Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann Ex–Green Beret explains how U.S. military learns languages
Oct 9, 2025
Jon Hamilton, a former Green Beret and founder of Infinite Grit, shares his unique insights on language learning within the military. He explains how physical fitness enhances cognitive function, boosting language acquisition. Jon contrasts his Special Forces training with the Defense Language Institute, emphasizing effective communication over native fluency. He advocates for real-world comprehension skills and cultural understanding to deepen motivation. Their discussion ranges from embracing mistakes in learning to the importance of setting tangible goals in pursuit of language mastery.
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Green Beret Language Origin Story
- Jon Hamilton is a former Green Beret who used the Special Forces language course as his language learning introduction.
- He became passionate about languages after that six-month, immersion-style training experience.
Use Fitness To Boost Language Discipline
- Stay physically fit and eat well to boost cognitive function and language-discipline momentum.
- Use consistency in training and nutrition to sustain language study progress.
Speaking-Focused Military Training
- Special Forces courses prioritize speaking and the OPI oral proficiency test over DLPT-style comprehension exams.
- That creates a subjectively graded, conversation-focused training model with heavy emphasis on production.