Teaching English on the Front Lines: A Conversation with Olena Chekryzhova

A New Episode of the Battleplan Podcast

For many STANAG students and teachers, “Military English” can feel like something that takes place in classrooms, textbooks, and training centers. But what does it look like when language teaching moves to the front lines? What happens when English becomes a tool not just for exams, but for survival, cooperation, and real-time decision making?

In the latest episode of the Battleplan Podcast, I speak with Olena Chekryzhova — an experienced educator from Ukraine and the founder of Eng for UArmy and the Armiyska Angliyska YouTube channel. Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Olena has been working directly with Ukrainian service members, teaching operational English skills in active military environments.

This is not theory. This is not just exam prep.

This is English being used in the field.

Why This Episode Matters for STANAG Learners and Teachers

If you’re:

• preparing for STANAG 6001

• teaching Military English

• designing lessons for NATO interoperability

• or simply interested in how English functions in real military contexts

this conversation offers real insight into:

• how to adapt teaching when the environment is unpredictable

• what soldiers truly need to communicate effectively

• the vocabulary and functions that matter most in operational tasks

• the emotional and motivational dimension of military learning

STANAG exams often emphasize clarity, precision, and mission-related language. Olena’s work shows what those skills look like in action — and why they matter.

Watch the Episode

For Teachers

Consider sharing this episode with your students before lessons on:

• Interoperability

• Mission briefings

• Field communication

• Military vocabulary & phraseology

It provides authentic context that can spark meaningful discussion.

No time to watch YouTube?

Listen to the Episode