Cryptologic Linguist - Army National Guard

Our national security relies on information gathered from foreign language sources. As a Cryptologic Linguist in the Army National Guard, you will learn to interpret the words, intent, and tenor of these foreign communications, and present it to the people who need it the most. In this role, you will earn a security clearance and perform or supervise the detection, acquisition, geolocation, identification, and exploitation of foreign communications using specialized signals equipment.

Specific duties of the Cryptologic Linguist may include identification of foreign communications; categorizing signals by activity type; foreign communication analysis; recognizing changes in transmission modes and reporting the change; providing translation expertise to analysts; supporting Signals Intelligence tasking, reporting, and coordination; and providing transcriptions or translations of foreign communications.

Job Duties

• Identify and analyze foreign communications
• Recognize changes in transmission modes and tip the appropriate authority
• Provide translation expertise to analysts
• Provide transcripts and translations from foreign communications

Some of the 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

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

Earn While You Learn

More than any other branch of service, the Army National Guard offers a wide range of intelligence-related positions. Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to learn. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance and certifications.

Job training for a Cryptologic Linguist requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and three to 80 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Part of this time is 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 attending Advanced Individual Training. Completion of your initial entry training in the Army National Guard could also lead to additional college credit.