Critical Languages
Operational Russian Language Course for Intelligence Collectors
The Operational Russian Language course is a comprehensive program tailored for intelligence professionals who require proficiency in Russian language skills to gather information from human sources in operational settings. The course is entirely interactive, with a focus on live conversational skills, with supplemental reading and study materials.
The course is divided into four modules, each comprising six weeks of study, for a total of 24 weeks of instruction. The course covers basic to intermediate Russian language skills, with an emphasis on communication skills for operational settings and gathering information from human sources.
The first module is an introduction to the Russian language, covering the alphabet, basic pronunciation rules, basic vocabulary for everyday use, and basic grammar rules. Students will also practice conducting mock conversations in Russian with fellow students.
The second module focuses on communication skills, including active listening skills, questioning techniques, note-taking skills, conducting mock interviews with fellow students in Russian, and participating in group discussions in Russian.
The third module covers gathering information through interviews, observation, and research. Students will learn how to identify potential sources of information and assess their placement and access. They will also develop an approach strategy for establishing rapport and building trust with sources. Using elicitation and debriefing techniques to collect information from human sources will also be covered. Students will participate in group discussions in Russian about gathered information.
The fourth module covers reporting findings, including writing reports in Russian, presenting findings in Russian, providing recommendations in Russian, using covert communications techniques, recognizing and interpreting micro-facial expressions in a cultural content, applying operational psychology techniques, using social networks for collection of information and making and maintaining contacts with potential targets.
At the end of the course, students will be required to conduct a live conversation with a native Russian speaker to demonstrate their proficiency in the language.
Overall, the Operational Russian Language course provides intelligence professionals with the necessary skills to gather information from human sources in operational settings. The course covers not only language skills but also important topics such as legal and ethical considerations and operational psychology techniques. The course is an excellent investment in their professional development.
