Interpreters and Translators

Background

Some members of the military must be able to read and understand the many languages of the world. Information from foreign language newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts is important to the nation's defense. Interpreters and translators usually specialize in a particular foreign language. Interpreters and translators convert written or spoken foreign languages into English or other languages. 

What They Do

Interpreters and translators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Interview prisoners of war, enemy deserters, and civilian informers in their native languages
• Prepare written reports about the information obtained
• Record foreign radio transmissions using sensitive communications equipment
• Translate foreign books and articles describing foreign equipment and construction techniques
• Translate foreign documents, such as battle plans and personnel records
• Translate written and spoken foreign language material to and from English, making sure to preserve the original meaning

Physical Demands

Normal hearing and the ability to speak clearly and distinctly are usually required to enter this career.

Special Requirements

Fluency in a foreign language is required to enter most specialties within this career.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in reading and writing
• Interest in working with people
• Talent for foreign languages

Helpful School Subjects

Helpful school subjects include:

• Communications
• Foreign languages
• Speech

Helpful Fields of Study

No information available.

Work Environment

Interpreters and translators normally work on military bases, aboard ships, or in airplanes.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for enlisted personnel.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of seven to 20 weeks of classroom instruction including practice in interpretation. Training length varies depending on specialty. Longer training is necessary for specialties that do not require foreign language fluency prior to entry. For these specialties, foreign language training for 6 to 12 months is provided.

Course content typically includes:

• Interrogation (questioning) methods
• Procedures for preparing reports
• Use and care of communications equipment

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian interpreters and translators work for government agencies, embassies, universities, and companies that conduct business overseas. Their work is similar to the work of military interpreters and translators.

Related Civilian Careers

• Interpreters and Translators

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 8,000 interpreters and translators. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new interpreters and translators due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, interpreters and translators work under the direction of more experienced workers and supervisors. With experience, they work more independently. In time, interpreters and translators may become directors of translation for large bases.