This summer I will be part of the CULP Mission Training Internship in Germany. CULP is an acronym
that stands for Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency. It is a
merit-based program available to all ROTC cadets in the nation. The purpose of
this mission is to develop relations with foreign nations, broaden insights
about foreign militaries and learn how they operate in comparison to the United
States military as well as give the cadets a chance to practice their language
in a professional setting. From June 8th to July 8th this summer I will be
working alongside and collaborating with the German Armed Forces, specifically
with a young officer of similar rank, on various training missions and
situation exercises in order to have a greater understanding and awareness of
how the United States Military operates in relation to the rest of the world. I
will be part of an American team consisting of other cadets from school all
across the nation who were also awarded this trip. Transportation, meals, and
housing expenses are all covered as a part of the program. The mission lasts
approximately one month. This is a wonderful experience to practice your
language and experience the culture in a very unique way that you would
otherwise not have the opportunity to as a traveler/tourist.
To apply for this
program you must be part of the ROTC program and you can talk to your cadre
leader about it, they will have all the necessary information. Additionally,
there are missions all around the world tailored to your specific language
skillset. There are also English teaching programs in more under developed
countries for those that do not have a second language. Do not miss out on this
once in a lifetime opportunity!
Grant Christian
gdchristian@csbsju.edu
