Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Defense wants to ask people who know different languages to help with important tasks, like national security, by filling out some forms. People can share their thoughts on this plan until February 10, 2025, on a special website.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense (DoD) has submitted a plan to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for reviewing a proposal to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposal involves the National Language Service Corps, which recruits U.S. citizens willing to volunteer their language skills for national security work in situations where other resources aren't available. The information collection request is for an extension, and it includes forms DD 2932, 2933, and 2934. Comments on this proposal can be submitted until February 10, 2025, via www.reginfo.gov.
Abstract
The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question outlines a submission by the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a proposal concerning the collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposal pertains specifically to the National Language Service Corps (NLSC), which engages U.S. citizens to volunteer their language skills for roles in national security, particularly in instances where other resources are unavailable. The submission is open for public comment until February 10, 2025.
General Summary
The primary objective of the document is to seek clearance for collecting specific information about U.S. citizens who may be interested in contributing their language skills to the NLSC. This involves extending the paperwork currently associated with the NLSC, which utilizes forms DD 2932, 2933, and 2934. The aim is to bolster national security by filling language gaps in government operations. The document provides avenues for sending comments via a designated government website and includes contact details for further inquiries.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the document, primarily concerning its clarity and level of detail. Firstly, the documentation lacks clarity about the financial implications of the information collection proposal. Such information could help in evaluating potential misallocation of resources. Secondly, while it highlights that 1,700 respondents are needed, the necessity and utility of the information collection for these individuals are not convincingly justified, which might impose a burden without clearly articulated benefits. Additionally, the technical language used, particularly regarding ILR proficiency guidelines, may impede understanding for individuals not familiar with such terminologies.
Furthermore, despite mentioning that participation is voluntary, the document could benefit from a stronger emphasis on the fact that this engagement is not mandatory, to avoid any misconceptions. Lastly, while the document specifies the means for public feedback, it does not outline how these comments will be integrated or addressed in the decision-making process.
Public Impact
For the general public, particularly those interested in volunteering for the NLSC, the document underscores an opportunity to contribute to national security through linguistic skills. However, it fails to adequately explain how these efforts directly strengthen national security or address language deficits, potentially undermining the initiative's persuasive power among potential volunteers. The lack of clarity on outcome measures and processing public feedback could also affect public trust and willingness to participate.
Impact on Stakeholders
Volunteers and Language Professionals: For individuals with proficiency in languages deemed critical for national security, this proposal represents an opportunity to volunteer their expertise in meaningful, albeit unspecified, capacities. However, without clear descriptions of the contributions' impact and benefits, these potential volunteers might be hesitant to commit.
Government and DoD: The document aligns with the DoD's need to access diverse linguistic abilities, which are increasingly important in a global environment where national security activities are multilingual. Yet, the initiative's efficacy could be curtailed by the document's vagueness and complexity, potentially missing out on skilled volunteers who may not fully grasp the document's intent or importance.
In summation, while the document has the potential to positively achieve its goals by showing a commitment to filling linguistic gaps in national security through the NLSC, the outlined issues in communication, justification, and stakeholder engagement could diminish its effectiveness.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific information about the cost associated with the proposed information collection, which makes it difficult to assess for potential wasteful spending.
• The purpose and necessity of the paperwork for the public respondents (1,700 individuals) are not clearly justified, potentially burdening individuals without significant benefits being explained.
• The language in the document could be considered complex, particularly the description of the ILR proficiency guidelines, which might not be easily understood by all readers.
• Details regarding how the NLSC specifically aids in national security and fills language gaps are somewhat vague and could be more explicitly detailed.
• The document's description of the public's obligation being 'voluntary' is present, but it might be beneficial to more strongly emphasize that participation is not mandatory.
• The document provides a method for public comment submission, but it does not include any specific measures on how these comments will be addressed or considered.