Press Kit Archives

09L Interpreter/Translator Program

May 24, 2007

Background

The 09L (pronounced 09 Lima) Interpreter/Translator program was launched in February 2003, when the Army was tasked by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program that focused on recruiting native and heritage speakers of Arabic, Dari and Pushtu to meet critical foreign language requirements.
In February 2006, 09L became an official Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): 09L Interpreter/Translator. Their job is to support commanders as interpreters and translators in the field. The MOS 09L now recruits for Arabic, Kurdish, Dari, Pashtu, and Farsi.
The first class of 09Ls graduated from Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in March 2004.
About two-thirds of 09L participants are Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders), with the remainder entering the program as U.S. citizens.
There are approximately 450 AIT graduates and, to date, all have been mobilized to support military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. 100% support the Global War on Terrorism.
The annual recruiting mission for the 09L program is 250 Soldiers.

Requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

Be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.
Achieve a minimum score of 10 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test and a score of 2+ or higher on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in the required language. Applicants are also tested in English. If they are unable to reach the required level in English, they are sent to English language training prior to Basic Combat Training.
Complete a National Agency Check with a local records check and credit check, but are placed in positions that do not require a clearance.
Pass a counter-intelligence screening.

Benefits
A key benefit of the program is the high level of language skills and cultural familiarization that native speakers of Arabic, Kurdish, Dari, Pushtu and Farsi provide the Army at entry.

Signing bonus
Expedited path to citizenship: Most 09L Soldiers receive citizenship through the expedited citizenship program available to all service members.
Nation building: As native and heritage speakers, 09Ls also provide a level of cultural understanding and knowledge of local dialects critical to mission success.

Training

If necessary, up to six months of English language training at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (ELC) is available.
The 09L training path includes nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, followed by six weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, SC.

Languages and Dialects
The Army is currently recruiting for the following languages (and dialects):