Now we're talking

10.28.2006

Story by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky 

Joint Readiness Training Center

by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
Joint Readiness Training Center PAO

Imagine traveling thousands of miles to a foreign land where no one speaks your language, where the customs, weather, environment and mannerisms are all alien. Thankfully, for members of the Afghan National Army who came to Fort Polk, La, to train at the Joint Readiness Training Center, there was a helping hand, or more precisely mouth; interpreters.

While they don't were the camouflage uniform of the soldiers, Afghan interpreters tend to blend in and get overlooked. However, Hassan Wilson, a native Afghan who has been interpreting for two years between American and Afghan forces, said their role is vital.

"What we do is very important," he said.

Without proper translation, Wilson said orders can be misinterpreted, which can cost lives and ruin missions the ANA conducts in Afghanistan with Coalition Forces.

Training for such missions, which the ANA and ANP are doing at JRTC, the Army's premier training center, would not be as effective without interpreters, Wilson said.

"We help them (other Afghans) understand the concept (being trained) so they don't make mistakes," he said.

Fellow Afghan interpreter, Imram Mohamad Rasul, agreed.

"The ANA are getting good training here they've never done before, learning new stuff with the U.S. Army," he said. "They like the different training, but can't speak any English, so we (interpreters) try to do our best to help them learn."

Learning as much as possible is vital to success against the Taliban, said Rasul, who has been interpreting for a year.

Just as the ANA and ANP are dedicated to helping their countrymen, so are the interpreters, which is why Wilson said another key part of their job is teaching Americans about the Afghan culture and habits. While American Soldiers are teaching the Afghans about weapons, equipment, tactics, techniques and procedures, interpreters help the Americans learn about Afghan culture and simple phrases in their language.

"We try to teach them (American Soldiers) simple commands, like stop, that can help them out while in Afghanistan," Rasul said.

While they may not carry rifles, explosives or other combat gear, in a war in which winning the hearts and minds of people is as equally important as defeating terrorists, interpreters still play a vital role, Wilson said.

By helping their countrymen learn as much as they can while they train at JRTC, Wilson and Rasul said they are helping also helping the Afghan people at home.

"There is a need for us in Afghanistan," Wilson said. "So we have to help out here."

• Date Taken: 10.28.2006
• Date Posted: 10.28.2006 11:46
• Story ID: 8165