Language and Cultural Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Translate your skills into lifelong success.

 

The Army National Guard is looking for motivated individuals to become Language and Cultural Specialists. As a Specialist, you will be part of a team whose leaders will rely on your expertise in the regional culture and your fluency in an Arabic and/or Southwest Asian language or dialect to:

 

·  Interpret conversations among Soldiers and members of the local community;

·  Advise commanders on issues of cultural relevance during interactions with foreign officials and citizens;

·  Assist the Public Affairs Office during local media events;

·  Utilize language and cultural expertise to support military checkpoints;

·  Translate materials from English to the select language and vice versa; and

·  Assist a military contracting officer with local purchases.

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

You are eligible to join the Army National Guard if you meet the following criteria*:Have a high school diploma or GED Are between the ages of 17 and 42Physically, academically and legally qualify (must be a permanent resident card holder or US citizen)Can demonstrate basic reading, listening and speaking skills of the English language. 

 

*  Your recruiter will be able to tell you if you meet all the Guard’s enlistment criteria. 

 

 

If you qualify for Guard membership and are interested in the Language and Cultural Specialist program, you must exhibit fluency in at least one of the following languages or dialects:

 

·  Arabic (Algerian, Egyptian, Iraqi, Jordanian, Lebanese, Libyan, Modern Standard, Moroccan, Saudi, Sudanese, Syrian, Tunisian and/or Yemeni);

·  Kurdish (Behdini and/or Sorani);

·  Persian (Afghan and/or Iranian); or

·  Pushtu (Afghan and/or Pashto).

 

TRAINING

 

Individuals entering the Language and Cultural Specialist program may be required to attend English-language training to improve English language skills and to prepare mentally and physically for the next steps in becoming a Soldier.  Next you will attend nine weeks of Basic Training, where you learn essential skills all Soldiers must know.  Lastly, you must complete a six-week course on the fundamentals of translating and interpreting, before becoming a Language and Cultural Specialist.

 

 

BENEFITS

 

In appreciation of your dedicated service, we offer benefits that can improve life for you and your family.  These benefits include:

 Expedited U.S. citizenship (if applicable)Family medical and insurance benefits$15,000 enlistment bonusStudent loan repayment (up to $20,000 for existing student loans)Federal and State Tuition AssistanceQuick promotion through the first four Army ranksForeign language proficiency payUp to $288 a month to help pay for books and other college expenses401 (k)-type savings planEnglish language, translator and interpreter training

 

 

GUARD OVERVIEW

 

The Army National Guard is a unique organization with an important dual mission: To serve the state and the country.  In the local community, the Guard stands ready to serve during natural disasters like floods, hurricanes or wildfires.  Our members are also prepared to respond to humanitarian crises, peacekeeping and combat missions when the call comes. 

 

Members of the Language and Cultural Specialist program serve full time, domestically and abroad, for the first two years of their service.  After that initial two-year period, you may have the option to continue working in the Guard full time, or switch to part-time service.

 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, visit www.1-800-GO-GUARD.com/linguist and fill out the “Contact a Recruiter” form.  A recruiter will call you to answer your questions. 

 

Apply Here