Serving as a translator in the Army puts a person on the front lines, dealing with members of foreign countries. Working as an interpreter serving the Army gives accurate and timely information from different foreign language sources including magazines, radio, newspapers, and in person sources. It is vital that some of the members of the Army front line forces be able to read, speak and write the language of the country that the Army is performing its ongoing mission in. Working inside the Middle East inside Afghanistan and Iraq are both excellent examples of the ongoing need for Middle Eastern language individuals.
The Army currently is seeking Middle Eastern translators and individuals who can speak read and write the languages of the Middle East, to serve as translators and Interpreters. Personnel who can speak the languages of the Middle East, and native speakers are being recruited and welcomed into Army service. Those who qualify and can serve as interpreters are eligible for a sizable enlistment bonus, and other incentives in return for an eight-year service commitment.
The Translator and Language specialist is responsible for converting spoken, written, and printed foreign languages into English, and English back into the target foreign languages, in support of the Army mission. The Translator interpreter serves as a specialist in their specific Middle Eastern language. The responsibilities that are included are performing oral interpretations, preparing non-technical translations into English and back into the foreign language, and performing sight translations. You may be required to assist screening and interpretation at local security personnel and checkpoints.
You may be tasked to provide interpretation for the Public Affairs office and work with local populations during local and regional type media events and during different missions of your Army unit. Job training after 9 weeks of basic combat training is to demonstrate that you are proficient in the language you choose to translate at the Defense Language Institute. If you are truly completely fluent and can successfully demonstrate your ability your stay at the Defense language institute will be short.
You will proceed to your first duty station where you will work closely with your Army leadership in translating and interpretation, working to help foster communications among the native population and the Army.
