Though I must acknowledge I have little relevent experience to add to the discussion.
Rob - I'm interested in seeing how the CRC works out. Though I have likewise heard some state that it was a duplication of CA capabilities, for the reasons you previously stated I think it would be an advantageous capability to build up and retain.
Furthermore, even if it is duplicative, does it not still seem a necessary capability if we are serious about DoS retaking control of foreign policy from DoD? Much talk has been made about the post-Rumsfeldian re-emergence of soft power. Secretary of Defense Gates seems hip to the idea, as does President Elect Obama.
As I understand the situation, the CRC is far from the only component of DoS which could use additional manpower. Perhaps others could shed some more light on that side of the situation.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that unless some drastic changes are made to the nature of the DoS hiring process, the time to build up additional numbers in the Diplomatic corp will take years. Not to say it will take the Army or Marines any short amount of time to expand their own numbers, but it takes far more education, experience, and training to make a diplomat than a private.
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