INTERNETWORKS

SIGNAL'S guide to Web resources

Ask just about all U.S. citizens who have worked in a coalition environment and they will agree it is lucky for them that foreign representatives speak English. In most combat areas, English is the language of choice because so many people in other countries learn it. To further information sharing, the armed forces of many nations also offer English-text versions of their websites. Some of the addresses are long, but typing them in takes a lot less time than learning a new tongue.

Ministry of National Defense Republic of Colombia

www.mindefensa.gov.co/ irj/portal/Mindefensa_EN

One of the United States' strongest South American allies, Colombia is an integral partner in counternarcotics and counterterrorism efforts. From the Ministry of National Defense's homepage, users can link to information about Colombia's Public Forces, including: the Military Forces General Command; the National Army; the National Navy; the Colombian Air Force; and the National Police.

Spanish Ministry of Defence

www.mde.es

Choose the word "Welcome" on the top right side of the screen to transform information about the military of Spain from Spanish into English. On the homepage, the news items remain in Spanish, but the links at the side translate so users can navigate to information they want. Introductory sections of other pages also sometimes remain in their original language, but again the links translate. The Research and Development areas of the website offer insight into Spanish efforts in this field. Other subject areas include culture, education and statistics.

French Ministry of Defence

www.defense.gouv.fr/ english/portail-defense

French is an official language of the United Nations, NATO and the Olympics, but France's Ministry of Defence made the effort to offer English sections on its website. Though not as comprehensive as the original version, visitors can read about research and technology, modernization and equipment in the ministry. Other items covered include nuclear security and sustainable development. None of the items have in-depth details, but instead provide overviews.

Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria

www.md.government.bg/en/ba.html

Not only Western European nations reach out to their English-speaking friends - the Republic of Bulgaria has a translated website as well. Facts about Bulgaria's Joint Operational Command, Land Forces, Air Force, Navy, and Logistics and Support Headquarters all are available. Visitors also can learn more about the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial, designed to strengthen political and military ties in the region.

Ministry of Defence of Georgia

www.mod.gov.ge/?l=E&m=1 &id=0

On the other side of the Black Sea, the Republic of Georgia has put together impressive, robust English offerings about its military. The budget section is especially enlightening. Also worth perusal is the section about Georgian participation in international operations, particularly after learning about the limited dollar amounts the military has at its disposal.

Japanese Ministry of Defense

www.mod.go.jp/e/index.html

Over in the Far East, Japan offers an array of information about its military for English speakers. In addition to written content, the site hosts video presentations in English. Resources on budget, policies and organization also are available.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new websites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

Ministry of National Defense The People's Republic of China

http://eng.mod.gov.cn

Whether friend or foe of the United States, this Communist nation offers information about its military on an English-language website. Click on any of the links in the red boxes on the left, which include military policy and exercises, and the new dialog boxes provide access to items such as technology, expenditures and white papers. Pictures and news of members of the Central Military Commission are posted in the leadership section.