NFIB AD HOC TASK FORCE ON THE LINGUISTIC PROBLEM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 20
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 7, 2004
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: November 27, 1978
• Content Type: MF

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DCI/RM 78-5475
27 November 1978
MEMORANDUM FOR: I Deputy to the DCI for Resource Management
Acting Director, Program Assessment Office
Program ssessmen
ice
SUBJECT:
NFIB Ad Hoc Task Force on the Linguistic Problem
REFERENCES:
A. My Background Paper on the NFIB Ad Hoc Task Force
on the Linguistic Problem (without attachments)
B. Memorandum for the NFIB, Subject: "Intelligence
Community Linguist Resources" NFIB-78.2/2,
16 February 1978
1. Action Requested: That you approve the reconvening of the
NFIB Ad Hoc Task Force on the Linguistic Problem under my chairmanship.
2. Background: In April 1976 the DCI approved the establishment
of an ad hoc task force of Intelligence Community representatives under
the chairmanship of a member of the Intelligence Community Staff to
investigate the Community's linguistic problems and make appropriate
recommendations to the DCI for implementation. At the specific request
of the DCI this task force prepared, in late 1977, a study on Russian
linguists in the Intelligence Community. In February 1978, Admiral
Turner notified the NFIB that he had directed the ad hoc Task Force
"under the leadership of my Deputy for Resource Management (to) design a
national program to: -
a. expand and coordinate linguist recruitment activity;
b. develop and maintain language training proficiency stan-
dards; and
c. implement, as necessary, incentives programs designed to
attract and retain qualified linguists in critical languages and
skills." (Reference B)
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SUBJECT: NFIB Ad Hoc Task Force on the Linguistic Problem
The work of this task force was interrupted with the resignation from
the IC Staff in July 1978 of the Chairman of the
Force at that time. The representatives on the task force of CIA's
and of the Office of the
Assistant Secretary of Defense--Communications, Command, Control, and
Intelligence (C31) had been particularly active in the work of the task
force and wish to see its efforts brought to a useful conclusion.
Queries concerning the status of the task force were referred to the
Program Assessment Office, and I was directed byl to review
the work which the task force had done and make recommendations for
completing its mandate. I have concluded that most of the basic research
has been completed and that the task force should be reconvened, concen-
trate its efforts on a few key problems capable of solution, and that a
final report with specific recommendations to the DCI be made within the
near future. These tasks are outlined on pages 4 and 5 of the Background
Paper (Reference A).
3. Recommendation: That you appoint me Chairman of the Ad Hoc
Task Force on the Linguistic Problem and approve the Memorandum (attached)
reconvening the task force.
Attachment:
Memo to NFIB Ad Hoc Task Force
on the Linguistic Problem
30nr7
Depu y to Date
DISAPPROVED:
Deputy to the DCI for Resource Management Date
STAT
STAT
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SUBJECT: NFIB Ad Hoc Task Force on the Linguistic Problem
Distribution: DCI/RM 78-5475
Ori D/DCI/RM (to be returned to PAO)
D/DCI/RM Chrono
1 - AD/PAO
1 - PAO Chrono
1 - PAO
1 - SAND Chrono
1 - RM/CT Registry
1 - ES/NFIB
DCI/RM/PAO
(27 Nov 78)
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Washington, D.C. 20505
Resource Management Staff
DCI/RM 78-5476
1 December 1978
MEMORANDUM FOR: Members of the NFIB Task Force on Linguistic Problems
SUBJECT: Meeting of the Task Force
1. As many of you are aware, the work of the Task Force was
temporarily sus ended after the resignation in July of its former
Chairman, Having been appointed Chairman by the
Deputy to the DCI for Resource Management, I have carefully reviewed the
history and accomplishments of the Task Force and have prepared a
Background Paper attached to this memorandum. You will note on pages
5 and 6 of that Background Paper those six points which I believe the
Task Force should now consider.
T
2. I pro ose that the Task Force meet on Monday, 18 December at ?tTAt
1000 hours in
Ito consider these points and any other matters which members may
wish to raise.
