1. How to Employ an Interpreter LtCol Andrew Vellenga UNCLASSIFIED//REL TO NATO/ISAF

2. 1.Categories / Considerations 2.Preparatory Phase 3.Execution Phase 4.Follow-up Phase 5.Questions Outline

3. Categories / Considerations 1.Category I: Usually hired locally Require vetting Used for basic interpretation for activities 2.Category II: U.S. citizens with a secret clearance Possess good oral and written communication skills Limited availability 3.Category III: U.S. citizens with a top secret clearance Possess excellent oral and written communication skills Scarce commodity 4.Considerations Remember to practice OPSEC Language skill of the interpreter

4. Preparatory Phase 1.Get to know the interpreter Background Education-level Predispositions 2.Provide material in advance / Prep him Complex terminology Develop emergency retrograde signals 3.Treat like one of your own Respect Emergency Action Plan 4.Study the target language The more you learn, the better off you will be

5. Execution Phase 1.Introduce interpreter to your audience/counterpart Respect Displays credibility and value in your interpreter 2.Avoid military jargon and complex terminology If unavailable, thorough preparation 3.Address your audience/counterpart; not your interpreter Proximity to interpreter is important 4.Speak slowly, clearly, and in logical “bites” If it is difficult to memorize in English, it’s even harder to interpret into a second language

6. 1.Debrief your interpreter Find out what he took away from the meeting Atmospherics about the audience 2.Keep the same interpreter if at all possible Obviates need to continue to retrain (terminology, technical subjects, etc.) 3.Keep a detailed turnover log about your Afghan counterpart/s Will greatly assist your successor

7. Questions?