Supporting you
While we're just starting out and our full range of services will take time to get established, the below is an outline of the avenues through which the association intends to achieve its core objectives. Each is being developed through extensive linguist community consultation to address specific needs.
Services
Advocacy
Leveraging an aligned (but independent) voice to represent linguist interests and capabilities to Defence leadership. We collect member feedback and ideas, and subsequently produce Defence submissions, briefings, and conduct meetings with Defence leadership and other Australian government departments via our leadership team and Ambassadors.
Industry Integration
Regular engagement with translation / interpretation industry, leveraging these relationships to connect Defence linguists into those communities while also increasing access to resources.
Professional Development
Partnering with global linguist associations and institutions to provide access to industry-standard accreditation, immersion programs, translating, interpreting, and language training, as well as other educational advancement opportunities.
Cultural Development
Facilitating cross-cultural training, awareness workshops, and cultural intelligence development initiatives to further develop insights and understandings important for enhancing linguist effectiveness.
English Language Program
Establish opportunities for members to complete specific training that supports the development of their English language proficiency in both general and military contexts.
Knowledge Preservation
Development of an online resource database providing access to resources, opportunities, operational case studies, industry best practice, and lessons learned.
Online Forum
Creation of an online space (unclassified) that gives members the opportunity to:
inform: share stories, insights, and expertise with fellow members in topic-focused groups
collaborate: engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and foster connections
grow: learn, develop, and contribute to the membership community
National Conference
Professional development, presentations, networking, and social event opportunities.
Scholarships
Establish a scholarship scheme to provide funding and access to education opportunities for both our members and the wider veteran community.
Financial Support
Facilitate access to sponsorships, grants, and immersion experiences.
Recognition System
Establishment of a recognition and awards system to acknowledge the achievements of members within the association. To also work with Defence stakeholders to seek recognition through the Australian Government Honours and Awards system for efforts within the Defence linguist space.
Civilian Accreditation Support
Providing members with detailed guidance around bridging the gap between their ADF language qualifications and civilian NAATI accreditation. Assistance for non-Defence language qualified members will be provided where possible.
Publications
We will seek to produce one or more publications for the enjoyment, benefit, and ongoing learning and development of our members, Defence, and the wider public. Our members will also gain access to other paid language magazines through the association's subscription.
State Branches
We are dedicated to establishing state and territory branches in key locations across Australia. Our estimates suggest that this service will ensure that there is a local branch within about 90 minutes travel of for over 85% of linguists. We intend for these branches to host local events and networking opportunities, ensuring members have regular access to community-building activities, training, and knowledge-sharing forums for in-person engagement and connection.
Mentorship Network
Pairing experienced and developing linguists to provide guidance around training options, troubleshooting, and advice on how to gain additional linguist experience.
International Network
One of our longer-term goals is to collaborate with other militaries around the world to support the establishment of their own equivalent associations, leading to the formation of an international federation of veteran linguist associations. The federation will provide all member associations with extended networking and learning opportunities.
Employment Network
Assisting members to gain additional Defence linguist experience, and helping experienced linguists to obtain related employment with other Australian government agencies and civilian organisations.