This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Proficiency in foreign languages is a key skill for U.S. diplomats to advance U.S. interests overseas. In 2006, it was recommended that the U.S. Dept. of State (State) evaluate the effectiveness of its efforts to improve the language proficiency of its staff. State responded by providing examples of activities it believed addressed the recommendation. This report: (1) examined the extent to which State is meeting its foreign language requirements and the potential impact of any shortfall; (2) assessed State's efforts to meet its foreign language requirements and described the challenges it faces in doing so; and (3) assessed the extent to which State has a comprehensive strategy to determine and meet these requirements. Illustrations.