In 2003, the Department of the Army directed the creation of the Military Occupational Specialty translator and interpreter, which is designated as 09L. A professional translator must have a comprehensive understanding of cultural backgrounds, languages, and motivations of both parties for whom they are translating. As of 2015, less than 50% of the available Translator and Interpreter Companies (TICO) language capabilities are being utilized. Also, training and career development for these Soldiers is spread across many different agencies and there is little interagency coordinating between these parties. For more information, visit the GoArmy.com website.

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