Tester announces new support for UM’s national security education training

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after news that the University of Montana’s Defense Critical Language and Culture Training Program will receive $2 million from the U.S. Defense Department to continue preparing U.S. troops and diplomats to serve overseas:

“America’s national security depends on understanding the world’s languages and cultures, and UM’s critical languages program does important work preparing our troops and our diplomats to protect our country and keep Americans safe. This award reflects the program’s tremendous efforts to support the brave men and women who serve our nation overseas, and I congratulate everyone associated with it.”

The Defense Critical Language and Culture Training Program, housed in the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, provides military officers and civilian officials with language and culture trainings that help them more effectively complete their missions. The program is directed by retired Air Force Major General Don Loranger of Bigfork.

Loranger recently became a member of the National Security Education Board for his work with the Mansfield Center program. Tester recommended Loranger for the high-profile post.