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Combat Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... in both combat and non-combat scenarios. Key tasks include program management, application ... Guide the development team in interpreting and applying DoD cybersecurity policies, NIST RMF ...

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Fort Polk is the only Combat Training Center that also trains and deploys combat units. Fort Polk ... Preliminary interpretation of imaging studies to include CAT scans; Direct medical care through ...

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Combat Interpreter information

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$29.5K

$65.7K

$71K

How much do combat interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat interpreter in the United States is $65,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a combat interpreter?

Combat interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between military personnel and local populations or allied forces in conflict zones by translating spoken and written language. They play a crucial role in ensuring accurate exchange of information during military operations, negotiations, and intelligence gathering. Combat interpreters often work in high-pressure, dangerous environments and must have a strong understanding of both languages and cultural nuances to prevent misunderstandings. Their contributions are vital for mission success, building trust, and ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a combat interpreter?

To thrive as a Combat Interpreter, you need fluency in relevant languages (such as Arabic, Pashto, Dari, etc.), strong listening and comprehension abilities, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with military communication protocols, secure radio systems, and sometimes security clearance or interpreter certifications are commonly required. Cultural sensitivity, emotional resilience, and effective interpersonal communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure accurate and secure communication in high-stress, mission-critical environments, directly impacting operational success and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by combat interpreters in the field?

Combat Interpreters often encounter high-pressure situations where accurate and timely communication is critical. They must quickly translate complex military terminology and cultural nuances, sometimes amid noisy, stressful, or even dangerous environments. Building trust with both military personnel and local populations is essential, and interpreters frequently need to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality and neutrality can be challenging but is crucial for mission success and personal safety.

What is the difference between Combat Interpreter vs Military Translator?

AspectCombat InterpreterMilitary Translator
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, security clearance, interpretation certificationsLanguage proficiency, translation certifications, security clearance
Work EnvironmentOn the ground with military units, in combat zonesIn military offices, remote locations, or field settings
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense contractors, government agenciesMilitary, defense contractors, government agencies

Both Combat Interpreters and Military Translators require language skills, security clearances, and work within military or defense settings. The main difference lies in their roles: Combat Interpreters actively facilitate communication during operations, often in combat zones, while Military Translators focus on translating written documents or communications in more controlled environments.

How to become a combat interpreter?

To become a combat interpreter, candidates typically need fluency in at least two languages, relevant military or security clearance, and specialized training in military protocols and cultural awareness. Many employers also require prior interpretation experience and proficiency with communication tools used in military environments.
More about Combat Interpreter jobs
Infographic showing various Combat Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,716 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC T32 with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Florence, AZ • On-site

$25.25 - $31.25/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 493 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties This position is located at FMS4 & UTES in Florence, Arizona. The purpose of this position is to perform maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, inspection, and/or overhaul of a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, and special purpose vehicles and equipment. THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. Requirements Conditions of employment * ARIZONA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. Prior to appointment into this position, selectee must be a current member of the Arizona Army National Guard, in a military organization supported by the FMS 4 and UTES. * This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement. * Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. * Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. * Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement. * Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. * Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. * May be required to successfully complete a trial period. * Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. * Incumbent must possess and maintain a current unrestricted, excluding glasses, state and military driver's license. * Irregular (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day. * Applicants in the grades of E-8, E-9, and W-1 must possess at least a Secret Security Clearance. * Rank availability dependent on each maintenance facility. Maximum rank may be lower based on specific shop requirements. * Duty location will be determined by applicant city location selection and maintenance facility manning needs. Applicant's shop will be determined by selecting official. * Must possess or be able to obtain required GCSS (Global Combat Support System} -Army certification within 15 days of hire date. Must be able to maintain access to GCSS-Army. * Must possess and maintain access to the Arizona Army National Guard computer network (NIPR) and required systems. This position requires constant domain access. * Shop locations: FMS 4 and UTES, Florence, Maricopa, AZ. * Please note this open until fill announcement may close at any time in the event that all vacancies are filled. Qualifications Military Grades: Enlisted: E-3/PFC to E-9/SGM/CSM Warrant Officer Candidate: WOC Warrant Officer: WO1/W-1 Compatible Military Assignments: Must possess or be able to obtain Enlisted: 12, 13, 14, 19, 25, 88, 91, 92, & 94 Series Warrant Officer Candidate: 09W Warrant Officer: 12, 13, 14, 19, 25, 91, 92, 94, & 882A SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : WG-5801-08: Must possess at least 12 months experience or training using common hand and power tools and a small variety of test and measurement devices to make mechanical repairs. Experience removing, adjusting, replacing, cleaning, and installing a variety of parts, components, and accessories. Experience which demonstrates a basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic theory applying to vehicles; and skill to replace, fit, install, and make adjustments. Experience demonstrating an understanding of the makeup and operation of the various individual systems maintained and their interrelationships. Experience reading and interpreting parts lists, manufactures' repair manuals, diagrams, and electrical schematics. WG-5801-10: Must possess at least 18 months experience or training leading to a thorough knowledge of the mechanical makeup, operation, and working relationships of complex systems, assemblies, and parts for a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Ability to diagnose, repair, overhaul, and modify a variety of combat, tactical, commercial, special purpose vehicles, and equipment. Knowledge of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other non-mechanical systems that have a functional relationship and effect on the operation of mechanical systems. Knowledge of hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning systems and their mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic controls. Basic knowledge of electronics, sufficient to identify and replace defective components, such as sensors, diodes, and circuit boards. Ability to repair or overhaul major components such as diesel, multi-fuel or gasoline engines, turbine engines, automatic and manual transmissions, drive line assemblies, electrical and electronic systems and accessories, fuel injection systems, and emission control systems. Education You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position. Additional information If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ).

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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