REPORT ON NEED FOR A PERSONNEL PLAN FOR LINGUISTS IN THE ARMED FORCES.

SEC. 581. REPORT ON NEED FOR A PERSONNEL PLAN FOR LINGUISTS IN THE ARMED FORCES.(a) Need Assessment.—The Secretary of Defense shall review the career tracks of members of the Armed Forces who are linguists in an effort to improve the management of linguists (in enlisted grades or officer grades, or both) and to assist them in reaching their full linguistic and analytical potential over a 20-year career. As part of such review, the Secretary shall assess the need for a comprehensive plan to better manage the careers of military linguists (in enlisted grades or officer grades, or both) and to ensure that such linguists have an opportunity to progress in grade and are provided opportunities to enhance their language and cultural skills. As part of the review, the Secretary shall consider personnel management methods such as enhanced bonuses, immersion opportunities, specialized career fields, establishment of a dedicated career path for linguists, and career monitoring to ensure career progress for linguists serving in duty assignments that are not linguist related.(b) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the review and assessment conducted under subsection (a). The report shall include the findings, results, and conclusions of the Secretary’s review and assessment of the careers of officer and enlisted linguists in the Armed Forces and the need for a comprehensive plan to ensure effective career management of linguists.