ROTC recruits paid to command new languages

[unhappycamper]

ROTC recruits paid to command new languages
By Aamer Madhani - USA TODAY
Posted : Tuesday Dec 23, 2008 21:20:15 EST

Desperate for officers who speak Arabic, Mandarin and other foreign languages, the Army is doling out monthly stipends to entice ROTC cadets in college to learn languages spoken in hot spots around the globe.

ROTC is offering $100 to $250 per month to recruits in the officer-training program who are willing to learn the languages spoken in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions vital to national security.

The Army launched the program because too few troops speak the local language overseas, an issue that has surfaced during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“They will be better off as young platoon leaders if they have some language proficiency and understanding of the culture,” said Maj. Windle Causey of the U.S. Army Cadet Command.

The bonus program began in the fall semester with 89 cadets willing to learn any of 10 critical languages and is sparking more interest. The incentive comes on top of partial scholarships to full tuition given to ROTC cadets.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/gns_rotc_languages_122308/%2e