22 USC 4171 – Model foreign language competence posts
(a) Designation of posts; time of designation and implementation; determination of competency standards
In order to carry out the purposes of section 4022 of this title and to help ascertain the relationship between foreign language competence and the effectiveness of representation of the United States abroad, the Secretary of State shall designate as model foreign language competence posts at least two Foreign Service posts in countries where English is not the common language. Such designation shall be made no later than October 1, 1981, and shall be implemented so that no later than October 1, 1983, each Government employee permanently assigned to those posts shall possess an appropriate level of competence in the language common to the country where the post is located. The Secretary of State shall determine appropriate levels of language competence for employees assigned to those posts by reference to the nature of their functions and the standards employed by the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center.
(b) Continuation; report to Congress concerning operation of posts and advantages of meeting competency requirements
Terms Used In 22 USC 4171
- abroad: means all areas not included within the United States. See 22 USC 3902
- Foreign Service: means the Foreign Service of the United States. See 22 USC 3902
- Government: means the Government of the United States. See 22 USC 3902
- Secretary: means the Secretary of State, except that (subject to section 3921 of this title) with reference to the exercise of functions under this Act with respect to any agency authorized by law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system, such term means the head of that agency. See 22 USC 3902
- United States: when used in a geographic sense, means the several States and the District of Columbia. See 22 USC 3902
The posts designated under subsection (a) shall continue as model foreign language competence posts at least until September 30, 1985. The Secretary of State shall submit no later than January 31, 1986, a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate describing the operation of such posts and the costs, advantages and disadvantages associated with meeting the foreign language competence requirements of this section.
(c) Exceptions; report to Congress
The Secretary of State may authorize exceptions to the requirements of this section if he determines that unanticipated exigencies so require.