decisions. He/she must also
announce decisions in time for his/her soldiers to react. Good decisions made at the right time
are better than the best decisions made too late.

50

1. What is leadership?
2. What are the components of leadership?
3. What do you consider to be the most important quality in a leader? Why?
Task 3 Listen to Colin Powell’s Essence of Leadership and define the key
characteristic of effective leadership within an organization.
Track 12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocSw1m30UBI
Describing people
Describe people with the following features.

A person you can ask to do something and know that they will do it → reliable
Someone with good manners who is always polite → good-mannered
Someone who does not like working very much → lazy
Another word for intelligent→ clever
An individual who takes little care about their clothes and appearance → scruffy
A cheerful person who believes he can successfully get the job done → enthusiastic
The opposite of a person who does not like working → hard-working
Task 4 Match the words with the definitions.
courageous decisive demanding level-headed resourceful selfless
1. Good at making own decisions and at solving problems.

2. Expecting your men to do their best at all times.
3. Taking decisions quickly and communicating them rapidly and clearly to your men.
4. Looking after your soldiers’ welfare before you look after your own needs.
5. Not fearing danger or showing you are afraid.
6. Staying calm even in the most difficult situations.

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Task 5 Give the opposites of the following adjectives.
1. reliable … 3. decisive … 5. enthusiastic … 7. honorable …

2. selfless … 4. tidy … 6. honest … 8. loyal …
Task 6 Read the following paragraphs and identify the leadership style from the
five military leadership styles presented in the box.
Directing leadership Delegating leadership Participating leadership

Transactional leadership Transformational leadership
1. The directing style centers on you, the leader. You control and direct your
subordinates’ every action. You do not solicit input from subordinates, but rather give detailed
instructions on how, when and where you want something performed. Then you supervise very
closely. This style is particularly appropriate when you don’t have the chance to explain things
(i.e. combat situations, or with inexperienced subordinates).
2. This democratic technique centers on both the leader and the subordinates. You
actively ask them for input, information and recommendations. However, you still make the final
decision on what to do and assume responsibility for decisions and plans. The biggest benefit of
this approach is that when subordinates help develop the plan, it becomes their plan which
creates a huge incentive to complete the mission.
3. This is the free-rein style that gives your subordinates the ability to solve issues and
make decisions on their own. This typically is the case when you have highly-qualified,
experienced subordinates. While this style may seem to be best when dealing with senior
NCOs, you still must provide the necessary resources and a clear understanding of your intent
and the mission. Although subordinates are held accountable for their actions, again ultimate
responsibility for what happens lies with you.
4. Transformational leadership focuses on inspiration and change. It emphasizes
individual growth and organizational enhancement. You must empower and motivate your
soldiers, first as soldiers and then as a group. Additionally, an important aspect of this style
requires you as a leader to communicate reasons behind your decisions and actions. This
allows soldiers to have a broad understanding and exercise their own initiative when opportunity
arises. This leadership style works well when you have soldiers with great skills, knowledge and
who may have better ideas on how to accomplish the mission.

52

5. Transactional leadership is like a ‘parent-child’ relationship. With this approach, you

motivate your soldiers to work by offering rewards or threatening punishments. This style is still
directing in nature, with emphasis on how to do a job. If you only utilize this approach, you will
never see any commitment outside of the short-term or specific area of intent.
Task 7 Read and identify the qualities necessary for a military commander. The
first letter of the missing word is given.
A military leader must have military bearing. The Appearance and image
basics are good grooming, clean attire and
excellent condition of equipment, generally
looking neat and tidy. Impeccable conduct is
elementary, too.
A soldier must be in good shape. He must be able A………………………
to climb, jump, balance, etc.
It is the energy of leadership. Nothing is more C……………………….
important than the ability to speak with clarity
since you cannot expect people to read your
mind.
It is a quality of character which assures those R……………………….
above and below him that he can be depended on
to do his best.
It is a quality close to dependability. A combat T………………………..
leader must deserve the trust of his soldiers,
whose very lives depend on his decisions.
A soldier must be fit in order to be able to E………………………..
withstand fatigue, lack of sleep and the hardships
of combat conditions.
It is the ability one has to overcome a difficult task C………………………...
or situation with steadfastness.
In order to get this, a leader must be trained in the K………………………...
use of weapons and equipment. On the basis of
this, he will know to guide his troops into
favorable tactical positions and conduct the
firepower available to him.