Attachment:
Background Paper
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NFIB Ad Hoc Task Force on the Linguistic Problem
BACKGROUND:
1. On 12 August 1975, Lt. General Samuel V. Wilson, then Deputy
to the DCI for the Intelligence Community, wrote to the Assistant
Secretary of Defense, Intelligence ASD (I), the Deputy Director of
Central Intelligence, and the Director of Intelligence and Research,
Department of State, advising them that "In reviewing the FY 1977-1981
ational Foreign Intelligence Program (NFIP), the DCI identified the
availablity of qualified linguists as a possible major problem facing
the Intelligence Community." General Wilson added that while most of the
DCI's "concern centered on linguisitic capability within the Consolidated
Cryptological Program (CCP), it was readily recognized that a shortage
and the quality of linguists applied to all Agencies/Departments." As
a follow-up to the DCI's concern, each addressee was asked to provide
the following data:
"Linguist requirements by language.
Identify language training and quality shortfalls and most
critical languages.
Normal assignment of linguists; i.e., tactical units, strategic
collectors, HUMINT, SIGINT, translators, production, etc.
Immediate, mid-term and long-range plans for training and
application of linguistic talent (the military should identify
peace-time utilization plans as well as contingency employment
for linguists positions in direct support units).
Identify any efforts in research and development directed
toward improvements in language processing.
Recommendations for improving the linguistic problem, such
as: approaches to the academic world, improved career fields,
training improvements, etc.
Replies were requested by 15 September 1975. The ASD(I) was to provide
a consolidated input for DoD members of the Intelligence Community.
2. On 17 February 1976,1 of the IC Staff sent a background STAT
paper to Mr. Knoche, subject Linguists, as a result of the tabling
by Lieutenant General Tighe of the "linguists problem" at the 9 February
1976 USIBmeeting. The discussion at that meeting centered round "the
need to identify linguistic requirements and see what is being done to
satisfy these needs." Parker then summarized for Knoche the replies
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provided by DoD, CIA, and State/INR to the IC staff's August 1975 request
for information on the linguistic problem. Among his conclusions
were:
- "Language requirements for all agencies/departments have been
identified and efforts to meet these requirements are underway.
- The language career field for all departments/agencies requires
revamping. Linguists like other technicians can advance only
so far until they must move into management, or not progress
up the grade level toward higher income brackets. The result
of this job classification problem, and being moved out of the
technical (purely linguistic) fields, results in a constant
erosion of the higher skilled linguists. This problem has
been recognized and is being worked, but it is a slow process.
- The curriculum at DLI (Defense Language Institute) and FSI
(Foreign Service Institute) needs improvement. Again, this
problem has been recognized and DoD, in particular, is working
toward improvement."
3. On 30 April 1976, a USIB memorandum advised Members of the USIB
that the DCI had approved the establishment of an ad hoc task force of
Intelligence Community representatives chaired by Dr. George S. John of
the Intelligence Community Staff to:
- "Review the recommendations contained in the survey conducted by
the IC Staff (August 1975),
- Determine the feasibility of implementing those recommendations
requiring cooperative community efforts, and
- Develop an implementation plan that would be recommended to
the DCI for his approval and submission to the USIB for
consideration."
Attached to the USIB memorandum was a memorandum from Admiral Murphy,
"Background and Recommendations on the Linguistic Problem" which,
inter alia, summarized in some detail the findings of the survey
conducted by the IC Staff in August 1975.
The ad hoc task force underl Chairmanship met several
times during the summer and fall of 1976. Its fifth meeting on
10 December 1976 was devoted to "developing the formats and contacts
of a report to be prepared by the task force." No such report was
prepared and, apparently, the task force was inactive until the fall
of 1977. -
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4. In September of that year, Admiral Turner wrote to the Acting
Deputy to the DCI for the Intelligence Community directing the IC
Staff "on a medium priority basis" to "look into the prospects of
our supply of Russian linguists." This requirement was levied on the
ad hoc task force. The task force addr d his problem and its
findings were transmitted to the DCI by Deputy to
the DCI for Resource Management (D/DCI/RM , on February 19/8.
Since the task force found that "linguist-associated problems generally
impact all languages, not only Russian,"I recommended that
the DCI task "the NFIB ad hoc task force on a inguistic problem to
develop a series of initiatives designed to improve the recruiting,
retention and qualifications of linguistics." The DCI approved
recommendation and on 16 February 1978 notified the NFIB
that he had irected the ad hoc task force, "under the leadership
of my Deputy for Resource Management (to) design a national program
to:
"a. expand and coordinate linguist recruitment activity;
b. develop and maintain language training proficiency standards;
and
c. implement, as necessary, incentives programs designed to
attract and retain qualified linguists in critical languages
and skills."
