More Competence in Foreign Languages Needed by Federal Personnel Working Overseas

摘要

About 30,000 positions in the Federal Government require a proficiency in at least one of 45 foreign languages; most of these positions are overseas. Foreign affairs agencies are required by law to maintain systems for identifying and staffing positions which require foreign language skills. Approximately 70 percent of the employees in overseas positions identified by the systems have adequate foreign language skills, but improvements in the systems are needed. Other agencies with Americans abroad are not required to identify positions requiring foreign language skills and, except for the Department of Defense and the Foreign Agricultural Service, have not done so, but they should to ensure an adequate foreign language capability abroad.