53

It is the character trait which enables men to P…………………………

endure the dangers and hardships of combat with
the reassuring knowledge that to die for one’s
country is the noblest death of all.
It is devotion to one’s country, the military service, L…………………………
reflected in every action up and down the chain of
command.
It is the quality of placing moral principles above H…………………………
all else, of being completely open and truthful.
Task 8 Describe a good leader at your level of command by pointing to five

qualities of a good leader.
Bibliography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocSw1m30UBI
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/rmas_ADR002383-developingLeaders.pdf

54

Unit 11. Military decision-making process
Task 1 Speak about the importance of making decisions by military commanders

in the conduct of operations on the battlefield. Use the following:
 receipt of a mission
 threat evaluation
 define battlefield environment
 combat power
 logistics supplies
 information on enemy position and activities
 risk assessment
Task 2 Match the words on the left with the definitions on the right.
1. mission a. to officially give out or make available
2. to brief b. a rough or approximate calculation
3. to assign c. to give someone a particular job or duty
4. staff d. a combat operation assigned to a unit
5. operations plan e. a command given by a commander to troops
6. to issue f. personnel; a group of people working for a unit
7. order g. to give instructions or essential information
8. estimate h. formal plan drawn up by a commander for the conduct
of operations during a military conflict

Most decision-making theories present some variation of a six-step process used by
leaders and managers to make decisions. The basic six-step process is as follows:
 Define the problem
 Gather facts and assumptions
 Develop solutions
 Analyze each solution
 Compare solutions
 Select the solution that best addresses the problem

55

In the tactical environment, this process is called the estimate of the situation. This is the
process the commander and staff use to assist them in assessing the situation and making
decisions. The estimate of the situation parallels the process outlined above using the following
four-step process:
 Mission analysis
 Course of action (COA) development
 COA analysis and comparison
 Decision
The estimate of the situation is the model for all military decision-making processes
(MDMPs). The planning process serves as a tool that assists the commander and staff in
developing a plan. A single tool (planning process) used in all situations will not work. The right
tool must be applied to the right situation.
Questions
1. What are the steps that leaders take in making decisions?
2. What does the estimate of the situation mean?
3. How many steps are taken in the estimate of the situation in the tactical environment?
4. Is there a single planning process applied in all combat situations?
Task 4 Read the chart below and identify how the estimate of the situation relates
to the troop-leading procedures.
TROOP-LEADING PROCEDURES / ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION
TROOP-LEADING PROCEDURES
1. Receive mission
2. Issue warning order ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION
3. Make a tentative plan
4. Initiate necessary movement 1. Detailed mission analysis
5. Reconnoiter ← 2. COA development
6. Complete the plan 3. COA analysis and comparison
4. Decision
7. Issue the order
8. Supervise and refine

56

Task 5 Look at the chart in the previous task and find the words that mean the
following. An example (0) is given.
Example:
0 A group of officers and other ranks who assist the commander
of a large tactical grouping and who form his HQ … staff …..
1. plan which is still at a preparatory or experimental stage …………….
2. giving a command to subordinates in a military unit …………….
3. message which warns a unit of a future operation or task
and provides sufficient information for the unit to start
making preparations …………….
4. controlling or guiding the actions or work of other people …………….
5. to cause something to start …………….
6. the procedures or sequence of actions taken to accomplish
a goal …………….
7. examining terrain in order to identify suitable routes, give
warning of natural or man-made obstacles and locate the
enemy ……………..
Task 6 Listen to a presentation of a Field Training Exercise and complete

the sentences with the missing information.
Track 13: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX1KC_Cl3Vk
1. Troop-leading procedures are very involved processes during which all considerations
for ….. are meticulously thought out.
2. Soldiers have to be ….. during the preparation for a mission as the little things will get
them killed in combat.
3. They have to practice reacting to different situations until it becomes ….. .
4. Going through ….. help soldiers make quick decisions without thinking.
5. The troop-leading procedures give many soldiers the ….. they need to perform.