The DCI emphasized that his objective was to "provide greater resources
and flexibility to agency linguist development efforts" and that he
did not envision any "supra-agency personnel management."
STAT
STAT
STAT
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6. On 19 May 1978,1 circulated to members of the ad
hoc task force a draft of a memorandum from the D/DCI/RM to NFIB
Principals on a "Procedure for Cooperative Interagency
of Civilian Linguists" (based on a plan developed byl
Members of the task force were asked to comment on is
proposed memorandum. I have no record of any having done so with one
exception. On 3 June 1978, Carl W. Clewlow, Deputy Assistant Secretary
of Defense (Civilian Personnel Policy) advised C I that such a referral
system could be developed and automated without difficulty (Tab B).
7. has also proposed that the Intelligence Cummunity,
possibly by means o a letter from the DCI to specified Heads of Language
Departments in various universities and colleges, apprise the academic
community of "positions in the Foreign Affairs Intelligence Community
Requiring Foreign Language Skills." A draft of a proposed form is
enclosed (Tab C).
8. More than three years have passed since the IC Staff at the
request of the DCI enlisted the cooperation of the Intelligence Community
in investigating the linguists problem and making recommendations to
the DCI for approval and implementation. During these three years a
mass of data has been assembled; numerous meetings have been held; the
problem has been discussed almost ad infinitum; a report has been prepared
on the special subject of Russian TTnguissts; individual agencies and
departments have addressed, with some success, specific problems capable
of solution with no Community assistance. With the exception, however,
of the Report on Russian Linguists, no specific action (based on the
recommendations of the task force) has been undertaken by the Intelligence
Community. It is apparent that it is high time for the task force
to conclude its work by forwarding through the D/DCI/RM to the DCI
recommendations for specific action. Within the near future I propose
that the task force assemble at the
to transact the following business:
A. Approve the draft memorandum to be submitted to D/DCI/RM
on a "Procedure for Cooperative Interagency Recruiting of Civilian
Linguists."
B. Determine whether it is advisable and feasible to develop with
C3I details for the location and automation of such a referral system
within the Department of Defense.
C. Agree that in view of the efforts already being undertaken in
the DoD as outlined by Mr. Wilson (Tab A), the task force, in its
final report, advise the DCI of the progress made in the DoD but make
no recommendations for specific action within the DoD or its individual
components-.
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D. Investigate on a priority basis, pay and career incentive
progams for implementation to retain qualified linguists in
all sections of the Community.
E. Refine the suggestion ofi to advise the academic
community of vacancies in the intelligence community requiring foreign
language skills.
F. Consider which, if any, recommendations the Task Force should
make concerning the development and maintenance of language training
and proficiency standards.
STAT
5
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OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20301
July 13, 1978
COMMUNICATIONS, COMMAND,
CONTROL, AND INTELLIGENCE
STAT
STAT
Office of the Deputy to the DCI
for Resource Management
Intelligence Community Staff
Room BW09
Washington, D.C. 20505
This responds tol May 9, 1978 memorandum to Dr. Dinneen
which requested an outline of actions being taken by the Military
Departments to solve linguist problems.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments, and
the National Security Agency have, over the last two years, taken
deliberate action to improve the management of the Defense Foreign
Language Program. This includes a concentration on improved and more
homogeneous methods of requirements recognition, validation, and trans-
lation into learning objectives. We have also increased our attention
to personnel administration and management practices aimed at improving
the utilization and retention of language trained personnel. These
changes and improvements have, or are being, codified; many of the
governing documents have recently been reaccomplished and reflect
emphasis on community needs. I would like to call particular atten-
tion to three of these:
1) Department of-Defense Directive 5160.41, "Defense Language Pro-
gram." This directive was re-written in 1977. It stresses the responsi-
bilities of various DoD components to accomplish the Program, including
the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Communications, Command, Control, and
Intelligence) as "primary functional sponsor" and the Department of Army
as "executive agent" for program execution. (Enclosure 1)
2) Joint Service Regulation (AR 350-20, et al.), "Management of the
Defense Language Program." The Department of the Army is the primary
author of this regulation which governs the conduct of the program in
each of the Military Departments. (Enclosure 2)
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3) National Security Agency/Central Security Service Circular 40-11,
"Language Training for Military Cryptologic Personnel," establishes
(among other things) a Work-Management Group with membership from NSA
and the Services. The group assures the implementation of a language
training pro ram(s) to meet military cryptologic community requirements.
