Navy offers cash, perks for foreign languages

[unhappycamper]

Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Ligia Segura, left, translates as Cmdr. Linda Nash, head of nursing aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship Comfort, records patient information in Guatemala last year.


Navy offers cash, perks for foreign languages
By Zachary M. Peterson - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 8, 2008 16:16:58 EST

The Navy is offering extra cash, college credit and more to sailors who can prove their foreign language skills.

The Navy Foreign Language Program Office boosted its foreign language proficiency bonus program last year, altering previous restrictions on foreign language skill pay. Previously, only billets that demanded language skills, such as cryptology and some intelligence positions, earned additional pay.

In addition to extra pay, sailors are eligible to earn college credits if they score high enough on language tests available through the Navy College Office.

Enlisted personnel can qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification for foreign language skills.

Officers are eligible for college credit and pay bonuses, as well as the opportunity to apply for one of 100 spots at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/02/navy_language_080208w/



uhc comment: With the formation of Africom, the military is severely stretched in communicating with the natives.