One of the most important geopolitical lessons learned from World War II was the value of military alliances and power projection. During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union utilized military alliances, strengthen allies, and empower revolutionaries in order to weaken the other side. Today, of course, when estimated worldwide military expenditures are close to $1.5 trillion annually, sizeable budgets are still allocated specifically to build alliances and thereby extend spheres of influence or combat the influence of terrorist organizations in specific regions. While military spending in this area is naturally down from Cold War levels it has been remained a staple of geopolitical strategies.
A significant portion of military spending goes towards military aid. The United States distributes over $13 billion in military aid alone each year. Presumably, the majority of this spending goes towards low-tech items, such as basic supplies, equipment, arms, and transportation. Though these items are basic, they often require the correct instruction in order to ensure proper use and maintenance. This, however, can be difficult to achieve when the aid recipient has no cognizance of the language. In order to ensure that military aid is being used in the most efficient and effective way possible, it is necessary to accurately translate all required information (such as operation manuals and guidelines) into the native language of the aid recipient.
Communication is not only vital for equipment operation, but also determines the performance of a platoon, army, and even multinational alliances. It is a well-known fact that military ties begin with a commitment to organization and understanding, as there has arguably never been a successful military alliance in which the parties didn’t communicate. To best coordinate action, each group needs to know what it is responsible for and what role it is supposed to play: this can only be accomplished through precise language translation. From basic field communication to massive, multi-national treaties, such as those pertaining to NATO – clear communication between all involved members is a key component for successful operations.
From stopping ballistic missiles to basic jeep repair and firearm maintenance, the ability to bridge linguistic boundaries is a precondition to properly manage military operations on a global scale. For all modern armies, communication across languages is essential, and while the army can train soldiers, it has to find professional experienced linguists. Fortunately, you don’t have to look any further; EVS Translations provides expert defense and military translations for more than 20 years. Our technical translators have extensive experience and are trained in industry-specific concepts and terminology unique to the military and defense industry, ensuring consistently accurate translation and localization of your documents.
Contact us today for a free quote: usa(at)evs-translations.com.
