The value of an interpreter has several components, which include language skill, intelligence, experience, personality, personal availability, discipline and trustworthiness.

Apparently, the US military in Iraq feels that it now can afford to be much more selective in its employment of Iraqis as interpreters. Those who feel extremely threatened are security risks. If you need four interpreters, and you have five interpreters, and one of the four is terrified that his family is being threatened constantly, then which one of the five will you let go?

The interpreters who are being dismissed have promising futures. When LtCol Stover says they can seek alternative employment, he is not being merely cold-hearted. Indeed, they really can seek alternative employment and probably will acquire good jobs. Now they have valuable experience, skills, contacts and recommendations because of the time they did work for the US military. And their new jobs will be much less dangerous for them and their families.

The war in Iraq has ended, and an economic and modernization boom is beginning. Some Iraqis who have been working as interpreters for US military combat units will have to transition to the new opportunities.