Matching national needs in the less commonly taught languages (LCTL) with a capacity to fill those needs through language instruction is discussed. The thesis proposed is that an ongoing strategic planning process must be initiated, aimed at insuring instructional capacity to deliver needed LCTL competencies. In particular, this planning process would be aimed at creating a new national architecture for sustaining LCTL instructional capacity, and would require creation of planning mechanisms for tracking needs and coordinating delivery systems. The planning process would also require a rational, systematic implementation strategy. In the current report, needs and capacities for LCTL are first defined and existing instruction and instructional capacity are assessed briefly. The design of the proposed new architecture for LCTL instruction is summarized, and the relative roles of educational institutions and the disciplinary fields are discussed. Finally, a variety of practical concerns in designing and implementing a strategic planning process are considered. (MSE)