Use your native language skills to help complete the mission.


Interpreter/Translators and Linguists

In the Guard, accurate communication is essential to every mission’s success. So it's important that some members of the Guard are able to read and understand the many languages of the world. Interpreter/Translators (MOS 09L) gain information directly from foreign citizens and other sources. As specialists in a particular language and culture, their job differs from  Cryptologic Linguists (MOS 35P), who primarily translate foreign-language material from broadcasts and written materials such as newspapers and magazines, scanning for key words and indicators.

Interpreter/Translators (MOS 09L)

Interpreter/Translators are native speakers fluent in the languages and customs of the Middle East and Southwest Asia. They assist officers and commanders by interacting and communicating with local citizens in overseas communities. As a linguistic expert, your primary duty will be to interpret conversations between your unit's high-ranking officers and local community leaders. You will receive professional training that better prepares you to perform this and other responsibilities.

After basic training, and a translator and interpreter training course, you will start using your language skills to assist communications. Your knowledge of local customs, courtesies and traditions will also help in building local communities.

As a Guard Interpreter/Translator, you will receive:

  • A signing bonus
  • Expedited U.S. citizenship (if needed)
  • Training in English
  • Entry into military service with a higher rank—and at higher pay
  • All the other great benefits the Guard offers

Some of the duties of Interpreter/Translators may include:

  • Interpreting conversations among Soldiers and members of the local community
  • Advising commanders on cultural issues during interactions with foreign officials
  • Assisting the Public Affairs Office during local media events
  • Using your language and cultural expertise to support military check points
  • Translating materials from English to the select language and vice versa
  • Assisting a military contracting officer with local purchases

We are looking for expertise in any foreign language. But at this time, the following Afghan languages are our top priority:

  • Dari
  • Pashto
  • Farsi

Training

Job training for an Interpreter/Translator requires you to demonstrate proficiency of English and a foreign language. You may need to attend English language training at Ft. Jackson prior to attending  Basic Combat Training Basic Combat Training:
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values.X (BCT). The length of your stay will depend on how well you speak and understand English. Once you have successfully completed this, you will attend ten weeks of BCT where you will learn the basic skills necessary to become a Soldier.

Immediately following BCT, you will attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where you will learn the skills to successfully assist with checkpoint operations, medical support, VIP Escort, contract negotiations and more.

Cryptologic Linguist (MOS 35P)

The Cryptologic Communications Interceptor/Locator, also known as a Cryptologic Linguist, is able to read and understand other languages, and is primarily responsible for detecting and identifying foreign communications using signals equipment. Cryptologic Linguists translate written and spoken foreign-language material and broadcasts, making sure to preserve the original meaning, while scanning for key words and indicators. They may also question prisoners of war, enemy deserters and civilian informers in their native languages.

Job training for a Cryptologic Linguist requires ten weeks of  Basic Combat Training Basic Combat Training:
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values.X (BCT) and three to 80 weeks of Initial Entry training. Soldiers who don't possess foreign language fluency will attend foreign language training at the Defense Language Institute for six to 18 months prior to attending Advanced Individual Training Advanced Individual Training:
(AIT) Following Basic Training, Soldiers attend AIT to learn a military job skill. Depending on the specialty, training ranges from 1 month to 1 year.X. While at AIT, some of the skills you'll learn are:

  • Interrogation (questioning) methods
  • Analysis of foreign communications for information to support mission reporting requirements
  • Procedures for handling classified information
  • Use and care of communications equipment

Turn your skills into a career

The skills you'll learn as either a Linguist or Interpreter/Translator will help prepare you for a future with government agencies, law enforcement, embassies, universities and companies that conduct business overseas. You could also pursue a career as a government service executive, where you might be involved in determining and formulating policies, providing overall direction of federal, state, local or international government activities.

After serving as an Interpreter/Translator or Linguist, you'll be prepared for a leadership position in any career path that you pursue. Use your knowledge of a foreign language and culture to serve America in a critical role.