Army linguists translate and facilitate communication between military personnel and foreign language speakers. They may need to complete basic training and language education, and be fluent in multiple languages. Cryptographic linguists intercept and interpret foreign communications. Some linguists are hired on a contractual basis and must pass a background check. During war, linguists at the front may provide inaccurate information due to lack of triage.
Army linguists act as translators and facilitate communication between military personnel and individuals who speak foreign languages. Someone wanting to become an army linguist may have to enroll in the military before applying for a linguist position. In other cases, army units hire non-military personnel to act as linguists. If so, these individuals may need to have completed a foreign language degree.
Military training in many countries begins with basic training or boot camp during which new recruits must successfully complete a series of physical endurance tests. Someone who wants to become an army linguist must complete basic training and all written assessments that new recruits must complete. Subsequently, these people are required to spend a certain amount of time working as junior soldiers or soldiers before they can apply for specific jobs. In other cases, graduates may enlist as officers, in which case these individuals may take on linguist roles after completing basic training.
While many Army linguists translate face-to-face interactions, some Army units also employ cryptographic linguists who work in behind-the-scenes roles. These individuals are responsible for intercepting and interpreting foreign communications. In many cases, linguists are required to be fluent in multiple languages so that documents and recordings of conversations can be translated quickly without having to go through several different translators. Someone who wants to become an army linguist responsible for translating intercepts may have to complete at least one degree program in a foreign language. In other cases, army units simply hire foreign individuals to act as linguists and these individuals may not have to complete army training courses.
In addition to permanent staff, many military units hire civilian linguists on a contractual basis. Typically, these individuals are people who have completed language education or foreigners who can communicate in many different dialects. Just like military personnel, anyone wanting to become an army linguist must successfully pass a background check.
Many linguists are hired through formal hiring processes during peacetime, but military commanders also rely on translators at the front during war. These linguists are often well-educated people who live in close proximity to the fighting. These individuals usually receive cash and do not need specific academic credentials. Due to lack of triage, many battlefront linguists end up deliberately or inadvertently providing inaccurate information to commanders.
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