The "Terps"

At first, you think that using the word "Terp" about another person could be derogatory. In my experience, any time that you abbreviate a title, it may make someone mad. "Doc" for a real doctor and "Sarge" for a Sergeant are examples where I know that some people will bristle when they are used. An interpretor in Afghanistan calls himself a Terp. It's a badge of honor and an indicator that we are dealing with a professional. While some of them are more outgoing and friendlier than others; all are respectful and willing to work in conditions that most Americans can only imagine.
An interpretor here is more than a mere translator. In the field he becomes the constant companion to the embedded trainers (ETT) assigned to this command. They pull their weight in manual labor and other work. They are attentive to to the defense of the team, and are providers of invaluable advice. They are also excellent monitors of cultural shifts that our American advisers wouldn't notice and they can help resolve a situation before it becomes messy. Without the right ones we would not be capable of being viewed as an ally to the soldiers in the Afghan National Army (ANA).
By the standards of this area, they are paid well. By our standards they are not paid anywhere near enough to risk their lives and those of their families and friends for what they do. If an ETT is assigned to a month-long stint at a forward position in the mountains overlooking the Pakistan border; his Terp is with him. Sharing a fighting position and going on patrol just like a soldier in his army. During one extended firefight recently, the Terps were carrying water, food and ammunition up steep mountains from the supply drop to the American and Afghan Soldiers who could not leave the fight to obtain their own supplies. In short, if the American ETT is doing a job, the Terp will more than likely be sharing the load.
Frequently, they are the targets of anti-coalition threats and violence. They receive warnings from the Taliban regarding their affiliation with us and other coalition forces. One of their protections is to avoid being seen near our facilities or in our vehicles. The younger ones pretty much live with the ANA and only visit relatives occasionally. The more mature Terps and those with families will not wear western style clothing or use government vehicles near their homes. It's kind of like a cop who lives in a rough neighborhood; the less his neighbors know bout him, the better.
As in any group, there are those that should not be here. Few of those will last long. Pretty much, the entire group is dedicated the advancement of this country in the eyes of the international community. They view us as welcome guests in their country and are actively participating in the pacification process here. In my book they have proven to be an outstanding group of unsung heroes.

Sarmajor