Since Spanish the main language of Puerto Rico how is the issue of giving commands and tactical planning in conjunction with non PRNG units worked out? Is it mandatory that you must be bilingual upon enlisting?
I recall reading that the several PRNG units had big problems in Korea with the language barrier issue, eventually leading to near mutiny because the Puerto Ricans refused to accept White English speaking officers as replacements for the native Puerto Rican officers that were killed/wounded (remember that back in the 1950s the Hispanic population of the US was less then 1% where as today its close to 20% of the total population).
Only in the past few years have they changed the education system from all Spanish (with English classes in the same manner that we have Spanish on the mainland - as an elective) to instructions in Spanish and assignments/projects/papers/presentations in English along with all textbooks and reading materials being in English as well. Despite that I think that from my trips down there that most Puerto Ricans can speak at least very basic English and most of the younger generation (younger then say 25) can speak English as well as you or I so hopefully the language barrier has been resolved in the Puerto Rico National Guard and also because I get to flirt with the hot Puerto Rican girls :))
I recall reading that the several PRNG units had big problems in Korea with the language barrier issue, eventually leading to near mutiny because the Puerto Ricans refused to accept White English speaking officers as replacements for the native Puerto Rican officers that were killed/wounded (remember that back in the 1950s the Hispanic population of the US was less then 1% where as today its close to 20% of the total population).
Only in the past few years have they changed the education system from all Spanish (with English classes in the same manner that we have Spanish on the mainland - as an elective) to instructions in Spanish and assignments/projects/papers/presentations in English along with all textbooks and reading materials being in English as well. Despite that I think that from my trips down there that most Puerto Ricans can speak at least very basic English and most of the younger generation (younger then say 25) can speak English as well as you or I so hopefully the language barrier has been resolved in the Puerto Rico National Guard and also because I get to flirt with the hot Puerto Rican girls :))
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