57

Task 7 Make a list of the steps taken in troop-leading procedures.
Bibliography
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/call/call_95-12_upch2.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX1KC_Cl3Vk
http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/leadership/tro
op-leading-procedures-nco.shtml

58

Unit 12. Military uniform and equipment Part I
Task 1 Discuss the following questions as a class:

 How many uniforms do you have?
 What do you call them?
 When and where do you wear:
- a dress uniform
- an everyday uniform
- a combat dress uniform
- a fatigue uniform
- a special uniform
- a working uniform
 What does each of your uniforms include? Example:
1
b. U.N. Peacekeeping Gear
Task 2 Match the uniforms in the pictures with the headings below. Discuss the
types of uniform in the pictures. An example is shown.
2 3 4 5
6 7 8

59

a. parade dress ……..

b. U.N. Peacekeeping Gear ....1....
c. combat parade order ...……
d. full camouflage order ……...
e. diving gear/equipment ………
f. ceremonial dress ………
g. tank overalls ………
h. fatigue dress ……....
Task 3 Match the items and the pictures. Compare your answers with the class.
Check the answers in a dictionary.
UNIFORM VOCABULARY QUIZ
 socks 24 chest rig vest
 long johns sweater bulletproof vest
 belt combat jacket face veil
 peaked cap combat trousers coat
 boots pouch gloves
 combat helmet mess dress shirt
 poncho boot liners bergen
 webbing beret shoes
 T-shirt shemagh patrol cap
1 2 3
4 5
HEAD

60

7 8 9 10
11 12 13
TORSO
14 15
16 17 18 19

61

20 21
ACCESSORIES
22 23 24 25
26 27
LEGS and FEET
Task 4
You are the commander of an infantry platoon and in February you will deploy to Canada
for your first large-scale exercise with the tanks. You will be there for 35 days and spend a lot of
time on your own as a troop, so you have to decide on the items of equipment you consider
necessary for this operation. Look at the latest Rothcoad for military equipment, choose an item
and then justify your choice to the class.
Example:
I decided that we need Kevlar tactical helmets to protect us against enemy fire.
PROPER EQUIPMENT – EVERY IMAGINABLE ITEM YOU NEED
Smoke grenade Army bergen Kevlar tactical helmet

62

Ammunition Sleeping bag cover Thermal

insulated gloves
Combat Tactical Bullet Army ration Attachment straps

proof vest
Army shovel Ammunition pouch Camouflage rucksack
Radio Headset Tactical Boots Woodland sleeping bags
Military duty gloves Military torch Army water bottle

(photos retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-do-soldiers-keep-in-all-those-pockets-they-have)

63

Task 5 Listen to a present-day British Army soldier discussing his Multi-Terrain

Pattern uniform with an interpreter clothed in the khaki drill of a soldier from 1914. Write
down the improvements brought to the new uniform and the benefits provided.
Track 14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK4GWK2Pk-g
Task 6 Describe a type of uniform you wear in your country.
Bibliography
http://www.cadetdirect.com/complete-equipment-fighting-order
https://www.google.ro/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-
8#q=U.N.+Peacekeeping+Gear+photo
http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23215.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_equipment_of_the_British_Army
https://www.rothco.com/category/rothco-clothing
https://www.quora.com/What-do-soldiers-keep-in-all-those-pockets-they-have
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK4GWK2Pk-g
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Combat_Uniform
Breakthrough, The British Council’s Peacekeeping English Project (PEP), published by
the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, 2005.

64

Unit 13. Military uniform and equipment Part II
Task 1 Match the pictures with the military clothing and footwear items. Choose
from these words.
beret boots badge of rank patrol cap shirt combat trousers
cap badge epaulette name tag webbing socks shoes
belt insignia helmet face veil combat jacket peaked cap
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9
Task 2 Match the words with the colors.
green black blue camouflage
Now describe the pictures.

black boots
Task 3 Discuss the following questions as a class:
 How many uniforms do you have?
 What do you call them?
 When and where do you where?
 a service uniform
 a combat army uniform
 a mess uniform

65

Task 4 Label the three pictures. Use these words.

