Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/23/2009

Question
Hello

    I am going to be deployed to Iraq to work with military as a civilian interpreter. I will be going soon for my processing, training and counter intelligence interviews in Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia. I will be going as CAT II.

Do I have the choice to work with army, navy, marines or Special Forces?
Is there a chance to choose? What should I answer them if they asked me for my preference about the branch of military?

Is army considered the safest branch to work with? How do you rank all branches in terms of the danger against me or the unit that I will be working with?

Should I try to know from them anything specific before actual deployment takes place?

Are interpreters allowed to cover their head or face when they are out in missions dealing with Iraqi civilians?

My recruiter said: I will not be able to know the location where I will be placed in Iraq until I arrive to Kuwait, and from there interpreters will be dispersed as needed.  

Answer
Fars,
You're correct, after you arrive in Kuwait then they'll tell you exactly where you are needed.  I haven't heard of an interpreter being given a choice, however if there is a choice the Army or the Marines would be my last choice as far as danger goes.  You may end up on patrol questioning civilians and come under attack.  In our daily intelligence reports we often read where an Army person and his civilian interpreter were killed.  Air Force and Navy are the safest because you'll usually work out of a fixed location translating documents, or if you're proficient enough you may be a simultaneous interpreter at meetings, etc.  The briefings you'll receive before departing the U.S. are very informative and comprehensive.  If you have any questions at all, that's the time to ask them.
Good luck and thanks for your service.
Colonel Howell