A history of intensive language training in the United States is given in this paper, and some key literature in the field is briefly reviewed. The article distinguishes two types of intensive language training--(1) the "semi-intensive" civilian university courses deriving from the Army Specialized Training Program and the Civilian Affairs Training School and (2) the "truly intensive" program of the Defense Language Iinstitute and its civilian adjuncts. The characteristics of both types of programs are described, and the article recommends that civilian colleges and universities draw on both methods to produce more intensive language programs and to upgrade their regular language programs. (AR)