army combat uniform mess uniform service uniform
1 2 3
Task 5 Describe the above three uniforms by pointing to their main parts.
Task 6 Look at the picture of a British soldier wearing the new British combat
uniform. Specify some of the changes that have been made to this type of uniform.
Here are some useful verbs to help you:

 to include to allow to be made of/from
 to be attached to to offer protection from to design
 to stop from to be provided with

66

British soldier wearing the new combat uniform
Task 7 Listen to a BBC News report about the new multi-terrain pattern
uniform and answer the questions.
Track 15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V1q7_xzklc

Questions
1. How long was the traditional woodland uniform used?
2. What clothing did the British wear until the 1880s?
3. What triggered the change in the way armies dressed?
4. What led to the appearance of the camouflage clothing?
5. What does the new clothing kit consist of?
6. What influenced the designers of the multi-terrain pattern uniform?
7. What is the modern type of uniform designed to achieve?

67

Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Combat_Uniform
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniforms_of_the_United_States_Army
http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23215.aspx
https://www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2#q=British+soldier+in+battle+uniform+-
+description
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V1q7_xzklc
http://www.militaryclothing.com/

68

Unit 14. Weapons Part I
Task 1 Label the pictures. Use these words.

antenna compass map pistol radio rifle
1 2 3 4 5 6
Task 2 Put the words from the previous task into groups.
weapons orienteering communications
Task 3 This is the picture of an AK 47 rifle used as an individual weapon by the

armed forces in many countries. Label the different parts of it.
Task 4 Look at the Parts Diagram of a WASR-10 rifle and identify the parts missing
from the picture of the previous rifle.

69

Task 5 Match the words with their definitions.
Word Definition
1. turret a. short-barreled artillery piece designed to fire shells
at high trajectories
2. shell b. number of rounds fired by a weapon in one minute
3. elevation c. artillery projectile consisting of a metal case filled
with high explosive, which is designed to explode on
impact with the ground or when detonated by a fuse
4. armor d. backward movement of a gun when it is fired
5. track e. howitzer in the form of an armored fighting vehicle
(AFV)
6. howitzer f. angle at which the barrel of an artillery piece or
mortar is raised in order to engage a target
7. barrel g. to move the barrel sideways when aiming or firing
8. recoil h. a covering of strong, heavy metal
9. self-propelled i. tube part of a gun, down which the bullet or shell
slides when it is fired
10. rate of fire j. moving band of metal links fitted around the
wheels of a tank or other armored vehicle, enabling it
to move over soft or uneven ground
11. to traverse k. a revolving armored structure on a vehicle that
holds a gun

70

Task 6 Read the description of the AK 47 rifle and fill in the details missing from
the specifications.
Useful language: semi-automatic, automatic, caliber, round, bullet, reliability, cartridge,
muzzle, accuracy, target
The AK-47 is a selective-fire (semi-automatic and automatic) assault rifle. It is a 7.62

mm caliber weapon, gas-operated and firing 600 rounds per minute. This is the cyclic rate of
fire, which is how many rounds or bullets one can fire in one minute without having to stop and
reload the magazine every time it becomes empty.
Even after almost seven decades, the model and its variants remain the most popular
and widely used assault rifles in the world because of their substantial reliability under harsh
conditions and ease of use. The AK fires the 7.62×39mm cartridge with a muzzle velocity of
715 m/s. It weighs 4.3 kg unloaded. The standard magazine capacity is 30 rounds. As to
accuracy, normal shooters are able to hit a man-sized target at 350 m.
(adapted from Avtomat Kalashnikov AK-47 - Characteristics retrieved from
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/ak-47-tech.htm
AK-47 Specifications
length: 880 mm
weight: ….
caliber: …..
operation: gas
effective firing range: 350 m
feed: 30-round box magazine
muzzle velocity: …..
cyclic rate: …..
Task 7 Listen to the presentation of M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer 155mm

and fill in the details missing from the characteristics.
Track 16: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naLdUA7QRNE

