Army begins process to hire local Iraqi translators
Army News Service
Release Date: 6/23/2003
By Staff Sgt. Craig Pickett June 23, 2003
TIKRIT, Iraq (Army News Service, June 23, 2003) -- The U.S. Army needs translators throughout Iraq and Titan, a Virginia-based company, will soon help the Army and its need for communication in the Al Salah Din province.
At the same time, women will be introduced into the workforce, which is a monumental step in this ultra-conservative community.
Mark Groder, a representative with Titan, recently spoke with members of the English department at the University of Tikrit. He explained to the students and staff his company would be hiring both male and female translators.
Almost half of the 200 students in the English department attended the meeting which was coordinated by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Berger, detachment sergeant with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, from Belton, Mo.
Through Berger's efforts, women were invited to the application process.
"No one has ever come to the university and said this is who we want," said Berger speaking of approaching the women.
He explained the women are looking for the most discreet way to help the Americans. Many feel they would be persecuted if they were seen working alongside U.S. soldiers.
"There seems to be a certain reluctance to work for the military; there seems to be a fear," said Groder. People in other towns, like Kirkuk, Baghdad and Mosul are much more receptive to the prospect of working with the military, he said.
Berger's solution is to have the women work at a neutral location and only translate documents. Documents, such as police manuals, could be dropped off by female members of the 418th and could then be translated at the female students' leisure.
Groder tried to make it clear Titan was hiring for these positions, and the Army was not recruiting. Berger said it was important that the students understand they will be working for and being paid by Titan, not the Army.
For their efforts, Titan will pay $250 per month for the students' services, male or female. Groder said their pay could even increase as the Iraqi Dinar gains strength in the world economy.
Before they can earn their first dollar, though, they must go through a two-step selection process. The first step is an application with questions pertaining to personal information, education and desired work location.
Once the application is filled out, an oral interview is conducted in English. At this point more questions are asked to determine the student's level of proficiency. Also the prospective employees are given a short written scenario to read. Once it has been read, the interviewer asks a series of questions to see how well they interpreted it.
The next phase is a formal security check. Once they pass this hurdle, Titan will hire them and issue an official photo badge and their service can begin.
Most will begin in document translation, said Groder. Then as they become more proficient, they will work as interpreters with soldiers.
Migdaam Hossan Ali does not mind. The 23 year-old student feels working with documents in the beginning will help him pick up our accent.
"We learn proper English as they speak in London," said Ali. "Americans speak very fast and your accent is very difficult."
Another student, Muharad, said he hopes to be a teacher. He is not concerned about working for the Army and sees it as an opportunity to become a better speaker, bringing him one step closer to his goal.
Berger explained to the students that the Army needed their help. The future translators and interpreters will be a vital link between the military and organizations trying to rebuild Iraq. Berger told the group of students that it will be up to them to help bridge the communication gap.
(Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Craig Pickett is a journalist with the 350th MPAD, part of the 4th Infantry Division in Iraq)
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