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2715 Career Guide

Marine Corps

2715: Linguist

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Linguist (2715)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2715 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Interpreter and Translator

$65K
High matchGrowing demand

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Data analysis toolsSpecific intelligence training (e.g., OSINT)

Technical Writer

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Technical writing certificationSoftware documentation experience

Linguistic Program Manager

$95K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationBudget management experience

Localization Specialist

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of localization softwareFamiliarity with cultural adaptation practices

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2715 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Linguists must constantly assess the nuances of conversations, cultural context, and potential biases of speakers to accurately interpret and translate information. This includes understanding the broader operational environment and the implications of the information they are conveying.

This ability to perceive and understand complex environments translates into anticipating challenges, adapting to shifting circumstances, and making informed decisions based on a holistic view of the situation.

Adversarial Thinking

When interviewing potentially hostile or uncooperative individuals, linguists must anticipate deceptive tactics, identify inconsistencies in statements, and formulate probing questions to elicit truthful and valuable information.

This involves critically evaluating information, identifying potential weaknesses in arguments, and developing strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve objectives.

After-Action Analysis

Linguists are involved in creating reports on interviews, which includes assessing the credibility of the person interviewed, to inform the unit commander and higher headquarters. This process is an after-action analysis on the success of the interview and how the collected information impacts the mission.

The linguist has experience in the post-operational analysis of information to determine how to modify tactics and create new strategies.

Procedural Compliance

Linguists adhere to strict protocols for handling sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality, and documenting their work. They follow established guidelines for interpretation, translation, and reporting to ensure accuracy and maintain operational security.

Meticulous attention to detail, adherence to regulatory frameworks, and commitment to maintaining data integrity are critical for ensuring quality, minimizing risks, and upholding ethical standards.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Market Research Analyst

SOC 19-3022.00

You've been trained to extract nuanced meaning from language and cultural contexts. As a Market Research Analyst (19-3022.00), you can use these skills to interpret consumer behavior, identify market trends, and understand the motivations behind purchasing decisions. Your ability to analyze qualitative data and translate it into actionable insights will be invaluable.

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2099.00

You're adept at detecting inconsistencies and deceptions in communication. This makes you a natural fit for a Fraud Investigator (13-2099.00), where you'll analyze financial records, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to uncover fraudulent activity. Your language skills and cultural awareness can be particularly useful in cases involving international transactions or diverse communities.

Mediator

SOC 29-9099.00

You have experience remaining impartial while understanding the intent of different parties involved in a discussion. As a mediator (29-9099.00), you can use your abilities to de-escalate conflicts, facilitate communication, and help parties find common ground. Your cultural sensitivity and communication skills will enable you to bridge divides and foster understanding.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), Presidio of Monterey, CA

2,400 training hours64 weeksVaries depending on language, up to 45 semester hours

Topics Covered

  • Basic Military Language Studies
  • Culture and customs of the target language region
  • Advanced Grammar and syntax
  • Listening Comprehension and Reading
  • Speaking and Conversation
  • Translation techniques
  • Interpretation Techniques (consecutive)
  • Military terminology and phraseology

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Translator (American Translators Association)60% covered

ATA certification requires passing an exam. Study general translation theory, ethics, specific subject matter terminology, and practice translating texts in both directions (English to target language and target language to English) to meet ATA standards.

Certified Court Interpreter (various states)50% covered

Court interpreter certification varies by state but generally requires passing written and oral exams. Focus study on legal terminology, court procedures, and interpreting ethics specific to the state in which certification is sought.

Recommended Next Certifications

Master of Arts in Translation and InterpretationCertified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI) or Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Defense Language Repository (DLR)SDL MultiTerm
Tactical Voice Network (TVN)Skype/Zoom
Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS)Secure document sharing platforms
Marine Corps Intelligence Analysis System (MCIAS)IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook
Global Command and Control System - Joint (GCCS-J)Geographic Information System (GIS)
Prophet EnhancedRosetta Stone

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