The Arab World Newspaper
The US army and the 09 Lima program had invited the Arab Media for a
three days visit to Fort Jackson in South Carolina from 4-6 march
2009.
The main reason behind the invitation is to get the Arabic media
support in spreading the word of the construction and rebuilding
efforts which are done by the US army in Iraq and other places. More
importantly is the 09 Lima program which is designed to prepare Army
personnel for conducting interpretation (oral) and preparing
translations (written) between English and a foreign language, as
well assisting in unit foreign language & cultural awareness
familiarization training. 09L Soldiers specialize in a number of
Middle-Eastern languages.
The media group was hosted at Columbo’s Hotel , where they met with
officials and guides. The journalists had a chance to visit the
120th. AG Battalion and Rappel Training, where they witnessed actual
training and visited the classes of 09 Lima program. In addition
they observed a 09 L graduation ceremony of a group of soldiers.
On March 5. 2009, the Army invited the media for a dinner hosted by
Maj.Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, who welcomed his guests and talked about
his experience in Iraq; adding that not knowing the country’s
language and customs are the worst things which faced our troops in
Iraq… And that was the reason behind the idea of initiating the 09
Lima program in 2003. Maj. Gen. Bostick applauded the success and
achievements of the 09 lima graduates, who are doing a great job in
Iraq, they are helping in communication between the army officers ,
soldiers and the Iraqi people, they are helping their fellow
American soldiers to understand the Arab culture and customs and
playing a major rule in facilitating the communication with Iraqi
authorities and tribal leaders.
Maj. Gen. Bostick talked about the rebuilding efforts in Iraq
ranging from building bridges, roads, power plants, schools,
hospital, water treatments plants and communication centers.
If you are interested ,the 09 Lima program aims to employ 70.000
Arabic speakers ( US citizens and green card holders) to assist the
US Army in its operations in the middle east.
Candidate is required you to demonstrate proficiency of English and
a foreign language. You may be required to attend English language
training at Ft. Jackson prior to attending Basic Combat Training
(BCT). The length of your stay will depend on the level of your
English language proficiency. Once you have successfully completed
this, you must attend and successfully complete nine weeks of BCT
where you will learn the basic skills necessary to become a Soldier.
Immediately following BCT you will attend Advanced Individual
Training (AIT). While at AIT, you will learn the specific skills
required to successfully perform Interpreter support in the
following areas: Checkpoint Operations, Medical support, Locally
Employed Personnel Screening, Training Host-Nation Forces, VIP
Escort, Contract Negotiations, and Cultural Awareness. Great
opportunity and benefits are available for you.
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