Oversight

DLNSEO oversees, at a DoD and a national level, the spectrum of activity including language, regional expertise, and culture – from initial foreign language training for civilian and military populations; assessment, enhancement, and sustainment of that training. Through DLNSEO, DoD has the unique ability to develop coherent departmental and national language strategies; coordinate programs, policies, and initiatives; and lead the way forward in shaping our nation’s capability to effectively teach critical languages.

The Director of DLNSEO supports the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness. DLNSEO is a directorate of the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD (P&R)). The USD P&R oversees this program. DLNSEO participates actively in the DoD language community’s strategic planning to respond to Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness requirements. It collaborates with other federal partners, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of State, and the Department of Education to address interagency language training issues.

Core policy areas for DLNSEO: Assessment, Capabilities, Foreign Area Officer Program, Culture, Readiness and DOD Language Training.