A group of Vietnamese People's Army (VPA) personnel hustles about on the fire pad at HMAS Cerberus' RAN School of Ship Safety and Survivability, diligently donning firefighting equipment at the rush.
Amidst their bold blue camouflage uniforms, the greyscale Aussie cams of a young naval aircraft technician seem out of place at first, until the sailor speaks.
As he tightens a helmet chinstrap, he communicates with his VPA shipmate in flawless Vietnamese.
Able Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft Nguyen Le joined the RAN in 2001. Born in Saigon, he was always curious about Australia and its people.
He travelled Down Under to complete a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Griffith University, after which his love of the sea and desire for an even greater challenge drew him to Navy.
After his training, Able Seaman Le posted to HMAS Albatross, and to 725 Squadron, maintaining the Fleet Air Arm's training Seahawk helicopters.
'I'd encourage any ADF member with LOTE-speaking ability, or the enthusiasm to learn a language, to pursue becoming a linguist, especially in Vietnamese.'
During this posting Able Seaman Le developed his lexicon through the Defence Force School of Languages (DFSL).
"I was encouraged to undergo testing, and became a DFSL Qualified Linguist in 2023," Able Seaman Le said.
The school trains, assesses and develops personnel in languages other than English (LOTE) to facilitate multinational operations and other Defence business in support of the National Defence Strategy.
"The testing presented some unexpected challenges, even for a native Vietnamese speaker," Able Seaman Le said.
"I was tested in both Vietnamese and English, using extensive military and diplomatic language.
"But I got through it, and I'm really glad I did."
Defence linguists use their skills for international engagement, training, operational support, intelligence and modernisation activities.
Major roles include representational and strategic duties, such as defence attaché, host officer and country liaison officer.
Linguists may qualify for additional allowances depending on a variety of factors.
'There is an ongoing need for linguists in the ADF, and for new linguists to continue qualifying.'
In Able Seaman Le's most recent role he provided linguist support to the largest-ever group of VPA personnel to undertake tailored combat survivability through the Defence Cooperation Program.
"This has been a completely new experience for me," Able Seaman Le said.
"It has been fantastic working with the VPA; breaking the language barrier between instructor and student, by both translating and delivering course material, and guiding students during practical scenarios.
"And more than this, we've been able to develop bonds with them, sharing a joke, or talking about family, and the differences between Vietnam and Australia."
Able Seaman Le spoke with pride about being a linguist, and about the opportunities available to ADF personnel.
"There is an ongoing need for linguists in the ADF, and for new linguists to continue qualifying," he said.
"I personally know people who are probably able to qualify, but who may just be a bit nervous, or need some more information about different roles.
"I'd encourage any ADF member with LOTE-speaking ability, or the enthusiasm to learn a language, to pursue becoming a linguist, especially in Vietnamese."
