35P Cryptologic Linguist

About the role

As a Cryptologic Linguist in the Army National Guard, you will interpret foreign communications and present the meaning, intent, and tenor to decision-makers. You will earn a security clearance and perform or supervise the detection, acquisition, geolocation, identification, and exploitation of foreign communications using specialized signals equipment.

Duties

• Identify and analyze foreign communications
• Categorize signals by activity type
• Recognize changes in transmission modes and tip the appropriate authority
• Provide translation expertise to analysts
• Support Signals Intelligence tasking, reporting, and coordination
• Provide transcripts and translations from foreign communications

Skills you'll learn

• Identifying foreign communications from an assigned geographic area
• Analyzing foreign communications to support missions
• Procedures for handling classified information and preparing reports

Helpful skills

• Talent for foreign languages
• Interest in speech, communications, and foreign languages
• Ability to work as a team member
• Enjoy reading and writing

Training

Job training requires 10 weeks of Basic Training and three to 80 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT), with part of this time spent in the classroom and part in the field. Soldiers who don't possess foreign language fluency will attend foreign language training at the Defense Language Institute for six to 18 months prior to AIT. Completion of your initial entry training could also lead to additional college credit.

Career path

Through your training, you will develop skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career as a translator for government agencies, embassies, universities, and companies that conduct business overseas.

Benefits

• Paid training
• Monthly paycheck
• Earn a security clearance
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000 for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable

Pay

Most non-prior service candidates will initially earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change. As a 35P, you will earn additional pay each month for maintaining your language proficiency: $100 to $500 per month for your primary language depending on proficiency level, and up to $1,000 total if you maintain proficiency in additional languages.

Requirements

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)
• Requires military enlistment