Reuters
RT: British Army has just 5 Russian language speakers… despite Tory warnings of war
Despite frequent warnings by the government of an impending Russian threat, cuts to Britain’s defense budget have left its military with just five Russian interpreters, according to the latest figures.
The Labour Party’s defense spokesman has blasted the Tory government over the shortfall. However, some experts say the current practice of relying on private contractors is justified.
The Foreign Office has 163 employees possessing Russian language skills ranging from basic to advanced levels, while 637 people in the military can speak languages such as Arabic, Pashto, and Mandarin.
Labour Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffiths said the shortfall is the result of years of Tory-led defense austerity and “repeated failure to give our Forces the resources that they need.”
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WNU Editor: This number is down from 15 earlier this year .... Lost in translation: British military down to just 15 Russian speakers (RT). How many English translators in the Russian Army .... I would say thousands .... English has become the second language of choice for many Russians. But in the event of a major conflict this will not be a problem for the West. There are many Russian speakers in the West (this blogger included) .... and I know only too well that we will be conscripted to act as translators if we become needed.
1 comment:
Relax WNU Editor,
There won't be "conscription", putting public stake in the game, kills the game.
There will be lucrative contracts however, even if you don't speak Russian, just claim to.
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