what are strategic languages?

[Michael Erard]

A good way to see what languages the US gov't considers "strategic"
is to follow the job ads that get posted on LINGUIST, such as this
one:

>1)
>Date: 10-Jan-2006
>From: Lori DeSousa < ldesousa at caci.com >
>Subject: Arabic, Chinese, Korean & Translation: Language
>Analyst/Translator, National Security Agency, MD, USA
>
>
>-------------------------Message 1 ----------------------------------
>Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 21:20:01
>From: Lori DeSousa < ldesousa at caci.com >
>Subject: Arabic, Chinese, Korean & Translation: Language
>Analyst/Translator, National Security Agency, MD, USA
>
>
>University or Organization: National Security Agency
>Job Rank: Translator
>Specialty Areas: Translation/Language Analyst
>Required Language(s): Arabic, Standard (arb); Chinese, Mandarin (cmn);
>              Korean (kor)
>
>
>Description:
>
>If you want to use your language skills in a challenging and exciting work
>environment, join the National Security Agency, America's top cryptologic
>organization.
>
>As a Language Analyst with NSA, you will be involved in the research,
>translation, transcription, reporting, and analysis of materials of national
>concern. Your work will have a powerful impact in providing the
>fullest and most
>accurate Signals Intelligence picture to U.S. policymakers, military
>commanders,
>and Intelligence Community members.
>
>You may also take on additional research and reporting responsibilities, apply
>for field assignments abroad, elect to teach at our National
>Cryptologic School,
>and /or learn new languages.
>
>The NSA advantages are important work, real-world impact, strong growth
>potential, and the world's best language resources.
>
>Currently, we are particularly interested in individuals who are proficient in
>Asian or Middle Eastern languages, however our needs change
>periodically. Please
>visit our Web site for a complete list of our current language requirements.
>
>Apply online today at www.NSA.gov/Careers.
>
>For additional details and to apply online, please visit www.nsa.gov/Careers.
>
>[When applying online, search under Language for this position.]
>
>U.S. citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity
>employer and abides by all applicable employment laws and regulations.
>
>
>Address for Applications:
>
>	NSA Recruitment MB2
>	9800 Savage Road
>	Suite 6779
>	Fort Meade, MD 20755-6779
>	USA
>
>Application Deadline: Open until filled.
>
>Contact Information:
>
>	Marketing Director Lori Weltman
>	Email: lkweltm at nsa.gov
>	Website: http://www.NSA.gov
>
>
>
>
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------
>LINGUIST List: Vol-17-49
>
>