NFIB AD HOC TASK FORCE ON THE LINGUISTIC PROBLEM

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0
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RIPPUB
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K
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20
Document Creation Date: 
December 15, 2016
Document Release Date: 
June 7, 2004
Sequence Number: 
14
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Publication Date: 
November 27, 1978
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MF
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Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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) Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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 STAT Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIARDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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) Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release20D r/b ?b8of Rk-b W 8 e'2A000500010014-0 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 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 STAT Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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. - Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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-. Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 STAT STAT Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 pproved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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) Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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) Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 OFFICE' .`:`'THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY O1(.??EFENSE proved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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) Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Z6 sober 1976 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 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 Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 STAT Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0 Next 1 Page(s) In Document Exempt Approved For Release 2004/07/08 : CIA-RDP80M00772A000500010014-0