Communication Through Pashto

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kaitlynn Hendricks | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Russ Fisher, with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, native of Centennial, Colorado, communicates with Afghans through Pashto at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, September 9, 2021. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides vulnerable Afghans essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Kaitlynn M. Hendricks)  

QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

09.13.2021

Story by Sgt. Kaitlynn Hendricks 

Operation Allies Welcome - Operation Allies Refuge   

In late August, Lance Cpl. Russ Fisher and his wife Lance Cpl. Sarah Fisher packed up and made their way from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, in support of Operation Allies Welcome. The Marines, who are with 2d Marine Information Group, were chosen because of their unique skills as linguists in Pashto. As thousands of people are evacuated from Afghanistan and brought to the United States, linguists like the Fishers play a critical role in bridging the language gap.

Many of the Afghans who arrived speak Pashto or Dari dialects, and very few know English. As a result, they have relied heavily on interpreters and Marines knowledgeable in the languages.

“Thanks to my training, I’m able to bridge the communication gap between the travelers and the Marines. Which means that I can help solve problems and ensure the process goes smoothly,” explained Russ.

The Marines learned Pashto at the Defense Language Institute, which is a Department of Defense school specializing in language instruction. The couple met while learning Pashto during the 64 week course and have been using the language in their personal lives and while working together.

“Having a partner that understands what you’re doing is a big help,” Russ said.

Afghans have relied on interpreters and others knowledgeable in their language since arriving at Upshur Village.

“I’ve been able to support the mission by listening to the traveler’s issues and questions, and finding answers for them,” Sarah said. “I have also been able to assist in the medical center translating questions from doctors and nurses and the responses from the patients, so the medical team can accurately treat personnel.”

Being able to communicate fluently in their language has helped ensure daily mission success. Depending on the shifts they are on, they might have a lot of down time or may have to take on bigger roles.

“The day shift tends to be busier; travelers are awake so we get more of a chance to interact with them… the night shift tends to be less busy until medical opens and people start coming in to be seen,” she continued.

“The impact of a secondary language is huge,” Russ stated. “The people who just arrived to America have many needs that must be met and they may not know English. I can help them get treated at medical, solve disputes, and stay informed, which are all crucial to the operation.”

Marine interpreters are working daily to help complete the overall mission for Operation Allies Welcome, creating a smoother communication and operational flow as the travelers go through their visa process.

• Date Taken: 09.13.2021
• Date Posted: 09.13.2021 17:57
• Story ID: 405127
• Location: QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US
• Hometown: CENTENNIAL, COLORADO, US
• Hometown: WHITE BLUFF, TENNESSEE, US