Russian Holidays - Military Translator Day

The profession of military translator existed long before it was given official status. For the first time, the title “military translator” appeared in the Soviet Union after the signing of the Decree of May 21, 1929. More than a decade passed before military translators had a professional holiday. It was first celebrated in 2000. This year, on May 21, the VIIIA Alumni Club met. Former students of the Military Institute of Languages ​​were the first to celebrate this holiday. All translators are career military officers. They obey the Charter, march and salute. At first glance, it is not a very dangerous profession, but the translator knows how to handle weapons and knows everything that a fighter should know. The history of professional translators began with the embassy order and interpreters. The order was responsible for the ability to communicate with foreign ambassadors. In war, opponents also could not do without communication, and prisoners must be interrogated by a person who knows the language. The historical and geographical position of Russia has determined the importance of accurate translation when communicating with foreign guests. Throughout the 16th-17th centuries, professional interpreters were used both in diplomatic relations and in military campaigns. Moreover, when teaching the nobility, foreign languages ​​were considered a compulsory subject. Only after access to the Black Sea and the beginning of the Crimean Wars does the need for officers who speak languages ​​arise. The Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs began to train translators for the army and navy at the end of the nineteenth century. The first students were recruited only from guards units. Officers were trained in Oriental and French languages ​​and law. English was included in the program in 1907. At the turn of the 20th century, the Oriental Institute opened, where only officers could study. The main direction is oriental studies, English and French languages. The institute could not cope with the flow of applicants, so officer language courses began to open at district headquarters. A series of events that shook the empire disrupted the preparation process. Only in the year 20, the Eastern Department was created, which began to train translators for service in the East. Officers were taught Oriental and English languages ​​and special subjects. The Great Patriotic War accelerated the process of creating a specialized educational institution for the military. In 1942, the Military Institute of Foreign Languages ​​was created. The translators made an invisible, at first glance, but significant contribution to the overall Victory. More than two and a half thousand officers were awarded orders and medals. Currently, the Military University trains specialists in 26 foreign languages. Future translators are trained in ten departments and nine courses. The university trains professionals who are able not only to translate any text, but also to carry out simultaneous translation. Each translator is fluent in several languages ​​and understands military specifics. Officers are involved in solving various tasks: training foreign officers, assisting Russian advisers abroad, translating specialized literature into other languages, and so on. During combat operations, it is necessary not only to translate the exact meaning of the enemy’s words, but also to understand the general meaning, based on an analysis of the situation. Every military translator can understand the operational and tactical situation. Few people know about the existence of such a profession. The more valuable the congratulations are. On this day, we congratulate all active specialists and veterans on their professional holiday. Let your thought be sharp and your word precise!