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Characteristics
armament: 155-mm gun
weight: 24,070 kg (fully loaded)
length: 9.04 meters long (including the barrel)
crew: …
ammunition: …
recoil system: hydro-pneumatic
elevation:
traverse: 6,400 mils
rate of fire: …
range of fire by round type: …
Task 8 Describe the individual weapon in use in your army in a paragraph of 150
words.
Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_Minimi#cite_note-14
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/ak-47-tech.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naLdUA7QRNE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M109_howitzer
https://www.militaryperiscope.com/mdb-smpl/weapons/artguns/selfprop/w0003617.shtml
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1FZHG2dnqk

72

Unit 15. Weapons Part II
Task 1 Match the weapons and the pieces of equipment in the pictures with the
words in the box below.
smoke grenade protective helmet bayonet anti-tank weapon web set

light machine gun personal role radio vest night vision system rifle
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10
Task 2 Look at the picture of the FN Minimi 5.56 mm light machine gun and name
the main parts.
Task 3 Read the description of the FN Minimi 5.56mm light machine gun and
complete the missing information from the specifications.
The FN Minimi5.56mm Light Machine Gun is a fully automatic, belt or magazine-fed

machine gun capable of sustained high volumes of accurate fire in bursts. It has been used

73

operationally by British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ammunition comes in either soft pouches
containing belted rounds of 200, or the weapon can fire the standard 30-round magazine used
by the L85 and L86 assault rifles. Magazine feeding is used only as an auxiliary measure, when
belted ammunition has been exhausted
The standard model has a 465 mm barrel and an aluminum stock with a folding wire
shoulder strap. It weighs 6.85 kg. It is 1,040 mm long and 110 mm wide. It is gas actuated and
can fire 700 – 1,150 rounds per minute. This is the cyclic rate of fire. The muzzle velocity is 925
m/s and the hit probability is between 300 and 1,000 m with sight adjustments performed by
highly trained soldiers.
Specifications
Caliber: …
Weight:
Length: …
Width:
Feed system: …
Muzzle velocity:
Effective firing range: …
Rate of fire: …
Listening Task 4 Listen to the presentation Ultimate Weapons – Uzi and

answer the questions.
Track 17: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY55s_65ovA
Questions
1. What does the success of Uzi sub-machine gun rely on?
2. What are the strengths of this weapon system?
3. What is its weakness?
4. For what type of battle environment was it designed to be used?
5. Which specification of the weapon has been modified for the better with the new
models?

74

Task 5 Read the article and answer the questions below together with your
partner.
Useful language: to unveil, buttstock, adjustable, sights, buffer, bipod, grip, barrel, armor
FN Upgrades Its MINIMI Light Machine Guns
FN Herstal recently unveiled its next generation MINIMI Light Machine Guns
that feature several improvements. The U.S. Military adopted the 5.56mm version of the
MINIMI in 1982 to become the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. The new LMG
Mk3 is convertible to either 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm and “offers the users improved ergonomics
and improved mobility while retaining the same core mechanism as the previous versions, for a
limited impact on logistics,” FN officials maintain.
“The modifications introduced on the FN MINIMI Mk3 result from feedback provided by
users engaged in current operating theatres. Indeed, the demands of users have evolved over
the past 10 to 15 years due to changes in the way the FN MINIMI machine gun is used in
combat (increased use of accessories, evolutions in the soldier’s equipment, and changes in
tactics such as shooting from all positions).”
The changes include:
 An ergonomic buttstock adjustable in length (5 positions) to allow compensation for
body armor and load bearing equipment. The buttstock is adjustable for cheek rest height as
well. The user can have his eye correctly aligned with the iron sights, or optical sights, while
keeping his cheek properly positioned on the buttstock. It also integrates a folding shoulder rest
and a hydraulic buffer that stabilizes the rate of fire and reduces felt recoil.
 An improved feed tray with belt retaining pawls holding the belt correctly in position
during the loading procedure, which is most useful when the user is in the standing position.
 The forend/rail/bipod has been upgraded and the folding bipod is now more compact
and will not get in the way of accessories mounted on the picatinny rails.
 An ergonomically-shaped cocking handle that gives the user a better grip with the
strong or weak hand.
 An optional heatshield that greatly reduces the risk of inadvertently touching the
barrel.
 Customers with 5.56mm or 7.62mm FN MINIMI machine guns already in service are
not left behind. FN Herstal offers them a customized upgrade program to upgrade partially or

