JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Graduation marks a significant milestone. It represents the beginning of a journey filled with knowledge, inspiration, and continued education. For Defense Language Institute English Language Center graduates, it signifies partnerships rooted in trust and collaboration.
The students will apply the skills and knowledge they gained from their English language studies to their jobs in their home countries and at subsequent training opportunities throughout their careers.
Approximately 56 international military and two U.S. Army Echo Company students graduated from DLIELC at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on May 16, encompassing 26 partner nations from across the globe.
The graduation ceremony included attendance from several members of the English Language Program Working Group, held on May 16-17.
During the ELPWG, Department of Defense and Air Education and Training Command senior leaders, along with Defense Security Cooperation Agency program managers met with DLIELC leadership to assess the various aspects of programs and growth.
The visit incorporated a campus tour, classroom observation, graduation, the American Members of International Goodwill to Others (AMIGO) picnic, and various briefings. These events allowed leaders to learn more about the campus and engage with the diverse DLIELC community. The AMIGO picnic is an annual event, established 35 years ago, celebrating local volunteers. These volunteers help international military students learn more about the American culture and practice their English.
For the ELPWG, attending graduation underscored the underlying DLIELC mission, which transcends mere words of congratulations.
“Not only did you have to grapple with the complexities of English grammar and vocabulary, but you also had to navigate the quirks and idiosyncrasies of American culture,” said guest speaker Crystal Moore, Air Force Director of Force Development. “You all have demonstrated strength of character and overcame great obstacles to improve your ability to communicate in English.”
Moore not only emphasized the importance of English language learning, but she also highlighted the critical capability of building partnerships.
“I want to encourage you all to continue developing your English language skills, to further hone your competencies we all use to cement our alliances that join us as international partners. These partnerships are the glue holding our alliances together and the basis for security cooperation,” Moore said. “As you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your lives, whether it’s at your follow-on training here in the United States or at your next assignment in your home country, remember the lessons you’ve learned here at DLIELC. Remember the friendships you forged. That network is such an important pillar of our security cooperation, which helps ensure peace and prosperity around the globe.”
DLIELC, the 637th Training Group aligned under the 37th Training Wing, is the Department of Defense’s Executive Agent for English language training programs. Also known as the “Gateway to America,” DLIELC builds security cooperation capability through English language training and cultural immersion to more than 100 countries, as well as in more than 30 nonresident locations around the world.