I agree. I don't see how anyone could be effective in their civilian jobs without the experience of going there, whether that be a job in intelligence to commerce, even if for a short period of time like 3-5 months or something...just to at least see it and experience it. I know when I get into this, I hope they send me to wherever the hot zone is going be at that time. I would not only want the experience, I would think I'd NEED it.
Maybe this is my lack of education and training showing, but I don't see how I could give intelligence information or any information for that matter without having been there myself.
I can read stories from the troops, talkto them, read their experiences and whatnot, or I could be book-learned in a culture, but that only gives me an idea. Without seeing it first hand, I know nothing of what they're going through.

Only 40 people volunteered? Heck, leave a position open for me in 6 years from now after I get educated. I'll go.