LANGUAGE AND AREA TRAINING (INTERNAL*)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03921A000100080005-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2000
• Sequence Number: 5
• Content Type: MISC

Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : CIA-RDP78-03921A000100080005-4
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Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : CIA-RDP78-03921A000100080005-4
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LANGUAGE AND AREA TRAINING (INTERNAL*)
Familiarity with the history, thought and customs of foreign peoples,
and ability to use their languages are essential equipment of individuals
in the business of foreign intelligence. Language and area studies are
sponsored by the organization because the effectiveness of the intelli-
gence officer or any person dealing with foreign peoples and with foreign
intelligence depends as much on his possessing appropriate knowledge in
these fields as on his professional or technical knowledge. Intelligence
personnel of allied and enemy intelligence services are systematically
trained for years in language and area studies to 'equip them to deal
with all intelligence problems and foreign intelligence personnel.
The quantity and types of desirable knowledge vary considerably for
different individuals and depend on the assignments and functions with
which they are charged. The organization's programs are designed to
meet all degrees of need. These range from orientation or indoctrination
in languages and area to academic programs designed to provide fluency
in a foreign language and the basis for ultimate qualification as area
specialists. It is recognized, however, that attainment of rounded
fluency in a language requires from 2,000-3,000 hours of study in the
easier languages and from 6,000-8,000 hours in the more difficult lan-
guages. Development of a qualified language and area specialist requires
from three to five years of graduate-level academic training and, in
addition, five to ten years of experience involving systematic acquisi-
tion of knowledge about the area.
Facilities for providing required knowledge in these fields consist
mainly of regular courses conducted by headquarters and at other training
centers, and at universities especially equipped to provide specialized
training in languages and foreign area studies.* Through careful and
planned selection and use of these existing training programs, it is
possible to meet all except the most unusual requirements of the organi-
zation. In addition to a great variety of part-time programs, this
includes approximately full-time intensive courses in nearly
Headquarters is capable of meeting many needs tor intensive training and
most needs for part-time training.
* See EXTERNAL TRAINING: - Language and Area Training (External)
SECRET - OUR PERSONNEL ONLY
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