Deployed U.S. and international forces battling language barriers will now be able to instantly connect to a pool of highly qualified interpretation services through a real-time, virtual capability developed by Lockheed Martin. Tailored to meet the exponential demand for qualified interpreters in theater, Lockheed Martin’s Linguist on-line service, LinGo Link, brings high end interpreter services to troops at the forward edge.
“Lockheed Martin’s unique solution provides language support to forces that in the past have not had access to qualified interpreters,” said Macy W. Summers, vice president with Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Defense “LinGo Link serves as a force multiplier by allowing interpreters, skilled in multiple languages and dialects, to be used in different areas without the need to be physically present at each location.”
In the dynamic environment of today’s hybrid warfighter, social interaction with local populations and communities has become extremely important. Too often warfighters are constrained by language barriers, and current interpretation solutions are often inadequate. LinGo Link offers a service that allows each interpreter to serve a greater number of users, while supporting multiple dialects – all within the same service center – and without putting qualified interpreters in danger.
The LinGo Link system uses an innovative service delivery model to connect the edge user to a bank of interpreters in a remote service center within the area of operations. The system can use either commercial cellular or Wi-Fi services, or a tactical communications network such as Lockheed Martin’s MONAX persistent tactical broadband capability.
When support is needed, the user initiates a two-channel call to connect with a qualified interpreter. Outfitted with a Smartphone and LinGo Link’s mobile peripheral devices, users can exchange high-quality audio, video, photos, and text during conversations with interpreters. LinGo Link also enables the interpreter to provide “whisper-in-the-ear” cultural and intelligence support that goes beyond the words being spoken — offering clues to the community’s culture, security, economy, and laws — and enhancing the quality of the exchange.
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.
