DYNAMIC PAGE -- HIGHEST POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION IS
TOP SECRET // SI / TK // REL TO USA AUS CAN GBR NZL
(S//SI) A Language Intern's TDY to the Middle East
FROM:
Language-Analyst Intern
Run Date: 09/30/2004
(TS//SI) I think that it hit me in Bosra: "Hey, this is kind of cool." That's because there I was
seated in the second row of one of the Middle East's best preserved Roman amphitheatres,
listening to the Syrian National Sympthony and a group of opera singers from Italy performing
portions of Carmen. And how did I get there? I was there because I had been given the chance
to serve with F6 on TDY to Damascus.
Roman Amphitheater in Bosra, Syria
(S//SI) I say, "given the chance," because for me it was the best experience I have had so far as
an NSA language-analyst intern. After all, not only was I travelling to an exotic country on
someone else's dime, but I was also getting the opportunity to expand my professional
experience immensely and go sight-seeing in my time off.
(S) On the professional side, deploying with F6 meant that I got to see first-hand the front end
of SIGINT collection. But beyond that, I was able to work not only with a professionally diverse
group of SIGINT colleagues at the site, but also with a range of professionals from different parts
of the intelligence community. In this way, the experience was like getting a up-close look of
the intelligence community in miniature: the kind of view that many an intern won't get in a
year at headquarters.
(S) Of course, "all work and no play," as the saying goes. So I also made the most of my being
in Damascus -- reputed to be the oldest, continously inhabited city in the world. Besides the
city's museums, souqs, and artist studios, there were plenty of things to see throughout the
country. Imagine Palymra with its acres and acres of ancient ruins or Apamea where the
surviving Roman road is still faced with 600 columns and ancient shop fronts.
Apamea
(S) I spent 40 days in Syria and took full advantage of the great opportunity given me. My
perspective as a professional was greatly broadened, and my memories as a tourist were out of
this world. That's why I say that I was "given the chance" to go, and that's why, if you were
given the chance, I'd tell you to pack your bags and get ready to have a great time.
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
DYNAMIC PAGE -- HIGHEST POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION IS
TOP SECRET // SI / TK // REL TO USA AUS CAN GBR NZL
DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108