The Languages and Cultures Department is dedicated to producing military officers who possess proficiency in strategically vital foreign languages and a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic, cultural, ethnic, geographical, and historical factors that influence the decision-making of both our adversaries and partners. In the Marine Corps, this concept is known as “Operational Culture”.

Operational Cultural Proficiency (OCP) is essential to our lethality, our force protection, and our ability to maintain U.S. maneuverability—on the ground, in the air, and at sea. OCP and Strategic Language Skills (SLS) function as precision-guided munitions, invaluable tools our warfighters can deploy to defend, deter, and dominate in dynamic and contested battle spaces worldwide. Armed with OCP and SLS-–and supported by cutting-edge defense technologies-–our forces are uniquely equipped to execute the will of the Nation, achieving decision dominance through geopolitically informed, technology-enabled strategies.

Courses provided by LCD faculty are designed to be mission-focused and area-of-responsibility (AOR)-specific, preparing Midshipmen for leadership in complex, high-risk environments. Future courses will seek further integration of trailblazing technologies, fostering cooperation with Defense industry leaders and USNA STEM departments, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI)--a critical part of the intelligence and geopolitical technological landscape.

All seven languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Russian) taught at the U.S. Naval Academy are classified as Enduring Strategic Languages by the Department of Defense, in accordance with DOD Directive 5160.41E. These languages are integral to the Foreign Area Studies major and align with the LCD’s mission to graduate Midshipmen equipped with OCP and SLS expertise. This preparation ensures that our future leaders can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and keep adversaries on notice, safeguarding national interests and maintaining global stability.

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