STANAG 6001 Level 3 – Speaking Task (Discussion): Civilian Skills to Support the Army in Case of Conflict
Examination Task
In case of a conflict, citizens should have different skills in order to help the Armed Forces to fight the enemy. Look at the list below. Discuss the following skills and try to decide which of them is the most and the least useful. Be ready to justify your choice.
- IT skills
- First aid
- Shooting skills
Sample Discussion
A: In modern conflicts, civilians can support the Armed Forces in many different ways. Let’s discuss IT skills, first aid, and shooting skills, and try to decide which is the most and the least useful. Shall we start with IT skills?
B: Yes, that sounds like a good idea. In my opinion, IT skills are extremely important, especially nowadays. Modern conflicts rely heavily on technology, including communication systems, cybersecurity, and intelligence gathering. Civilians with IT knowledge can help protect networks, analyse data, and operate drones for reconnaissance. They can also defend the army’s weapons systems, including satellites, navigation, and aviation systems, or even counter enemy cyberattacks. Would you agree?
A: Absolutely. Many military operations depend on secure communication and information systems. If those systems are compromised, it can seriously weaken the armed forces. Also, the use of drones has become crucial on the modern battlefield, as they allow for real-time surveillance, target identification, and the neutralization of enemy vehicles and positions, without putting soldiers at direct risk. For example, the war in Ukraine has shown that some targets can be effectively monitored and attacked using drones, making them an essential tool in modern conflicts.
B: That’s a very good point. The expansion in drone use is fundamentally reshaping the way war is conducted and how people experience harm. What do you think about first aid skills?
A: I think first aid is also extremely important. During conflicts, there are often many injured people, including both soldiers and civilians. Those who know how to provide basic medical assistance can save lives before professional help arrives. For example, stopping bleeding or performing resuscitation can significantly improve their chances of survival. So, first aid skills are not only practical but essential in saving lives.
B: I agree. First aid skills are practical and can be used immediately in emergency situations. Moreover, they are useful not only during war but also in everyday life. This makes them highly versatile and valuable for the general population.
A: That’s true. Now, what about shooting skills? Some might argue that they are essential in a conflict.
B: Yes, that’s a common opinion. However, simply knowing how to shoot is not enough. Shooting skills require both theoretical knowledge and regular practical training to be effective and safe. Certain professional groups, such as the police or security forces, undergo training and practice to handle firearms responsibly and efficiently. Without this level of preparation, civilians using weapons could create more harm than help. Therefore, shooting skills should be acquired by civilians through training.
A: I agree. Professional soldiers undergo regular firearms training, where they learn how weapons are built, how to assemble and disassemble them, how to shoot accurately, and the safety rules for handling firearms. The military also has access to different types of firearms for training and combat purposes.
B: I understand. However, while shooting skills might be useful in certain situations, such as on the front line or for self-defence, they seem less universally applicable compared to IT and first aid skills. In other words, they have a more limited use for civilians.
A: Taking everything into account, I would say that IT skills are the most useful because they support modern military operations at many levels, including cyber defence and drone operations, and can be applied safely by civilians.
B: I share your opinion. And as for the least useful, I would choose shooting skills, since they require professional training, carry higher risks, and are less suitable for the general population.
A: That makes sense. So, to sum up, we believe that IT skills are the most useful, first aid skills are also very important, and shooting skills are the least useful for civilians in a modern conflict.