Defence minister Miloslav Vyborny has announced that intensive language teaching will now be a priority for army officers as the country prepares for NATO membership. He has already sacked one government official for failing to take advantage of foreign subsidies for such courses.

Many fear that the Czech army’s inability to communicate with anyone other than itself could cause mayhem during manoeuvres with other NATO countries.

The officers’ nine-month course will include intensive language training, humanitarian law and foreign policy issues.