§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is regarding the use of non-military interpreters; what training is provided for non-military interpreters before deployment; and if he will make a statement. [161282]
§ Mr. IngramBoth civilian and military interpreters are employed on operations as requirements demand. Civilian interpreters include Ministry of Defence personnel and nationals from the region. Those taken on locally generally assist with low-level communication with the local population.
MOD civilians employed on operations are trained in essential skills appropriate to the theatre in which they are deployed and the role that they are to perform. Typical training includes first aid, environmental health, and operational, chemical and biological, cultural, and mine awareness. Like their military colleagues, they also receive pre-deployment medical and dental examinations and, where necessary, vaccinations against diseases.