Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Ruth

BAGHDAD - A new facility opened Nov. 18 in the International Zone for providing English language testing for Iraqis, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The mission of the facility is to provide an improved environment for English language testing and to allow military and civilian candidates from the government of Iraq to achieve their full performance potential.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Judith Resendiz, test control officer, said, "This new facility will support Iraqis who need to validate their English proficiency so they can participate in specialized schooling and pursue opportunities in other English speaking environments that will help them get the skills they need to help sustain their country."

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig Olson, director of the Iraq Security Assistance Mission, spoke at the inauguration of the facility. He stressed the important partnership the United States and Iraq have and explained how the facility will aid Iraqis to master their English language skills so they can attend schools in the U.S. Staff Lt. Col. Mohanad Jaleb, Iraqi air force division 1 director, cut the ribbon with Olson.

The International Military and Education Training team administers two exams to Iraqi students. The English comprehension level exam evaluates an individual's listening and reading comprehension proficiency. The American Language Course Placement Test screens students to determine the level of English they have mastered.

The preponderance of test takers is expected to come from the Iraqi security ministries. Those who pass the exams can apply for entry into military schools in the United States, such as the Army War College, Naval War College and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Control Panel