75

completely their weapons: adapted to their exact needs and easily carried out by the armorer on
site using the supporting documentation provided with the conversion kits.
(Adapted from an article posted by Matthew Cox, reporter at Military.com November 29, 2013)
Questions
1. What does the new LMG Mk3 offer to its users?
2. Name five modifications which were made on the FN MINIMI Mk3.
3. List the factors that led to these modifications.
4. Can customers who own the previous version switch the guns to either 5.56 mm or
7.62 mm?
Check any unfamiliar vocabulary in the dictionary. Report your answers to the
class.
Task 6 Make a list with the items of equipment that are necessary for a field
exercise.
Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47
http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/21-questions-answers-ak-47/#balf15-ak47-diagram
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY55s_65ovA
http://kitup.military.com/2013/11/fn-upgrades-its-minimi-lmgs.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY55s_65ovA
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/12/12/fn-minimi-mk3/

76

Unit 16. Vehicles Part I

helicopter jeep plane tank truck
1 2 3 4 5
Task 2 Put the words from the previous task in groups.

Vehicles Aircraft
truck
Task 3 In the table below there are 18 aircraft and four categories of aircraft.
Decide which category each aircraft belongs to. The first one has been done for you as
an example.
Fighter Bomber Attack Utility/Transpo

Helicopter rt Helicopter
Apache x
Backfire
Blackhawk
Chinook
Cobra
Eagle
Flanker
Flogger
Hind
Hip
Hook

77

Huey
Lancer
Mirage
Phantom
Puma
Spirit
Tomcat
Task 4 Read the text.
The tank has certain characteristics which make it a good fighting machine. It is armor-
plated. This gives protection to the crew inside it. It has a very large gun. This gives it firepower.
Although it is not very fast (having a top speed of only 30 miles per hour), it can travel across
country. It does not have wheels; it has tracks. This gives it mobility. It can be used in a number
of different ways. It can fight on its own or in support of infantry, when moving or when standing
still. It has flexibility.
The vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver. The
main armament on this tank is a gun. This has a caliber of 120 millimeters. It also has two
machine guns. One of these is fixed beside the main armament. The other is at the top of the
tank for use against enemy aircraft. On each side of the tank there are five smoke dischargers.
These can throw smoke grenades to make a smoke screen so the tank can move without being
seen.
(adapted from The tank – Command English)
Choose words from the text which match the meanings below.
a) A gun’s size measured in millimeters …………………….
b) Thing for throwing smoke grenades …………………….
c) What a smoke grenade can make ……………………..
d) What a tank has due to its tracks ………………….
e) What the armor gives to the crew inside ……………..
f) The characteristic of the tank to be used in many different ways ……………
g) Its armament provides …………………
Task 5 Read the text and complete the specifications.

78

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Specifications
1 name of vehicle Challenger 2 MBT
2 armament ………..
3 crew ………..
4 max. road speed ………… km/h
5 height ………… m
6 weight ………… kg
7 width ………… m
Challenger 2 is a main battle tank. It was developed for the British Army and has
excellent battlefield mobility. It can travel across rough terrain at 40 kilometers per hour and on
roads it has a maximum speed of 56 km/h. The tank is fitted with Chobhamarmour and weighs
62,500 kilograms. It is 3.5 meters wide and 2.49 meters high. The approximate length of the
tank is 8.33 meters. The main armament consists of a Royal Ordnance 120 mm gun called the
L30 and when the gun is pointing forward, the tank has a length of 11.5 meters. It has a crew of
four: the commander, the gunner, the loader and the driver.
Now look at the specifications of Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank and write the
questions.
1. How much does it weigh? It weighs 62,500 kilograms.

2. How ………………….. .? It has a crew of four.
3. How ………………….. .? It can travel at a maximum speed of 56 km/h.
4. How ………………….. .? It’s 2.49 meters high.
5. How ……………………? It’s 3.5 meters wide.
Task 6 Listen to the presentation of the M109A6 Paladin 155-mm Self-Propelled

Howitzer and answer the questions.
Track 18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDLQ-SICd90

79

Questions
1. What is the M109A6 Paladin fitted with?
2. How fast can it fire the first round?
3. What is the M109A6 Paladin’s maximum range of fire?
4. How fast is it?
5. What is its maximum rate of fire?
6. What is its capability allowing soldiers never to leave the vehicle?
Task 7 Read the text and complete the specifications.

