‘Terps’ crucial to Iraqi training mission Published March 13, 2010 By Master Sgt. Kimberley Harrison U.S. AFCENT Combat Camera CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- U.S. Airman serving in the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Air Force have a tough objective to accomplish. Their mission is to "Train, Advise, and Assist" but how is that done when trying to train a foreign military that speaks a foreign language? One word: Interpreter. For six interpreters working with U.S. forces here, the distinction between the average local national who is hired because they are able to speak some English, and what these unique individuals perform is large. The mission of interpreters, more commonly referred to as "terps," is not the same and although finding fluent English-speaking interpreters is challenging, hiring terps who have knowledge about military operations is even harder.. "What we do here is not just interpretation for conversation," said Joe, one of the interpreters who has worked with U.S. and Coalition forces for five years. "That is a different job...any terp can do that. We must have extensive knowledge in the subject, whatever subject it is. " These particular terps could be considered the linchpin of the ITAM-AF's success. Although their experience is helpful and appreciated, it's the stability they provide between the different advisory teams who rotate in and out annually that makes a difference. "They (terps) provide additional continuity for us in case we have to question why the Iraqi airmen are doing something in a way not taught by the previous advisors," said Tech. Sgt. Chris Saffel, 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron ammunitions advisor from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. "We wouldn't be able to do our job without them." The terps are essential to the ITAM-AF mission not only because they can serve as cultural guides, if called upon, but as a crucial means of communication with the Iraqi Air Force airmen who may or may not speak English. John, another terp, is not only a communications engineer, but a retired, Iraqi Air Force general who is fluent in both Russian and English. He receives no increased pay or benefits despite his 20 years of military experience and education. His benefits are the same as someone just coming in off the street. John feels strong about what his peers do. "Our terps are unique," John said. "We have advanced knowledge and skill levels the other terps don't have." The skill levels of these experienced terps have been proven invaluable, especially in the aircraft-maintenance arena. "Most of the technical manuals are written in Russian," said Sergeant Saffel, an Aurora, Utah, native. "The manuals are used to teach the Iraqi airmen how to do their job. Without our terps, we wouldn't be able to train." Considering the Iraqi Air Force flies Russian-built Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters, it's easy to see why not all interpreters are the same. "Some people work with their hands," Joe said. "I use my mind every day to do my job." The average local-national terp would not be able to aid the ITAM-AF forces in translating the complex technical data for the Iraqi forces in a way that is understood. That in itself is difficult even for English-speaking Americans. "We have more experience and knowledge than most terps here about our job for the Iraqi Air Force," John said. "We have to not only understand English and be able to pass on information, but we have to put it in terms that are understood." A feat not an average terp could muster. There's a difference between interpreting for the sake of translating one language to another; or going into a village and communicating with local villagers; it's the extensive knowledge in multiple fields and the process of making one understand, all the while fearing for their lives and the lives of their families, which makes these terps stand out above the rest. "We've used their expertise a lot," Sergeant Saffel said. "They've been very supportive of us and our mission at great risk to their own safety." The terps who continue to work with U.S. forces while enduring continued pay reductions, limited base privileges, unpaid mandatory vacation days, and at great risk to themselves and their families are what could be viewed as the difference between a successful, well-trained Iraqi Air Force, or one still not ready to stand on its own to defend Iraq. "If it weren't for their desire and dedication to help, we wouldn't be able to successfully complete the mission," Sergeant Saffel said. Why do they continue to do it? John has been approached many times to return to active duty, and although he knows he would have better pay and benefits, he turns down the request because he likes being a civilian. "I like what I do and there are no jobs available downtown," both Joe and John said. "But I would work with ITAM-AF with no pay if I had to because I believe in what I'm doing is good for our country." When asked what will happen once the American forces have moved out of Iraq, Joe laughed stating he would help wash dishes for his wife. Until then, they wait. Editor's note: The names of the interpreters in this story have been altered for their protection.