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Service Branches
Work Environment
Language officers normally work on military bases, aboard ships, or in airplanes.
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Military Status
Officer
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Average Military Salary
$82,183
Overview
Language officers participate in and provide supervision in various language translation and interpretation activities related to military and intelligence operations. They conduct interpretation of the target language to English and from English to the foreign language. They use appropriate phrasing in their interpretation to preserve successfully the meaning and intention of the original language. They perform interviews with non-English speakers, prepare reports, and translate written material.
Military Training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for language officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Language officers receive formal training in the development, sustainment, and enhancement of language skills, which often includes language immersion training. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Helpful Attributes
- Interest in reading and writing
- Interest in working with people
- Talent for foreign languages
Related Civilian Careers
- Interpreters and Translators
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