Useful language: howitzer, track, gun mount, range, survivability, salvo
The M109A6 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer is a 155mm howitzer on tracks – a sort
of a howitzer and tank combined. It has only a crew of four: the commander, driver, gunner and
an ammunition loader. The Paladin's 155mm M284 cannon, fitted with an M182 gun mount, has
a range of between 24km and 30km. It achieves a maximum firing rate of up to eight rounds a
minute.
It needs to stop when firing on a target. The Paladin can halt from the move and fire
within 30 seconds. This short firing sequence improves survivability by allowing the battery to
operate dispersed and allowing the howitzer to quickly move between salvos. Ammunition
stowage was increased from 36 to 39 155 mm rounds.
(adapted from Paladin M109A6 155mm Artillery System retrieved from http://www.army-
technology.com/projects/paladin/)
Specifications
1 name of vehicle M109A6 Paladin
2 armament ………..
3 crew …………
4 range ……….. km/h
5 firing rate ……….. rounds/min.
6 ammo stowage ……….. 155 mm rounds
Firing at night
Task 8 Describe the type of main battle tank that is in service in your country.

80

Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-propelled_artillery
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenger_2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M109_howitzer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDLQ-SICd90
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk4rThSfrQo
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/paladin/
Arnold, James & Sacco, Robert, Command English – A Course in Military English,
Longman Group Limited, Harlow, England, 1994.
Bowyer, Richard, Check your vocabulary for Military English (A workbook for users),
Peter Collin Publishing Ltd, London, 2001.

81

Unit 17. Vehicles Part II
utility helicopter utility vehicle armored personnel carrier

fighter aircraft multi-purpose truck wheeled armored vehicle
main battle tank light multirole vehicle military transport aircraft
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9
Task 2 Put the words from the previous task in groups.

Unarmored Armored vehicles Aircraft
vehicles
utility vehicle
Task 3 Complete the specifications after you read the descriptions.

The Pandur 8×8 Armored personnel carrier
Specifications
armament (1) ..12.7 mm heavy machine gun
(2) …..
crew (3) …..
max. speed (4) …..
height (5) …..
weight (6) …..
width (7) …..
protection against (8) …..

82

The Pandur II 8x8 is a wheeled APC armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Its
modular design allows it to be fitted with a variety of weapon systems, including a 25-mm auto
cannon and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun in turret.
It has a crew of two men and it can carry 12 men without the turret. It has a max. road
speed of 105 km/h and a weight of 22,000 kilos. It is 1.85 meters high and 2.70 meters wide.
The basic armor package is designed to protect against 7.62 to 14.5 mm armor-piercing
rounds.
The M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Specifications
armament (1) .…
(2) …..
crew (3) …..
max. road speed (4) …..
height (5) …..
weight (6) …..
width (7) …..
length (8) …..
The M2 Bradley is an infantry fighting vehicle that is designed for reconnaissance and
maneuverability. It can hold a crew of three: a commander, a gunner and a driver; as well as six
fully equipped soldiers.
The M2's primary armament is a 25 mm cannon, which fires up to 200 rounds per
minute. It is also armed with two BGM-71 TOW wire-guided missiles, capable of destroying
most tanks out to a maximum range of 3750 m, while the vehicle is stationary. It also carries a
coaxial 7.62 mm medium machine gun, located to the right of the 25 mm chain gun.
It has a max. road speed of 56 km/h (40 km/h off-road) and a weight of 27.6 tonnes. It is
2.98 meters high, 3.6 meters wide and 6.55 meters long.
Task 4 Ask and answer the questions about the PANDUR II and the M2 Bradley
Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

83

How fast How heavy How high How wide How many How
is it? is it? is it? is it? crew many
members soldiers
does it can it
have? carry?
PANDUR II
M2 Bradley
I FV
Task 5 Listen to a presentation of WARRIOR Infantry Fighting Vehicle

