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Those who earn a master’s degree in translation have numerous career possibilities to choose from, so we like to highlight some of these opportunities on our blog. After you’ve completed our online or on-campus translation program, one notable option you can pursue is becoming a language translator for the .

Keep reading to learn more about translation studies for the military, what some of your responsibilities and expectations would entail, the courses that are well suited for this role, and more.

About the Military Translation Field

The military needs translators for a variety of positions, which can include those found in both the United States and abroad, making it easy for graduates to use their translation degrees in military roles.

As notes, those pursuing translation and interpretation careers in the military are expected to meet a number of requirements, including:

• Being highly focused so they can better understand what is being communicated in both languages
• Being able to express thoughts and ideas clearly
• Having strong research and analytical skills
• Being mentally dexterous with an exceptional memory
• Possessing excellent writing and editing skills

Some of the job responsibilities of military translation can include the following:

• Preparing translations between English and a foreign language for military purposes
• Preparing nontechnical translations and performing sight translations from the chosen language
• Translating covert and sensitive materials from one language to another
• Assisting soldiers with familiarization training in foreign languages
• Assisting soldiers with training in cultural awareness in key areas
• Assisting military personnel and contracting officers with local purchases, providing interpretation support as needed
• Offering interpretation assistance at military traffic control points
• Assisting security personnel in the screening of local citizens at any military checkpoints
• Offering interpretation assistance for media events, along with translating local newspapers and pamphlets

Your Role as a Military Translator

As a translator for the military, you will find yourself in numerous locations and facilities that civilian translators work within, though you can also be employed in military-specific positions within departments like community relations, intelligence gathering, and more.

You would also be deployed to duty stations throughout the world and, depending on your skills and particular areas of expertise, could find yourself in either a strategic or tactical position. Strategic translators are often assigned to offices, and tactical translators spend more time in the field.

Translation studies for military applications will provide the knowledge, tools, and skills you need to succeed as a military translator.

Security Clearances

Many translator, interpreter, and linguist jobs within the armed forces require background checks and security interviews to comply with top secret security clearance measures.

Once clearances are granted, translators who leave military service often move on to other roles where these clearances are valued and needed, such as the FBI, NSA, and other agencies and departments.

Our M.A. in Translation at Kent State

Students have the option to take our program on either a part-time or full-time basis, with options for either on-campus coursework or online coursework. Language concentrations offered include Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

All of our coursework plays a vital role in giving you the knowledge and skills you’ll need for a rewarding career, but some key courses that will aid you as a language translator for military purposes include:

• Documents in Multilingual Contexts (2 credits)
• Intercultural Communication in the Language Industry (3 credits)
• Terminology and Computer Applications (3 credits)
• Commercial, Legal, and Diplomatic Translation (3 credits)

Be sure to visit our M.A. in translation coursework page to see a detailed breakdown of all classes within the program.

FAQs on Translation Studies for the Military

How are translation studies for the military defined?

Translation studies for the military combine the methodologies, theories, and practices of translating military-related texts. This training is used to facilitate effective communication for the allied forces in diverse contexts.

What role does translation play in military operations?

Military translation plays an extremely crucial role in military operations by providing the foundations and skills to enable communication and cooperation within multinational forces. Some examples include the exchange of intelligence, dispersal of instructions and training materials, and diplomatic negotiations. 

What are the key challenges in translating military texts?

There are a variety of challenges posed by military translation including complex terminology, working with classified information, mastering cultural nuances, adhering to time constraints, and maintaining accuracy. In this role, accuracy and precision are particularly crucial to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations that could lead to serious consequences.

How does military translation address the issue of confidentiality?

The importance of confidentiality is well covered during translation studies for the military. Translation studies address confidentiality by emphasizing the importance of security protocols, encryption methods, secure communication channels, and adherence to clearance requirements. 

What research areas are relevant to military translation?

Translation studies for military purposes teach a variety of skills that are pivotal to the success of a military translator. Some of the areas of research include cross-cultural communication, cognitive processes in translation, specialized terminology management, language policy, and the integration of translation into military operations. 

How can proper military translation improve communication?

Translation studies for the military improve communication and collaboration among military forces by providing insights into effective translation strategies, language training programs, terminology standardization, intercultural competence development, and the integration of translation technologies into military systems. 

Interested in a Career in Military Translation? Apply to Our Program Today!

To get to work on your master’s in translation so you can go on to provide language translation for the armed forces, to our team with any questions or .

We look forward to hearing from you!