If you are creating a new multi-station training lab, and in particular if you will to run VBS or RealWorld at some point, We recommended a higher end hardware spec as follows (this is for laptops in a lab, but a desktop would be similar):

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (or better) processor; or AMD Athlon dual core (or better) 32-bit processor. Tactical Language Training software has not been engineered to operate with 64-bit processors.
  
  
• RAM: 2 GB (3~4GB would be better)
  
  
• Hard disk: 120GB (or more)
  
  
• Operating system: Windows XP pro is best; Windows Vista is OK but not ideal.  NOTE: Tactical Language Training software does not work with Vista 64bit!
  
  
• Video controller card: Dedicated Video Card with 256Mb of dedicated memory or better. We have found the NVIDIA GeForce 8600/8700/8800 series to be particularly good, but similar ATI cards work as well. Do not accept integrated graphics!
  
  
• Headset: Noise-canceling digital/USB headset with microphone. We recommend either the Plantronics .Audio™ 650 or 750 USB Multimedia Stereo Headset. Other noise-cancelling type headsets from Plantronics, Logitech or other manufacturers may work with varying degrees of success. We do not recommend analog headsets for noisy environments.
  
  
• Display: There are no strict requirements, but we have found that 17-inch size is a suitable choice.
  
  
• Wireless card: Depending on the networking plans, we recommend a wireless card that supports at least the 802.11g standard (802.11a or 802.11n would be better).
  
  
• Optical drive: CD/DVD+RW disk drive
  
  Configurations like these are usually available as "gaming laptops" from standard providers like Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc.  (There are no specific requirements in terms of manufacturer.)

Additionally, if the computers in your training facility have the ability to communicate via an internal Windows network, you will also want to utilize our Tactical Dashboard Training Manager software. This program allows training managers and/or lab administrators to easily and remotely access trainee progress reports for review, print out, etc.; and allow usage of Tactical Language Training programs specifically to trainees who been entered into the system and given unique usernames and passwords.

Download additional informational materials from the Tactical Dashboard category of the "Downloads" section of this website (available to registered Support site users); then request Tactical Dashboard application download access from our Technical Support personnel by contacting: support@tacticallanguage.com 

There is no limit to the number of trainees who can use the system installed in one computer. Each trainee uses his/her own login data to keep his/her progress and proficiency reports separate from other trainees.

Multiple computers running the system can be networked and the prgress and proficiency report for each trainee can be centrally managed using the Tactical Language Training Manager Dashboard.

No, the system is not yet Web-based. It requires downloading and installing it on a Windows computer that meets our minimal technical specifications.

However, in the near future, online versions of the courses will begin to appear on MarineNet and Army Knowledge Online.

Usually, you will receive an immediate response to your support inquiry or Forum posting if you contact us during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm Pacific time). If you contact us after hours, you can generally expect to receive a response within 24-hours or on the following business day.

Essentially you don't need any previous computer experience, or language skills or knowledge.

The system works for virtually everyone, from high-aptitude to those who think are no-aptitude language learners.

We currently do not offer trainer certtification, but we provide many customized train-the-trainer courses and support options.

You don't need an instructor. You can learn the course on your own using the User Manual and this website to ask questions or report problems.

Each version of the Tactical Language & Culture Training System is different. The differences relate to the language (Iraqi Arabic, Pashto, etc.), armed force (Marines, Army, etc.), and lessons and missions.

It takes approximately 120 to 160 hours to complete all lessons, missions and tests of the current version of the Tactical Iraqi system. (Tactical Pashto, Tactical Dari and Tactical French would take somewhat less time to complete because they contain fewer lessons.)  Some military units provide abridged lesson plans that take as little as 20 hours to complete. Individual lessons are estimated to take 2 to 4 hours to complete to an acceptable degree of competency.

We strongly recommend that you do. We add myriad enhancements in functionality, performance, stability and lessons to every new version of the system. And updating your system is easy.

Please read the Announcements section of this website for instructions on how to obtain the newest version.

You can get technical support in one of two ways:

1. From your unit. Many units have trained support specialists.
   
   
2. From this website. Before you contact us for technical support, please review the FAQs and support forums on this website to see if your question has been previously asked and answered. You may submit your technical support questions by posting them on the support forums or sending us an email. You will receive and answer your question just as quickly with either method, but your use of the support forums greatly benefits you and others by building on this website both a user community and a searchable knowledge base.

1. Email or Support Hotline Telephone. If the information you seek has not been addressed in one of the support forums , or it is a question you feel should be addressed directly to you, select the Contact Us menu item in the left hand column of this page.