(IFV) and answer the questions.
Track 19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAAF8CiUO3Q
Questions
1. What is the vehicle that the British Army’s Warrior is equivalent to?
2. What type of vehicle is it?
3. What characteristics does it combine?
4. How many crew members does it have?
5. How many soldiers can it carry?
6. What is its main weapon?
7. What is the secondary armament?
8. How heavy is it?
9. How fast is it?
10. How long can it operate without replenishment?
Task 6 In the table below there are 18 armored fighting vehicles and five
categories of vehicle. Decide which category each vehicle belongs to. The first one has
been done for you as an example.
MBT IFV APC SPG CVR

Abbot X
Abrams
AFV-432

84

AMX-30
BMP
Bradley
BRDM
BTR-80
Challenger
Leopard
M-113
M-109
M-1974
Marder
MT-LB
Scimitar
T-72
Warrior
Task 7 Choose an armored fighting vehicle that is in service in your country and
describe it.
Bibliography
Bowyer, Richard, Check your vocabulary for Military English (A workbook for users),
Peter Collin Publishing Ltd, London, 2001
Simon Mellor-Clerk & Yvonne Baker de Altamirano, Campaign II – English for the
military, Macmillan, Oxford, 2005
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAAF8CiUO3Q
http://www.military-today.com/apc/mcv_80_warrior.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandur_II
http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m2.htm

85

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MILITARY BASIC ENGLISH

This publication has been financed from Erasmus+ Programme,

Unit 1. Branches of the Army ........................................................................................ 5

Unit 2. Military organization ........................................................................................ 11

Unit 3. A military career Part I ..................................................................................... 15

Unit 4. A military career Part II .................................................................................... 21

Unit 5. Education and training in the military .............................................................. 25

Unit 6. Life on base/post ............................................................................................. 30

Unit 7. Daily routines Part I ......................................................................................... 34

Unit 8. Daily routines Part II ........................................................................................ 40

Unit 9. Ranks and appointments................................................................................. 44

Unit 10. Leaders and leadership ................................................................................. 50

Unit 11. Military decision-making process .................................................................. 55

Unit 12. Military uniform and equipment Part I ............................................................ 59

Unit 13. Military uniform and equipment Part II ........................................................... 65

Unit 14. Weapons Part I.............................................................................................. 69

Unit 15. Weapons Part II............................................................................................. 73

Unit 16. Vehicles Part I ............................................................................................... 77

Unit 17. Vehicles Part II .............................................................................................. 82

Unit 1. Branches of the Army

 artillery troop officer → leading a team of 30 soldiers and in charge of weaponry

Study the example.

destroy fly maintain provide protect gather

Task 6 Identify the jobs described in the following two short

Unit 2. Military organization

Organization Strength Composition Commander

Now answer the questions.

1. A colonel is in charge of a ….. which has headquarters and several battalions.

Task 4 Complete these sentences to describe a battalion.

1. A battalion is commanded by a ….. .

Functional English: Describing military units

Study the examples.

Task 5 Now describe different military formations by using these structures.

Describing responsibilities at work

Task 7 Complete the text with the above structures.

Writing Task 8 Write a description of your unit.

Unit 3. A military career Part I

Task 3 Listen to an army ad and write down the components of the

WHERE WILL YOU USE YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS?

LOGISTICS & SUPPORT MUSIC & CEREMONIAL

1. The hallmark of an army officer is …

Check the meaning of these words:

Unit 4. A military career Part II

Task 2 Listen a presentation of the advantages provided by taking up the

attend join/enlist enter serve graduate

1. enter a school or military academy 2. … a training course

You begin by doing the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military

7. What are the roles a captain can assume?

Grammar Study the examples.

subject + is/are + past participle

Task 5 Now complete the sentences. Use these verbs.

assign station post equip mount base provide

1. The unit is currently stationed in Germany.

Task 7 Read and complete the text with the verbs.

deployed graduated posted promoted (×2) appointed entered joined

Unit 5. Education and training in the military

Task 1 Answer the questions. Work in pairs.

Task 2 Listen to a narrator speaking about training in the military and

Task 3 Read the text and answer the questions.

Training Education and training

Task 5 Listen to two British service members talking about their

Name and Role What the Challenge Reward Assignments

Task 6 Read the text.

Answer the questions.: