Journeys Through Service

Training to Translate

Seeking adventure, Adam found a role he loves, leveraging his language skills to keep his team safe.

Meet Adam

Cryptologic Linguist

The Decoder

Cryptologic linguists like Army Staff Sergeant Adam Krauland use language skills to intercept, translate and analyze communications between adversaries and others, which are crucial for identifying risks and keeping people safe.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Language Analyst, Intelligence Analyst, Translator/Interpreter

BRANCH

Army

RANK

Staff Sergeant

Adam’s Journey at a Glance

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Detects and analyzes any communications that are outside the ordinary

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Summarizes intelligence from the field to inform local commanders and Army missions

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Leads Soldiers both in and out of the field, helping them build successful futures

What Led Adam to the Military

The Spark

The Spark

Felt antsy with his routine as a data analyst for a car company. Desired adventure, pushing him to make a change.

The Drive

The Drive

Wanted to step outside his comfort zone, so traded routine for momentum and chose a role that challenges him in all the right ways.

The Decision

The Decision

Found all the sought-after ingredients in the Army’s cryptologic linguist role: elite education, travel opportunities and meaningful work.

“I started looking through the different jobs, and I saw cryptologic linguist. I was like, ‘Man, this is awesome! I can see the world; they’ll teach me a language at the best possible school. Sign me up.’”

What Adam Does on the Job

“As cryptologic linguists, we go tactical on the front line with recon. That is what I do.”

adam sets up his monitoring equipment

Susses Out Signals

Listens for radio frequency activity coming from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.

A service member stands in a snowy landscape holding a tablet, with a communications device on his back.

Locates and Flags Threats

Monitors radio waves to flag irregular transmissions so that teams get critical intel fast.

adam sits with a colleague in conversation

Keeps Gear in Shape

Ensures equipment is maintained and ready for whatever the mission requires.

Want to Decode Like Adam?

You can work in the field searching for mission intel or in an office setting using foreign language skills to translate and analyze communications.

Get the Full Breakdown

Adam’s Top-Tier Training and Development

Signals Intelligence

Trains to work in secured facilities, write intel reports and analyze data

Readiness

Practices movement, mission execution and survival in extreme environments

Specialized Schools

Attends courses to learn skills like parachute jumps and mountain warfare

Leadership

As a noncommissioned officer (NCO), develops junior Soldiers for the next career step

What is an NCO?

00:00 00:00

“They’re not just giving orders.” From the Basic Leader Course to leading others, Adam shares how NCOs become the trusted backbone of their unit.

Off the Clock, Still Connected

Adam makes the most of his time in Alaska, from skiing and climbing to quieter moments spent reading or practicing guitar. He has a strong community as well, sharing a home with a close friend from work who has become someone he can count on in and out of uniform.

 

 

 

 

 

“My [current] roommate moved to Alaska a year after I did, and we immediately became good friends. Working together [in the Military], we’re used to relying on each other, so our bond is much deeper.”

Ready for the Road Ahead

Future-Proofing

  • A degree in Chinese from a top language school
  • A guaranteed pipeline for technical skills
  • A habit of embracing challenges head-on

Life-Shaping

  • A calling as a leader
  • Community, perspective, confidence
  • Military-backed funding for grad school

 

 

“Even if you did just four years, I think that would be valuable. You learn a lot of communication styles, meet different leaders and learn how to be successful in a workplace, all without the financial burden.”

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