General Dynamics Successfully Conducts the National Language Service Corps Pilot Program

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General Dynamics Information Technology

Jun 14, 2010, 10:00 ET

FAIRFAX, Va., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has successfully conducted a pilot program of the National Language Service Corps (NLSC). The NLSC has over 1,250 members representing over 85 language communities and has successfully assigned members to support activities both in the United States and overseas. The pilot program has offered an opportunity for speakers of a variety of languages to use their skills in service to their communities and the federal government. As a result, the pilot program will continue through authorization and establishment of a permanent program.

General Dynamics conducted this pilot program for the National Security Education Program (NSEP), an office in the Department of Defense, as part of a nationwide initiative to increase the interest and skills of speakers of multiple languages to support the United States in times of need.

The NLSC is designed to help bridge the gap between the government and language communities. It is anticipated that NLSC members could use their language skills during international missions as well. Members will provide language skills across a wide range of assignments. During the pilot program, charter members participated on an as-needed basis until called on for assignment with partnering federal agencies. For example, an NLSC member assisted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) during a pandemic influenza exercise. The member provided cultural advice to the CDC and also Russian translation services for the website created in conjunction with the exercise.

Harry Shackelford, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Information Technology's Worldwide Technology Solutions sector said, "As a facilitator, General Dynamics is helping the National Language Service Corps improve its ability to recruit, train and deploy bilingual specialists that can support the nation's humanitarian, military and diplomatic missions at a low cost with a high value. Having a cadre of individuals ready and cleared for service to the country will allow more efficient operations abroad or at home."

The National Language Service Corps is a group of individuals united by the fundamental belief that language has a tremendous impact on who we are; who we can be; and what we can do together. In addition to making a significant and worthwhile contribution to the nation and its language communities, members become part of a unique language network of service-minded individuals. All members must be U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years or older, possessing language expertise and a genuine desire to help their fellow language communities. The NLSC provides a strategic solution to shortfalls in language capabilities within federal workforces. Additional information about the National Language Service Corps is available at www.nlscorps.org.

As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering, professional services and simulation and training to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, health, federal civilian government, state and local government and commercial sectors. With approximately 17,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at www.gdit.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology