Curious about US military contractor jobs for Russian speakers

I'm exploring career options after high school and I'm particularly interested in military contractor positions that require Russian language skills. Does anyone know what qualifications are needed and what sort of roles are available for speakers of Russian?

Sure, Russian language skills can definitely be an asset in defense contracting. There's a wide variety of roles you might consider.

1. Linguists/Translators: These positions often involve translating texts or audio, or facilitating communication between English and Russian speakers. You generally need to demonstrate proficiency in both languages, often through a test or certification.

2. Intelligence Analysts: Analysts in defense sectors often need language skills to interpret foreign language documents or communications. They use this info to develop insights about international military and political landscapes.

3. Cultural Advisors: Understanding the culture related to a foreign language can be valuable, too. These roles can involve advising military personnel about how to interact effectively in culturally diverse situations.

In terms of qualifications, a high school diploma is usually just the start. For most roles, you can expect to need some form of post-secondary education or specialized training. Some positions might require a college degree in Russian, international relations, political science, or a related field. In many cases, you'll also need to pass a proficiency test in Russian, such as the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) in the US.

Security clearances can also be key for defense contractor jobs. The process for obtaining these can be lengthy and involves background checks. Lastly, many of these careers require good communication and analytic skills, so any experience you can gain in these areas could be beneficial.

The availability of specific roles and qualifications can vary considerably, so it's a good idea to research job postings for Russian-speaking defense contractors to see what might be a good fit for you.