Overview

The interpreter/translator is primarily responsible for interpreting and preparing translations between English and a foreign language.

Job Duties

• Prepare nontechnical  translations into the target language and perform sight translations from a target language into English
• Assist military contracting officers with local purchases
• Provide interpretation support at military traffic control points and local media events
  

Requirements

Proficient in one or more of the following target languages:

• Pushtu/Pashto/Pachto
• Pushtu-Afghan
• Persian-Afghan (Dari)
• Persian-Iranian (Farsi)
• Arabic-Modern Standard (currently closed)
• Arabic-Gulf-Iraqi (currently closed)
• Arabic-Egyptian (currently closed)
• Arabic-Jordanian (currently closed)
• Arabic-Syrian (currently closed)
• Arabic-Lebanese (currently closed)
• Arabic-Yemeni (currently closed)
• Arabic-Sudanese (currently closed)
• Arabic-Maghrebi (currently closed)
• Arabic-Algerian (currently closed)
• Arabic-Libyan (currently closed)
• Arabic-Moroccan (currently closed)
  
• Arabic-Tunisian (currently closed)
• Kurdish (currently closed)
• Kurdish-Behdini (Kurmanji) (currently closed)
• Kurdish-Sorani (currently closed)

Training

Some interpreters/translators will require English language training prior to their nine weeks of Basic Combat Training. After completing Basic Combat Training, you’ll attend Advanced Individual Training to learn the skills that are required to perform Interpreter support in the following areas:

• Checkpoint Operations
• Medical Support
• Locally Employed Personnel Screening
• Training Host-Nation Forces
• VIP Escort
• Contract Negotiations
• Cultural Awareness

Helpful Skills

• Ability to listen, read and speak in English
• Fluency in a foreign language(s)
• Interest in other cultures
  

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as a translator or an interpreter with government agencies, universities and companies that conduct business overseas.