thedrifter
05-10-07, 11:13 AM
Pentagon wants civilian Language Corps
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 10, 2007 10:00:49 EDT
The Defense Department wants civilian volunteer linguists — at least 1,000, it hopes — to create a national pool that it can call upon during times of war, national emergency or other national needs to help fill gaps in federal translation capabilities.
The so-called “Language Corps,” a three-year pilot program formerly known as the Civilian Linguist Reserve Corps, “represents a vital new approach to address the nation's needs for professionals with language skills,” according to defense officials. It will be an all-civilian organization managed by the Pentagon on behalf of all federal agencies.
“The department is confident that a successful Language Corps will not only address gaps in federal preparedness but also serve to reinforce the importance of language skills in the American population and the U.S. education system,” said Gail McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans.
Volunteers will be able to join a national pool of linguists or a smaller “dedicated” pool. Members of the national pool will possess certified language skills and be available for activation for federal service during times of national need.
Members of the smaller dedicated pool will have contractual arrangements with dedicated federal sponsors and will agree to perform specific tasks for a specific number of days per year.
Selected members of the pools will be involved in activation exercises during the second and third years of the pilot effort. The exercises will involve the Defense Department, the intelligence community and other federal organizations, Pentagon officials said.
Ellie
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 10, 2007 10:00:49 EDT
The Defense Department wants civilian volunteer linguists — at least 1,000, it hopes — to create a national pool that it can call upon during times of war, national emergency or other national needs to help fill gaps in federal translation capabilities.
The so-called “Language Corps,” a three-year pilot program formerly known as the Civilian Linguist Reserve Corps, “represents a vital new approach to address the nation's needs for professionals with language skills,” according to defense officials. It will be an all-civilian organization managed by the Pentagon on behalf of all federal agencies.
“The department is confident that a successful Language Corps will not only address gaps in federal preparedness but also serve to reinforce the importance of language skills in the American population and the U.S. education system,” said Gail McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans.
Volunteers will be able to join a national pool of linguists or a smaller “dedicated” pool. Members of the national pool will possess certified language skills and be available for activation for federal service during times of national need.
Members of the smaller dedicated pool will have contractual arrangements with dedicated federal sponsors and will agree to perform specific tasks for a specific number of days per year.
Selected members of the pools will be involved in activation exercises during the second and third years of the pilot effort. The exercises will involve the Defense Department, the intelligence community and other federal organizations, Pentagon officials said.
Ellie