Linguist - Part-time

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; foreign communication analysis; providing translation expertise to analysts; supporting Signals Intelligence tasking, reporting, and coordination; and providing transcriptions or translations of foreign communications.

Provide translation expertise to analysts

Provide transcripts and translations from foreign communications

Talent for foreign languages

Interest in speech, communications, and foreign languages

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.

More than any other branch of service, the Army National Guard offers a wide range of intelligence-related positions. 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.

Paid training

Earn a security clearance

Montgomery GI Bill

Retirement benefits for part-time service

Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)

Bonuses, if applicable

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, from $100 to $500 per month for your primary language depending on your level of proficiency, and up to $1000 total if you maintain proficiency in additional languages.

Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate

Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards

Intelligence