Pentagon pilot program seeks civilian 'Language Corps'

Left: Bleu Copas, a decorated sergeant and Arabic language specialist was dismissed from the U.S. Army under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The Pentagon has discharged dozens of linguists -- many who speak Arabic -- from the service under DADT.

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.

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