The Report
of the Iraq Inquiry
672.
In 2013, the
growing recognition of the importance of language skills was
reflected
in the
opening of the new Defence School of Language and Culture
2013.440
673.
The British
Academy’s 2013 report on the need for languages in UK diplomacy
and
security
attributed the MOD’s change of approach directly to lessons learned
in the Iraq
and
Afghanistan campaigns.
674.
Both the FCO
and the Armed Forces failed to anticipate or prepare for the
surge
in demand
for Arabic speakers in Iraq.
675.
In its 2013
report, the British Academy described some of the steps taken
by
the MOD to
generate language capacity quickly, but stated that, of the
organisations
consulted,
only the secret intelligence agencies appreciated the need for and
difficulty
of ensuring
sustainability of supply and surge capacity, especially for rare
languages.441
676.
The British
Academy added that there appeared to be “little co‑ordination
across
government
to identify language needs and no overall strategic approach to
enable
future
needs to be met.” The report proposed more flexible working across
departments,
allowing
staff with language skills to be seconded for specific projects,
such as engaging
with hard
to reach groups. The new FCO language centre was identified as a
significant
opportunity
for pooling resources.
677.
The difficult
working conditions for civilians in Iraq were reflected in
short
tour
lengths and frequent leave breaks. Different departments adopted
different
arrangements
throughout the Iraq campaign.
678.
Officials
expressed concern about the impact of those arrangements,
including:
•
breaks in
continuity;442
•
lack of
institutional memory;444
and
•
insufficient
local knowledge.445
679.
Participants
at the Iraq Inquiry civilian outreach event also referred to
reduced
credibility
with external interlocutors.
440
British
Academy, Lost for
Words: The Need for Languages in UK Diplomacy and
Security,
November 2013.
441
British
Academy, Lost for
Words: The Need for Languages in UK Diplomacy and
Security,
November 2013.
442
Telegram 10
CPA Basra to FCO London, 26 January 2004, ‘Basra Valedictory’
[Parts 1 and 2].
443
Minute
Etherington to [Cabinet Office junior official], 17 May 2006,
‘Basra Provincial Reconstruction
Team (PRT):
Challenges and Opportunities’.
444
Telegram 77
Basra to FCO London, 12 July 2004, ‘Basra: Creating and Supporting
a new Consulate’.
445
Minute
Hatfield to Loudon, 25 April 2005, ‘Visit to Iraq’.
360