Sooner or Later?

[lindy]

Which would be a more valuable asSet tO a TeAm:

1) a tactical novice but technically proficient 35P with langs outside the Group's AOR

2) wait a year to develop an Afghan specialist (Northern or Southern) or a specialist focused on a more westerly Afghan neighbor

Here's some background:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0914/p19s01-usmi.html

A program at the State Department... [creates] a "civilian response corps" of individuals who can deploy quickly to countries both to prevent and respond to conflict. So far, the Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization has identified and trained more than 500 "reserve" civilians and about 50 "active" civilians for the new corps, says coordinator John Herbst. By the end of next year, the office will oversee a corps of about 1,250 individuals with a wide range of skills, he adds.

I have the opportunity to participate in this program which includes 12 months of full-time language training (ending in 2011).

I'm concerned that the Afghani languages will follow a similar path as Russian or Serb: hot commodity for a few years but ultimately "break-in-case-of-emergency". I have a tough time sitting on the sidelines.

Any input from QP's or SOT-As would be most appreciated.

Lindy