Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jessika Greendeer | Spc. Mohamed Dawoud, an interpreter/translator assigned to Headquarters and...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott
8th Military Police Brigade
BAGHDAD – Although words are not necessary for kind gestures, communication on the battlefield between coalition forces and local nationals is paramount for the success of rebuilding Iraq.
Due to the time, energy and resources used to conduct operations throughout the country of Iraq, there is one aspect for every mission that remains a constant since 2006 – the use of interpreters.
For Spc. Mohamed Dawoud, an interpreter assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 8th Military Police "Watchdog" Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and a native of New Jersey, the answer was clear when making the decision to join the Army.
"I joined the Army because I love this country, I will do anything for it, fight for it and help the nation because they have helped me so much," said Dawoud.
Not only was Dawoud's love of country his motivation, but to direct him into the career field of his choice was based upon his sympathy for a mother who lost her son.
"I was watching television and this lady was crying because she lost her son," He said. "Her son died because he did not understand the cultures and customs here. I want to inform everyone about what they can and cannot do here, to keep themselves safe."
With his motivation for the job and dedication to his country, Dawoud starts his day like every Soldier. After conducting physical training and personal hygiene, he sits down in front of his television to watch Arabic news outlets to stay informed with what is going on within his area of operations.
After reading the news on the internet and watching television he briefs his team about the various events happening or information for situational awareness.
"When we go on mission, I am prepared so in the event we need to stop, I can get out of the vehicle and talk to people to find out what the situation may be," He said. "I carry a loudspeaker so that if I need to talk to a large group of people I can do that."
Dawoud also translates for the squad as they are moving to their various destinations. If he notices new signs or graffiti, he will alert the team of what it may say in the event of danger ahead for the squad.
After arriving at their destination, Dawoud will either assist his squad members with their objectives or he will translate for the brigade leadership during meetings.
"I have to walk a fine line and pay attention to not only the words spoken, but also to the body language and gestures that our made," he said. "If I don't, I am not doing a good job and the true meaning of what is being said will be lost."
When Dawoud returns from mission he also translates documents needed for other sections of the brigade that they may have obtained from their missions and objectives.
"In my opinion, I believe that we could not do our mission without interpreters like Dawoud," said Master Sgt. Mike "Top" Barnes, the Police Transition Team non-commissioned officer in charge and a native of Elmira, N.Y. "With our mission we rely heavily on them for translation of documents as well as for our conversations with the Iraqi police officials. Their expertise allows us to carry out our brigade commander's intent and vision without losing anything in translation."
The days that Dawoud is not on mission, he conducts culture briefings for Soldiers.
"I also give briefings for the unit so that all Soldiers are aware of the cultures and customs for the area," he said. "Everyone needs to know everything about the Iraqi people and how the Iraqi government works. For example, when you see a female what and how are you going to say an Arabic word that will respectfully assure them to not offend them."
Dawoud, who previously served with the 18th MP Bde., has extended his tour with the 8th MP to provide continuity between both of the command teams.
"I'm proud of what I do," he added. "It doesn't matter when I go home because my family and friends are proud of me, I feel like I'm accomplished and I am very happy in my job."
| Date Taken: | 12.26.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.26.2008 08:48 |
| Story ID: | 28159 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 146 |
| Downloads: | 121 |
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