(Enclosure 3)
You will notice that these documents are all less than one year old.
Attendant implementors have been, and are being, published by the Services
and Defense Agencies. Although it is too early to measure the full value
of directed improvements, I have observed several indexes of movement in
the right direction. Key among these is the increased attention to and
support for the Defense Language Institute. The performance of the DLI
is critical to the success of the Foreign Language Program. The special
interests of the Department of the Army, in coordination with and with
the assistance of the other Services and NSA, has benefitted the DLI.
However, continued decrements in funding for training, directed from
the National level, may become a serious impediment to future program
execution.
The successful pursuit of DoD language programs is dependent on a
unique coalition of personnel, training, and intelligence activities
within each of the Military Departments. Communication between these
functions appears, to be open and improving. I am able to locate
established focal points in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps for
reporting on foreign language requirements, capabilities, and policy.
Within the Army and Air Force the focal points are in the Offices of
the Deputy Chiefs of Staff for Personnel; Marine Corps: Office of the
Director of Intelligence.
Responses to your questions from the Military Departments, NSA, and DIA
are enclosed at tabs 4 through 8, We would appreciate a copy of
your evaluation of these reports. Please give me a call if I can be
of further assistance,
Cordially yours,
Craig L. ilson
Staff As istant for
Intelligence and C.
'Human Resources
Enclosures (8)
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 OFFICE' .`:`'THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY O1(.??EFENSE
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WASHINGTON. D. C. 20301
MANPOWER.
RESERVE AFFAIRS
AND LOGISTICS
JUN 8 1978
MEMORANDUM FOR The Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
For R &E (C3&I)
SUBJECT: Cooperative Interagency Recruiting of Civilian Linguists
This refers to your memorandum of June 2, 1978 concerning the
development of a referral system for linguists within the Federal
intelligence community.
We believe such a system could be developed and automated without
difficulty. Such a. system would need to include provisions for a clear
Privacy Act Statement and procedures to assure compliance with
applicable Civil Service Commission requirements. Based on our
extensive experience with automated personnel systems, we would need
a clear demonstration of need and assurances that such a system would
be used by the various intelligence components.
If it is decided to locate the system within the DOD, it is possible that
it could be accommodated in our Centralized Referral Activity in Dayton,
Ohio. Another possibility would be locating the system in DIA as an
adjunct to the Intelligence Career Development Program.
I have asked Mr. Thomas Hatheway of my staff to work with Mr. Craig
Wilson on this proposal.
CARL W. C LE W LO W
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
(Civilian Personnel Policy)
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 Z6 sober 1976
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As I have moved during the past year to upgrade the quality of our
national intelligence product, I have been impressed by the importance of
strong foreign-language skills among our analysts and reporters. A
perceptive intelligence product requires foreign-affairs specialists well
grounded in the language as well as the culture, politics, and economics of
the countries they study. By the same token, analysts studying technological
developments in foreign countries should be capable of original research in
sources written in the languages of those countries. As my appreciation of
this fact has grown, my concern over shortfalls in our'cadre of linguistically
qualified intelligence officers has mounted.
Since it is to universities and colleges such as yours that we look to
develop the talents we need, it occurred to me that you might find useful a
catalogue of some of the kinds of positions in the Intelligence Community
that require foreign-language abilities. The enclosed listing of job profiles
represents a cross-section of those positions. The profiles are generic
descriptions, in some cases composites of many similar jobs. My thought is
that you may find this information helpful in planning your foreign-language
programs and in apprising students of options for Government careers.
In the longer term, I would hope to widen the channels of communication
betwe,en'us in order that we may work together to develop young men and women
who will play vital roles in the conduct-of our country's foreign affairs in
the years to come. If you find the enclosed catalogue useful, we can update
it for you annually. I will welcome your comments.
Yours Sincerely
Stansfield Turner
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