The “commander,” of course, was a fellow student in CIOR’s Language Academy’s Advanced English Course. Dubivko’s performance was a powerful ending to a classroom exercise in presenting a decision brief. She had developed her own military scenario, explained options and different courses of actions in front of the class.
One by one the students commented on her performance.

“Your commander would be pleased with your work,” said a student from Macedonia.

“Nice briefing and good pronunciation,” said an officer from Bulgaria.

And the comments continued around the room. Ms. Dubivko, who will be commissioned in November of this year, beamed as she listened to feedback. Her teacher, Canadian officer Bernard DeSautels offered a final critique, before asking another student to start a new scenario.

“Congratulations on your work and command of the English language, Anastasia,” he told Ms. Dubivko.

The decision brief exercise captivated students on a sunny afternoon in Istanbul. Inside the classroom, they listened intently to each other, offering constructive criticism and encouragement.

“The brief exercise is a valuable learning experience for many reasons,” said DeSautels. “It gives our students exposure to military terms in English and opportunity to prepare a brief. The brief also adds an element of reality in their quest to learn and use the English language.”

The Canadian Reserve officer developed the exercise based on his own experiences. As a civilian, he works as a school administrator. As a Reservist, he serves in public affairs. DeSautels provides the students a structured format that guides the students in preparing their own scenarios.

oing and to provide equal or even better coverage for their nations’ troops,” said Kipping. “That is the great thing about CIOR.”