Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

Foreign language proficiency is vital in military contexts for communication, coordination, and operational readiness. The NATO STANAG 6001 exam objectively measures soldiers’ language competence, supporting participation in multinational missions and exercises. This study examines independent English learning for STANAG SLP 2 certification using the Languages for the Army platform at the University of Defence. Employing grounded theory, data from second-year students who initially failed the exam were analysed through open, axial, and selective coding. Participants valued the platform’s accessibility and free skills practice but noted technical issues and limited speaking/writing resources. Findings suggest the platform supports autonomous learning, though enhanced materials and functionality are recommended for balanced skill development.